Sarutobi Hiruzen could tell that Uchiha Sogetsu was not easily swayed. His expression softened as he sighed, knowing that there was no point in arguing further.
"Alright, if that's what you've decided, then so be it," he said, lighting his pipe. After a couple of puffs, he continued, "The second matter—I'd like you to oversee this year's Chunin Exam as an invigilator."
"Me?" Uchiha Sogetsu was taken aback, struggling to process the request. Typically, the Chunin Exam invigilators were closely tied to the Hokage's administration.
In Naruto's generation, those tasked with overseeing the exam included the likes of Mikarashi Anko, Gekko Hayate, and Ibiki Morino—individuals with strong connections to the Hokage's inner circle.
Such positions were significant. They not only promoted the Hokage's reputation but also allowed them to cultivate their close associates. An Uchiha as an invigilator? That was unheard of.
What was Sarutobi Hiruzen playing at? Sogetsu decided to probe. "Hokage-sama, I'm with the ANBU. Doesn't this disrupt the usual protocol?"
Hiruzen, with his trademark calmness, smiled as if he'd anticipated the question. "It's not a problem. Don't overthink it. Having you as an invigilator not only shows that I trust you, but it's also a test for you."
"A test?" Sogetsu echoed, puzzled.
Hiruzen's smile deepened, his demeanor becoming somewhat cryptic. "Let's just say it's a good opportunity for you. Nara Shikaku will fill you in on the details. Just know that it's an honor and a stepping stone for you."
"I understand, Hokage-sama," Sogetsu replied, nodding in acceptance.
Being an examiner for the Chunin Exam wasn't a bad deal. It was a high-profile role that could bring unexpected opportunities. Sogetsu wondered what else might unfold as he prepared to take on this new responsibility.
Uchiha Sogetsu carefully placed the newly acquired Mutually Multiplying Explosive Tags into his pocket, heading towards the Hatake residence.
It was once lively and vibrant, but since the tragic death of White Fang, the atmosphere had become as silent as a graveyard.
White Fang's only son, Kakashi, had shut himself in his room, not wanting to speak to anyone. His isolation seemed complete, as if he were suffering from some sort of withdrawal from the world.
Seeing the abandoned courtyard, Uchiha Sogetsu knew knocking wouldn't work. He'd need a different approach. With a light leap, he vaulted over the high wall and landed softly inside the grounds.
Almost immediately, a small, slender figure appeared in the courtyard's corridor. Half of his face was concealed by a black mask, but the rest revealed a strikingly handsome young man with silver hair catching the sun's rays.
His energy should have been boundless at his age, but his demeanor was far from it; Kakashi seemed older and more jaded than his six or seven years.
"Uchiha Sogetsu, what are you doing here?" Kakashi's voice was rough, as if scraped with gravel. It was hard to believe it came from someone so young.
"Someone sent me to check on you," Sogetsu replied, straightforwardly. "You don't look like you've eaten in a while, right?"
"It's none of your business." Kakashi's tone was cold and harsh. "You're not welcome here. Leave."
"Are you still upset about your father's death?" Sogetsu asked, looking Kakashi directly in the eyes. As he did, he observed Kakashi's Ether Body; sadness cloaked the boy's spirit, a deep mourning for a lost parent. But beneath it all, a hint of anger simmered, faint but detectable.
This anger was directed at the people responsible for his father's fate, including the villagers who spread rumors, leading to White Fang's tragic end.
But it wasn't enough, not enough to bring about a real change in Kakashi. Sogetsu knew that he had to draw out more of that anger, to lead Kakashi further into the depths of despair and rage, if he was to help him realize his true potential.
"I'll say it one more time: get out of here!" Kakashi's patience had worn thin, his voice laced with anger.
"Are you angry? Or just showing off?" Sogetsu asked, his eyes narrowing as he prepared for what might come next.
Uchiha Sogetsu wasn't going to let Kakashi leave without adding a little more fuel to the fire. He smirked and said, "With all due respect, acting like this only makes you look... more cowardly."
Kakashi spun around, his eyes flaring with anger. "What did you say?"
"Cowardly." The word hit Kakashi like a punch to the gut, causing his rage to spike. His fierce gaze locked onto Sogetsu, like a lion about to pounce.
Sogetsu adjusted his glasses, his eyes glimmering with amusement. "That's more like it. You've got a bit of the White Fang in you when you're angry. But that doesn't change the fact that you're still a coward, Kakashi."
"You!" Kakashi's hand flew to his sword, drawing it halfway out of its sheath. His voice was low and deadly. "Apologize!"
"If you had the guts to actually use that sword, maybe I'd consider it," Sogetsu replied, his lips curling into a mocking smile.
"But you don't. You're too scared. It's disappointing, really. Your father was the Konoha's White Fang, and you're... well, just a cowardly son. What a waste."
"That's it! I'll kill you!" Kakashi couldn't hold back his anger any longer.
With a sharp clang, he drew his short sword completely, its blade gleaming in the light. The leaves swirling in the corridor were caught in the sudden gust from his movement as he lunged toward Sogetsu, swift as a shadow.
Kakashi's attack was aimed slightly off-center, targeting a non-lethal spot. He wanted to injure Sogetsu, not kill him, but enough to keep him in the hospital for a few days. However, things didn't go as planned.
As Kakashi's blade was about to connect, Sogetsu's hand shot out, grabbing Kakashi's wrist with surprising speed. His grip was like iron, and with just a slight squeeze, there was a distinct cracking sound from Kakashi's wrist.
"Ah!!!"
Kakashi's right wrist felt like it had been shattered, sending waves of excruciating pain through his body. Sweat broke out on his forehead, and his heart raced.
"I must commend you," Uchiha Sogetsu taunted, his Sharingan spinning with a hint of mockery.
"Your obvious attack intentions and clumsy moves would make White Fang's sword skills look useless."
He pretended to sigh regretfully, shaking his head. "Let me give you some advice: don't go around saying arrogant things. It only reveals your weaknesses."
Kakashi had just opened his mouth to respond when Sogetsu seized his wrist and swung him like a piece of trash. Kakashi crashed through the wooden pillars lining the corridor and landed with a hard thud in the next room.
He tried to get back up, but his wrist was broken, and the impact had badly bruised his internal organs. He made several attempts to rise but failed each time, his body too damaged to cooperate.
All he could do was glare at Sogetsu, trying to communicate his hatred through his eyes.
Sogetsu stood in the courtyard, smirking. "Let me tell you something, Kakashi," he said, his Sharingan tomoe reflecting the dim light. "When you think of the word 'ninja,' you should also remember 'kill him.'"
Before Kakashi could react, Sogetsu rushed into the room and delivered a swift kick to Kakashi's abdomen, sending him flying.
The blow landed with a sickening thud, and Kakashi was in pain as he tumbled backward. He smashed through a flimsy wooden door and continued flying until he hit a solid cement wall, where he finally stopped.
The pain in his abdomen was unbearable, and Kakashi felt like his organs had been displaced. He couldn't even stand up, his eyes tearing up from the pain.
"Wow," Kakashi muttered through his ragged breaths, his mind spinning with confusion. He couldn't understand what was happening or why Uchiha Sogetsu was attacking him.
Was it because Obito had some grudge against him? Had his old friend sent Sogetsu to settle a score? What was the real reason behind this brutal assault?
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