Chapter 110: The Uncanny Valley of the Will of Fire
The path to the Eternal Mangekyō was closed to him, a door locked by his lack of a fraternal bond. The alternative—grafting the First Hokage's cells into his own flesh—was a line he refused to cross. He was not Orochimaru, to see his body as a mere vessel for experimentation, nor was he the masked specter who carved a second face onto his chest. He would remain himself, whole and unviolated.
He understood the principle. It was not Wood Release itself that negated the Mangekyō's blindness, but Hashirama Senju's unique, god-like vitality—his "Sage Body," a wellspring of life force so potent that, as Uchiha Madara himself had attested, he was nigh unkillable on the battlefield. Even if Kagenori successfully awakened Wood Release, he would not inherit that specific, boundless vitality. It seemed a trait unique to the Shodai himself.
But this was a problem for another day. His vision was pristine, his new power freshly ignited. The immediate, all-consuming goal was Kushina. Once she was safe from her fate as a living sacrifice, he would have all the time and resources to solve lesser problems like impending blindness. With enough Witness Points, any obstacle could be overcome.
Closing his Mangekyō, the strange, scythe-bladed pattern receding from his grey eyes, Kagenori left the desolate laboratory. A rare, genuine lightness buoyed his steps. He detoured to pick up Kushina's favorite bowl of salty ramen, and for Kakashi, a portion of salt-grilled mackerel and miso-glazed eggplant, before returning home.
The following day, he stood once more in the Hokage's office. "Hokage-sama, Kakashi and I are prepared to depart for the Land of Grass today."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's approval was immediate, his relief poorly concealed. He was pleased Kakashi had "recovered"—a strong, malleable asset had been preserved for Konoha's future.
At the village gates, Kushina fussed over Kakashi. "If you run into trouble, you let your sensei handle it, you hear me? Don't be a hero. And make sure you eat properly! You need to grow up big and strong!"
Beneath his mask, Kakashi bit his lip. The raw, familial concern, coming so soon after his father's death, struck a chord deep within his newly fortified heart. "I will, Kushina-nee. Sensei and I will be careful. Please, take care of yourself while we're away."
Kushina smiled, ruffling his silver hair before turning to Kagenori. Her words were simple, carrying the weight of everything unsaid. "I'll be waiting for you to come back."
He met her gaze, his smile a quiet promise. "Wait for me to return."
And with that, master and disciple turned their backs on the village, setting out once more for the war-torn frontier.
Days later, they arrived at the Konoha base in the Land of Grass. Kakashi moved through the camp with a palpable, icy aura, his demeanor warning his father's former subordinates to keep their distance. Kagenori led him directly to the command tent to report to Jiraiya.
The Toad Sannin had come alone this time, without his star pupil, Minato. "Jiraiya-sama," Kagenori announced. "We've arrived to reinforce the position."
Jiraiya offered a tired but genuine smile. He'd seen Kagenori's capabilities in the Land of Hot Springs firsthand; the boy's sharp mind would be a welcome asset. His gaze then shifted to Kakashi, softening with pity. "I heard about Sakumo. I'm sorry for your loss."
Kakashi's reply was delivered in a flat, emotionless tone, like a recitation from a scroll. "My father violated Konoha's regulations. There is nothing to be sorry for. Thank you for your concern, Jiraiya-sama."
Jiraiya's brow furrowed. This wasn't the Kakashi he remembered. The boy spoke of his father's death as if it were a just outcome, a matter of cold policy. First Orochimaru, then his disciple Kagenori, and now even Kakashi… The thought was unsettling. It's like a contagion of coldness. A crooked master makes for crooked students.
Before Jiraiya could assign duties, Kagenori took the initiative. "Jiraiya-sama, we would like to request a long-term reconnaissance assignment."
"Long-term?" Jiraiya rubbed the back of his neck, looking uncomfortable. "I just got here myself. Shinsuke, is there anything like that on the docket?"
Nara Shinsuke, the ever-present strategist, tapped a finger on the map. "There is one. It's high-risk. A deep penetration behind Iwa lines to scout their troop dispositions and fortifications. One wrong step, and you'd be completely surrounded. However, with Kagenori's speed and mobility, he's the best candidate we have. Intelligence is the lifeblood of war. Knowing the enemy's layout would be a significant advantage."
Kagenori nodded. "We'll take it."
Nara Shinsuke's eyes flicked to Kakashi, his concern evident. "Kagenori, this mission is suited for you. Taking Kakashi along… I'm worried—"
Kagenori cut him off, his voice leaving no room for argument. "Kakashi is my responsibility. His mobility is superior to most shinobi here. He will not be a burden."
As if on cue, Kakashi added, his voice chillingly detached, "If you are concerned that I will be captured and force Sensei Kagenori to abandon the mission to save me, as my father did, you need not worry. Should I face capture, I will terminate my own life immediately. I will not become an inconvenience."
The tent fell into a stunned silence. Jiraiya and Shinsuke stared at the boy, taken aback by the brutal, matter-of-fact finality in his words. The shadow of the White Fang's death loomed larger than they had imagined.
"…You see?" Kagenori said, breaking the silence. "The mission is ours."
Nara Shinsuke exchanged a heavy look with Jiraiya before nodding slowly. "Very well. Jiraiya-sama?"
Jiraiya cleared his throat, the usual boisterousness gone from his voice, replaced by a grim formality. "Kagenori, Hatake Kakashi. Your mission is to infiltrate Iwagakure territory, gather intelligence on their military strength and positioning, and report your findings directly to me or Commander Shinsuke. Understood?"
"Acknowledged."
They turned to leave immediately, eager to be on their way—to fulfill their duty and continue the secret, more personal search. But as they reached the tent flap, Jiraiya's voice stopped them.
"Kagenori. A moment. In private."
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