However, Hiruko couldn't say a word right now.
At this moment, listening to Shimizu's bullshit, Hiruko could hear that shameless voice reaching his ears even through the water flow.
He stared wide-eyed, wanting to say something.
Unfortunately, it was as if his throat was blocked by something, and he could only glare hatefully at Shimizu.
"You have any proof?" Momochi Zabuza asked.
He glanced around, noticing that crazy woman, Terumi Mei, hadn't come.
"I taught him a lesson and accidentally discovered the suture marks on his chest. If you open his clothes and undo the bandages, you'll see them."
"Suiton: Suirō no Jutsu."
Hiruko manipulated the water flow inside the Suirō no Jutsu to spin wildly, which undid all the bandages on Hiruko's hands and legs.
Skin of various colors was exposed to everyone.
A piece of white skin and a piece of black skin were joined together, with obvious signs of stitching in the middle.
Some of the skin couldn't even be called human flesh; the outer layer was covered in scales, like the limb of some reptile.
"Hiruko..."
Minato Namikaze watched all this with a complicated mood. Although this 'senpai' rarely appeared in the village, he had heard his name more or less.
"This is a misunderstanding," Minato Namikaze stepped forward and said to the Kiri delegation.
Hiruko has acted this way in disregard of Konoha's interests, which makes him a rogue-nin.
And according to Shimizu, he also attacked him.
Such a person is no longer qualified to be a Konoha ninja.
Karatachi Yagura nodded. He could see that this was most likely the case.
If Konoha wanted to carry out sabotage against Kirigakure, why would they send only one weak person while the others rested?
No ninja would do something so illogical.
"Minato Namikaze, we in Kirigakure will be keeping this man. We will lock him in our prison."
Karatachi Yagura waved his hand. Several ANBU's hands passed through the water sphere, applied sealing jutsu (fuinjutsu) to Hiruko, and dragged him out.
"Please, spare his life. Konoha will give Kirigakure an explanation."
No matter what, Hiruko was a Konoha ninja. Even if he harmed the village's interests, he should still be tried by Konoha.
Unless Konoha issued a warrant for his arrest, other villages had no right to interfere.
"We ask that you continue to stay here temporarily for a few more days while we investigate this matter. His life will not be in danger."
Karatachi Yagura's attitude was firm. Without waiting for Minato to say anything, he left with the ANBU.
They didn't have the Yamanaka Clan's mind-reading jutsu.
But they had plenty of jutsu to assist in interrogation.
Hiruko would reveal his motives sooner or later.
In the end, only a few ANBU remained, watching Minato and the others warily.
"Please return the way you came and rest."
The Kiri ANBU's voice was cold.
Minato gave a bitter smile. Circumstances were stronger than the individual.
They could only stay here for the time being.
However, if anything unexpected happened, he would use the Hiraishin no Jutsu to get out immediately.
When he first landed on the island, Minato had left a Hiraishin formula on the outskirts, just in case.
...
Shimizu's group was thus detained for a period of time.
During this period, Kakashi was still being dragged out by Daiko. It was clear Daiko was very enthusiastic about this.
Minato patted Kakashi's shoulders in satisfaction and said solemnly:
"Miss Daiko seems very kind. Don't let her down. Konoha and... Kirigakure will both give you their blessings."
Although it was a political marriage, Minato sincerely hoped Kakashi could find happiness.
That way, it would be a joyous outcome for everyone.
"Yes."
Hatake Kakashi affirmed, then left the guest room.
An ANBU immediately followed him, tailing him discreetly.
Minato was used to it; after what they had just discovered, it was understandable.
Squeak...
The door slid open.
Rin Nohara poked her head out. Her skin had a radiant glow, making her look bright and lovely.
But her eyes were slightly lost, as if she was feeling sad.
"Minato-sensei, did Kakashi go to find that woman?"
"That's right."
Minato nodded, then added:
"But I think Kakashi and Miss Daiko are probably... having a miai. Yes, a miai."
A trace of memory flashed in Minato's eyes.
Before things had become romantic with Kushina, someone had tried to introduce him to a miai partner. He had refused repeatedly in fright.
The final facts proved this was an excellent choice, because he and Kushina ended up together.
Now, the clueless Kakashi and the simple Daiko would also interact like this—from strangers to familiarity, then to an unspoken affection, and finally, to walking down the aisle.
A satisfied smile crossed Minato's lips. The war was finally ending.
He could finally marry Kushina.
Squeak...
Rin Nohara silently closed the door, a trace of loneliness on her face.
Kakashi had found someone to spend his life with.
It seemed that day was approaching fast.
In Kirigakure's damp streets.
Today, the streets were a tiny bit drier than yesterday.
Daiko was in a good mood.
Looking at Kakashi beside her, her mood improved even more.
She was especially captivated by Kakashi's aura, which blended melancholy with a trace of being lost.
She revealed a smile.
A very ordinary smile.
Her features bunched together, forming a few wrinkles.
This ordinary smile, one that would be lost instantly in a crowd, made Kakashi feel somewhat dazed.
His mother had died when he had just begun to form memories, and his father committed suicide when he was four or five.
Kakashi, who came from a broken family, actually craved love more than anyone.
He had neither a mother's love nor a father's love.
All he had were heavy shackles. At first, it was the ninja code; he believed that those who didn't follow the rules were trash.
Later, it was comrades; he must not abandon his comrades, he must bear the burden with them.
And after that, it was a promise—the promise made by Obito Uchiha before his death.
"Mother..."
Kakashi murmured softly.
His mother's face and voice were just a pitch-black void in his mind.
The only fragmented memory he had was that his mother seemed to be a woman who loved to smile.
In that, neither his father nor he could compare to her.
"Mother?"
Daiko cast a confused gaze.
"It's nothing."
Kakashi shook his head, scattering the thoughts.
He still had unfinished business, things he had to complete. He couldn't go to see his parents so soon.
"Miss Daiko, are you marrying me of your own free will, or for political reasons?"
Kakashi asked.
He was curious about the answer.
Why did Daiko keep seeking him out so proactively?
She was the daughter of a high-ranking official. If so, she was being far too forward.
The proactive party usually ends up in the subordinate position, with less say.
"Hmm... Because you're handsome, I guess," Daiko said, half-joking.
In truth, Kakashi just stood out too much.
The men more handsome than him didn't want to get close to her. Even as a high-official's daughter, she couldn't force someone to marry her. A melon forced ripe isn't sweet.
And there were plenty of men not as handsome as Kakashi.
Since there was a more suitable choice, why not choose Kakashi?
"Is that so..."
Kakashi put his hands in his pockets, continuing to walk with Daiko.
He was indeed handsome.
This was a fact he had known since childhood.
Many women had fawned over him.
The only person who could one-up him was Shimizu.
Only Shimizu's handsome face could make Kakashi realize just how handsome a person could be.
If Shimizu didn't actively keep his distance from many women, he probably would have become Konoha's number one playboy.
Kakashi sighed softly.
He was a little disappointed that Daiko was just like those other shallow women.
However, her smile did remind Kakashi of his mother.
How long had it been since he smiled?
Kakashi had forgotten.
He had probably smiled very little since his father's death.
"Kakashi-san, do you think I'm a superficial woman?"
Daiko smiled, a hint of shyness in it.
"No, it's only human nature."
Kakashi might have a sharp tongue, but that didn't mean his emotional intelligence was low.
Saying it bluntly would only offend the girl and probably be detrimental to the village.
"Okay, just kidding. Actually, I've heard of your reputation, Kakashi-san. You're quite strong."
Daiko grabbed Kakashi's arm.
Kakashi's body stiffened as he let Daiko lead him.
He had never met such a forward woman.
Even Rin wouldn't make so many physical gestures.
Yet, Kakashi didn't do anything to stop her.
He could see the shadow of his mother in this girl.
A girl who loved to smile, just like his mother. Kakashi's mood inexplicably lightened.
If life after marriage was just this peaceful...
Perhaps he could temporarily escape from his shackles.
It protected the village's interests.
It would also make Rin give up and focus her attention on other people.
The Hatake family line could be continued.
Everyone would get the best possible ending.
Kakashi sighed.
He pushed that budding emotion for Rin into the deepest part of his heart.
He was a responsible person. Since he was going to build a family with the woman before him, he could not let her down.
Kakashi hadn't really thought about continuing the Hatake family line before, but now he realized that since this political marriage was unavoidable, he might as well continue the family line.
Two days passed before the Kirigakure personnel informed Minato that they could leave. However, Kakashi had to stay behind; he needed to "cultivate his relationship" with Daiko for a while.
Before Minato had even departed, Konoha's leadership had already prepared him for this outcome.
Kirigakure agreeing to the marriage and their positive attitude was a signal that they were willing to cease hostilities.
If this succeeded, three Great Shinobi Villages would have a truce with Konoha. The dawn of peace was almost in sight.
"Kakashi."
Rin Nohara looked worriedly at Kakashi, who was standing by the Kirigakure gate.
That plain-looking Daiko was holding onto Kakashi, chattering about something.
Kakashi replied to everything she said. They stood very close, like lovers lost in passion.
Rin bit her lip, wanting to speak but hesitating.
Kakashi seemed to notice something and walked over.
Daiko followed, on guard.
Being with Kakashi was something she had never even dreamed of.
Her vigilance towards Kakashi's beautiful teammate was raised to its absolute peak.
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