Kakashi had heard of the Daimyo.
Especially recently, among the Jonin squad leaders, there were troublesome rumors circulating about Kakashi.
He had naturally heard about these things.
Although his squad indeed needed personnel replenishment, if Kakashi were to join, it might cause the whole squad to fall apart, not to mention teamwork.
Hiruzen didn't insist, letting the Jonin leave.
Then another Jonin came in, Hiruzen asked the same question, and this Jonin also tactfully declined, expressing his inability to teach such a talented Chunin, hoping Hiruzen, this Hokage, would find someone more capable.
Following this, the Jonin summoned by Hiruzen all gave similar reasons.
Their opinions were very consistent, stating that they were not suitable to guide a talent like Kakashi, who graduated and became a Chunin at the youngest age in Konoha's history.
Clearly, they might have already exchanged views among themselves, unwilling to accept someone who disrupts team collaboration, even if he's a genius, they would unequivocally push him out.
"Lord Hokage, I am willing to take in Kakashi, but if he disobeys orders and disrupts teamwork, I will remove him from the team."
Until the twenty-first Jonin came forward, finally willing to accept Kakashi.
However, he set this condition.
If Kakashi obeys orders and doesn't disrupt team dynamics, he's willing to accept this talented Chunin, joining his squad for missions.
Hiruzen smiled and said, "Rest assured, Kakashi will follow the orders of you, the Jonin leader."
This Konoha Jonin smiled wryly.
He knew, of course, that Kakashi would follow his orders.
In fact, other Jonin were not excluding Kakashi because he didn't obey orders, but because Kakashi often disrupted team relations, causing collegial relationships to deteriorate, which was why many Jonin didn't want to accept such a genius.
For a Jonin, maintaining team relationships is a crucial task.
Kakashi broke this agreement and naturally wouldn't be well-received.
"I also hope he can behave well in my squad."
Not expecting Kakashi to contribute much to the squad; as long as he doesn't disrupt team relations, that would be a blessing.
Hiruzen listened and helplessly nodded, agreeing to this Jonin's condition.
"Honestly, Lord Hokage, I think Kakashi is not suitable to perform missions in a regular squad; he's more suited for places like the Anbu and Root."
Before leaving, this Jonin spoke sincerely.
Hiruzen contemplated this Jonin's suggestion; speaking of the Anbu, the Root's power had been steadily growing these years.
Assigning Kakashi to the Root would be akin to handing a lethal weapon to Danzo.
In such matters, Hiruzen was discerning.
He could rely on Danzo's Root but only if the power of Root did not exceed his expectations.
And Kakashi's talent was simply too outstanding.
Enrolled at four, graduated at five, became Chunin at six, even if he became a Jonin at ten, Hiruzen wouldn't be too surprised.
Such a weapon must not fall into the hands of Danzo, strengthening the Root.
As for joining the Anbu… although Kakashi's talent was truly astonishing, it hadn't yet reached the minimum standard of the Anbu.
Moreover, the Anbu is not an educational institution; no one would be there to teach Kakashi hand-to-hand how to fight and train Ninja Techniques, which wouldn't benefit Kakashi's current growth.
But... the regular Jonin squads were very resistant to Kakashi, unwilling to accept him.
Hiruzen was troubled by this point.
The regular squads don't accept.
The Anbu is not qualified.
The Root cannot give him.
Should he be made a leader? Probably his teammates would soon perish on missions.
Following the principle that missions come first, Kakashi would definitely be capable of such a thing now.
No Chunin has ever made Hiruzen this headache, not knowing where to assign him, only to observe for a while before deciding.
◎
In Konoha Village, at the dumpling shop.
Hakushi treated Kakashi to dumplings here.
"Kakashi, it's really rare to see you these days, how have you been recently? I've heard people say you've had conflicts with colleagues lately."
Hakushi held a skewer of dumplings, took a gentle bite, and smiled at Kakashi sitting across.
In Kakashi, Hakushi sensed a very cold and numb aura, with eyes losing their bright spark.
How to put it, this kind of gaze, Hakushi had only seen in the eyes of Root Ninja before.
Without a name, without a future, without a life, in their eyes, it seemed there was only the mission.
Like a machine, operating according to a predetermined program.
"It's okay, just a few burdens added during the missions."
Kakashi didn't touch the dumplings in front of him but spoke in a cold tone.
"They are your teammates, don't talk about them like that; teamwork is very important in missions."
Hakushi sighed.
Indeed, the death of Sakumo had dealt too heavy a blow to his heart.
He was still entangled in the question of which was more important, missions or companions.
This question never had a standard answer from the beginning.
Kakashi in this state indeed made Hakushi very worried.