Clash of Wills
After the exhausting S-rank mission, Kakashi returned back home to the Hidden Leaf Village, turning in the proof of his success at the mission center.
Exhausted and eager to rest, he made his way out of the mission center.
However as he stepped out of the mission center, fate seemed to have other plans in store for him. Standing before Kakashi, beaming with enthusiasm, is Guy, his ever-enthusiastic rival.
"Kakashi, my eternal rival! Care for another round?" Guy exclaimed, his eyes gleaming with excitement.
Kakashi, unable to turn down Guy's request once more, nodded affirmatively. "Alright, Guy. Let's see who's improved more since our last bout. Although I must say it'll be futile, I almost always win."
The two formidable friends clashed with each other once more, their skills and tenacity and brutal will driving the battle to new heights. The fierce challenge lasted over an hour, with neither willing to back down.
In the end, Kakashi emerged as the victor once again, much to Guy's admiration.
"I will challenge you again, Kakashi, with the spirit of youth!" Guy declares as he walks away, never one to be disheartened by defeat.
"Let's go, another 500 laps around the village".
Since Guy has left, Kakashi prepared to leave the training field, but was met with an unexpected visitor. It was Danzo, the secretive and influential figure within the village.
"Kakashi, I've been watching your progress closely," Danzo spoke with an air of authority. "Your abilities are impressive, and I believe you could be a valuable asset to ROOT."
Kakashi regarded Danzo with a guarded expression, unsure of the true intentions behind the offer. "I appreciate the recognition, but I must respectfully decline," he replied firmly. "I have my own path to follow."
"Besides lord Danzo, your misguided ideals of protecting the hidden leaf fall apart when you involve the hidden leaf's civilians, shinobi and merchants."
Danzo's demeanor remained stoic, but there was a hint of frustration and suspicion in his eyes. "Think about it carefully, Kakashi. ROOT could offer you the power and influence you desire."
"I'm sorry, but I simply cannot accept," Kakashi responded resolutely. "I believe in protecting the village and its people, but I will not compromise my principles to do so."
With a nod, Danzo stepped back, his eyes never leaving Kakashi. "Very well. But remember, Kakashi, there may come a time when our paths intersect again."
As Danzo dispersed, leaving behind a cloud of smoke, it was a clone.
Kakashi's eyes narrowed as he realized that the Danzo he had encountered earlier was nothing more than a clone.
Returning home, a sense of unease lingered in Kakashi's mind. "I should act tonight, I'll feel a lot more at ease once its' done."
But he can't shake the feeling that something is amiss. Suddenly, four masked individuals in ANBU attire surrounded Kakashi, their menacing presence sending him a signal of life or death.
"So, you've come to dispose of me," Kakashi deduced, his instincts kicking into high gear.
The masked men made no response, only moving in with lethal intent. Kakashi's engaging his Sharingan for the first time since he created the jutsu for Minato-sensei.
With unparalleled precision, he countered their attacks, each strike reflecting his mastery of the Hatake Kenjutsu.
The fight was intense, and the masked men were skilled adversaries and well versed in team tactics. However, Kakashi's pure talent and skills drove him forward.
In the end, he emerged victorious, standing amidst the fallen attackers.
The battle didn't take long as Kakashi won with relative ease.