Youth is Not Worth It
On the walls of Konohagakure, Konoha's ninja forces stood ready to resist the combined attack of Sunagakure and Otogakure, protecting the village behind them.
Staring at the elite Sand ninja and the massive summoned snakes looming over the walls, Shikaku Nara and the others quickly exchanged battle strategies before engaging the invaders.
Under normal circumstances, a raiding force of this size—only a few hundred—would not pose a significant threat to Konoha. However, since it was a time of relative peace, many Jonin and Chunin were away on missions, leaving the village short on elite defenders.
Fortunately, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the Fifth Hokage candidate, Tsunade, were still present in the village. They just needed to hold the line until reinforcements could arrive and secure victory.
As Chōza Akimichi struggled against a massive summoned beast, Kakashi Hatake, Might Guy, and Asuma Sarutobi clashed with Sunagakure's Jonin, Baki, and his forces. Among them was Kabuto Yakushi, who had finally dropped his disguise.
Despite being a skilled Jonin, Baki was overwhelmed when faced with the combined strength of Might Guy and Asuma. Meanwhile, Kakashi engaged Kabuto, who proved to be a difficult opponent, dodging Kakashi's kunai with calculated precision.
Just as Kakashi prepared to land a decisive strike, Kabuto was suddenly swallowed by a giant snake, vanishing without a trace. Only Baki remained as a valuable prisoner.
"Sharingan: Genjutsu!"
Using his Sharingan, Kakashi placed Baki under an illusion. As Baki attempted to reveal vital information, a sealing technique in his body activated, preventing him from speaking further.
With no other choice, Asuma and the others captured additional prisoners, eventually piecing together part of Sunagakure's plan.
Sunagakure had been manipulated by Orochimaru into using the Chunin Exams as a cover to launch a surprise attack on Konoha. At that moment, Gaara, the jinchūriki of the One-Tail, had been released to wreak havoc, while Orochimaru and the disguised Fourth Kazekage had engaged the Third Hokage in battle. Another key squad was targeting the Hokage's office.
"The Hokage's office is under attack?"
Asuma's expression darkened. Might Guy furrowed his brow and turned to Kakashi.
"Kakashi, should we help the Third Hokage, or return to defend the Hokage's office?"
Kakashi glanced toward the stadium where the battle was unfolding. His eyes narrowed.
"The Third Hokage doesn't need our help. He's facing Orochimaru and can hold his own. Our priority should be securing the Hokage's office."
Might Guy hesitated but then nodded in agreement. The Hokage was, after all, the strongest ninja in the village.
The Sarutobi Clan's Betrayal
When they arrived near the Hokage's office, the expected battle wasn't unfolding. Instead, two groups of Konoha shinobi were standing in a tense standoff.
Might Guy was confused. "Kakashi, was that Sand ninja feeding us false information?"
Kakashi's expression turned sharp as he turned to Asuma. "No, the information was correct. But I now know which faction within Konoha has been working with Orochimaru."
Asuma's eyes widened. "Are you saying someone in the village is colluding with Orochimaru and Sunagakure?"
Kakashi gave him a knowing look. Asuma followed his gaze to the ninja standing against the Hokage's guards.
They were Sarutobi clan members.
"What the hell is going on?!"
Asuma used the Body Flicker Technique to appear between the two groups. His face was filled with disbelief as he confronted his own kin.
"The village is under attack! Why aren't you helping defend it?"
One of the Sarutobi Jonin looked at him calmly.
"Asuma-sama, we are securing the future of the Sarutobi clan. You could join us."
Asuma's anger flared. "The future of the Sarutobi clan?! Do you even understand what you're doing?!" He gripped his chakra blades, ready to attack. "Does my father know you're staging a coup?!"
The Sarutobi Jonin remained composed.
"At the very least, Lord Hiruzen hasn't stopped us. If he doesn't oppose it, that means he tacitly approves. This has been in motion for a long time. Even the Daimyo is displeased with Jiraiya's influence."
"We're simply restoring things to how they should be. The Third Hokage should never have stepped down."
Asuma was stunned.
The guards of the Hokage's office also appeared shaken. They had assumed the coup had been ordered by the Third Hokage himself, yet now it seemed he had no control over his own clan.
Might Guy clenched his fists, uncertain whether to act. He looked at Kakashi, who gave a resigned sigh.
"Guy, let's go elsewhere. This isn't a fight for us."
Might Guy hesitated but ultimately followed Kakashi. However, a deep sense of frustration settled in his heart.
He had grown up believing in the Will of Fire—that true strength was protecting one's comrades and village. His father, Might Duy, had died proving this philosophy.
Guy had always believed in giving his all to protect Konoha, even at the cost of his own life.
But now… he found himself caught in a battle not just against external enemies but against corruption and power struggles within his own village.
This was not the Will of Fire he believed in.
"Kakashi…"
Kakashi suddenly stopped and patted Guy on the shoulder.
"Guy, just do what you believe is right. People like you don't need to fall into darkness like me. But don't lose faith in the Will of Fire."
Might Guy blinked, then grinned, giving his trademark thumbs-up.
"Of course! My youth has just begun! Whatever you've been through, Kakashi, I'll pull you back from the darkness—just like before."
Kakashi chuckled slightly, then turned his gaze toward the shadows.
Guy's words reminded him of his old friend—the passionate, hot-blooded boy he once knew—who had fallen completely into darkness.
And on a day like this, Kakashi was sure of one thing: Obito Uchiha was watching from the shadows.
If he could find him…
Then maybe, just maybe, he could give Obito the lesson he deserved.
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