Traveling through Naruto with Heroes of Might and Magic

Chapter 133 Compromise

In a sense.

This resignation seems to be driven by a sense of responsibility, a feeling that he is not worthy of being the team leader.

Rather, the impact of Qingwu was... greater.

The silence in the office continued.

Some things can be said, some things... cannot be said; that was Kakashi's last bit of pride.

Tenzo stood aside, assuming Kakashi was still caught up in self-blame for his teammate's serious injury, his brow furrowed in worry, yet he didn't know how to speak.

Qingwu seemed to be deep in thought.

In fact, all of them in the Shadow Guard had relied on Kakashi, but had never considered things from Kakashi's perspective.

The Third Hokage gazed at the silent, white-haired boy before him, a deep understanding flashing in his eyes.

He was, after all, just a 16-year-old boy.

And youth, too, possesses a stubbornness that belongs to youth.

Having lived most of his life, Hiruzen Sarutobi had witnessed the full spectrum of human nature. How could he not understand Kakashi's silence? It's just that some things are meaningless to say too much.

Ultimately, people have to figure things out on their own.

The Third Hokage picked up his pipe again, breaking the silence: "Kakashi, I do not agree to your resignation as captain."

Kakashi's slumped shoulders trembled slightly, as if he wanted to speak in rebuttal, but was interrupted by the Third Hokage raising his hand:

"I know you have something on your mind, and I understand your self-blame."

The Third Hokage rubbed his pipe between his fingers and said, "But the Shadow Guard has just been through a battle, and our teammates are seriously injured. This is the time when we need you. As the captain, you cannot shirk your responsibility."

He paused, his gaze sweeping over Qingwu and Tianzang, his tone softening slightly:

"However, the war has temporarily ceased, and although there have been unusual movements on the Iwagakure side, it is not certain that a conflict will break out again immediately."

"The entire Shadow Guard is on leave until Tianzang's injuries are fully healed and there is any progress on Xiyan's side."

"During this time, your Shadow Guard team doesn't need to worry about anything. Just rest and recuperate, and... think carefully about the future."

This was a compromise by the Third Hokage, which both rejected Kakashi's resignation and gave him some breathing room, while also allowing the Shadow Guard, who had experienced the war, time to heal their wounds.

Kakashi remained silent for a moment, then finally bowed slightly. "Yes, Hokage-sama!"

Without saying anything more, the struggle hidden in his heart was finally suppressed for the time being.

The third generation nodded, his gaze shifting to Qingwu, a hint of expectation in his eyes:

"During this time, please take good care of the Shadow Guard's daily training and attendant arrangements, and help Kakashi out, okay?"

Qingwu's heart skipped a beat, and he quickly replied, "Yes, sir!"

He could vaguely sense the deeper meaning in the Third Generation's words. This was not a simple entrustment, but more like a test, a consideration of whether he could shoulder the responsibility.

"Go." The Third Hokage waved his hand, his fingertips lightly tapping the table.

Only after the three figures disappeared from the office doorway did he slowly light his pipe.

Amidst the rising smoke, he gazed out the window at the horizon where leaves lay, a hint of deep contemplation flashing in his eyes.

How could he not understand Kakashi's thoughts?

He saw clearly the struggle in that silence, the resentment and helplessness behind that resignation.

Those who don't know the inside story say that Kakashi Hatake is cold, decisive, and the Copy Ninja of Konoha, a Jonin who can stand alone.

But only the person who watched him grow up knew that this child had a lazy and carefree nature ingrained in his bones, and was never the type to carry responsibilities.

The reason he was put in charge of the Shadow Guard was because of his strength, character, and dedication to his teammates. The idea was to temper his temperament and give him a bond to rely on.

But now it seems that forcing him to stay as captain was ultimately not a good thing.

Kakashi's obsession had long become a shackle, and the serious injury of his teammates coincided with the rise of Qingwu. Under the double impact, the responsibility he was already barely able to bear was only making it harder for him to breathe.

If one's heart is not in it, no matter how capable one is, it will be difficult to accomplish anything, and it will only cause one to fall into the quagmire of self-doubt once again.

More importantly, after this incident, he suddenly felt that perhaps letting Kakashi leave the relatively dark Anbu was truly for the child's good.

The intrigue and secret missions of the Shadow Guard have worn away Kakashi's youthful arrogance over the years, leaving him constantly trapped in the shadow of Obito and Rin.

This child was originally supposed to be a free-spirited, genius ninja.

Instead of being bound by the rules of the Dark Division and the responsibilities of a captain, they were consumed by the scars in their hearts every day.

Only by leaving the Shadow Guard and the shadows of the Dark Division can this child truly breathe a sigh of relief, slowly untangle the knots in his heart, and find his own way of living.

...Thinking this through, the Third Generation suddenly understood.

He had always felt guilty towards Kakashi, and he also bore some responsibility for the death of the boy's father, Sakumo Hatake.

Therefore, he didn't want to see Kakashi carrying such a heavy burden more than anyone else.

I also hope that this talented ninja can grow and reach his expectations...

As for the selection of the Shadow Guard captain after Kakashi's departure... a hint of certainty flashed in the Third Hokage's eyes—Senju Seigo.

This extraordinary young man!

Now it actually possesses strength comparable to that of a tailed beast.

What's even more remarkable is that the child has a tender heart that protects his teammates; this strength and character are exactly what the Shadow Guard needs.

The Third Hokage already had someone in mind for the vacancy in the Shadow Guard.

All that's needed is to wait for the right opportunity...

……

The three members of the Shadow Guard walked out of the Hokage Building.

The autumn sun shone on them, but it couldn't dispel the melancholy in their hearts.

"Captain..." Tenzo wanted to ask something, but Kakashi stopped him by raising his hand.

He turned to look at Qingwu and said in a calm tone, "I'll leave the Shadow Guard to you during this time. Tianzang, take good care of your injuries. And please take good care of Xiyan as well."

Qingwu said directly, "I don't plan to stay in the village. I'll leave tomorrow."

Kakashi was taken aback: "Are you going to find Lady Tsunade? So soon?"

Qingwu nodded, "If Xiyan's injury is left untreated, who knows what changes might occur? I definitely have to leave."

Tenzang asked worriedly, "What about the Hokage...?"

He just returned and then left the village without permission; it might be difficult to explain that.

Kakashi said helplessly, "Go ahead, I'll explain the situation to the Hokage."

Taking the opportunity, Qingwu said with a smile, "Captain is the best. Don't have any thoughts of stepping down, okay?"

He knew that Kakashi eventually left the Anbu in the original story, but he didn't expect it to happen so soon.

Having spent so much time together, the group had long since forged a bond that few others could match.

As for Kakashi's inner conflict, he also has some thoughts of his own.

"Captain, I'll take you somewhere."

"Hmm?" A hint of doubt flashed in Kakashi's eyes. "Where to?"

Qingwu smiled, but didn't say anything directly. He simply turned around and raised his chin in the direction of the village: "You'll know when we get there. Just follow me."

He planned to take Kakashi to see Naruto.

Naruto is only three years old. As the protagonist of the original work, he is still being taken care of by someone entrusted by the Third Hokage and has not yet lived on his own.

Qingwu had "accidentally" seen the child once; the child had the same blond hair as the Fourth Hokage.

Sitting on the doorstep, he grinned at passersby, his eyes shining with a light brighter than the autumn sun...