Chapter 46 – The Third Hokage's Thoughts
"That technique… was it yours, Brother?" Kakashi asked, still a little stunned.
"Oh? I never told you about it, did I?" Yusuke replied casually, as if it were no big deal.
Kakashi gave his older brother a look that screamed Are you serious right now?
"Don't look at me like that," Yusuke said with a smirk, ruffling Kakashi's hair.
"If you're that curious, just ask Dad later. It's a Space-Time Ninjutsu," he added lazily, clearly not in the mood to explain in detail.
"Now come on, let's eat," Yusuke said, pulling out the ramen from Ichiraku. And just like that, their lunch continued amid everyone's unspoken curiosity.
Once they were done eating, Kakashi turned to his brother.
"Brother… I want to leave the hospital."
"Not happening. You're staying here and getting proper rest," Yusuke shot him down without hesitation.
"She's right. It's better if you stay here for observation," Kurenai added, and Rin nodded in agreement.
"But I'm really fine already," Kakashi insisted.
"Just stay one more day. I'll check with Tsunade myself," Yusuke said, trying to keep things calm.
"Umm, Yusuke… is it okay if I meet Lady Tsunade?" Rin asked excitedly. For kunoichi like her, Tsunade was a legend, and meeting her in person was a rare opportunity.
"Sure, she might show up any moment now," Yusuke replied.
As if on cue, the door opened—and in walked Tsunade herself.
"Speak of the devil," Yusuke grinned. "Someone here's been dying to meet you."
"You guys ate without me?" Tsunade frowned slightly as she caught the lingering scent of ramen in the air.
"G-Good afternoon, Lady Tsunade!" Rin stammered nervously.
"Lady Tsunade," Kurenai bowed respectfully.
"Tsunade-sama," Kakashi greeted with a composed nod.
"Hello, everyone," Tsunade greeted them with a warm smile.
"Lady Tsunade, I want to become a Medical-nin like you—someone people can rely on," Rin said with determination.
"Tsunade, if you have the time, would you guide Rin a little? I think she's got real potential," Yusuke asked seriously.
Everyone in the room froze for a moment. Yusuke had just called the Legendary Sannin by name—no honorifics.
Only Kakashi stayed calm. He was used to it. He knew how close his brother was with Tsunade. But Rin and Kurenai? They were both internally panicking.
"Oh? When you ask like that, how could I say no?" Tsunade gave an exaggerated eye roll but chuckled. Seeing her respond so casually, Rin's face lit up with hope.
"Lady Tsunade, what about my injury? Am I allowed to leave yet?" Kakashi asked politely, unlike his brother who acted like it was just another Tuesday.
"Your injuries are—"
Ehem, ehem! Yusuke suddenly coughed loudly, interrupting her.
"—still under observation. You'll need to stay a few more days," Tsunade corrected herself, giving Yusuke a knowing side-eye.
"Brother, that was too obvious," Kakashi muttered in disbelief.
"Just stay a little longer. Kurenai said you don't have any missions lined up anyway," Yusuke added with a shrug. For now, Kakashi was under the supervision of Jonin Yuhi Shinku.
Faced with his brother's firm tone, Kakashi gave in with a reluctant sigh.
— — —
Meanwhile, in the Hokage's Office…
"Hokage-sama, the war is approaching fast. We might not have enough Jonin instructors for this year's graduates," said a scarred man with pineapple-like hair.
"I understand. With White Fang retired, that role can go to Yuhi Shinku," Hiruzen replied, his voice heavy. Losing someone as powerful as the White Fang was a major blow to Konoha. Still, his presence—even in retirement—was enough to deter enemies.
"I agree. Shinku-senpai would be a fitting replacement," the spiky-haired man nodded. He was none other than Nara Shikaku, future father of Shikamaru.
"Then who do you recommend to take over Shinku's former team?" Hiruzen asked.
"Namikaze Minato," Shikaku replied without hesitation.
"Hm… a fine choice," Hiruzen said, nodding. Minato was Jiraiya's student and had ties close to the Hokage. This meant Kakashi would become Minato's student, potentially bridging the distance between him and Yusuke.
Lately, Hiruzen had been placing his hopes on Yusuke—not just for his strength, but for his exceptional leadership and clarity in decision-making. He had even stood firm against the village elders.
In the upcoming war, Hiruzen had two aces up his sleeve: Yusuke and Minato. Both possessed unrivaled speed and Kekkei Genkai abilities that could turn the tide of battle.
"And who do you think should fill Minato's current role?" Hiruzen asked.
"Kato Dan… or…" Shikaku paused.
"Go on," Hiruzen urged.
"Hatake Yusuke," Shikaku said firmly.
The Hokage fell silent.
"Hatake Yusuke… the son of the White Fang. Not only did he inherit incredible talent, but his power is on another level entirely. In fact…" Shikaku hesitated.
"Continue," Hiruzen encouraged, though he already suspected what was coming.
"…I believe he may have surpassed the White Fang himself."
It was an extraordinary claim, but not an exaggerated one. Yusuke had obliterated Danzo's elite ROOT squad in mere seconds without taking a scratch. On top of that, Sakumo had been mentally weakened at the time—while Yusuke stood tall and composed. He hadn't needed to borrow anyone's strength to match Danzo, a man considered Kage-level.
"You're not wrong. Even I feel a sense of danger from him," Hiruzen said quietly. As one of the strongest and most experienced shinobi of his generation, his instincts rarely failed him.
Shikaku's eyes widened in surprise.
"Very well. Once this year's students graduate, promote Hatake Yusuke to Tokubetsu Jonin."
"Yes, sir."
— — —
Back in the village…
"Achoo!" Yusuke sneezed suddenly.
"Are you okay? Catching a cold?" Kurenai asked, concerned.
"Me? Get a cold? Not a chance," Yusuke laughed. With his constitution, it was nearly impossible for him to fall ill.
He walked Kurenai and Rin back to their homes, then returned to his own to rest.
"You're back?" Sakumo greeted as Yusuke stepped inside.
"Yeah, Dad. You haven't visited the hospital yet, have you? Want me to take you?"
"Alright," Sakumo agreed with a nod.
Open: Dimensional Gate—
With a simple hand motion, a rift opened, and the two stepped through, arriving instantly in Kakashi's room.
"Sorry for the surprise," Yusuke said, seeing Kakashi's shocked expression.
"Well then, I'll head back now," he added, opening the dimensional door again.
At that moment, Tsunade entered the room.
"Oh, you're here too, Senpai," she said in greeting.
"Tsunade," Sakumo responded with a small smile.
"I came to find you," Tsunade said, having sensed Yusuke's chakra and followed it here.
"What's up?" Yusuke asked curiously.
"Let's talk outside," Tsunade said, pulling him gently by the arm.
"Then, if you'll excuse me, Senpai," she said to Sakumo with respect.
"Go ahead," Sakumo replied kindly.
Once they were out of the room, Yusuke turned to her.
"So? What's going on, Tsunade?"
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