Kakashi-Five elements

The afternoon sun filtered through the clouds, casting long shadows across the stone buildings of Konoha. Kakashi walked through the Hokage building, his expression calm and composed. Having completed the formalities of the application form, he now followed Minato toward the Hokage's office.

Minato knocked lightly, then pushed open the door.

"Hokage-sama, I've brought Kakashi," he said respectfully.

He turned back and gave a light nod to his student. "Kakashi, come in and greet the Hokage-sama."

"Yes, sensei."

Kakashi stepped forward and bowed politely. "Hello, Hokage-sama."

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled kindly. "Haha, what a polite child."

He looked over Kakashi carefully, nodding with satisfaction. "Kakashi, I've actually been paying attention to your growth ever since we last met. From your performance on the battlefield, it's clear—you're just like your father, Sakumo. A talented ninja who has inherited the Will of Fire."

He paused, his eyes momentarily misty with memories. "If Sakumo could see how strong you've become… I believe even his spirit would be proud."

A wave of nostalgia washed over the Third Hokage. Hatake Sakumo—loyal, powerful, and obedient. A remarkable shinobi… cut down not by enemy hands, but by his own village's judgment.

"Thank you for your praise, Hokage-sama," Kakashi responded solemnly. "Like my father, I will dedicate my life to Konoha and the Hokage. I will serve with unwavering loyalty until the day I die."

His tone was flawless—serious, respectful, and utterly convincing. Even Kakashi himself was impressed with his acting. The art of deception is part of being a ninja, he thought wryly.

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at him in admiration. "To dedicate your life… until death..."

He murmured the phrase to himself, letting the words roll off his tongue like a sacred chant. His eyes gleamed with emotion.

Yes! This was exactly the kind of young shinobi the Will of Fire represented!

"Hahaha! Excellent! You truly are Sakumo's son!"

He looked deep into Kakashi's eyes—clear, determined, unwavering. All of Hiruzen's earlier suspicions, those lingering doubts about why Kakashi had never come to him personally after Sakumo's death, vanished like mist in the sun.

So that's it, the old Hokage thought. He must have been trapped in grief and guilt over his father's death. He built a shell around himself—cautious, guarded. But now, under Minato's guidance, he's begun to heal. He's finally learning to open up…

The realization filled Hiruzen with pride. "It gladdens my heart to hear such words."

He raised his head, quoting the words he had often used to guide Konoha's youth.

"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns. The flames will continue to illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout."

"And you, Kakashi, are one of those new leaves. You must thrive and carry the fire forward."

A smile tugged at his lips as he added, "Leave the burdens to us old men. You youngsters are the future."

Kakashi applauded lightly, inwardly amused. Isn't this the same Hokage who, after assuming office, rarely set foot on the frontlines again?

Sure, it was logical—the Hokage must stay back to oversee military strategy and protect the village core. But Kakashi couldn't help but compare him to the legendary Third Raikage, who had faced ten thousand enemies alone to cover his comrades' retreat.

Among the Five Kage, excluding Yagura who died under Genjutsu control, and the two Kazekage who were assassinated by Sasori and Orochimaru, only Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to have truly sat back and ruled from the shadows.

Once a man holds power too long, Kakashi mused, he learns to manipulate from behind the curtain, avoids confrontation, and becomes passive, even weak.

He recalled the diplomatic scandal from the original timeline—how the Cloud Shinobi used the excuse of peace talks to infiltrate Konoha and kidnap Hinata, aiming to steal the Hyuga bloodline. It was Hiruzen's decision then to pressure the Hyuga clan into offering a sacrificial scapegoat to placate the enemy.

That scapegoat had been Hyuga Hizashi.

Neji had lost his father to political cowardice, all because the Hokage feared igniting another war.

But regardless of my inner thoughts, Kakashi reminded himself, on the outside, I must remain convincing.

He straightened, eyes shining with mock sincerity. "I, Hatake Kakashi, will not disappoint your expectations!"

"Hahaha, good! I believe Minato has already briefed you about the Jōnin promotion process?" Hiruzen asked, standing from his seat.

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

"Excellent. Then follow me."

He walked briskly out of the office, with Minato and Kakashi trailing behind him.

"As per custom," Hiruzen continued, "a young ninja like yourself wishing to be promoted to Jōnin must pass a combat evaluation."

He turned to Kakashi, his tone instructional. "The goal is to earn recognition from other Jōnin and elders, since most of your past missions have been top-secret. Publicizing them isn't an option."

The trio soon arrived at Training Ground No. 1, a high-security facility usually reserved for Anbu training. The area was silent, except for a few rustling leaves and the chirping of distant birds.

Already present were the Konoha Council members: Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzo.

Minato turned to Kakashi. "These two are the Hokage's advisors, Mitokado Homura-sama and Utatane Koharu-sama. And this is the leader of Root, Lord Shimura Danzo."

Kakashi respectfully bowed to the three of them. Homura and Koharu nodded slightly in approval, clearly impressed with his demeanor.

Danzo, however, remained expressionless.

This brat… Danzo sneered internally.

Though it wasn't Kakashi who had directly rejected his offer to join Root—Tsunade had intervened—Kakashi had shown no interest, even dared to express a strong unwillingness to associate with Danzo's unit.

In Danzo's view, that was outright defiance. Disrespect.

"Enough wasting time," Danzo said coldly, his sharp voice slicing through the air.

Hiruzen sighed softly but said nothing. He gestured with his hand, and a masked Anbu stepped forward. He wore the signature animal mask—a cat.

"This Anbu is one of our elites," Hiruzen announced. "If you can last half an hour against him, you'll pass."

He added with gravity, "But make no mistake—this won't be a mock fight. He'll be going all out."

"I understand, Hokage-sama," Kakashi said, his tone steady.

Minato gave his student a reassuring look before he and Hiruzen walked to the viewing platform, where the four elders stood ready to observe.

The other Anbu cleared the field, taking up positions on the perimeter. One remained—a designated referee.

"Let the match begin," Sarutobi Hiruzen instructed.

"Yes, Hokage-sama!"

The referee retreated swiftly, making room.

In the center of the field, Kakashi and the masked Anbu faced each other.

Both raised one hand, forming a half-seal—an Anbu tradition to show mutual respect before combat.

"Start!"

The moment the referee gave the signal, Kakashi vanished.

A gust of wind stirred the dust where he had stood just a second before.

He reappeared behind the Anbu, striking with lightning-fast precision.

Strike first, assess later. You never let the enemy dictate the rhythm of battle.

But the cat-masked Anbu was prepared.

With lightning reflexes, he turned and blocked Kakashi's kunai with his own, sparks flying as metal clashed against metal.

Their fight had begun.