Naruto: Kushina's Redemption, My Revenge

After discussing Kakashi's recent situation with Chinya, Hiruzen Sarutobi grew serious.

Hiruzen said solemnly, "Chinya, you've been in Konoha for quite some time now. The situation in the Land of Grass has become tense. It's about time you returned to the battlefield. Every bit of strength is crucial for Konoha now, so unity is particularly important."

Chinya inwardly felt nothing but contempt.

All that buildup, and finally he spoke his mind.

Chinya replied with an apologetic expression, "Forgive me, Lord Hokage, but I cannot abandon Kakashi and head to the Land of Grass just yet."

Furrowing his brows, Hiruzen was about to speak when Chinya quickly continued, "As Kakashi's mentor, leaving him at such a difficult time would be inappropriate.

You should send Jiraiya-sensei to handle the Land of Grass situation. With Nara Shinei assisting him, I'm certain they can stabilize the current situation there.

During the Ninja Academy's opening ceremony, you once said: Where the leaves dance, the fire will never die. We must keep the Will of Fire burning in every heart.

I've always taken this as my personal motto. Therefore, since Kakashi, this young sapling, shows signs of wilting, I have the responsibility to accompany him and help him overcome this hardship.

Moreover, Kakashi possesses extraordinary talent. With proper cultivation, he'll surely become Konoha's next Legend of the White Fang. Kakashi represents Konoha's future, so as his elder, I must trust and protect him.

Lord Hokage, for Kakashi's sake and Konoha's future, I believe you understand my feelings and support my decision."

Chinya firmly expressed the Will of Fire to Hiruzen.

So they thought they could use the Will of Fire to control him?

Now he was using it against them. He'd like to see if Hiruzen would insist on sending him to the Land of Grass.

Hiruzen looked somewhat embarrassed.

Refusing Chinya now would ironically make him appear to be in the wrong.

Besides, Chinya made a valid point—Kakashi had tremendous potential. With proper training, he might even reach Sakumo Hatake's level.

Hiruzen mused for a moment.

He trusted Jiraiya. With Nara Shinei's cooperation, they should be able to manage the Land of Grass situation.

Nodding approvingly, Hiruzen said warmly, "Chinya, you've truly inherited the Will of Fire. I'm pleased. For now, continue staying with Kakashi and help him emerge from this darkness."

Chinya nodded, saying, "I'll do my best. Once Kakashi regains his footing, I'll immediately return to the battlefield."

After bidding farewell to Hiruzen, Chinya left the Hokage Tower.

Walking down the road, Chinya's face darkened.

It really wasn't worth risking his life for such a village.

Hiruzen never mourned Sakumo Hatake's death, nor did he consider their treatment of a Konoha hero unjust.

These Konoha leaders only cared about protecting their existing interests.

The idea that everyone in Konoha was family was nothing more than propaganda aimed at those who had been conditioned by the Will of Fire.

Chinya went back home. After dinner, he approached Kakashi, who was about to retreat to his room again for another round of isolation. "Kakashi," Chinya said, "It's been many days now. It's time you accept this truth. Let's talk alone."

Kushina Uzumaki, who had been washing dishes, paused and looked over at Chinya and Kakashi.

Kakashi silently nodded.

"Kushina, we're heading out for a bit. We might be back late."

"All right."

Chinya led Kakashi into Konoha's forest.

Chinya and Kakashi sat cross-legged on the ground, facing each other.

Kakashi kept his head down the whole time, looking utterly defeated.

Chinya asked, "Earlier I asked you whether the Will of Fire is correct or not. Have you found an answer yet?"

Kakashi shook his head and hoarsely replied, "No."

Chinya spoke seriously to Kakashi, "Back then you asked me, Was Sakumo's adherence to the Will of Fire wrong? I told you I didn't know, because I couldn't understand why Sakumo held so firmly onto the Will of Fire. But I can tell you what I personally think about the Will of Fire."

Kakashi raised his head, staring blankly at Chinya.

Looking straight into Kakashi's eyes, Chinya spoke earnestly, "In my eyes, the Will of Fire is nothing but a joke. Not necessarily because the spirit itself is wrong, but because it depends on those people who claim to inherit the Will of Fire.

The First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, played a vital role in forming this will. At the beginning, the Hidden Leaf Village did indeed follow the Will of Fire.

However, after several Hokages came and went, the Will of Fire completely lost its original meaning, becoming merely a tool used by the village's elite to control the common people."

Kakashi's expression turned somewhat bewildered.

Chinya continued explaining with an example, "Actually, in my opinion, your father, Sakumo, was one tragic victim tricked by the Will of Fire.

The Will of Fire gave him strong loyalty toward Konoha. He gave everything—his life, his honor—for Konoha, believing the upper echelons of Konoha represented the embodiment of the Will of Fire.

Therefore, when Sakumo did what he believed was the right action according to the Will of Fire, the village elites blamed him, causing his belief in the Will of Fire to waver.

What truly shattered Sakumo's spirit were the four companions who visited him in the end."

Kakashi's eyes sharpened.

Chinya continued, "I heard that shortly before Sakumo's death, those four comrades who went on missions with him earlier sought him out. You should have heard this as well—the reason he abandoned the mission was spread by three among these four.

As for the fourth person—the one saved by Sakumo—should've joined them in accusing him too.

To be accused by someone he had once saved—none of us can truly imagine what Sakumo felt in that moment.

He followed the Will of Fire and chose to save his teammates, but all he received in return was blame.

In absolute despair, Sakumo ultimately chose to perform seppuku."

Kakashi trembled violently, emitting extreme killing intent.

Kakashi sprang to his feet, eyes blazing with fury: "I'll kill them!"

Chinya shook her head. "Kakashi, if you truly wish to walk Sakumo-sama's path, then do so. I'll act as if I never took you as my disciple."

Kakashi panted in rage: "But they caused my father's death!"

Chinya spoke gravely to Kakashi, "Those four were only the spark that drove Sakumo to take his own life. The true cause was Konoha itself—the village that abandoned the Will of Fire while using it to manipulate him! Do you understand me?"

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