Kakashi was particularly content tonight.
He had received recognition from Minato-sensei and savored the meal prepared by Kushina-sensei. Naruto had even helped notify Obito and Rin to return and attend his Hokage inauguration ceremony. For Kakashi, this was a level of satisfaction he had rarely experienced in his life.
Yet, even amidst this contentment, there lingered a trace of regret in his heart. After all, none of these people were his real relatives; none were connected to him by blood. While they loved him like family, Kakashi could not ignore the emptiness that came from lacking the presence of his actual parent.
He longed, deep inside, for something he had been too embarrassed to request from Naruto. After all, he was on the verge of becoming Hokage, and asking for such a personal favor could cast a shadow over the moment.
After finishing his meal, Kakashi stayed a while longer at Naruto's house, chatting quietly with his former student, before finally standing and leaving.
Once Kakashi had gone, Minato gently pulled Naruto to sit beside him on the sofa.
"What is it, Dad? Do you want to discuss Hinata's situation with me?" Naruto asked, curious.
Minato waved his hand. "No, your mother and I have already taken care of your and Hinata's affairs. What I want to discuss is Kakashi's situation."
Naruto's brow furrowed slightly in confusion. "Kakashi-sensei? What else could there be to discuss?"
Minato sighed and looked at him gravely. "Naruto, Kakashi is my student. I know him well. Think about it—why would he come to me and Kushina at a moment like this, when he's about to become Hokage? It isn't just for conversation. It's because he has no one to share his joy with, no one to affirm his achievements. That's why he comes to us."
Naruto nodded, understanding immediately.
Minato continued, "Kakashi is, in truth, an orphan. His father, Hatake Sakumo, was once a hero of Konoha, known as the White Fang. Naruto, think about it—if you hadn't resurrected us, Kakashi would still have no one to share his joy with. Achieving such success alone can be lonely. Right?"
Naruto did not object. Indeed, it was true. In his previous life, when he held his wedding, he had asked Iruka to act as a father figure because Jiraiya had passed away. Iruka was the closest semblance of an elder he had. Without Iruka, Naruto thought, he might have turned to darkness long ago—and the Uzumaki Naruto known today might never have existed.
"So, Dad… what exactly do you mean?" Naruto asked, still unsure.
Kushina gave an exasperated sigh. "Oh, Naruto, don't be so dense. Your father means that Kakashi's father, Hatake Sakumo, should be resurrected—just for him to witness Kakashi becoming Hokage. Then, the resurrection can be removed. It's also a way to comfort Kakashi!"
Minato nodded. "Exactly. That way, Kakashi will have no regrets in life. What do you think, Naruto?"
Naruto thought for a moment, then smiled. "The White Fang of Konoha! He was already a very powerful ninja. Bringing him back will ensure he's able to lend support in future battles. And… Kakashi will finally be able to see his father before the end of the ceremony. That would make him truly happy."
Minato's eyes glimmered with approval. "Good. Then, Naruto, I'll leave it in your hands."
Naruto nodded decisively. "No problem, Dad. I'll handle the resurrection of Kakashi's father. When Kakashi-sensei officially takes office, I'll give him the surprise of a lifetime!"
Minato and Kushina exchanged smiles, both anticipating the moment Kakashi would see his father.
Naruto stretched and yawned, the day's exhaustion finally catching up to him. Having spent a long time at the Hokage office listening to Tsunade, he felt drained. Seeing this, Minato and Kushina allowed him to shower and go to bed early.
That night, lying in bed, Naruto thought about the tasks awaiting him tomorrow:
1. Contact Obito and Rin.
This would be simple. Using the Flying Thunder God Technique, he could quickly appear in front of them, explain the situation, and bring them back in no time.
2. Resurrection of Kakashi's father.
This was more complicated. Naruto could perform the Impure World Reincarnation himself, but exhuming Sakumo's remains would be difficult without assistance. They would need the expertise of Kabuto and Orochimaru. Naruto pondered whether they had returned to Konoha and obtained the Byakugan as he had instructed. If not, he would need to locate them personally.
Additionally, after Kakashi's Hokage ceremony, Naruto would need to visit Toneri Ōtsutsuki. During his previous life, Naruto had already glimpsed through the reincarnation eye that members of the Ōtsutsuki clan were approaching Earth.
Momoshiki and Kinshiki were no concern. With the current strength Naruto possessed—and with Sasuke by his side—both could be defeated without difficulty.
However, it was those lurking behind them, like Urashiki and other high-ranking members of the Ōtsutsuki clan, that truly concerned him. Planning ahead was vital.
Naruto rested his head in his hands, staring at the ceiling. He reminded himself that although he was following the trajectory of his previous life, many circumstances had changed. He needed to act quickly to adjust.
Fortunately, for now, Konoha and the ninja world remained peaceful. This period of tranquility was invaluable. It was a chance to prepare, enjoy, and remedy any past regrets.
Eventually, Naruto's exhaustion overtook him, and he drifted off into a deep sleep.
The next morning, Naruto awoke to Kakashi's arrival. After breakfast, Minato once again discussed the resurrection of Kakashi's father. Naruto smiled confidently.
"Don't worry, Dad. I'll take care of it today."
With that, he activated the Flying Thunder God Technique and vanished instantly. Kushina, watching him go, grumbled with affection.
"My son really hasn't changed… flying off all day long."
Minato scratched his head, smiling wryly.
Shortly after, there was a knock at the door. Minato opened it to find an Anbu guard of the Hokage, sent by Tsunade.
"Good morning, Fourth Hokage-sama. Hokage-sama requests that you and Kushina-sama come to the Hokage office to discuss the handover ceremony tomorrow."
Minato nodded, glancing back at Kushina. She was finishing up washing the dishes.
"Can you wait a moment? I'll finish and then come with you," she said.
The Anbu nodded. "Of course, Lady Kushina. The meeting won't start for a while. I just came to inform you."
Once the two finished tidying up, they locked the door and headed to the Hokage office.
Meanwhile, Naruto teleported to a secluded forest. In the clearing, a tent had been set up. Inside, Obito was still asleep. At the instant Naruto appeared, Obito woke immediately, sensing the familiar chakra of his friend, and relaxed upon recognizing him.
"Is it… Naruto?!" Obito asked, startled yet relieved.
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