"Because the camera just showed up!"
Sakumo answered Kakashi.
"Camera?" Hearing his father's words, Kakashi was first taken aback, then completely understood.
The so-called 'camera' was the live broadcast of their current operation.
Kakashi was also aware that their actions this time were being watched from the other side.
Clearly, Sakumo's decisive and swift single slash had also delivered a small dose of shock value.
At the same time, knowing that he was being watched and observed by Sora, Kakashi grew excited.
"Captain, I'll continue pushing forward!" Kakashi said excitedly.
"Go, be sharp!" Sakumo nodded.
"Yes, sir!" Kakashi shook off any weariness and pressed on!
After the first wave of the Twelve Guardian Ninja lost four of their twelve, dealing with the rest was relatively straightforward.
Without too much effort, Kakashi led his squad to the palace gates of the Land of Fire's capital city.
Just another ten minutes or so of advancement, and he would meet the person with the highest authority in this nation!
Of course, that highest authority was merely a thing of the past!
However, before Kakashi could take more than a few steps forward, he encountered a familiar figure.
"Kakashi?"
"Asuma?"
Looking at the familiar figure ahead, both Kakashi and Asuma involuntarily halted.
"What are you doing here?" x2
Immediately after, they both asked the same question.
Yet, after uttering the same words, Kakashi and Asuma's reactions were completely different.
Glancing at the red cloth with the character for 'Fire' embroidered on it at Asuma's waist, Kakashi's expression showed understanding.
Looking at the people radiating killing intent behind Kakashi, their blades still stained with fresh blood, Asuma also understood.
Instantly, Asuma gritted his teeth: "So you're the rebel forces attacking Daimyo-sama? Damn it, what is Father thinking? How could he commit such an act of great treachery?"
"Kakashi, retreat now, and I might still remember our past friendship as classmates, beg the Daimyo-sama for mercy, and spare your life!"
Asuma said.
"Heh? Mercy?"
Asuma's words amused Kakashi.
"Do you even hear what you're saying, Asuma?" Looking at Asuma, Kakashi's eyes held a mocking glint: "Mercy? Are you qualified for that?"
"Has your time in the Twelve Guardian Ninja all these years rotted your brain? Who do you think you are now?"
Kakashi sneered.
His words were truly heartfelt.
In his view, Asuma was a foolish child with something wrong in his head.
In the past, given his status as the Hokage's son, Kakashi would give him some leeway.
But now?
Who the hell is he to him?
Kakashi is now the Lieutenant of the 2nd Division. Above him were the Zero Division, the Soul King… it wasn't the Ninja Hierarchy anymore.
Even if Hiruzen was still Hokage, so what?
And...
Kakashi had more he didn't say.
Clearly, his own son was right here serving in the Twelve Guardian Ninja, yet Hiruzen hadn't reacted at all… neither sending a warning nor recalling his son.
This attitude was already very ambiguous!
Combined with the fact that Hiruzen had now regained his youth...
Kakashi had an immature thought.
Could it be that his Hokage-sama felt this younger son's 'account' was ruined and wanted to start a new one?
Of course, this was just Kakashi's speculation.
Hearing Kakashi's words, Asuma felt the anger burning fiercely in his heart!
"Kakashi, how dare you speak to me like that?" Asuma shouted.
"I represent Daimyo-sama's Twelve Guardian Ninja!"
"Now, your attack on the Land of Fire's capital is already a grave crime. I am interrogating you!"
"Kakashi, do you want to destroy Konoha?" Asuma declared righteously.
His words thoroughly enraged Kakashi.
"Heh!" Kakashi looked at Asuma and gave a cold laugh.
"Destroy Konoha?" Kakashi looked strangely at Asuma: "Asuma, I'm very curious, with what mental state, what mindset, and from what standpoint are you saying this?"
"You say we want to destroy Konoha… are you speaking from Konoha's standpoint?"
"But that's what's strange!"
Kakashi's expression was full of mockery: "I have a question for you. Do you really think you are still a Konoha's Ninja now, Asuma?"
"Are you worthy of being a Konoha's Ninja?"
Kakashi asked pointedly.
Hearing Kakashi's words, Asuma's face flushed red, as if he had been stepped on, and he jumped up: "How am I not? How am I not a Konoha's Ninja?"
"I was born in Konoha, my father is the Hokage, I am a Konoha's Jonin. Tell me, how am I not a Konoha's Ninja?"
Asuma roared.
"Heh!" Kakashi's expression turned cold.
Looking at the foolish and unaware Asuma, Kakashi continued: "Well then, since you believe you are a Konoha's Ninja, let me ask you: Where were you during the war?"
"Where were you when Konoha's Ninja were sacrificing their lives?"