Naruto: Maelstrom Of The Uzumaki

Raiden Uzumaki followed Kakashi into the Hatake family compound. As they approached the house, Raiden noticed Sakumo Hatake and his wife standing at the entrance, waiting. Their poised yet solemn demeanor struck Raiden as unusual.

"It's just dinner. Senior Hatake, this feels a little too formal," Raiden thought, a faint smile playing on his lips.

Kakashi led the way to the doorstep, and Raiden greeted Sakumo with a respectful nod.

"Haha, Raiden, welcome," Sakumo said warmly, stepping aside to introduce his wife. "This is my wife, Hanako. She used to be an excellent ninja, but after we married, she retired."

Turning to his wife, he added, "Hanako, this is Raiden Uzumaki, Kakashi's guide Jonin."

Raiden nodded politely to Hanako, who returned the gesture with a calm smile. While Raiden's manner was courteous, he intentionally kept his demeanor reserved out of respect for Sakumo's wife.

"Please, come in," Sakumo said, gesturing toward the entrance. "Dinner will take some time to prepare, so let's sit and chat."

Raiden followed Sakumo inside, observing the spacious yet humble interior. The Hatake residence, though not as grand as the Hyuga or Uchiha estates, exuded a quiet charm. Kakashi eagerly took the lead, guiding Raiden to the living room.

The room was connected to a large dojo, which seemed to dominate the house's layout. Raiden noted the practical design with mild amusement.

"Your living room setup is unique, Senior Sakumo," Raiden remarked, settling onto a futon.

Sakumo smiled. "Most of my friends are ninjas, and I spend a lot of time practicing. Combining the living room and dojo just made sense. Please, try the tea. It's a blend I picked up during a mission."

Kakashi poured tea for everyone before sitting beside his father. Raiden accepted the cup with a nod, sipping it slowly. The quiet atmosphere was interrupted only by Sakumo's occasional glances toward Raiden, hesitation evident on his face.

Raiden noticed. He set his cup down gently and said, "Senior Sakumo, if there's something on your mind, just say it. I assume your invitation wasn't only about dinner."

Sakumo coughed lightly, gathering his thoughts. "You're right. I invited you here for a reason. It's about Kakashi."

Hearing this, Kakashi tilted his head, confusion flickering in his eyes.

"What about Kakashi?" Raiden asked, his tone steady.

Sakumo hesitated before continuing. "I'll be frank. Kakashi is my only son, and he's undeniably a genius. Before Hokage-sama assigned you as his instructor, the plan was for Namikaze Minato to take that role. I had agreed to it."

Raiden's expression shifted slightly, and he raised an eyebrow. "I see. Are you implying that you don't think I'm qualified?"

Kakashi's eyes widened in alarm. He glanced nervously between his father and Raiden, worried about what Sakumo might say next.

"That's not it," Sakumo said quickly, though his tone lacked conviction. "It's just that you're very young—only 13. I wonder if you have enough experience to guide someone like Kakashi."

Despite Sakumo's polite phrasing, Raiden could sense the underlying doubt. The words stung not because of their content but because of the lack of faith.

Raiden's gaze sharpened as he placed his teacup firmly on the table. "I understand your concerns, Senior Sakumo. Since you don't think I'm capable, I'll inform the Hokage and step down as Kakashi's guide. There's no need for further discussion."

He rose to his feet, his movements calm yet decisive.

"Teacher Raiden, wait!" Kakashi exclaimed, reaching out to stop him, but Raiden sidestepped the boy's grasp. Without looking back, he walked toward the courtyard and left the Hatake residence.

Confrontation

Kakashi stood frozen for a moment, disbelief and frustration warring within him. When he finally gathered his thoughts, he ran after Raiden but found the courtyard empty. Raiden had already disappeared into the night.

Dejected, Kakashi returned to the dojo, his expression tight with anger. He faced his father, his voice trembling. "Why? Why would you say that, Father? Teacher Raiden is incredibly strong—he's more than qualified to teach me!"

(End of Chapter)

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