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"Graduating in your first year?" Uchiha Takayuki looked at his son in surprise. "Isn't that too soon?"
Kagaya bowed his head slightly. "It's the school's decision, Father."
Takayuki looked down at the early graduation notice in his hand, thinking for a moment. "Alright, if it's the school's decision, there's no helping it. Since you're graduating, you'll become a genin. Genin typically don't undertake dangerous missions, but remember: as a genin, observe and learn as much as you can. You'll have a team leader—follow their guidance closely. In the future, when you become a chunin, you'll inevitably face more dangerous missions."
Kagaya nodded. "I understand, Father."
---
The next day, on the Ninja Academy's training field, a platform was set up, surrounded by a crowd of students craning their necks to see.
At the center of the platform stood the Third Hokage and Kagaya. The Hokage handed Kagaya a forehead protector. "From today onward, you are a genin."
Kagaya accepted the forehead protector, a bit overwhelmed. He'd expected a simple ceremony in an empty room with Iruka, not the Third Hokage personally presiding and summoning the entire academy to witness. He couldn't help but be astonished.
The Third Hokage patted Kagaya's shoulder and said, "Uchiha Kagami was a great ninja. I hope you can become like him."
Kagaya immediately understood why the Hokage was personally conducting his ceremony. Uchiha Kagami was a figure who transcended clan loyalty, serving the village wholeheartedly. By saying this, the Hokage was subtly urging Kagaya to prioritize Konoha's safety over Uchiha-Konoha clan disputes.
Additionally, the Hokage's personal involvement was largely for the Uchiha's sake—a gesture of goodwill. Look, I'm not mistreating you. Your clan's disciple is graduating early, and I'm personally overseeing the ceremony.
These were likely the two main reasons.
Of course, seeing through something didn't mean calling it out. Kagaya responded calmly, "I'll do my best, Lord Hokage."
---
That afternoon, Shisui tapped the forehead protector on Kagaya's head, feigning disappointment. "Ugh, now that you've got this, I can't flick your forehead anymore, can I?"
Kagaya rolled his eyes. "Senior, you're older than Senior Itachi. Shouldn't Itachi be learning from you, not the other way around?"
Shisui laughed heartily. "You can learn from anyone's strengths, no matter who they are."
Kagaya couldn't resist retorting, "So, flicking foreheads is a strength?"
Shisui looked at him, puzzled. "Isn't it?"
"Is it?"
"Isn't it?"
"…"
After some playful banter, Shisui grew serious. "Since you're a genin now, you'll meet your teammates and team leader tomorrow. I know you won't slack off on training, but I still want to say: work hard to get stronger. Things are getting worse by the day. I don't expect you to change the bigger picture, but you have to promise me, no matter how things turn out, you'll protect yourself."
Kagaya responded with equal seriousness. "I will, Senior. Oh, and about that thing we agreed on…"
Shisui smiled, interrupting him. "Don't worry, I've kept it in mind. I won't tell Danzo-sama about my Sharingan abilities. Also, because of some things on my end, I might not see you for a while. If you have any training questions while I'm gone, ask Itachi or your team leader. Got it?"
Kagaya looked at Shisui with concern. Not seeing him for a while? It had to be a mission. "I understand, Senior Shisui."
---
In the Hokage's office, the door opened, and a masked figure in Anbu gear entered, kneeling on one knee. "Lord Hokage, you summoned me?"
The Third Hokage tossed a file to the figure. "I want you to temporarily step down as Anbu captain and become his team leader."
The Anbu caught the file, opened it, and saw a child's profile: Uchiha Kagaya. "I'm to be his team leader?"
The Hokage nodded. "Yes. This child is a genius. You've probably heard—he graduated from the Ninja Academy in just one year, like Itachi. In normal times, I'd be thrilled to see such talent. But with the current Uchiha-Konoha tensions, I'm worried he might stray down the wrong path. I need someone who can guide him correctly, and after much thought, I believe you're the right person, Kakashi. You've been through enough to know how to guide a child who might go astray."
The Anbu was silent for a moment before removing the mask and bowing. "Yes, sir!"
Beneath the mask was a face with a closed left eye, marked by a white scar running from forehead to cheek, slightly marring an otherwise handsome appearance. Yet, the scar could also be seen as a distinctive mark of charm. Most striking was his head of pure white hair.
Hatake Kakashi, former Anbu captain, now relieved of his post. With his departure, Itachi became an Anbu squad leader.
---
Walking down the bustling streets, Kakashi felt a pang of nostalgia. How long had it been since he'd walked so leisurely? A year? Two? Longer? He couldn't recall. In the Anbu's dark corners, even on the streets, he'd only focused on missions, never the surroundings.
"A jonin instructor, huh," he murmured, referring to being a genin's team leader.
Pulling a piece of paper from his pocket, Kakashi read carefully as he walked. It detailed Uchiha Kagaya's profile:
Uchiha Kagaya, born August 15, Year 48. Diligent in training from a young age, far surpassing his peers. Later trained by Uchiha Shisui, known as Shisui of the Body Flicker. Within six months of enrolling, mastered Fireball Jutsu and Body Flicker Technique. In the following six months, excelled in all areas, particularly Body Flicker, reaching above chunin level and approaching jonin.
The profile was filled with praise, as Kagaya's talent was staggering. But Kakashi also noticed less favorable notes:
As an Uchiha, he carries the clan's pride. During his academy time, he repeatedly refused to spar with classmates by surrendering, earning the nickname "arrogant Uchiha" among peers.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed. "Looking down on classmates, huh…"
Tucking the profile away, he looked up at the sky. "If… if Sensei Minato had seen that I lacked teamwork spirit and failed me, would those things have happened? Would…"
His hand rested on the forehead protector covering his left eye. "Would I still have this eye? Would he and she still be okay?"
These thoughts, of course, weren't voiced aloud—just an inner lament.
"No, how can I blame it all on Sensei Minato? It's only natural he didn't see it. Back then, to pass the test, I used them."
During the bell test with Kakashi, Obito, and Rin, Kakashi realized he couldn't take a bell from Minato alone. He also noticed Minato went easier on Obito and Rin than on him. Exploiting this, Kakashi used them as bait to snatch a bell when Minato let his guard down.
On the surface, it looked like Kakashi proposed teamwork, but in truth, he was just manipulating them.
"Because I didn't understand the importance of teamwork back then, that's why… that's why…"
The image of a boy crushed under a boulder flashed before him, followed by a girl's bleeding face as he pierced her heart—a memory he couldn't forget.
Kakashi lowered his head, eyes resolute. "Don't worry, Obito, Rin, Sensei Minato. This time, I won't let anyone who disregards their comrades become a ninja—no matter how great a genius they are!"
Had his own genius led him to overlook teamwork back then?
With that thought, Kakashi walked slowly down the street.
*****
T/N: I upload the wrong chapter earlier, I'm sorry🙏