The biggest reason he didn't protect his teacher's son was precisely this.
Might Guy clapped him on the shoulder.
"Kakashi, you know I'm not good with words..."
"However, we've all experienced the pain of separation and death, but life is still long, and we can't always live in pain..."
"It's precisely because of the trust and expectations of those who have died that we should pull ourselves together!"
"Those who have died cannot be brought back; what we can do is protect those who can still be protected!"
Kakashi Hatake understood this principle perfectly well.
However, principles alone don't make for a good life.
He knew Might Guy was thinking of his own father.
Back then, to protect Might Guy, his father, Maito Dai, sacrificed himself, passing down his will.
Now, he also saw that same will in Rock Lee.
What about himself?
Kakashi Hatake shook his head.
"Might Guy, I appreciate your good intentions, but..."
"Let me walk this path alone..."
"Don't worry, I will obey Hokage-sama's orders and continue to be a squad leader Jonin, but finding the right disciples will depend on my own luck..."
Might Guy watched Kakashi Hatake's departing back, wanting to say something more, but his hand, extended to stop him, slowly dropped.
"Kakashi..."
He shook his head, knowing that getting his lifelong rival and friend to emerge from his shell was still not an easy task.
Originally, Might Guy had wanted to use Naruto to motivate Kakashi.
But from his reaction, he seemed indifferent... However, it's hard to say; Kakashi isn't the type to openly express emotions like him... Perhaps, his heart was already in turmoil... Might Guy's guess was correct.
At this moment, Kakashi Hatake was still pacing, seemingly leisurely reading "make-out paradise."
In reality, his heart was in turmoil.
He had finally seen the son of his esteemed teacher again... Uzumaki Naruto.
For Naruto, Kakashi Hatake's feelings were very complex.
Logically, since his teacher and his wife had passed away, and his two comrades had also died, he should have taken better care of the orphaned Naruto.
But he was immersed in darkness, completely lacking the ability, and even deeming himself unworthy, to care for Naruto.
However, because of his pessimistic and negative thoughts, as a result, Naruto endured more loneliness and pain, which filled Kakashi Hatake with immense guilt.
It's just... to face Naruto meant facing all the deep-seated pain within him again... Even the Copy Ninja, Kakashi Hatake of the Sharingan, renowned throughout the Ninja World, would feel utterly terrified.
"Naruto..."
"I'm sorry..."
"But..."
Kakashi Hatake closed his book, and the image of Naruto, whom he had just seen, reappeared in his mind.
"Although you have experienced loneliness and pain, it has made you stronger and more diligent..."
"You are the true strong one."
"And I am just a coward..."
Kakashi Hatake revealed a faint smile.
The smile was full of mockery and bitterness... He, once again, walked towards that familiar direction.
The Memorial Stone.
Chapter 63: Roar, Youth! Might Guy Bursts with Gold Again! Please give me your monthly votes!!!
Watching Kakashi Hatake's retreating figure, Might Guy could only sigh.
He knew that getting Kakashi to break free from the darkness would not happen overnight.
However... he would achieve it one day.
Might Guy revealed a brilliant smile once more.
He scratched his head, looked back, and prepared to go see those two guys again... By the time he approached the training ground, Rock Lee and Naruto were already roaring and beginning their training.
Hyuga Neji's earlier provocation had instead become the greatest motivation for them.
Now, both of them were working almost to the point of risking their lives.
"Leaf Whirlwind..."
"Leaf Whirlwind!"
Bang—
Bang bang bang!
Not only were the two of them furiously kicking the wooden stakes, but every so often, they would also spar with each other, not just sticking to fixed routines, but also focusing on practical combat training.
Might Guy watched, his blood boiling, and he nodded repeatedly, unable to help but shout out.
"Good!"
"This is true youth!"
Naruto and Rock Lee heard the sound, overjoyed, and shouted in unison.
"Teacher Guy!"
"Bushy Brow Sensei!"
Might Guy laughed heartily, leaped up, and descended swiftly and decisively from the sky, appearing beside the two of them.
"Both of you are doing great!"
"Your Leaf Whirlwind is also coming along nicely!"
"To achieve this level in just one short week is truly impressive..."
"Perhaps, both of you are taijutsu geniuses!"
Naruto and Rock Lee exchanged glances, their eyes lighting up.
"R-really?!"
What these two desired most was recognition and praise from others, and Might Guy's words were perfectly to their liking.
Might Guy gave a thumbs up: "I, Might Guy, never lie!"
He showed a healthy smile, his teeth gleaming white.
Naruto and Rock Lee couldn't help but high-five.
"That's awesome!"
Might Guy was indeed carefully observing their training.
"Lee, although you're not good at Ninjutsu, no one is stronger than you in your persistence and effort in taijutsu!"
"Your taijutsu, with its fierce power and broad, sweeping movements, can be said to have reached perfect ultimate through arduous training, without the slightest flaw!"
Rock Lee was overjoyed: "Thank you, Teacher Guy!"
Might Guy changed the subject.
"However..."
"Your problem is also here; you're too rigid, completely imitating the movements I taught you!"
"Although taijutsu techniques are fixed, when facing an enemy, it can't be so straightforward; it requires more variation!"
Rock Lee nodded, quickly took out his notebook, and started writing.
"I understand, Teacher Guy!"
"I will continue to work hard!"
Swish swish swish—
He diligently wrote down every word Might Guy said.
Might Guy nodded with satisfaction, then turned to Naruto.
"Naruto, you learn taijutsu faster than Lee! That means you have great talent in taijutsu!"
"Moreover, your physical strength is also very strong! Your whole body is filled with vigorous vitality!"
"Besides that, your Chakra reserves are enormous, and your mastery of Chakra usage far surpasses Lee's!"
"More importantly, you can adapt on the fly in combat, which is also much better than Lee!"
Naruto couldn't help but rub his nose, immensely proud.
"Hehe, I really am a genius!"
Might Guy said: "However, what you lack is Lee's complete focus and incredibly precise power!"
"Lee has reached that perfection, but he lacks variation."
"You haven't reached it yet, but you're already applying what you learn by analogy. While that's commendable, it would be better to reach the pinnacle and master it perfectly before adapting to the enemy in combat!"
Naruto listened, half-understanding, but he roughly grasped Might Guy's meaning.
"Alright! I'll learn that from Lee!"
"Hahahahaha, that's right, you two should complement each other and learn from each other!"
"This is what's called a bond!"
"Oh!"
Naruto and Rock Lee also ignited with enthusiasm.
"Um, um, Bushy Brow Sensei..."
"Can you teach us more taijutsu today?"
Naruto clasped his hands tightly, looking at Might Guy with great anticipation.
Rock Lee was equally eager.
"New techniques?"
"Hahaha, it's not impossible, but you can't be too impatient!"
Might Guy thought for a moment.
"Alright, I'll teach you two techniques today, but don't bite off more than you can chew; you still need to train one step at a time!"
He suddenly burst forth with his Chakra and power, roaring like a fierce beast, and the violent aura instantly made the ground tremble and dust fly!