The Hokage's office door was rudely flung open as Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado stormed in, faces full of anger.
Hiruzen quietly gathered up the documents on his desk.
The two advisors, upon seeing Seiryu present, immediately snapped, "Uchiha Seiryu, why did only Taki and Hayato not return from the mission?"
Seiryu glanced back at the two. "Isn't it normal for ninjas to die on missions?"
"Looks like you took the chance for revenge!" Koharu was emotional. Her clan had lost a jōnin—a serious loss, despite their rapid growth under Hiruzen's leadership. Especially since only their clans lost people, while even the weakest civilians survived—hard not to suspect Seiryu.
"My report is clear—we were ambushed by Orochimaru's large-scale jutsu. They died because they retreated too late," Kakashi explained. "As for revenge, that's nonsense. Our team got along very well, and we all regret their loss."
Seiryu glanced at Kakashi expressionlessly. Kakashi was making progress—he could even lie with a straight face now.
"Kakashi, you…" Koharu hadn't expected him to speak up and was at a loss.
Seiryu spoke up, "The two advisors are well informed. We haven't even been back half an hour, and you're already here."
He didn't finish—the rest was for Hiruzen to ponder.
"Enough!" Hiruzen slammed the desk. "Koharu, Homura, you two are out of line, barging in here without permission!"
"Hiruzen?" Homura looked at him incredulously.
"If you're busy, Lord Hokage, I'll take my leave. But please consider my suggestion carefully. If you have concerns, the Police can handle it entirely," Seiryu said, bowing and leaving.
After he left, Hiruzen looked at the two advisors. "Why are you still here? Leave."
"Hiruzen…" Koharu wanted to say more, but Homura tugged her sleeve. She could only leave with him, frustrated.
Now only Kakashi remained. Hiruzen lit his pipe and asked, "Kakashi, is there something else?"
Kakashi bowed and solemnly said, "Lord Hokage, I wish to resign from the ANBU."
Hiruzen frowned. "Why so suddenly, Kakashi?"
Kakashi took a deep breath. "I've just felt too tired lately."
There was silence. After a while, Hiruzen asked, "And then? Any plans?"
"I'll take missions as a regular ninja, and make up for all I neglected while trapped in grief," Kakashi replied.
"I see. You've moved on from your pain?"
"Also, I want to take care of Naruto," Kakashi said, trying to keep his voice emotionless.
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. The room fell silent again.
After a long while, Hiruzen said gravely, "Kakashi, you understand Naruto's identity, right?"
There was a warning in his tone; Kakashi's request touched a sensitive spot.
"I understand." Kakashi looked up, meeting Hiruzen's gaze, voice firm. "But he's also my teacher's son."
Hiruzen was speechless. If anyone else had made this request, he'd have refused immediately. But Kakashi, as Minato's only surviving student, had a duty to care for Minato's orphan. Hiruzen had no grounds to object.
If he did, Kakashi would likely turn against him.
After finishing his smoke, Hiruzen sighed heavily. "All right. I'd planned for you to be Naruto's sensei after he graduated, but since you asked, I'll leave him to you."
"Thank you." Relieved, Kakashi nodded.
"Kakashi, after leaving ANBU, join the jōnin corps. The village still needs you," Hiruzen said.
"I'll follow your orders, Lord Hokage," Kakashi replied.
…
When Seiryu returned home, the steward, Uchiha Keiko, had prepared a hot bath for him.
After bathing, Seiryu lit incense in his room and began maintaining his sword.
Soon, Uchiha Keiko knocked. "Clan Head, Elder Fugaku is here."
"Let him in, and prepare the tea set."
"Yes."
Moments later, in the guest room, Seiryu and Fugaku knelt facing each other as Seiryu made tea.
"Please, Elder Fugaku." Seiryu offered a cup.
Fugaku, a true elite raised in a noble household, was impeccable in etiquette. After a full tea ceremony, he set down the cup and said, "I didn't expect you to have such skills."
"You flatter me, Elder. I just tinker when I'm alone," Seiryu replied with a smile. "Is there something urgent?"
"How did the mission go?" Fugaku asked.
"Fairly well," Seiryu replied. "We didn't catch Orochimaru, but we gained some important results. Most importantly, all our clan members returned safely."