Taking Advantage of the Situation
Chi Yu waited calmly in his home.
If the goal had been only to retrieve Yamato from Root, Kakashi's involvement would not have been necessary. The Torture and Interrogation Force had their own skilled genjutsu users, and Hiruzen Sarutobi certainly did not lack alternatives. The fact that the Hokage had personally assigned Kakashi to accompany the ANBU into Root made Chi Yu wary.
When he sensed Kakashi's Shadow Clone approaching, his suspicions were confirmed.
The clone bowed slightly. "Yes, Chi Yu-sensei. Hiruzen Sarutobi sent two ANBU to follow me. My original body is pretending to vent in the forest, giving me the chance to slip away and report to you."
Chi Yu's eyes narrowed. "So… Hiruzen Sarutobi tried to turn you, didn't he?"
The clone nodded. "That's right. He wants me to join the ANBU under his direct command. He even showed me what he called 'evidence'—your supposed crimes, and Orochimaru-sama's as well. He claims he only wants to guide me, but clearly he's trying to sway me to his side."
Chi Yu's expression darkened, his fingers tapping the arm of his chair. "So. He's preparing his move." His gaze flicked briefly toward the bedroom, where Kushina rested. If Hiruzen intended to act immediately, escape would be the only option.
"Tell me everything," he ordered.
The Shadow Clone recounted the entire exchange in the Hokage's office, word for word.
When it finished, Chi Yu scoffed. "Hmph. Some of that information only Danzo could have supplied. Clearly, he handed Sarutobi his files, but the Hokage still hesitates. Typical. He postures as cautious, yet his attempt to turn you so openly reveals his lack of subtlety. And yet, even then, he left himself a retreat."
The clone tilted its head. "A retreat?"
"He said he would 'give me and Orochimaru another chance,'" Chi Yu explained. "That is his cover. If you refused him and came straight here—as you did—he could claim those words canceled out both his recruitment attempt and your betrayal. Convenient, isn't it?"
Kakashi's clone fell silent, then murmured, "So that's it…"
Chi Yu leaned back, his voice edged with disdain. "The truth is simple. Kushina is near to giving birth. Sarutobi knows I will not risk her safety by starting a conflict now. And Konoha's position is weak—the village lacks battle-ready shinobi of my caliber, or Orochimaru's. For deterrence alone, he still needs us. He will not move against me. Not yet."
The clone's expression hardened with resolve. "Then I should accept his offer and enter ANBU. If anything happens, I can report back to you and Orochimaru-sama immediately."
Chi Yu smiled faintly. "If that's what you want. But don't mistake this: I can protect you, and Kushina, and walk us out of this village whenever I choose. Not even Jiraiya or the long-absent Tsunade, together, could stop me now. Still… if you wish to train, to refine yourself, ANBU may serve you. You're no longer a boy who needs me to decide for him. You've become a shinobi capable of standing on his own, Kakashi."
The clone bowed its head. "Thank you, sensei. You've always guided me."
Chi Yu waved the words away. "Guidance is natural between us. What matters is what comes next. After Cangna is born, I intend for you to become his teacher."
The clone froze. "Me? Can I really do that?"
Chi Yu's gaze softened. He set a firm hand on the boy's shoulder. "You are strong already. Believe in yourself. You'll raise him well."
The clone straightened, eyes fierce with determination. "Yes. I will!"
"Good." Chi Yu released him. "The choice is yours now. Whatever you decide, I will stand behind it."
"Yes, sensei. Then, I'll take my leave."
With a puff of smoke, the Shadow Clone dispersed.
---
The memories flowed back into Kakashi's real body as he sat alone in the forest, his sword buried in a shredded tree trunk. His lips curved faintly, though his mask hid the smile. He slashed at his surroundings a little longer, then collapsed onto the ground, staring up at the sky until dawn broke.
Later, he wandered into a narrow alley near Chi Yu's house. Watching the door from a distance, he clenched his fist and slammed it against the wall.
"Why… why would you do these things?" he growled, loud enough for unseen watchers to hear.
With a bitter expression, he turned away and stalked back toward his home.
From the rooftops, Qing and Lin Jiao observed. One remained in place, the other darted off.
Within the Hokage's office, Lin Jiao knelt and delivered the report.
Hiruzen listened in silence, then drew on his pipe. "I understand. Leave me."
Alone again, he mulled over the details. Kakashi's behavior—the reckless destruction in the forest, the anguished cry outside Chi Yu's home—spoke of confusion and disappointment. He hadn't confronted his teacher. That suggested the evidence had struck deep, perhaps deeper than Chi Yu realized.
A faint smile touched the Hokage's lips.
It seemed another promising shinobi was about to pledge his loyalty to Konoha.
---
Three days later, Kakashi stood once more in the Hokage's office.
Hiruzen greeted him with calm courtesy, masking his anticipation. "Kakashi. You wished to see me?"
Kakashi lowered his head. "Yes, Hokage-sama. About what you told me before… I've thought it through."
A gleam lit Hiruzen's eyes. "Oh? And your conclusion?"
Kakashi's voice was low, edged with cold resignation. "I cannot accept what my sensei has done."
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