Hearing Uchiha Yuan's words, Kakashi showed a trace of astonishment, though the vigilance in his eyes remained.
"Why do you trust me?" he asked coldly.
"Because you are the White Fang's son."
Yuan's expression turned serious. His gaze shifted toward Kakashi's covered left eye.
"Senpai, I don't need to explain how precious the Sharingan is. Across the shinobi world—and even within the village—countless people covet it. Yet for all these years, you have been the only outsider allowed to possess one."
Kakashi frowned. "What are you implying?"
"The Sharingan in your left eye was gifted to you by the late Uchiha Obito. But every Sharingan is a vital asset of the Uchiha clan. It was never something Obito alone had the authority to decide."
Yuan smiled faintly and continued, "The Hyūga developed the Caged Bird Seal to prevent the Byakugan from ever falling into foreign hands. If a branch member dies or their eyes are taken, the seal destroys them. The Sharingan is no less formidable than the Byakugan. So what do you think allowed the Uchiha to permit you to keep Obito's eye?"
A cold smile curved Yuan's lips as he looked straight at Kakashi. "Was it persuasion from the Third and the elders? Or threats? Hmph. Their influence over the Uchiha is not that great. Even the Hyūga would never yield so easily."
The vigilance in Kakashi's eyes gradually faded, replaced by something more complicated.
"…Because of my father?"
"Exactly."
"Because you are the White Fang's son, the Uchiha agreed. We hold Konoha's White Fang in deep respect and trust. Had it been anyone else, the eye might have been forcibly reclaimed long ago. You understand as well as I do—when it concerns clan secret techniques and bloodline limits, even the village cannot intervene by force."
Kakashi lifted a hand and touched his covered left eye, a distant look crossing his face. "So I've been protected by my father's name all this time."
Yuan smiled lightly. "Believe me, Senpai—your greatest reputation in the shinobi world is being the White Fang's son. You may not fully grasp the weight those four words—'Konoha's White Fang'—carry."
He recalled how the stubborn Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, had been unmoved by Kakashi's own fame, yet visibly changed expression upon learning he was the White Fang's son.
The killing intent that had been faintly pressing against Yuan dissipated completely.
"What are you trying to achieve by telling me all this?" Kakashi asked.
"Only to remind you—to see the darkness within the village more clearly." Yuan laughed softly.
"Darkness…" Kakashi murmured, then suddenly looked up sharply. "Aren't you afraid I'll report what you just said to the Third?"
Yuan's expression did not change. "Would you?"
Kakashi did not answer. But for the first time in years, the calm surface of his heart felt disturbed.
Yuan sighed softly. "Kakashi-senpai, the Uchiha's current situation isn't so different from what the White Fang once faced. The only difference is that the Uchiha are strong enough that the village does not dare press too hard."
Kakashi studied him deeply. "So what do you intend to do next? As far as I know, you and the Uchiha support Lord Orochimaru."
Yuan gave a faint, helpless smile. "The rumors are intensifying. More so-called 'missing persons' appear each day. The villagers' anxiety has been stirred to the brink. Many ninja can see the inconsistencies in this incident—but just like during the White Fang's time, they choose silence.
"Because the majority in the village are fools easily deceived by appearances."
Kakashi fell into thought, recalling the villagers who had once cursed his father without restraint.
"Kakashi-niisan, why are you here?"
Hatake Seikū's voice, filled with surprise, interrupted his memories. The spar between him and Senju Gen had ended, and the two approached together.
Kakashi first glanced at Seikū, then at Gen behind him.
So this is the current generation of the Senju… strong.
Seikū was drenched in sweat, visibly fatigued, while Gen appeared composed, only a trace of moisture at his temples.
"Kakashi-niisan, you watched our match? How did I do?" Seikū asked eagerly.
"You performed well. Some chūnin would struggle against you," Kakashi praised.
At that moment, Yuan spoke calmly, "Seikū, I'm not satisfied. There were too many unnecessary flaws."
The joy on Seikū's face vanished instantly. "Yuan, please instruct me."
"The Hatake blade style emphasizes speed, precision, and decisiveness. Each strike must be the final strike. Every swing should be sharp and resolute. During your match with Gen, several attacks contained superfluous movements. They waste chakra—and expose openings. Remember, the blade is most threatening before it is drawn."
Yuan then carefully pointed out the flaws Seikū had displayed, explaining how he should have altered his technique in response to certain attacks. Gen occasionally interjected, contributing to the discussion.
Watching the three of them, Kakashi felt strangely dazed. He was listening to someone else dissect the Hatake blade style.
Yet as Yuan's analysis unfolded, Kakashi found himself immersed. Many insights struck him with sudden clarity, triggering quiet realizations.
After some time, the discussion ended.
Kakashi looked at Yuan with a complicated expression. "No wonder Gai trains like a madman just to fight you once. I didn't expect you to have such a deep understanding of the Hatake blade style. Even I gained much from your guidance to Seikū."
At that moment, Yuan received a spiritual transmission. He glanced toward Hatake Sakumo, who had been standing silently nearby.
Sakumo nodded.
Yuan turned back to Kakashi.
"Kakashi-senpai… let's have a match."
Kakashi blinked in surprise.
"I've wanted to spar with you for a long time," Yuan continued. "You are the son of Konoha's White Fang. You inherited his blade technique—arguably the strongest sword style in Konoha.
"I would very much like to experience it for myself."
Some people die…
But they don't die completely.
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