A week later.
The investigation into Orochimaru finally concluded, and Kakashi Hatake at last had some time to rest.
However, after so many days of investigation, no conclusive results were reached, only a large number of corpses were found, left behind after prolonged Wood Release cell experiments.
As for Orochimaru himself, his whereabouts remained unknown.
At the same time, due to his special status, even though Anbu had already concluded that he was a rogue Ninja, the report was merely shelved after being submitted to the Hokage Office, and instead handed over to Root for international investigation.
"Another open-ended investigation..."
Kakashi Hatake looked at the setting sun in the distance and sighed softly.
The longer he stayed in Anbu, the more he felt the darkness of human nature—whether it came from ordinary Ninja or the higher-ups.
He was indeed a bit tired of it.
"Kakashi-senpai, what did you say?"
Just as he was thinking, a slightly puzzled voice came from beside him.
Kakashi then remembered the kid next to him, turned to glance at him, and said casually:
"Nothing."
Uchiha Itachi looked at him, then continued to walk on.
He didn't know if it was his imagination, but whenever he saw this kid, Kakashi always thought of his younger self.
The same exceptional talent, the same sharp edges, the same premature immersion in darkness.
Only, what had driven him to that point back then was his father's inexplicable death, and his own overly naive thoughts.
What was driving Itachi, however, was the visible conflict between the higher-ups and the Uchiha Clan.
Because of these similar experiences, Kakashi, in his daily life, actually didn't want to meet this kid often, sometimes even avoiding him.
Kakashi Hatake actually understood that it was his aversion to the path he had taken.
Politics, what a harmful thing.
At times like this, he needed to relax a bit.
Thinking this, he casually pulled out a novel with a cover from his pocket and started reading it.
'Even though he's already so outstanding, he's still constantly learning and progressing?'
'As expected of Kakashi-senpai.'
Glancing at Kakashi's actions, Uchiha Itachi thought to himself, deciding that he also needed to continue his extra training after returning home.
He would just have to cancel his plans with Sasuke.
The two, whose thoughts were completely unrelated, slowly walked into the Hokage Building, preparing to submit their mission report first.
They had only gone up two floors when Uchiha Itachi suddenly noticed a man in a white lab coat walking out of a door. He happened to catch sight of Kakashi, and the gaze behind his thick glasses clearly brightened:
"Oh, Kakashi?"
"You actually have time to come here."
The voice was cheerful and gentle, like an older brother from next door, even his gaze carried a hint of concern.
Just by hearing the voice, Kakashi Hatake had already identified the person. He habitually put on a world-weary expression, and looked over with a dead-fish eye.
Sure enough, it was Sōusuke again.
"I didn't come here on purpose."
"I still have a mission to submit."
However, despite his disdainful expression, Kakashi still put away his adult novel and spoke with a rather helpless tone.
"That's perfect then. I was just about to go eat. Want to join me?"
The tall man's face held a warm, spring-like smile, his thick glasses slightly pressing on the bridge of his nose, and his tone was very friendly. Even with the glasses and hairstyle partially obscuring his face, it was clear he was very handsome.
At this moment, he spoke while taking off his lab coat, which was stained with experimental residue, completely disregarding Kakashi's expression.
'He's actually so familiar with Kakashi-senpai, who isn't good at socializing...'
'He must be a very gentle person.'
Uchiha Itachi watched silently, thinking to himself.
Just as he was thinking, he saw the other person's gaze fall upon him, and he asked, puzzled:
"But, have you already started taking on students? You didn't even tell me. You're still as excessive as ever."
"Not a student, a colleague."
Kakashi Hatake, with his hands in his pockets, gestured towards the kid beside him: "You should have heard of him. The Uchiha Clan's genius, Uchiha Itachi."
"He should be promoted to Jonin next year."
"Eh?"
The other person's face showed a clearly incredulous expression, and he said in surprise: "So you are Itachi-kun. I apologize, I misunderstood."
Uchiha Itachi bowed stiffly, replying like a little adult:
"It's alright, this..."
As he spoke, he realized he hadn't asked for the other person's name and turned to look at Kakashi.
Kakashi Hatake took the opportunity to introduce: "His name is Aizen. He's my Classmates (classmate/peer), and also a Jonin. He should have been promoted to research lab chief this year—I heard he recently completed several impressive research projects."
"They're all just small projects, nothing compared to you geniuses."
"Itachi-kun can just call me by my name."
He always seemed to be so unpretentious, speaking gently.
"Yes, Sōusuke-senpai."
Uchiha Itachi didn't refuse, but still maintained a sense of distance, habitually adding an honorific.
"Perfect, Itachi-kun, you should come along too."
"This project finally finished today, and I'm planning to treat myself to something good—how about Akimichi Clan's barbecue?"
Sōusuke first smiled at Itachi, then turned to look at Kakashi.
Kakashi looked as if he couldn't do anything about him, sighing and complaining:
"I haven't agreed yet!"
Then, he saw the other person suddenly put his hands together, as if he had just thought of something, and smiled: "Oh right! Guy should be finishing training and returning to the Village soon. If I shout your name on the street, I'm sure to run into him. Why don't we invite him too..."
"..."
"Let's go, let's go."
Kakashi's tone immediately softened.
Uchiha Itachi paused, looking somewhat bewildered at the two who were already walking ahead.
It was truly rare in the Village to find people who, like these two seniors, didn't hold any strange views towards the Uchiha.
But, it felt quite nice.
The young man pursed his lips, a warmth unknowingly rising in his heart.
If everyone in the Village were like them, perhaps the relationship between the Uchiha Clan and the Village wouldn't have reached this point, would it?
He thought to himself, his steps instinctively following... "Whew—"
The beer glass clattered onto the table.
Kakashi Hatake let out a long breath, as if to release all the pent-up frustration of the past few days, his mask pulled down to his neck.
Chasing down Orochimaru was no easy task.