In Naruto, build the strongest Hidden Mist Village.

Chapter 27 Lin. Lin? Lin!

"Lin."

A soft murmur from Kakashi drifted on the breeze.

"You didn't know, did you? Obito is still alive."

Kakashi's voice faded, and a barely perceptible sadness appeared in his eyes.

"But I don't know where he is."

He raised his head, looked at the Hokage Rock he had once respected so much, and spoke with a hint of pain.

"But I'm sure of one thing."

"Lin, you may not believe it, but it's true."

I checked; orphans go missing unexpectedly every year.

"So it's really possible that the village is conducting human experiments."

"And Obito may very well have also undergone such an experiment."

As he said this, a ray of light shone on the face of the Third Hokage, the Rock Hokage, and reflected into Kakashi's eyes, causing him to blink involuntarily.

When he opened his eyes again and looked at the source of the light, a hint of coldness appeared in his eyes.

The third generation.

Even if Danzo did it, as the Hokage, wouldn't you have noticed at all?
Kakashi shook his head. Since they had chosen to investigate the truth, there was no need to waste time guessing.

I lowered my head, avoiding the refracted light, and looked at the tombstone again through the swirling dust.

"Lin, don't worry, this time, I only believe in myself."

"Sooner or later, I will find Obito."

"I will live well with him!"

"Lin, you want one too."

Kakashi looked at the black and white photo on the tombstone and suddenly felt something inexplicable stuck in his throat, making him unable to speak.

Only you, Lin.

Only you went to that world.

Kakashi closed his eyes, clenched the flower in his hand, and squeezed out a few drops of juice.

He thought of Rin Nohara's last bittersweet smile before she died.

At that time, she desperately wanted to escape the shadow of Obito's death and live a good life.

But now, she not only didn't see Obito, she also didn't have the chance to see this world again.

Kakashi clenched his fists, roaring inwardly.

Lin.

I am sorry.

I didn't protect you.

Kakashi opened his eyes, looking at Rin Nohara's tombstone with a resolute expression.

"Lin, I will help you get revenge."

He turned his head and, through the treetops, could vaguely make out the shape of the Hokage Building.

"Lin, your death was probably condoned by some high-ranking officials in the village."

"Obito was also hidden in an unknown location by those high-ranking officials, where he was subjected to unspeakable experiments."

"Don't worry."

Kakashi's breathing gradually became heavy, and even his usually deadpan expression showed some anger.

"No matter who it is, whether it's the Third Hokage, Danzo, or Orochimaru."

Anyone who lays a hand on you, I will find them!

"Rescue Obito and avenge you."

Kakashi's eyes see through the present and into the past.

That night, Sakumo Hatake, his father, plunged a knife into his own chest.

Konoha's hero, a pillar of World War II, committed suicide at home in such a muddled way.

Kakashi was still young at that time.

He only learned one thing from the countless angry curses: a ninja must follow the rules.

Otherwise, they deserve to die.

Therefore, he regarded that sentence as gospel and the way of forbearance.

Until that day, Obito Uchiha turned around and told him.

A ninja who doesn't know how to follow the rules is trash, but a guy who doesn't cherish his comrades is even worse than trash.

As Obito's words fell, his long-held principles of morality and ninja way shattered in an instant, and his heart clenched.

that moment.

Kakashi finally confronted his own inner thoughts.

Rules are worthless.

Companions are what the heart truly cherishes!
His father died, and he had no role to play, nor was he capable of doing anything.

He is now empowered after facing his true self.

If he continues to sit idly by and watch Obito die, that is not his way of ninja!
So, my comrade, we must save him!

Rin's death must be avenged! Kakashi gripped the long sword at his waist, a terrifying killing intent and arrogance faintly revealed.

If someone familiar with him saw him, they would definitely say, "The familiar, confident Kakashi is back!"
He composed himself and spoke softly.

"Lin, goodbye. I will keep my promise."

After Kakashi finished speaking, he placed a bunch of slightly crushed flowers on the tombstone. Just as he was about to turn and leave, he immediately stopped, suppressing all his killing intent and other emotions, and returned to his usual indifference, standing quietly.

Soon, an ANBU ninja appeared in Kakashi's peripheral vision.

When the Anbu arrived nearby, Kakashi seemed to just notice them, turned around, and lowered his head.

Without uttering a single word, ignoring the swirling dust, the member of the Dark Division spoke, and anyone could hear the anxiety in his voice.

"Kakashi, there's a meeting at the Hokage Building in three hours. Don't be late."

Having said that, without waiting for Kakashi's response, the Anbu ninja immediately turned around, walked out of the cemetery, and then leaped into the air, rushing off into the distance.

Looking at the anxious figures of the Anbu members, Kakashi had some vague guesses in his mind.

Nowadays, only war can stir up the village's emotions.

With other battlefields gradually stabilizing, there's only one possibility: the Hidden Mist Village has joined the war.

Kakashi's heart sank slightly, but he immediately put on a thoughtful expression.

In that case, this meeting must have been the most important pre-war meeting for intelligence analysis and tactical planning.

According to convention, only the legendary Sannin, advisors, and Minato-sensei are qualified to participate. Why was I allowed to go?
Based on the available information, Kakashi quickly came to a guess.

Naoki Kaguya!

Having witnessed Kaguya Naoki's formidable fighting prowess, Kakashi knew that Naoki was absolutely qualified to be studied by the Konoha ninjas.

However, judging solely from the information he submitted to the Third Hokage, Kaguya Naoki did not seem to warrant such a large-scale operation.

So, Naoki, what amazing thing have you done this time?
But if it were you, you'd die from being studied like that.

Kakashi felt a slight, strange emotion because of Kaguya Naoki, but he quickly suppressed it.

A sense of dread crept into my heart.

When did I start feeling this way about a Hidden Mist ninja?

He quickly found a reason to comfort himself: it must just be because of Obito.

Kakashi took a breath and exhaled these thoughts.

In any case, everything will be revealed in three hours.

He started walking towards the Hokage Building, intending to kill some time before going directly to the meeting.

Kakashi had only taken a few steps when he suddenly stopped. He sensed that the summoning contract was trembling slightly.

Is it Parker?
Kakashi was somewhat puzzled.

Kaguya Naoki, do you have any information to pass on now?

How come we already have information about Obito after only a few days?

Could it be because of the war?

Kakashi suppressed his speculations and focused his gaze on the surroundings.

Although they didn't notice any prying eyes, it was far too careless to openly receive information from Kirigakure in the village.

Kakashi turned around, rushed back home, and slammed the door shut.

Next, he gently bit his fingertip until blood beaded, then slapped it with one hand.

As white smoke rose, Pakkun, the ninja dog, appeared in front of him with a pained expression.

It looked around and said weakly.

"Kakashi, you're home."

Kakashi nodded slightly, looked at the scroll on Puck's body, walked straight over and took it in his hand, and then added a casual remark.

"Thanks a lot."

After saying that, he looked at the contents of the scroll and immediately turned his back.

Unaware of what was happening, Puck's previously bitter and resentful expression immediately hardened upon hearing Kakashi's words.

Shout loudly: "What do you mean by 'you've worked hard'? If you say that without gratitude, you'll be punished."

"Kakashi!"

"Did you hear me?!"

Parker looked at Kakashi, who had turned his back, a hint of doubt in his eyes.

What's wrong with this guy?

"Parker."

"heard it."

"wait for me."

Kakashi's voice was somewhat distorted, as if he was trying his best to suppress some kind of emotion.

Parker noticed Kakashi's unusual behavior, suppressed his displeasure, and abandoned any intention to joke. Watching Kakashi walk towards the room, he couldn't help but feel a little worried.

boom!
The door closed tightly, and Kakashi entered the sealed bedroom.

He gripped the scroll tightly in his hand, his bloodshot eyes scanning the three characters "Nohara Rin" repeatedly, as if trying to etch them into his soul.

Is that Lin's handwriting?

Lin, is she still alive?

(End of this chapter)