Chapter 3: A Trivial Wish

Hatake Sakumo considered for a moment and then communicated through the consciousness link:

"Visiting Kakashi on my behalf feels like someone eating for you or going on a date for you. It doesn't sit right. Instead, why don't you invite him to the restaurant, and I'll stay hidden, observing from a distance."

Uchiha Kiyoshi had just received a notification from the system that, according to Hatake Sakumo's wish, he now possessed the ability to suspend consciousness. Although Hatake Sakumo couldn't physically leave, he could transfer his consciousness to Uchiha Kiyoshi and experience the outside world through his senses. In essence, Uchiha Kiyoshi would act as a proxy.

Uchiha Kiyoshi replied, "No need to trouble yourself, Uncle. I've received a 'gift' that can be used for you. Just stay where you are. I'll go out, and you'll understand."

Hatake Sakumo didn't fully grasp the concept, but given the bizarre events of the day, he decided not to dwell on it. He followed Uchiha Kiyoshi's instructions, remaining seated in the restaurant as he watched Uchiha Kiyoshi exit and lock the door behind him.

Out on the street, Uchiha Kiyoshi activated the consciousness suspension function.

"Uncle, can you see this?" Uchiha Kiyoshi's voice suddenly echoed in Hatake Sakumo's mind.

In an instant, Hatake Sakumo's surroundings transformed from the empty restaurant to the bustling streets of Konoha.

"Now that I've shared my sight and hearing with you, it should feel like watching a movie, right?" Uchiha Kiyoshi remarked.

Hatake Sakumo was left utterly astonished, unable to find words to respond. Uchiha Kiyoshi turned his head to show him the surrounding environment, moving his perspective left and right.

On both sides of the wide road were rows of shops and houses, with the streets filled with lively activity. The owner of a grocery store was using one hand to fan himself in an attempt to combat the heat, while the other hand held a small book, its contents apparently too mature for children. His tense expression, reddened cheeks, and awkward body language betrayed the nature of the material he was reading.

Despite the vigorous fanning, he seemed to be growing even hotter.

Children played and laughed on the streets, engaging in familiar scenes from Hatake Sakumo's memory.

From this viewpoint, Hatake Sakumo spotted several familiar faces: young juniors who had been shy and reserved in the past now walked arm in arm with their partners, strolling together along the streets.

Hatake Sakumo couldn't help but reflect on how much had changed in the five years he'd been absent. Yet, the friendly atmosphere of the village remained unchanged.

"The Ichiraku ramen restaurant is still as popular as ever," Hatake Sakumo communicated through the consciousness link.

A long line of customers had formed in front of Ichiraku Ramen, and Teuchi, the owner, was busy, his hands moving swiftly as he prepared orders. He was sweating profusely in the process.

"They introduced a new ramen flavor today. Would you like me to try it for you? You can experience the taste and aroma as well," Uchiha Kiyoshi suggested through their shared consciousness.

Hatake Sakumo hesitated and then replied, "Let's skip that...it feels a bit strange."

Hatake Sakumo hadn't expected that assisting someone in eating would turn out to be an actual experience rather than a mere metaphor.

Uchiha Kiyoshi continued walking towards Kakashi's house.

"Uncle, I have a question. Kakashi and I haven't had much interaction before. There must be a reason for this sudden visit; otherwise, it would seem too abrupt," he said.

Hatake Sakumo took a moment to think before responding, "Do you have any friends who know Kakashi?"

Uchiha Kiyoshi immediately thought of a familiar figure—Guy.

Guy's wild hairstyle, confident smile, and bright teeth were etched in his memory.

"There's one person—Might Guy, the son of Might Duy," Uchiha Kiyoshi replied.

Speaking of Might Guy, Uchiha Kiyoshi couldn't help but reminisce about the process of getting to know him. When he had first crossed over, he was full of curiosity about the world of Hokage. However, since he hadn't yet activated any special abilities, his progress in training had been slow.

The image of Guy, with his iconic Eight Gates and his almost unbelievable kick that nearly sealed the finale, had left a lasting impression on him. At the time, Uchiha Kiyoshi had thought to himself that he was still young and could achieve great things.

So, one day on his way home from the Shinobi Academy, Uchiha Kiyoshi had approached Might Guy and proposed that they engage in Taijutsu training together. Although their training partnership had ended after two years for various reasons, the two had forged a deep friendship during that time.

Hatake Sakumo enthusiastically inquired, "Is he a Chunin now? I remember he couldn't perform Ninjutsu, and he was still a Genin in his thirties, earning the moniker 'Eternal Genin,' which is quite unflattering. I hope he's managed to prove himself."

Uchiha Kiyoshi's tone grew solemn as he replied, "No, he's... He fell in battle while protecting Might Guy and two other children."

Hatake Sakumo fell silent for a moment, offering his silent condolences.

"I see... He was a man I greatly admired. I had hoped that he would one day prove himself to the entire village," Hatake Sakumo lamented.

Uchiha Kiyoshi added with a heavy tone in their consciousness conversation, "Uncle, Might Guy has indeed proven himself. He fell as a hero. I'll tell you more about it later; it's a story that deserves to be told in full."

Uchiha Kiyoshi came to a halt.

"I'll head to Might Guy's place now and ask him to introduce me to Kakashi."

"Sounds good," Hatake Sakumo agreed.

With a sense of regret, Hatake Sakumo added, "Have you considered the reason for this visit? You'll need an explanation when you introduce yourself."

Uchiha Kiyoshi thought for a moment, then explained his plan.

"I'll tell Might Guy that I want to challenge Kakashi. He knows that Guy challenges Kakashi almost every day. While it might seem somewhat contrived, knowing Guy's personality, he'll have no doubts and will be enthusiastic to help."

He paused, then continued, "And... In the eyes of many in Konoha, Might Guy and I are seen as similar types of individuals."

Recalling some awkward memories, Uchiha Kiyoshi hesitated to continue.

"In fact, many people in Konoha see me as being on the same level as Might Guy."

A few years ago, he had walked through the streets of Konoha with Might Guy, doing handstands and other acrobatic tricks. Even without the iconic green spandex suit,

, their behavior alone had been enough to place him in the same category as Might Guy.

Hatake Sakumo chuckled, "That's great; you're a fine young man yourself."

Uchiha Kiyoshi managed a reluctant smile, his thoughts returning to the past.

While chatting with Hatake Sakumo, Uchiha Kiyoshi soon arrived at Might Guy's doorstep. He knocked on the door and called Might Guy's name loudly.

However, there was no response. Uchiha Kiyoshi surmised that Might Guy was likely training rigorously at this time.

"He's not home; he's probably at the nearby training ground," Uchiha Kiyoshi commented, "This time of day, I'm sure he's practicing his '10,000 kicks.' Let's go find him there."

With that, Uchiha Kiyoshi set off in the direction of the training ground, ready to seek out Might Guy and enlist his help in introducing him to Kakashi.