Three days later.
Team Seven returned to the gates of Konoha.
The village lay within a circular plain, surrounded by protective walls, with a single main entrance guarded by two chūnin.
The guards were Kakashi's academy-era peers: Kotetsu Hagane and Izumo Kamizuki.
Both officially held the rank of chūnin.
In reality?
Strong enough to brush the edge of jōnin level if standards were relaxed.
Still nowhere near Kakashi's elite status.
"Hey, Kakashi! You're back!"
They seemed friendly enough.
Then they noticed his face.
"…You look awful."
"I'm fine," Kakashi replied weakly.
"Just a bit… drained."
He instinctively turned his head away before his gaze could drift toward Uchiha Kai.
They then noticed Tazuna.
"Isn't that the client you were escorting?"
"You finished the mission, right? Why are you bringing him back… and a bonus kid?"
"They're here for treatment," Kakashi sighed.
"Yes… yes…" Tazuna croaked, his mouth slightly crooked.
"Medical… help…"
After confirming their identities, Kotetsu and Izumo let them pass.
Heightened Security
"The village guards seem tighter lately," Uchiha Kai remarked, closing his book.
"It's that time, isn't it?"
Naruto blinked.
"What time?"
Sasuke scoffed.
"If you read more, you'd know."
"It's the Chūnin Exams."
"They're held twice a year. The Five Great Villages rotate hosting."
"The last round was in Sunagakure. That means it's Konoha's turn."
Naruto's eyes lit up instantly.
"Then I'll show everyone how much I've improved!"
"I'll gain recognition—and become Hokage!"
Sasuke, meanwhile, thought only of one thing.
How old had Itachi been when he became a chūnin?
He didn't want to follow that idiot's path.
He wanted to surpass him.
Kakashi said nothing.
Technically, genin usually needed at least a year before they were eligible to take the exams.
And participation required their jōnin instructor's recommendation.
He wasn't about to say that out loud.
Right now, he just wanted distance.
Distance from Uchiha Kai.
Because even though Uchiha Kai claimed he had "put Madara away," Kakashi could still feel it.
That pressure.
Orochimaru had given him trauma once.
Now Peak Madara had left him with a second psychological scar.
This was becoming a condition.
Report to the Third Hokage
After escorting Tazuna and his grandson—both now suffering mild facial paralysis—to the hospital, Kakashi was summoned.
The Third Hokage sat calmly behind his desk.
"Kakashi."
"You brought Naruto and Uchiha Kai back safely."
"I'm pleased."
Then his eyes sharpened.
"You intend to recommend them for the Chūnin Exams?"
"Yes," Kakashi admitted.
"Mostly because Naruto insists… and Sasuke wants advancement."
"And Uchiha Kai?" the Third pressed.
"He says he doesn't mind. He'll follow arrangements."
The Third stroked his beard thoughtfully.
"Then I deny their participation."
Kakashi froze.
"Why?"
"Because Naruto's identity is delicate."
"You understand."
"And if Sasuke and Uchiha Kai advance…"
"The Uchiha clan may gain confidence."
"That could lead to instability."
Silence filled the room.
Kakashi hesitated.
"There's something else."
"The… presence behind Uchiha Kai."
The Third leaned forward.
"You saw it?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"Can it be removed?"
The Third's eyes burned.
He had assumed it was the restless spirit of Uchiha Madara.
An omen.
If it disappeared, perhaps he could finally sleep peacefully again.
Kakashi swallowed.
"It's Madara."
"But not as you described."
"He's stronger."
"Younger."
"In peak condition."
"And…"
"He has the Rinnegan."
Silence.
"Rinnegan?" the Third whispered.
"You're certain?"
"Yes."
"That's why I look like this."
"I froze."
"Embarrassing, but true."
The Third closed his eyes.
Then opened them again with sudden clarity.
"After careful reconsideration…"
"Young people should challenge themselves."
"If they wish to participate in the Chūnin Exams—"
"They shall."
Kakashi stared.
…That was fast.
The Third Hokage was not a fool.
When Hashirama had been alive, no Kage had dared provoke Konoha.
Now?
He was facing someone even more volatile.
Madara.
And not the philosophical, tired version.
The war-era version.
Denying Uchiha Kai might provoke something catastrophic.
Encouraging participation suddenly felt… safer.
Sometimes wisdom looked suspiciously like surrender.
And the Third Hokage, veteran of three wars, understood survival.
Meanwhile—
Somewhere unseen—
Madara quietly observed.
And sighed.
After all these years…
Not one of the Five Kage had any backbone left.
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