Naruto: Binding Uchiha Sasuke, Hundredfold Return

"Danzo?"

Kazuki didn't expect that he would be the one cleaning up the mess after Orochimaru defeated Sarutobi Hiruzen.

But it makes sense if you think about it carefully. In the original story, Sarutobi Hiruzen and Orochimaru fought to the death, yet Danzo didn't take action. What was the reason?

Of course, it was to present himself as the savior!

In the original, Orochimaru was severely wounded by Sarutobi Hiruzen and escaped, Shukaku was defeated by Naruto and Sasuke, and the invading ninjas from Sunagakure were blocked by Jiraiya, leaving no opportunity for Danzo to intervene.

Kazuki looked towards the only remaining section of the arena, where some ninjas had gathered, unsure of what to do. Upon closer inspection, there was no sign of Hiruzen Sarutobi's body.

"Where is Sarutobi Hiruzen's body?"

"Taken away by those masked men."

The Third Hokage had fallen in battle, the Fourth Kazekage had been assassinated, and Orochimaru had achieved a shocking victory. If Danzo had conspired with Orochimaru, it was likely that he would continue to provide secret labs for him to conduct experiments once he became Hokage.

It's safe to say that both Danzo and Orochimaru stood to gain a lot from this!

But if that happens, Konoha will be anything but peaceful.

Allowing Danzo to rise as Hokage is something Kazuki cannot accept.

Kazuki flicked away the remains of his cigarette and sighed softly.

Forget it, let's see how things unfold.

Those two elder advisors wouldn't let Danzo take power so easily. Perhaps Danzo and Orochimaru had many plans, but in the end, others would reap the benefits.

If Tsunade ends up taking over, Danzo will have to wait a bit longer. After all, he plays a crucial role in Sasuke unlocking the Mangekyō.

If Danzo does take power… then Kazuki will let him test that three-tomoe Sharingan, which is more powerful.

Looking at Karin to make sure she wasn't injured, he asked, "Where were you when the battle started?"

"Kakashi-senpai followed your orders, Kazuki-kun, and I stayed by his side!"

"So Kakashi was protecting you?" Kazuki said. Although Karin had been training with him for some time, she wasn't yet capable of protecting herself in a war of this scale.

"Yeah," Karin nodded admiringly,

"Kakashi-senpai is amazing. He single-handedly defeated over twenty Sunagakure ninjas and even helped restrain the Second Hokage!"

To battle the Second Hokage and protect Karin at the same time? Perhaps it was thanks to his use of shadow clones, but Kakashi's reputation as a ninja was well-earned.

Kazuki nodded, making a mental note to thank Kakashi the next time he had a chance.

"Where are Sakura and the others?"

Kazuki hadn't seen them around. In the distance, he noticed Kakashi sitting silently, his face masked as always.

"Sakura and the others were ordered by Kakashi to handle the Sunagakure ninjas outside, so they're not here."

"I see."

With the current strength of Sakura and the others, they should have no trouble dealing with ordinary Sunagakure ninjas. There shouldn't be any danger.

Kazuki glanced at Kakashi, hesitated for a moment, and then stepped forward.

The two shared a moment of silence. Kakashi glanced at Kazuki but remained quiet.

After a long time, as the sun set and darkness approached, Kazuki felt a bit hungry. He broke the silence,

"What are you thinking about?"

"Nothing."

"It's rare to see you this deep in thought."

Kakashi didn't respond.

Seeing that, Kazuki didn't press further. Everyone had their worries and secrets, and he wasn't interested in prying into Kakashi's.

"Thanks for protecting Karin."

Kakashi glanced at Kazuki and replied calmly, "It's rare to hear a 'thank you' from you."

"…"

"Have you eaten yet?"

"What do you think?"

"Let's grab something to eat?"

"Sure."

Kazuki and Kakashi wandered around Konoha. They had intended to find a tavern, but due to the attack, not many places were open. In the end, they settled on Ichiraku Ramen.

Teuchi and his daughter Ayame were serving ramen for free to the villagers, trying to do their part for Konoha during this difficult time.

Watching them, Kazuki couldn't help but recall Sarutobi Hiruzen's famous line:

"Wherever the leaves fly, the fire will burn!"

Before he had traveled back in time, Kazuki had been a fan of Konoha and admired Sarutobi Hiruzen. But as details came to light—Hatake Sakumo's death, Naruto's lonely and difficult childhood, the Uchiha massacre—Kazuki realized that Hiruzen wasn't the kind, selfless grandfather he had once thought. Rather, he was a politician with hidden agendas and shallow compassion.

Innocence, kindness, and self-sacrifice—those were your lies, Sarutobi.

Now, Sarutobi Hiruzen is dead, publicly defeated by Orochimaru during the invasion of Konoha.

The strongest Hokage, in the eyes of many, died just like that, like a leaf falling in the wind.

No heroic turnaround, no dramatic sacrifice—just an old man fighting alone and perishing.

Ordinary. Unremarkable. Like so many other Konoha ninjas.

The difference was that his death brought Konoha to a standstill, shrouded in silence and sadness as people mourned him.

There's a saying: Pretend to be good for a day, and you're still a bad person. Pretend to be good your entire life, and you are a good person.

Living an entire life as a "good person" isn't easy, but Sarutobi Hiruzen managed it. Sometimes, Kazuki even wondered if Hiruzen had managed to deceive himself, leaving behind a legacy of kindness, greatness, and sacrifice in the hearts of Konoha's people.

"Three bowls of ramen."

"Coming right up!" Teuchi replied, and the steaming bowls of ramen were quickly served. Kakashi reached for his wallet, but Teuchi waved him off.

"You've worked hard protecting Konoha. The least we can do is offer you a free ramen."

Kakashi paused for a second, then pocketed the money, smiling kindly at Teuchi and Ayame.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome! Eat up!" Teuchi and Ayame responded with smiles.

"You seem to like them," Kazuki said while eating his ramen.

"Yeah… they're good people." Kakashi replied, silently removing his mask to eat.

It was the first time Kazuki had seen Kakashi eat without his mask in public.

Kazuki had to admit, Kakashi was handsome. But still, there was a gap between him and him.

How lonely it is to be unmatched~

"Kakashi-senpai, you look so handsome! Why do you always wear a mask?" Karin asked curiously after seeing his face.

Kakashi took a calm sip of his ramen and said, "It's just a habit."

"Just a habit?"

Kakashi didn't respond.

A habit, Kazuki thought. Another one of Kakashi's little lies.

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The fanfic is finished on p@treon/tambeerg