Kakashi's Marriage Problem
Above Konoha, the sky bloomed with an unusual kind of firework.
The Sky Ninja's weapons never even had a chance to be deployed. Their explosives detonated prematurely in midair after being pierced through, bursting into pale, muted flashes that scattered across the heavens.
From below, the villagers erupted into cheers.
"Sixth Hokage!"
"Long live the Hokage!"
Once again, they were reminded just how powerful Fujimoto Tōma was. A deep sense of safety settled into their hearts, mixed with unmistakable pride.
This was their Hokage.
While the village celebrated, Tōma had already returned to the Hokage's office. He picked up a teacup from the desk and took a sip. Still warm.
Far away, a pale red-skinned boy watched the scene in silence.
His lips parted, but no words came out.
So this was Konoha.
The very shinobi who had annihilated his own village without resistance had been erased in moments here.
The boy clenched his teeth, forcing his exhausted body forward toward Konoha's gates.
He had to find Konoha's medical ninja. No matter what.
Inside the Hokage's office, Kakashi arrived at Nara Shikaku's summons.
"Kakashi," Tōma said, looking up, "you're aware of the Sky Ninja incident?"
Kakashi nodded. As expected.
"I left a few survivors," Tōma continued. "They're being tracked by ANBU now. We should be able to locate their base."
"And your mission is to destroy it. If possible, retrieve their flight technology."
Kakashi hesitated. "Just me?"
Tōma smiled faintly. "Of course not."
He handed over a list. Mostly familiar names.
The moment Kakashi saw it, he relaxed. At least it wasn't a suicide assignment.
"One more thing," Tōma added casually. "How's your contact with the Land of Snow? Weren't you supposed to pursue cooperation with Kazahana Koyuki? Any progress?"
Shikaku glanced at Kakashi, mildly surprised. That was news to him.
"Well," Shikaku thought, "Kakashi's age does make it overdue."
"Hokage-sama," Kakashi sighed, "please don't start matchmaking."
"How is this matchmaking?" Tōma replied calmly. "It's mutually beneficial. We get Snow Country's specialized equipment. They get the protection of the Copy Ninja."
He looked Kakashi over. "And you're not exactly young anymore. If White Fang were still alive, he'd probably want the Hatake line to continue."
Shikaku nodded along. "I agree with the Hokage on this."
Kakashi pinched the bridge of his nose. "I don't have plans for that right now. As for Snow Country, cooperation is settled, but their production capacity is limited. They'll supply us after meeting their own needs."
"No plans, huh…" Tōma said quietly. He could tell Kakashi was still trapped by the shadows of his past.
"It doesn't have to be Koyuki," Tōma added thoughtfully. "There are plenty of suitable candidates in Konoha too. Shizune. Uzuki Yugao—"
"Stop," Kakashi said quickly. "I already have someone in mind."
If this continued, he'd be dragged into a blind date next.
"I'm only making suggestions," Tōma said lightly. "Just remember, living forever in the past isn't healthy."
He took back the list and raised an eyebrow. "Only Shikamaru and Shino?"
"Yes. Just them."
"Add Ino," Tōma said. "Her long-range control abilities will be useful."
Kakashi nodded. He'd considered it himself but hesitated due to her position. Since Tōma suggested it, there was no issue.
"I'll depart immediately," Kakashi said, already halfway to the door. Staying any longer felt dangerous.
"One more thing," Tōma added. "Call Asuma here on your way out."
"…Understood."
Kakashi all but fled.
Tōma and Shikaku exchanged amused looks.
"Hokage-sama," Shikaku asked, "why summon Asuma?"
"The succession paperwork still needs to be formally reported to the daimyo," Tōma replied. "We didn't have time earlier. Asuma knows that side of things well."
Shikaku nodded in agreement.
After a moment, Tōma asked, "Shikaku, I heard Asuma was pretty rebellious when he was younger?"
Shikaku's expression turned complicated. "That's one way to put it. He left the village for a time, wandered the world, and even became one of the Fire Nation's Guardian Shinobi Twelve. At one point, he was prepared to die protecting the daimyo rather than return to Konoha."
Tōma chuckled. Just hearing it was enough to imagine how helpless the Third Hokage must have felt.
At that moment, Kamizuki Izumo entered the office.
"Hokage-sama."
"What is it?" Tōma asked, surprised to see him away from the gates.
Izumo explained quickly. A young man had arrived in Konoha claiming his village had recently been attacked by the Sky Ninja. Many civilians were injured. He was searching for his teacher, a man named Shinnō, and requesting Konoha's help.
Given the timing, Izumo felt it necessary to report immediately.
"He collapsed from exhaustion after arriving," Izumo added. "He's currently in the hospital. Also, according to our records, Shinnō entered the village within the last couple of days."
Tōma and Shikaku exchanged a glance.
So the Sky Ninja weren't finished yet.
"I understand," Tōma said. "Return to your post. Shikaku and I will visit the hospital."
"Yes, sir."
Izumo withdrew.
As the office fell quiet again, the sense that things were far from settled lingered in the air.