The young Kakashi stood in front of Minato, tilting his head to look at Danzō on the sofa, his young face beneath the cat mask filled with confusion.
"I seem to have been inexplicably dragged into some kind of trouble...."** Kakashi sighed internally, letting out a helpless breath.
Although he didn't know the exact details, he gathered some information from the conversation between Danzō and the Third Hokage. The so-called "vetting mission" assigned to him by Danzō was likely a task that would offend the Hyūga Clan.
Although his status as an Anbu member and Minato's disciple meant he didn't have to worry about the Hyūga seeking revenge, being inexplicably pitted against one of Konoha's top bloodline clans would make anyone feel slightly uncomfortable. Moreover, Danzō had previously set him up, and now he was being used as a tool again.
However, in this setting, no one cared what Kakashi was thinking. Even Minato was currently looking down, contemplating Danzō's suggestion.
He had to admit that, although he knew the opposing faction intended to embarrass him and the Third, their suggestion was nonetheless a sober assessment. No one knew better than him how difficult it was to learn the Flying Thunder God Technique.
Moreover, the technique's difficulty was not just limited to learning it; its usage difficulty was hellish. Space-Time Ninjutsu severely tested the user's neural reflexes and talent. If one lacked talent and ability in this area, the Flying Thunder God Technique would not only fail to assist the user but would also bring them immense trouble.
The Flying Thunder God Technique was even more difficult to use than Kakashi's self-created Chidori, yet even the Chidori was only completely mastered by Kakashi after he inherited Obito's Sharingan.
If a genius like Kakashi could not master the Flying Thunder God Technique—and even if he did learn it, his talent wouldn't allow him to use it as a trump card and killing blow like Minato—then what about the Hyūga child...?
Thinking this, the image of Hyūga Shinichi's handsome little face surfaced in Minato's mind. Upon first meeting the child at the Hyūga compound, Minato's impression of Shinichi was quite good, but that was all. Since the matter involved the Forbidden Scroll, he, as the Hokage, had to be cautious.
Furthermore, from another perspective, if Hyūga Shinichi genuinely lacked the necessary talent, allowing him to completely abandon the idea of learning the Flying Thunder God might actually be beneficial for the child.
"Minato, what are your thoughts on Danzō's suggestion?"
Just as Minato was contemplating, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sitting on the sofa, suddenly asked.
Hearing the question, a knowing look flashed across Minato's eyes. They were all smart people, and sometimes there was no need to be explicit. Minato knew that the Third was asking because he had already accepted Danzō's suggestion.
"I believe Consultant Danzō's suggestion is reasonable, and this is not only a factor for the Village's safety but also for the sake of that child, Shinichi."
"I agree with Elder Danzō's idea."
"When the Hyūga Clan members arrive, I will explain it to them."
Minato took the troublesome task upon himself. He was that kind of person: once he affirmed his inner conviction, he immediately put it into action, regardless of whether those actions were beneficial to himself.
"Sensei Minato..." Kakashi seemed to have something to say, but Minato gently shook his head, cutting him off. As an Anbu, Kakashi only needed to play the role of the "tool" in this matter. Say more, err more; do more, err more. Minato had already decided that if the Hyūga Clan became enraged by this, he would absolutely not let their wrath fall upon Kakashi.
With the decision made, the office fell silent again. Everyone quietly waited for the arrival of the Hyūga Clan.
Not long after, the door to the Hokage's office was knocked upon once more.
At Minato's instruction, Kakashi walked to the door and opened it. Before him stood two males, one large and one small. Of course, the smaller one was more appropriately described as a boy.
Kakashi recognized Hyūga Hiashi. After a slight bow of greeting, his gaze fell upon the small boy Hiashi was leading. Hyūga Shinichi had long hair, and his clear blue eyes were somewhat different from the Hyūga ninjas Kakashi remembered. His handsome little face showed no smile, looking just as severe as Hyūga Hiashi at first glance.
Perhaps due to the aura brought by his status, or perhaps due to the temperament he had cultivated since childhood, Kakashi inexplicably felt a faint air of superiority emanating from the young Hyūga Shinichi.
"Apologies."
Kakashi's brief moment of distraction caused both Hyūga Hiashi and Hyūga Shinichi, whose path was blocked, to turn their heads and look at him. Realizing his momentary lapse, Kakashi murmured an apology, stepped aside to clear the path, and only after Hiashi led Shinichi into the office did he close the door and retreat to stand beside Minato.
"Did we arrive at an inconvenient time?"
"The Third Hokage and several Elders are present? Are you in the middle of a discussion?"
Hyūga Hiashi subtly scanned the people in the office. He first bowed slightly to Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen, then asked with a smile. However, Hiashi's heart had already sunk.
These people....
As Hiashi spoke, Danzō, Homura, and the other Elders focused their attention on Hyūga Shinichi. Although Shinichi remained calm in front of so many important figures, the Elders' expressions, to varying degrees, held an intriguing look. Sarcasm? Not exactly. Mockery? It wasn't quite that either. If one had to describe it, it was disdain. Under their scrutiny, Shinichi didn't feel comfortable and subtly frowned.
"Hiashi, you've arrived."
"The Elders heard that the Hyūga Clan wished to borrow the Forbidden Scroll of Seals and, feeling uneasy, decided to come and observe."
With a single sentence, Minato completely exposed the Elders' intentions.
"Oh?" Hiashi's expression hardened, but he feigned composure.
"Hiashi, there is something we need to inform you of, following our consultation."
"..."
Minato carefully considered his words, then conveyed the "borrowing requirement" they had just discussed to Hyūga Hiashi.
Hyūga Shinichi stood to the side, listening quietly. The excitement he had felt earlier about being able to see the Flying Thunder God Technique vanished completely in that moment.
"The Hokage-sama and the Elders mean... that Shinichi needs to defeat Hatake Kakashi to prove his talent before he can borrow the Forbidden Scroll of Seals?!"
Hyūga Hiashi, thinking he must have misheard Minato's requirement, repeated it to confirm. As he spoke, his gaze turned toward Kakashi, who was standing beside Minato, wearing a mask. Although Kakashi was wearing an Anbu mask, how could a mask be effective in front of the Hyūga Clan? Hiashi already knew the identity of the Anbu member.
"Simply put... yes."
"Of course, considering Shinichi's age, we will give the Hyūga Clan ample time."
"Whether it takes five years or ten years."
"When Shinichi proves his talent, the Forbidden Scroll will be opened to him."
Minato spoke apologetically, rubbing his head.
"I see!"
"I understand!"
With the situation laid out, Hiashi's face was extremely grim. Suppressing the rage in his heart, Hiashi replied coldly.
"It was presumptuous of us!"
"Let's go, Shinichi."
Hyūga Hiashi gently pulled Shinichi's hand and was about to turn and leave. However, his pull did not move Shinichi.
"Hmm?" Hiashi looked down at his son in confusion, finding that Shinichi was looking up at him curiously.
"Father? Where are we going?"
"Didn't they say that all I need to do is defeat Hatake Kakashi?"
"In that case..."
"Let's begin now!"
Hyūga Shinichi stood in front of the Fourth Hokage's desk, his clear blue eyes scanning Kakashi to the side, his tone calm.
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