Aftermath and Thoughts

After Naruto and Iruka had left the scene...

In the shadows nearby, a figure flashed by, and the body of Mizuki beneath the water vanished without a trace. Neither Naruto nor Iruka paid any attention to the discarded body of Mizuki. Normally, ninja bodies had to be dealt with. If possible, they would be retrieved and, if not, destroyed to ensure the destruction of the brain. Ninja bodies were essentially a database and had some value, especially those with kekkei genkai. However, Mizuki was just a middle-ranking ninja from Konohagakure, and his body didn't hold much importance. But if there was an opportunity to retrieve it for disposal, it was preferred over discarding it carelessly.

However, today's situation was somewhat special.

Iruka, as a middle-ranking ninja of the village, knew that someone would come to clean up before they set out tonight, so he didn't pay it any mind. Naruto, on the other hand, had sensed a hidden presence not far from him after the battle ended. He immediately understood that it was a member of the ANBU sent by the Third Hokage.

Of course, Naruto had no idea that the person was none other than the renowned Kakashi Hatake, and even before Naruto and Mizuki's confrontation, Kakashi had arrived early, prepared to intervene if necessary. However, seeing that Naruto and Iruka were not in life-threatening danger and that they had defeated the rogue ninja Mizuki, Kakashi saw no need to intervene during the battle. He decided to retrieve the body after the fight had concluded.

The reason Kakashi's presence hadn't been detected was mainly because he didn't think Naruto and Iruka could sense him. He hadn't concealed his chakra because he believed that with the current difference in strength between him and Naruto, there was no way Naruto could detect him unless Kakashi wanted to be detected.

Inside the Hokage's office in Konohagakure...

The Third Hokage held his old pipe, leisurely smoking. His left hand rested on his back while he gazed at the gradually brightening village outside the window. A thoughtful expression passed through the depths of his eyes.

Whoosh!

A figure appeared directly behind the Third Hokage.

The newcomer was Kakashi Hatake, who had just completed his surveillance mission and retrieved Mizuki's body for disposal.

"How did it go, Kakashi?"

"Yes, Third Hokage. Mizuki, the rogue ninja, has been directly killed by Naruto Uzumaki, and the Scroll of Seals has been successfully recovered by Chuunin Iruka."

Kakashi kneeled behind the Third Hokage with a respectful tone.

"Good, you've done well."

The outcome was entirely within the Third Hokage's expectations.

He turned around, nodded, and spoke softly.

Though the fact that Naruto had directly killed Mizuki was a bit unexpected, it was a ninja battle, and death was a possibility. This didn't ruffle the Third Hokage's composure.

"From now on, you'll be responsible for Naruto, Kakashi. You're aware of his background and what he carries, something beyond the comprehension of ordinary people. Over these years, you've seen Naruto's living conditions. Fortunately, this child bears a striking resemblance to the Fourth Hokage. I can see the Fourth in him. I hope you can nurture him well. Also, the Uchiha child I mentioned earlier, he's your responsibility too, Kakashi. I hope these two children will become pillars of the village in the future. Do you understand?"

The Third Hokage looked straight at Kakashi with a meaningful expression in his eyes.

In the current Konohagakure, Kakashi was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate to take his place as the Fifth Hokage in the Third Hokage's heart. This was why the Third Hokage had personally intervened in the assignment of the graduation teams and placed Naruto and Sasuke under Kakashi's care. It was not just about nurturing the two young ninja but also paving the way for Kakashi's future.

This arrangement had a double meaning.

It was not only about nurturing Naruto and Sasuke but also about preparing Kakashi for the role of the Fifth Hokage.

"Yes, Third Hokage, I understand. You can trust me," Kakashi replied in a subdued tone.

"Very well, I'm entrusting this to you, Kakashi."

The Third Hokage nodded with a satisfied expression and waved his hand.

Whoosh!

Kakashi's figure disappeared again.

"Minato... Itachi..."

In the spacious Hokage's office, only the Third Hokage's barely audible sigh echoed.

Meanwhile, in another underground location in Konohagakure, akin to an abyss...

Inside a dark and gloomy building, a figure shrouded in an intense aura of death, with bandages wrapped around the right eye and cheek, sat in the center. Kneeling before him were dozens of Root members wearing animal masks and Konohagakure's ANBU-standard attire.

This place was the independent division known as "Root," born from Konohagakure's ANBU, led by the enigmatic Danzo Shimura.

"Results?"

Danzo Shimura gazed at a Root member kneeling before him, his deep voice resonating throughout the room.

"Yes, Lord Danzo. Naruto Uzumaki and the Scroll of Seals have been successfully retrieved by Chuunin Iruka. Rogue ninja Mizuki was directly killed by Naruto Uzumaki. His body has been retrieved by the ANBU at the Third Hokage's command."

"Killed by Naruto Uzumaki?"

Danzo Shimura slightly opened his left eye, a faint expression of surprise flashing in his pupil. He seemed somewhat uncertain as he asked.

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

The Root member maintained his respectful posture, still kneeling, and replied in a low voice.

After some contemplation, Danzo spoke again.

"Retrieve Mizuki's body and provide me with a detailed report."

"Yes!"

Another Root member immediately responded and disappeared in a flash.

In the incredibly dark and oppressive Root headquarters, Danzo Shimura contemplated the images of the Third Hokage and Naruto that flickered in his mind. He narrowed his right eye, a subtle glint of coldness in his eye.

"What are you thinking, Hiruzen?"

Danzo's somber words carried a tinge of anger.

Representing the darkest side of Konohagakure, Danzo harbored deep dissatisfaction towards Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

(End of this chapter)

  ________________________________________________________________

For advanced chapters and support visit : www.p@treon.com/NelsonN742 {replace @ with a}