Since he couldn't identify the enemy himself, Kiichiro decided to pay Kumogakure to investigate.
Although the mine had been destroyed, he had inherited a considerable estate. It was enough to commission an investigation.
Kumogakure worked efficiently. Just five days later, results came back.
"According to our findings, the attack was orchestrated by rogue ninja from the Land of the Moon. Their leader is named Kuroda Hiroki. Would you like us to eliminate them?"
The Kumogakure shinobi, a chūnin, delivered the report—and smoothly moved to upsell a follow-up mission.
The information was too brief.
"Why did they attack? What about their strength and detailed background?" Kiichiro asked, frowning.
"My assignment was to identify the perpetrators. Nothing further."
In truth, the shinobi likely knew part of the reason.
Over the years, Kumogakure had expanded aggressively. The Land of the Moon had suffered greatly, and resentment toward the Land of Lightning ran deep.
The Land of the Moon lacked a hidden village—but not ninja.
They couldn't confront Kumogakure directly, but sabotage within the Land of Lightning was well within their capabilities.
Kiichiro's iron mine primarily supplied weapon materials to Kumogakure. It wasn't surprising it had been targeted.
The political implications were sensitive. The chūnin wasn't about to elaborate.
Kiichiro reflected. His posted mission had indeed only required identifying the attackers.
"How much to eliminate them?"
"Between 200,000 and 500,000 ryō. The final price depends on village assessment."
The rogue group's strength varied. The chūnin gave a reasonable estimate.
Kiichiro shook his head.
After accounting for assets—property, tunnels, carts—he only had about 300,000 ryō in liquid funds.
His family had been well-off.
Not wealthy.
Sorry, Father. Mother.
It's not that I don't want revenge. I simply can't afford it.
For now, vengeance would have to wait.
On his way home, several surviving miners stopped him.
"Young master, the tunnels are collapsed. What's the plan? When will we resume work? We need wages to survive. If the mine stays closed, we'll have to leave."
They were poor men. The fact they hadn't rioted—or bullied the orphaned boy—was already something.
Kiichiro faced the larger adults calmly.
"Work resumes today."
Under skeptical stares, he led them to the mine.
He had delayed coming earlier in case the attackers had left traps. After Kumogakure inspected the site and declared it safe, he finally returned.
He was still just a child.
Self-preservation mattered.
"Earth Release: Rock Collapse Technique."
Forming hand seals, he pressed his hands against the rubble.
Chakra surged into the stone. The chaotic debris trembled, cracked, and shifted—forming a passable tunnel.
Chisuke had learned the technique from Pakura's scrolls and shared it in the dream space. It wasn't ideal for combat—slow activation, moderate chakra cost—but it excelled at terrain modification and base construction.
The miners stared in awe.
"The rest is up to you. I'll recruit additional hands."
"Understood, young master!"
They began reinforcing supports, clearing debris, and preparing tools. Full operation would still take days—stabilization and planning were essential.
Meanwhile, at the Konoha Ninja Academy, major news spread:
Kakashi would graduate next month, pending evaluation.
Only five months since enrollment—and already graduating.
Unbelievable.
Even more shocking—
Kyosuke had submitted an early graduation application as well.
He was promptly summoned to Takahara Naoyasu's office.
"Kyosuke, you are one of my finest students. I have no doubt you'll become an outstanding shinobi. But don't act out of pride. Kakashi is the son of the White Fang. His early graduation proves little. In time, you will surpass him."
Over the past months, Kyosuke's growth had been astonishing. Even clan heirs lagged behind him now. Takahara placed high hopes on him.
He spoke carefully—worried about discouraging him, yet also concerned about arrogance or rebelliousness.
Kyosuke bowed slightly.
"Sensei, I know I'm not Kakashi's equal yet. My application is partly vanity, I admit. But I also want to understand the gap between myself and true shinobi. Even if I fail, it won't discourage me. Please allow me the opportunity."
Honest. Calm. Reasonable.
Takahara stared at this mature child and couldn't help laughing.
"You troublesome brat… fine. I'll submit it. Whether it's approved is another matter."
Kyosuke bowed properly.
"Thank you, Sensei. I'll give it my all."
"Out. Just looking at you stresses me."
Outside, Guy, Obito, Asuma, and Ebisu lurked at the corridor corner.
"Well?!" Guy whispered dramatically.
Kyosuke grinned, flashing eight teeth and giving an "OK" sign.
"Yosh! That's amazing, Kyosuke!"
Guy cheered.
Obito and Asuma wore complicated expressions.
"Hmph. It's just an application. You haven't passed yet. What's there to celebrate?" Obito muttered sourly.
Then he stormed toward the office.
Moments later—
Takahara's furious shout echoed down the hall.
Ebisu sidled up, nudging Kyosuke.
"Hey… want to challenge Kakashi? Warm up before the test?"
Kyosuke hooked an arm around Ebisu's neck.
"Why warm up with Kakashi? You'll do. Let's raise the stakes—barbecue."
"Hey! You already ate my barbecue last time! Pick someone else!"
Kyosuke laughed.
"Who told you to be rich and weak at the same time?"
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