Sensei brought you back alone

"Putting my last chakra into the Hatake Three Blades!"

Determination flashed in Kakashi's eyes, his aura suddenly changing to one of razor-sharp intensity, like a blade unsheathed. At this moment, Kakashi finally decided to unleash the true Hatake Three Blades, using the secret chakra-consuming technique of the Hatake clan.

"Drawing Strike: Thunder Slash!"

Clang!

In an instant, Kakashi drew his katana, slashing towards Kamikazutani. An even sharper aura enveloped Kakashi as the blade appeared, cutting through Kamikazutani's wind jutsu like paper, forcing it to part ways.

"Impossible..."

Seeing his high-level wind jutsu so easily sliced through, Kamikazutani's eyes widened in shock. A sense of extreme danger emanated from Kakashi, making his soul tremble. Such a powerful and authoritative attack!

"What kind of sword technique is this..."

Kamikazutani thought, quickly reacting by leaping back. He had no confidence in taking Kakashi's strike head-on. In his memory, no one's swordsmanship had ever been this overpowering.

As Kamikazutani jumped back, he watched Kakashi close in, mere inches from him. He felt lucky to have enough combat experience to dodge such a sudden and fierce attack.

Swish!

Kamikazutani saw Kakashi's blade tip slice through the air right before his eyes, the blade's edge making a piercing sound.

Slash!

"How could this be..."

Kamikazutani felt a sharp pain from his left shoulder to his right chest, and blood sprayed out. He was shocked that despite dodging, he was still cut.

"Damn it, if it weren't for my previous injuries slowing me down, I wouldn't have gotten hurt!"

Though it was a minor wound, Kamikazutani cursed internally. He had already lost a lot of blood from his fight with 'Ryuu' and chasing Kakashi and Shenran. If he couldn't resolve this quickly, his life might be at risk. His vision was already starting to blur.

"Ah!"

At that moment, Sheeran, unable to dodge Kamikazutani's wind jutsu, was slashed by several wind blades, letting out a pained scream. Kamikazutani saw Shenran's arm being severed.

"Retreat!"

Realizing his vision was blurring, Kamikazutani angrily decided to retreat. With Kakashi still strong, staying would be dangerous. He had initially been confident he could kill both of them despite his injuries, but now saw Kakashi's true strength and decided to leave.

After all, killing the Iwa ninja heading to Konoha for the peace treaty was already a significant victory. He just had to bear the rogue ninja label for now. Kamikazutani didn't believe Shenran could survive his high-level wind jutsu.

He would get his revenge on Konoha's Anbu later.

'Wolf'—Kamikazutani remembered Kakashi's codename.

Thud! After Kamikazutani left, Kakashi collapsed from severe chakra and physical exhaustion, unconscious. The strike had been his final effort.

Fortunately, Kamikazutani didn't notice this, assuming a Konoha Anbu with Jonin-level skills wouldn't be that weak.

When Kakashi opened his eyes again, he realized he wasn't dead, glancing around in delight. The surroundings were familiar.

"This is... Konoha Hospital!"

Kakashi immediately recognized where he was, feeling a sense of security. He was safe in Konoha Hospital.

Trying to sit up, Kakashi noticed a small figure lying on his bed. It could only be Rin. Seeing her exhausted face, Kakashi felt guilt and a surge of gratitude.

"Ah! Kakashi, you're awake!"

Rin woke up from Kakashi's movements, exclaiming in joy upon seeing him awake, her expression full of relief.

"Rin! Thank you!"

Seeing her genuine happiness at his recovery, Kakashi felt deeply touched and thanked her, realizing how beautiful she looked even in her fatigue.

"N-no need; I'm just happy you're okay."

Blushing under Kakashi's gaze, Rin lowered her head shyly, her heart pounding rapidly. She felt that she was getting closer to Kakashi.

Hearing Rin's heartfelt words, Kakashi felt even more grateful, but he needed to understand the situation first.

"Rin, how did I get back to Konoha?"

He asked her urgently.

"It was Sensei who brought you back!"

"Sensei..."

Kakashi was surprised to hear that Minato had come to his rescue. Had the Third Hokage sensed something was wrong and sent Minato to assist?

"Did Sensei bring anyone else back?"

Kakashi quickly asked, worried about the Iwa ninja. In the original story, Konoha and Iwa successfully signed the peace treaty. Had his presence changed that?

Knowing only the broad strokes of history, Kakashi was concerned that any alterations might lose him his advantage of knowing the future.

Rin replied, "Sensei brought you back alone."

Kakashi sighed in relief, grateful that the timeline hadn't been disrupted too drastically.