Kakashi's Resolve
Even knowing Hiruko's actions had stirred up trouble, Tōma hadn't expected the Fire Nation's response to be this aggressive.
The summons from the Fire Daimyō arrived almost immediately. Less than a day later, Tōma was ordered to attend a council meeting.
"Tch…"
He clicked his tongue. Even if he didn't feel like going, refusal wasn't an option. Not yet.
As expected, the meeting followed a familiar script.
Konoha's long-standing contributions to the Fire Nation's stability were acknowledged, but the tone quickly shifted. Hiruko's declaration, made in Konoha's name, was framed as proof that the village posed a potential threat. Some even hinted at rebellion. The Daimyō claimed border regions were already under pressure from neighboring countries and demanded that Konoha resolve the situation immediately.
Tōma accepted the responsibility without argument. Hiruko was already his problem.
In truth, he was curious. A shinobi once hunted by the Three Legendary Sannin, declared dead, now resurfacing with confidence. And more importantly, the Chimera Technique itself, once considered the ultimate shortcut for a civilian-born ninja.
As for the claim that the Fire Nation was "under attack," Tōma found it laughable.
The Fire Nation wasn't fragile. If minor countries were probing the borders now, they'd likely planned to do so regardless. The statement was nothing more than political pressure dressed up as urgency.
Back in the Hokage's office, Nara Shikaku frowned.
"Hokage-sama, what's our next move?"
From his perspective, Hiruko's strength wasn't the issue. The real danger was that Hiruko had dragged Konoha into the spotlight. If he stayed hidden, the village would take the blame.
Yet Tōma looked… unbothered.
"We wait," Tōma said, glancing at the sky.
Shikaku fell silent. On paper, delay only made things worse. Unless—
"Hokage-sama," he said carefully, "have you noticed something?"
"Let me ask you this first," Tōma replied. "Why do you think Hiruko chose now?"
Shikaku thought it over and shook his head. "I don't see the advantage. If he wanted to act, he should've done so years ago, when Konoha was weaker."
"Then how about the skies?" Tōma asked. "You heard the forecasts?"
"…You mean the eclipse?" Shikaku said slowly. "In a day or two."
Tōma nodded. "He didn't choose now. He was forced into it. Miss this window, and he'd be waiting years."
Everything clicked.
"So he'll move soon," Shikaku said.
"Tonight or tomorrow," Tōma agreed. "Which is why we don't rush."
After a moment, Tōma added, "Assign someone to keep an eye on Kakashi."
Shikaku blinked. "You think he's the target?"
"Yes."
Sasuke didn't need protection. Kakashi did.
"I'll arrange it immediately," Shikaku said.
Once he left, Tōma leaned back, thoughtful.
Hiruko wasn't a threat to Konoha. Naruto or Sasuke alone could end him. But Tōma's interests lay elsewhere. The Chimera Technique fused multiple bloodlines. If he wanted to explore the path toward kekkei tōta, Hiruko was a perfect test case.
Later that night, while Tōma's shadow clone trained elsewhere, Kakashi appeared in person.
"Sorry to bother you so late," Kakashi said, scratching his head.
"What's wrong?" Tōma asked.
"There's a curse mark on me," Kakashi said bluntly. "Hiruko marked my Sharingan years ago as his fifth target. I've also been under a form of puppet control, though it's incomplete."
"So that's it," Tōma said lightly. "If you can walk in here and explain it, his control clearly isn't perfect."
Kakashi nodded, then straightened.
"Hokage-sama, I want permission to go to his base. I can use my Mangekyō to dismantle his plan before it escalates."
Tōma raised an eyebrow.
"You make it sound like Konoha needs you to sacrifice yourself."
"This is the fastest solution—"
"No," Tōma interrupted calmly. "Konoha doesn't solve problems by throwing away its best shinobi. The Fire Nation can apply all the pressure it wants. It's not in a position to force us."
Kakashi stiffened. Those words were dangerously blunt.
"Hokage-sama…"
"I'm not worried about them," Tōma said, patting Kakashi's shoulder. "And you don't need to worry on my behalf either. If things get ugly, you'll just have to work a little harder."
Kakashi was silent for a long moment.
"If that day comes," he said quietly, "I'll be the sharpest blade at your side."
Tōma chuckled.
"You'll need to sharpen yourself. Your students already outpace you."
Kakashi sighed. "Sasuke and Naruto, huh…"
Pride and helplessness mixed in his voice.
"Oh, and one more thing," Tōma added. "If you die, my deal with Tsunade becomes very awkward."
"…What deal?"
"Later," Tōma said. "For now, I'll place a Flying Thunder God mark on you. Leave the rest to me."
"Yes," Kakashi replied, finally at ease.