Kakashi returned to Konoha without remaining long in Mount Myōboku.
Having met the conditions to begin sage training, he knew that before committing to the rigorous process, he had to settle a few matters back in the village.
Kakashi estimated that mastering senjutsu would take considerable time. After all, he wasn't Naruto, who possessed exceptional chakra reserves and a unique aptitude that allowed him to learn Sage Mode in a matter of days.
That was a talent only the Child of Prophecy could wield.
Therefore, before he fully immersed himself in training, Kakashi had to report to the Third Hokage.
This trip to Mount Myōboku had been fruitful, even if he hadn't mastered Sage Mode yet. At the very least, he managed to suppress the cursed seal Orochimaru had placed on him during the earlier ambush.
No shinobi would feel comfortable carrying such a volatile time bomb on their body.
By the time Kakashi returned to Konoha, it was already late at night. Not rushing, he chose to rest first and report the following morning.
"Oh? So you went to Mount Myōboku to learn senjutsu?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked in surprise.
He had initially hoped that Jiraiya might help resolve Kakashi's cursed seal, but apparently that wasn't possible. Still, Kakashi learning Sage Mode wasn't a bad turn of events.
"Yes, Lord Third. The process will take a while, so I won't be able to take on missions during that period."
"Hm. It's true that the issue with the cursed seal has dragged on long enough. I approve this leave. But do return quickly. You are an indispensable asset to the village."
"Yes, Lord Third."
"Kakashi," Hiruzen continued, his tone shifting slightly, "once you return, there's a task I'll need you to handle."
"What kind of task?" Kakashi asked, a bit puzzled.
"Asuma… that boy lost his temper and left the village. He's joined the Twelve Guardian Ninja to serve the Fire Daimyō. I'd like you to travel to the capital soon and check on him under the pretense of an assignment."
"Yes, Lord Third."
"Asuma's still young and impulsive. Shinnosuke's child is on the way, and Asuma continues to act like a reckless youth," Hiruzen sighed heavily.
At that moment, the Third wasn't a legendary Hokage — just a weary father burdened with worry.
Sarutobi Shinnosuke and his wife, Kazumi, were elite members of the ANBU. Kakashi had worked alongside them before and knew their strength. But currently, neither was active in the field. Kazumi was more than six months pregnant, and Shinnosuke, preparing for fatherhood, was focused on caring for her.
If nothing went wrong, their child would be Konohamaru.
"Don't worry, Lord Third. Asuma will come to understand your intentions one day. Sometimes experience outside the village is the best teacher."
"You're right. Perhaps this will temper him. Very well, Kakashi — you may go. Report back after your return."
"Yes, Lord Third."
After leaving the Hokage's office, Kakashi headed home to pack. But as he approached his front door, a familiar chakra tug reached him.
"A reverse summoning?"
As the thought flashed across his mind, he vanished with a puff of smoke.
A second later, Kakashi reappeared in Dog Summon Forest.
He looked around, then spotted two familiar figures: Pakkun and the large hellhound, Seven Prisons.
"Pakkun, Seven Prisons — why summon me?" Kakashi asked curiously.
"Seven Prisons has healed," Pakkun replied, "and he's decided to return to Hell Valley to assess the situation. But it might be dangerous, so we thought you should come too."
"Hell Valley is our clan's ancestral home," Seven Prisons said firmly. "We will never abandon it."
Kakashi looked at the large hound with concern. "Are you sure? The chances of encountering that enemy again are slim — but not zero. And if it is the Six Paths of Pain, even I wouldn't be confident."
"I've decided," Seven Prisons replied without hesitation.
Kakashi sighed. "Then I'll come with you. I won't stop you from going, but I'll make sure we both make it back."
"You don't have to, Kakashi," Seven Prisons said. "The enemy is too strong. You haven't fully grown into your potential yet. If it's truly them… you may die."
"It's fine. If I need to escape, no one can catch me."
Though not as refined as Minato's, Kakashi's mastery of space-time jutsu gave him excellent evasion capabilities. In terms of retreat, few could rival him.
Seeing Kakashi's determination, Seven Prisons nodded in gratitude.
"Kakashi, be cautious," Pakkun warned. "Hell Valley is nestled between the Land of Rain and the Land of Grass. The Rain Country's been under strict lockdown. No one knows what's happening there — no travel in or out."
Kakashi furrowed his brows. The Land of Rain… it likely meant Hanzo had already fallen, and Nagato now ruled as Pain. Akatsuki's base would be nearby.
They would need to avoid any detours into Rain's territory. Getting caught by Pain would mean disaster.
"Understood. Seven Prisons — shall we go?"
"Yes, let's move."
Originally, Seven Prisons planned to travel alone. The nine younger hellhounds were the clan's future — he couldn't risk their lives. But now, with Kakashi by his side, the mission's chances had improved.
Kakashi's teleportation jutsu could serve as an emergency escape if needed.
"But before we go," Kakashi said, "your size might attract attention. Can you shrink down?"
Seven Prisons nodded. With a poof, his massive form condensed into a smaller, single-headed version about the size of Pakkun.
He now looked more like a chubby puppy than a battle-hardened hound.
Kakashi scooped him up and placed him on his head.
"Let's go."
"Mm."
Kakashi chuckled inwardly. With Seven Prisons perched like that, he looked like a member of the Inuzuka clan.
But details like that didn't matter now.
After bidding farewell to Pakkun, Kakashi set off for Hell Valley — a journey that could change everything.
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