The sun hung low in the sky as Kakashi entered the Hokage's office, his demeanor serious as he prepared to report the recent events. Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his desk, a look of concern etched across his face.
"Kakashi, you're back," Hiruzen said, noting Kakashi's solemn expression. "What happened with Team 8?"
Kakashi took a deep breath, choosing his words carefully. "We encountered a rogue ninja named Shijen, who was responsible for the recent disappearances of several civilians. When we arrived, Hyuk had already confronted him and his goons."
Hiruzen leaned forward, his interest piqued. "And?"
"Hyuk... he killed them all," Kakashi admitted, his voice low. "Even Shijen. He caught him off guard with his ice Kekkei Genkai."
Shock registered on Hiruzen's face as he processed this information. "Ice Kekkei Genkai? I didn't know he had that ability," he murmured, recalling the tales of the Yuki clan. "I remember hearing about a Haruno who married into that clan many years ago. So Hyuk must have inherited that bloodline."
"Yes," Kakashi confirmed. "He's exceptionally talented, but I'm concerned about how this power affected him. He fought with a cold determination that felt... different. There's a darkness in him now."
Hiruzen nodded, his expression grave. "We'll need to keep a close watch on him. Power without control can lead to dire consequences."
"Agreed," Kakashi said, glancing out the window as if searching for answers in the horizon. "As for Team 8, they faced overwhelming odds. Kurenai was knocked unconscious, and during the struggle, Hinata was kidnapped by Shijen and his goons. Thankfully, we managed to rescue her, but it was a dangerous situation."
"Thank goodness she's safe," Hiruzen sighed, relief evident in his voice. "What about the other members?"
"Kiba and Shino are recovering now. We got to them in time before anything serious happened," Kakashi replied, concern for his team evident in his tone. "However, Kurenai will need time to recover from her injuries."
"Thank you for your report, Kakashi," Hiruzen said, his brow furrowed in thought. "It seems this incident is far more serious than we anticipated. I'll need to discuss this further with the council."
Meanwhile, in the hospital, Hyuk sat in a sterile waiting room, his expression unreadable as he stared at the wall. He had been there for hours, the weight of his actions pressing heavily on his chest. Despite the relief of defeating Shijen, he felt an emptiness grow within him.
"Hyuk?" A soft voice broke through his thoughts. He turned to see Reina being wheeled in, wrapped in a hospital blanket. Her expression was a mix of fatigue and relief as she caught sight of him.
"Reina," he said, standing abruptly. He felt a rush of emotion he didn't know how to express. "Are you okay?"
She smiled weakly, a hint of warmth lighting up her tired eyes. "I'm fine now. Thanks to you."
Hyuk looked down, his face hardening. "I did what I had to do. It's over now."
Reina's gaze softened as she studied him. "But it must have been hard for you. You saved us, but it sounded like a tough fight. You didn't have to kill them all."
Hyuk clenched his jaw, frustration bubbling just beneath the surface. "They would have killed you. I couldn't let that happen. I had to protect you."
"But at what cost?" Reina pressed gently. "You don't have to carry this weight alone, Hyuk. You're not just a weapon."
The words hung heavy in the air, and for a moment, Hyuk felt the walls he had built around himself begin to crack. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came.
Just then, Kakashi entered the room, his presence a welcome distraction. "Hyuk, Reina, glad to see you're both okay," he said, his tone lightening the mood. "How are you feeling, Reina?"
"Much better, thank you," she replied, her smile returning. "Just a little shaken up."
"Good to hear," Kakashi said, then turned to Hyuk. "You did well out there. I heard about your Kekkei Genkai. You have a gift, and with training, you can master it."
Hyuk nodded, still processing everything that had happened. "I want to get stronger," he replied quietly. "I can't let anyone else suffer because of me."
Kakashi placed a hand on his shoulder, offering reassurance. "That's the first step. Acknowledging your power is crucial, but don't forget the importance of your friends. They can help you find balance."
Hyuk glanced at Reina, who was watching him with an encouraging expression. He felt a flicker of warmth within him, but it was quickly overshadowed by the cold resolve that had driven him so far.
"I'll protect them," he said finally, his voice steady. "No matter what."
"Then let's get you started," Kakashi replied, his tone shifting to one of determination. "We have work to do, and I'll be there every step of the way."
As they prepared to leave the hospital, Hyuk felt a mix of emotions swirling within him—anger, fear, and an unexpected sense of hope. With Reina by his side and Kakashi guiding him, he felt the possibility of breaking free from the darkness that loomed over him.
But the path ahead would not be easy. The battle against his own demons was only just beginning.