Chapter 13: Boy! Tell that Saru for me—
〜Naruto World, Konoha〜
Hatake Residence
In the dead of night, a pair of eyes suddenly snapped open.
After repeatedly confirming there was no surveillance around, Kakashi tapped the 'reward' that only he could see.
[Freely choose any character from this world to converse with for thirty minutes (Note: Characters from past, present, or future are all available)]
The night was eerily silent, even the painted curtain that obscured the sky had vanished without a trace.
After a long silence, Kakashi still didn't choose his father.
The painted curtain seemed to have certain restrictions—some words he wanted to say would be automatically censored if spoken directly in the group. Perhaps that was the reason this reward existed.
Otherwise, if free conversation were allowed, all worlds would descend into chaos.
"I choose the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju-sama."
He wanted to ask—what truly defines existence, whether the village or comrades were more important, and whether his father was truly a... failure who brought loss to the village.
In an instant, the entire space was sealed off, imperceptible to the outside world.
A golden light shimmered, and within it, a tall, imposing figure with white hair frowned for a moment before receiving the transmitted information.
"Hatake Kakashi, a child of the Hatake clan. Not bad. But what's with that inherently sinister aura about you?"
Tobirama Senju's sharp eyes bore into Kakashi, who instantly forgot the questions he had prepared.
The living Second Hokage...
No matter how much he had studied the Hokage stone monuments, it couldn't compare to the overwhelming awe of facing the real person.
Kakashi immediately dropped to one knee and truthfully explained everything about his Sharingan.
"...That eye brings you more harm than good."
After hearing everything, Tobirama crossed his arms, his expression clearly displeased.
Kakashi nodded without denying it. He had gained fame because of this eye, but it had also shackled him.
Yet, this eye was...
"Speak. What is it you wish to ask?"
Tobirama waved his hand, steering the conversation back on track.
"Yes!"
Kakashi took a deep breath, steadying his emotions, and recounted his father's story from an objective, even civilian perspective.
"Nidaime-sama, was my father... no, was Hatake Sakumo... someone who harmed the village's interests?"
Kakashi's voice was low, trembling as he spoke.
Tobirama listened but didn't answer immediately. His frown deepened, his aura growing increasingly agitated.
"Pillar of Konoha... mission failure... choosing comrades... rumors spreading... suicide..."
"Boy! Tell me, has that Saru been Hokage all this time?!"
Tobirama suddenly barked.
"Yes!"
Kakashi was momentarily stunned, almost not realizing who "monkey" referred to.
"...Heh. Was it during the Hokage election at the time?"
Tobirama asked coldly.
"...Yes."
"...I understand now, boy. Your father did harm the village's interests, but he upheld the Will of Fire until the end. He was a hero!"
Tobirama declared solemnly.
Hatake Sakumo died because of politics, because of the monkey's indifference, because of certain filthy schemers.
Why did news of a failed classified mission spread to the public? Why did it happen right during the Hokage election?
Why didn't the monkey intervene at all?
"Summarize the major events in the shinobi world after my... passing,"
Tobirama asked in a low voice, suppressing his fury.
"Yes. After you... left..."
Shinobi World Wars, the village attacked from all sides, the monkey fearing conflict, compromising again and again...
With each revelation, veins bulged on Tobirama's forehead, his rage escalating.
The once-greatest village had fallen to this state after his death?!
What was that Saru doing?!
Afraid of enemies? Why be afraid? Why fear war?!
"Saru... why haven't you used the forbidden techniques I left behind?! If other villages want war, give them war! Your weakness only fuels their arrogance—don't you understand that?!"
"Shadow Clone Jutsu! Flying Thunder God Jutsu! Paper Bomb Chain Jutsu! Edo Tensei!"
"Even if you have to resurrect every past Hokage, you must not cower from war!"
"Betraying your own villagers, manipulating hearts... Heh, good. Just wonderful! Saru, you've disappointed me beyond words!!! You fool! Has power rotted your brain?!"
Kakashi was completely stunned, his dull eyes wide with shock. He had only wanted to ask a question—was this something he was supposed to hear?
If someone insulted the Third Hokage, what would Kakashi do?
Fight to the death!
But what if that someone was the Second Hokage?
...Silence?
"Boy! Tell that Saru for me—does that idiot think he's the greatest Hokage now?!"
"Tell him exactly that!"
Hatake Kakashi: "..."
The conversation time ended just then. The golden light vanished, leaving Kakashi feeling as though he had traversed worlds.
...Good news: his father's disgrace seemed cleared.
Bad news: how was he supposed to tell the Third Hokage that the Second had called him an idiot?
Kakashi collapsed onto his bed, his mind a whirlwind of emotions.
—
Meanwhile, across the multiverse, as a new video was revealed, cries of anguish echoed everywhere.
[Tsugikuni Yoriichi Married Muzan!]
["What do you take life for?!"]
〜Myriad Worlds livestream Chat〜
[ Aqua (KonoSuba): "Who is this Kyojuro Rengoku (Demon Slayer): guy?! Why him and not me?! I'm a goddess! Waaah!" ]
[ Kazuma Satou (KonoSuba): "An idiot like you deserves to be chosen? You want everyone to watch a moron perform? Outrageous!" ]
[ Jibril (No game, No life): "A god? As if others aren't gods too. What's so special about being divine?" ]
[ Natsuki Subaru (Rezero): "Well, it seems pretty special. At least in my current world, there aren't any gods." ]
[ Kumoko (So I'm a Spider, So What?): "I hope I get featured too, so I can escape this weird situation!" ]
[ Goetia (Type-Moon): "Another human was chosen? Tch. Heaven always plays favorites." ]
[ Camazotz (Type-Moon): "I didn't enjoy the last video. Please switch it!" ]
[ Tezcatlipoca (Type-Moon): "Hey, it's been a while since we've all been together!" ]
[ Quetzalcoatl (Type-Moon): "It's been a while, little smoke~" ]
[ Makoto Itou (School days):"This video seems to be about romance, huh? A sweet love story?" ]
[ Aki Tomoya (Saekano): "Maybe we can make a hit galgame out of it! Hey, Eriri, Senpai, let's do it!" ]
[ Kato Megumi (Saekano): "...No." ]
[ .....]