Chapter 76: Consolation

Upon seeing that Kakashi had no reaction to the bowl of tough-love advice he just gave, Hitsugaya couldn't help but feel a bit of a headache. Consoling people was never his strong suit in his previous life. Moreover, Kakashi looked young but had his own firm opinions and a very high IQ. He couldn't treat him like an ordinary five- or six-year-old and try to deceive him.

"There's one more thing, Kakashi..." Hitsugaya said, turning his head to look at Kakashi with a serious expression, as if trying to show that his words were sincere. What he was about to say might not be right or wrong, but it was completely opposite to what Kakashi was currently doing and was not what the village advocated.

The village currently advocated what Kakashi was doing. But watching his quarrels with his companions and seeing that cold expression, Hitsugaya felt a pang of reluctance. Engaging in such a discussion with Kakashi out of the blue might not be a good thing for either him or the Uchiha clan if it got out.

"..." Seeing Kakashi's unchanged expression and those dead-fish eyes staring at him, Hitsugaya couldn't help but wonder if trying to console him like this was inappropriate. However, upon closer observation, he noticed a slight difference in Kakashi's demeanor. Though not particularly close, Kakashi wasn't entirely rejecting his approach either.

"Even though there are many rumors in the village, I always believed that your father, 'Konoha's White Fang,' was a hero! I might not be able to make saving my companions my own 'ninja way' like your father did, but I don't think your father was wrong! Companions should be more important than missions!"

After saying these words, Hitsugaya looked at the stunned Kakashi, patted him on the shoulder, waved goodbye, and walked away gracefully. After saying these words, it was better not to discuss such things that go against the village's policies in public.

If labeled politically incorrect, it could spell trouble for him. Being an Uchiha already made his position sensitive; adding this issue might make him a target.

At this moment, Kakashi seemed shocked by Hitsugaya's words, standing in place dazed for a long while before snapping out of it. "A hero?" he murmured, watching Hitsugaya's figure recede around the corner. He fell into a state of confusion, unsure whether to follow the ninja creed he upheld or the path his father pursued.

His father, Sakumo Hatake, had abandoned a mission to save his comrades, leading to rebuke from the village, ninjas, and even his comrades. During those darkest days, their courtyard was surrounded by angry ninjas and civilians daily. They cursed and criticized his father, saying he shouldn't have abandoned the mission and caused the village great loss. Even the comrade his father saved joined in the rebuke.

Eventually, Sakumo couldn't bear the immense pressure and guilt and chose to end his own life, leaving Kakashi alone in this world. His father's choice was correct.

Kakashi was momentarily at a loss. "Father, what should I do?" he muttered, thinking about his interactions with his teammates since graduation and the disputes for better mission completion.

Kakashi fell into a state of uncertainty, quietly murmuring to himself while placing his hand on the short blade "White Fang" on his back, seemingly seeking answers from it. "No, missions are more important than companions; otherwise, Father wouldn't have died!" When his hand reached the handle of "White Fang," Kakashi suddenly remembered his father's cause of death.

If his father was right and truly a hero, why would people curse him daily outside their house? If his father was right, he wouldn't have quietly left him that night. "Father, I won't make the same choice as you. I will complete my tasks; that's what being a qualified ninja means!" 

Gripping the handle of "White Fang," Kakashi reaffirmed his resolve, then walked towards home with a much lighter step, feeling encouraged by someone acknowledging his father. He wasn't aware of the complex mental struggle Kakashi experienced after he left.

Due to his father's death, Kakashi ultimately decided to prioritize missions and adhere to the ninja creed as his principle of action. If Hitsugaya knew the result, he would sigh in realization that he was no Uchiha Obito, lacking the deep bond and persuasive ability to change Kakashi's mind. Kakashi would still need the future boss to be truly enlightened.

Hitsugaya saw that his favorite character in the manga chose missions over companions, contrary to his father's "ninja way," and felt regretful. As he strolled through the bustling streets of Konoha to pass the time, he suddenly noticed a familiar shop and the long line at its entrance—"Three-Color Dango." It had been a while since he'd seen Sister Mika, and she might get angry if he didn't visit soon. Since getting married, Sister Mika seemed to have developed a bit of a temper and become more long-winded, often lecturing him at length.

Having made up his mind, Hitsugaya joined the queue. Luckily, he managed to get the last serving of three-color dango before it sold out. As he paid for his purchase, he thought, "Guess I'll have dinner at Sister Mika's house!"

He carried the bag of dango towards the clan's residence, knowing that visiting Sister Mika would keep her from getting upset.

(End of Chapter)