The Land of Fire was now under the careful management of Sarutobi Hiruzen. Meanwhile, Jiraiya had taken Naruto to Mount Myōboku for training. With the village protected by powerful barrier seals surrounding its perimeter, there was little need to worry about an invasion during this period.
Because of this relative stability, Senju Haruto decided it was the right time to travel to Kusagakure—the Village Hidden in the Grass—to complete his sign-in mission. If all went well, he also planned to reach out to Orochimaru during this journey.
Hiruzen readily approved of the decision. Based on the intelligence he had gathered, the coming years promised a rare stretch of peace for the shinobi world. In such an era, his political skills would be more than sufficient to maintain balance—especially with the support of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado. What, truly, could go wrong?
Still, before Haruto departed, Hiruzen gave him a special request:
"If you happen to come across Tsunade on your journey, ask after her well-being for me. She was once my student. It was only because of the war that she left the village… and in my heart, I can't help but feel I owe her something."
He sighed, before adding, "Tsunade's gambling habit has only grown worse over the years, and she loses every single time she bets. There have even been incidents of debt collectors coming to the village in the past. If you run into her and she's in trouble, do what you can to help. It's the only thing this old Hokage can still do for her."
Haruto gave a slight nod. He would not go out of his way to seek Tsunade, but if fate allowed their paths to cross, he would intervene. Whether or not they met would depend on her luck.
After packing light for his trip, Haruto was ready to leave. But just as he stepped out of his home and reached for the lock on the door, he noticed a familiar figure lingering at the corner of the staircase.
It was none other than Hatake Kakashi, captain of one of the ANBU squads. He stood there alone, hesitant, as though gathering the courage to act.
"Kakashi?" Haruto locked the door and strode toward him, offering a casual greeting.
In the past, Kakashi's attitude toward Haruto had been distant and reserved. But after everything they had endured together, those walls had fallen. In his heart, Kakashi already regarded Haruto as one of his most important comrades.
Even so, the words Haruto had once spoken to him on the battlefield continued to echo in his mind. After much hesitation and inner struggle, Kakashi had finally resolved to come here today.
"On the battlefield," Kakashi began, drawing in a deep breath, "you told me that I lacked the strength to protect my comrades."
Speaking the words aloud brought a strange weight to him. By rights, as Haruto's senior, it should have been his duty to guide the younger shinobi, to pass on experience and wisdom. But the reality was different. In every way that mattered, Haruto far outstripped him.
Kakashi had even run simulations in his mind, using his Sharingan to test possible outcomes: if he and Haruto were to truly fight, he would be dead within a single exchange. The gap between them was that vast.
And he couldn't help but think—if he had possessed Haruto's talent, his strength… maybe Obito and Rin would never have died before his eyes.
Strength.
That was what he needed—what he had always needed.
"I've been lost once before," Kakashi admitted, his tone low but steady. "I threw myself into darkness, and on missions, I welcomed death rather than life. But now…" His voice grew firm, his gaze sharpening. "Now I want the strength to protect my comrades."
He swallowed hard, his eyes unwavering. It was thanks to Yamato and Haruto that he had rediscovered the meaning of bonds, that the darkness in his heart had been dispelled. And deep down, Kakashi was certain: the words Haruto had spoken that day carried another, deeper meaning.
Haruto said nothing at first, only studying him with an appraising gaze, as though this was his final test.
Kakashi forced himself to remain calm, but his heartbeat pounded in his chest. No matter how certain he felt, the outcome still depended on Haruto's response. And in Kakashi's mind, this was his only chance. In Konoha, he was already among the most elite of the jōnin. There were few who could push him further. None, however, were as formidable as Senju Haruto.
"So," Haruto finally said, his tone low, eyes locked on Kakashi's, "are you asking me to help you?"
The words struck deep. Kakashi froze for an instant, then nodded firmly.
If it meant gaining the strength to protect those dearest to him… If it meant never again watching helplessly as comrades died before his eyes… then lowering his head and asking for Haruto's guidance was a price he would gladly pay.
"Please!" Kakashi declared, his voice carrying raw determination as he bowed deeply.
"Stand," Haruto said at last.
When Kakashi straightened, his face still a mixture of tense anticipation and hope, Haruto gave him the answer he longed for—he nodded.
Relief washed over Kakashi instantly. "Haaah…" He let out a long breath, shoulders easing. If Haruto had refused, he truly wouldn't have known what to do.
But what Kakashi didn't realize was that Haruto had already been considering ways to help him grow stronger. Kakashi was a rare talent, one of Konoha's finest jōnin—sharp-minded, capable, versatile. In the original flow of history, he would even become the Sixth Hokage. How could someone of his caliber not be worth cultivating?
Of course, Haruto knew well that he himself was destined to become the Fifth Hokage. Kakashi, no matter how talented, was still subordinate to him. For a superior to fawn over a subordinate would only cheapen his position.
But if Kakashi was the one to bow his head, to request guidance, then the dynamic was entirely different. Not only would this secure Kakashi's respect, but it would also reinforce their roles in the right order.
"However," Haruto said suddenly, his tone shifting, "I need to make a trip to Kusagakure first."
He had more urgent matters to address and couldn't devote his time immediately to Kakashi's training. Still, as captain of an ANBU squad, Kakashi's current duties were light in this time of peace. Bringing him along to Kusagakure shouldn't pose a problem with Hiruzen.
After a brief moment of thought, Haruto extended an invitation.
"Why don't you come with me?"
"Kusagakure?" Kakashi echoed, puzzled. This was the first he had heard of Haruto planning such a journey. The Grass Village had always maintained good relations with Konoha, never straying from their alliance. What business could Haruto have there?
But in the end, that didn't matter. This was his chance—the only chance to grow stronger under Haruto's guidance.
"…Very well," Kakashi said with resolve. "I'll go."