New Paths

Kakashi climbed the stairs and approached an apartment door with determined steps. Without hesitation, he let his hand glide over the wood and knocked firmly. Taking a step back, he waited expectantly until the door suddenly swung open. Orochimaru’s breath hitched abruptly as his gaze fell on Kakashi, staring at him silently.

Kakashi smiled and raised his hand in a friendly gesture. "Good morning," he greeted warmly.

For a moment, Orochimaru’s gaze pierced Kakashi with impenetrable silence before he turned away without a word and slammed the door. But before it clicked shut, Kakashi quickly wedged his foot in the gap. "Hey!" he exclaimed indignantly.

Orochimaru turned to Kakashi, his voice a low hiss. "What do you want, Hatake? I told you clearly yesterday to stay away from my apartment!" His look was full of grim determination.

"I thought that was only if you weren’t home," Kakashi replied calmly. "May I come in? I’d like to talk with you."

Confused, Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and eyed Kakashi suspiciously. "What are you planning?"

Kakashi shrugged slightly and tilted his head innocently. "Nothing special, I just want to apologize and ask you a question," he explained quietly.

Orochimaru’s face darkened, and he ran a hand over his forehead. "I’m not interested," he replied firmly, before giving Kakashi a stern look. "Go away now and leave me alone!"

A sly grin flashed across Kakashi’s face under his mask as he looked intently at Orochimaru. "I could also tell my father what you did yesterday," he began calmly. "He certainly wouldn’t like to hear that you held a kunai to my throat." Kakashi was aware that Orochimaru had respect for his father, something the latter had confirmed the previous day.

For a moment, Orochimaru's gaze pierced Kakashi before a wicked grin spread across his lips. "You cunning little snake, I didn't know you had such a sly streak," Orochimaru began sharply. "But I won't be threatened or intimidated by a little boy. Go ahead, tell your father if you must."

Kakashi bit his lower lip as Orochimaru turned away and retreated further into the apartment. Nonetheless, he left the door open and called back, "Decide now if you want to come in or take root outside! Hurry up!" Kakashi looked surprised at the Sannin. Without hesitation, he slipped into the apartment, removed his sandals, and followed Orochimaru into his living room.

Orochimaru’s apartment was modest and understated. A narrow hallway led to various rooms, with the kitchen adjoining the living room. The furnishings were simple yet tasteful.

Orochimaru grabbed a cup from the kitchen counter and settled into his cozy couch. Kakashi stepped slowly into the living room, watching Orochimaru attentively. After taking a sip from his cup, Orochimaru turned to Kakashi. "Well, speak!"

Kakashi stood still and nodded slightly. "Thank you for letting me in," he began. Orochimaru rolled his eyes in annoyance, but Kakashi remained undeterred. "I just want to apologize for entering your apartment without permission. It was wrong of me, and I realize it was foolish to let the others persuade me."

Orochimaru set his cup down with a gentle clink on the coffee table, leaned back comfortably, and crossed his legs elegantly. His gaze remained fixed on Kakashi. "I think we can forget about this matter if it doesn't happen again in the future," he declared firmly. Then he paused for a moment, crossed his arms over his chest, and added, "Your question? I don't have all day!"

Kakashi took a deep breath and decided to get straight to the point. "I want you to be my sensei," he stated firmly.

A heavy silence settled over the room as their gazes locked. Orochimaru's face revealed nothing of his thoughts; it remained impassive. After a few long seconds, he leaned forward, grabbed his cup, and took a sip. "You want me to be your sensei?" he repeated coolly as Kakashi nodded to confirm his request. Orochimaru set the cup down again and leaned back. "Not interested! Is there anything else?"

Kakashi crossed his arms resolutely, knowing this wouldn't be easy. "You haven't even given it proper thought!" he protested energetically.

Orochimaru shrugged nonchalantly. "I thought about it for a brief moment and concluded that I have no desire to teach a brat like you. Besides, I simply don't have the time for it. So, if that's all, I need to get back to work."

Kakashi frowned. "You haven't even given me a chance!"

Orochimaru let out an exasperated sigh and ran a hand over his face. "I thought you already had a sensei. Why do you need another one?" he asked skeptically.

Kakashi shrugged casually. "You can never have enough training," he began, "and besides, you could teach me things that Minato-sensei can't."

"Oh, are you dissatisfied with him?" Orochimaru asked with a mocking grin. "I knew that kid didn't have what it takes." He shifted in his seat as if preparing for an entertaining conversation.

Kakashi quickly shook his head. "No, Minato-sensei is an excellent teacher! I don't want that to change. But I would like to learn from you as well, Orochimaru-sensei!”

"Don't call me that!" the Sannin hissed, shifting uncomfortably in his seat. "I haven't agreed, and I'm not interested! Besides, we both know your father won't be pleased. It's no secret that Sakumo doesn't like me."

Kakashi couldn't deny his father's displeasure, but he was undeterred. He would find a way to convince him. "Don't worry about that, it's my problem, and I'll handle it," Kakashi assured with a confident smile.

Orochimaru raised an eyebrow and smirked slightly. "I thought you knew your father better," he remarked. He took another sip from his cup before continuing. "Your father is a mother hen! He's been like that since you were born. I'm surprised he even allowed you to become a Genin so early," he mocked.

"My father only wants what's best for me, just like Minato-sensei. But you're different. You would push me to my limits, and that's the only way I can improve. If I want to become the strongest Shinobi one day, I need to train hard," Kakashi explained. He had taken this argument from his conversation with Danzo, hoping it would convince Orochimaru. "Please let me prove that I'm worth it!"

Orochimaru fixed Kakashi with an intense gaze and leaned forward slightly. "You want to prove to me that you have the potential to be my student?" Kakashi nodded resolutely, keeping his gaze firmly on the Sannin. Orochimaru smiled darkly and stood up from the couch. "Then let's go to the training ground!"

Kakashi blinked a few times in surprise. That had been quicker than he expected. He had anticipated more of a discussion. But he quickly realized that the Sannin had something in mind. Whatever it was, it wouldn't be easy – probably almost impossible for a child. But Kakashi was determined. He would manage. So he nodded, and together they made their way to the training ground.

**********

Kakashi parried another strike, then backed away from Orochimaru, landing on his feet. His breathing was heavy, sweat glistened on his body, and his muscles trembled from exertion. Despite all his efforts, Kakashi had yet to land a single hit. His gaze fell on his right arm, where a shallow cut ran along his forearm. It had stopped bleeding and stung slightly, but Kakashi was used to such pain. He had suffered far worse injuries before.

His eyes shifted back to Orochimaru, who regarded him with an unimpressed expression. The Sannin didn't seem to be tiring at all—he wasn't even sweating. When they had reached the training ground, Orochimaru had revealed his intention. He told Kakashi that they would spar, and if Kakashi managed to land a hit, he would consider becoming his sensei.

But that was easier said than done. Kakashi had many good strategies and plans, but his body was struggling to keep up. Still, Kakashi was far from giving up. He had one more plan in mind. He decided to bide his time and wait for the right moment. He also viewed this as excellent training. Orochimaru was ruthlessly tough. If Kakashi were really five years old, he would have collapsed from exhaustion long ago. However, thanks to his experience, he knew how to conserve his energy and avoid tiring too quickly.

After four hours, Kakashi felt himself reaching his limits. Determined, he decided to execute his plan, hoping fervently that it would work. Patiently, he kept his focus on Orochimaru and assumed a combat stance. A wicked grin appeared on Orochimaru's face as he moved forward.

A faint smile formed under Kakashi's mask. Quickly, he formed hand signs and placed his hands on the ground. "Doton: Doryūheki no Jutsu!" he called out. Instantly, a massive earth wall sprang up between Kakashi and Orochimaru.

Kakashi stayed hidden, his body concealed in the massive earth wall, as he patiently waited for the right moment. It didn't take long for Orochimaru to reach Kakashi's side of the wall. His eyes scanned the training ground, unaware of where Kakashi was hiding. A broad smile spread across Kakashi's face. Now was his chance.

Determined, Kakashi sprang from the wall, his body hurtling toward Orochimaru, delivering a powerful kick. Orochimaru spun around and managed to block Kakashi's attack with his arms at the last moment. Kakashi's eyes were narrow and filled with determination as he continued his movements. In Orochimaru's eyes, Kakashi saw a flash of mild surprise.

Quickly, Kakashi retreated from the Sannin, landing safely a few meters away. Orochimaru regarded Kakashi for a moment with an inscrutable expression before his posture relaxed. "That's enough," he declared coolly.

Kakashi also relaxed and watched the Sannin. As Orochimaru finally turned to leave, Kakashi followed him with wide eyes. "I completed my task! Now it's your turn. Are you my sensei now?" he asked, his gaze expectant.

Orochimaru didn't turn around but paused. Silence stretched between them until Orochimaru glanced over his shoulder at Kakashi. "You should tend to your wound so it doesn't get infected," he said, then resumed walking. Just as Kakashi was about to protest, the Sannin continued, "I have a mission tomorrow. When I return, I'll contact you!" With that, Orochimaru disappeared.

Kakashi watched Orochimaru for a moment longer before exhaling and falling backward onto the ground. He had done it, but he was exhausted. Training with Orochimaru had been grueling, but he knew it would push him forward. Kakashi realized that not only could he prevent the Sannin from leaving the village, but also that training with Orochimaru could accelerate his progress.

For the Sannin would take no pity on Kakashi; he would push him to his limits, unlike Minato and his father. Maybe it wasn't so bad having him as a sensei, and who knows, they might even get along.

**********

Exhausted, Kakashi returned to Minato. He closed the door behind him and sank to the floor. Slowly, he began to take off his sandals while calling out into the apartment, "I'm back!"

No sooner had he spoken the words than Minato appeared in the hallway. "Kakashi!?" he exclaimed in alarm, rushing to him immediately. "What happened? Are you alright?" he asked worriedly, bending down to Kakashi.

Kakashi turned his head to Minato and gave him a broad grin. "All good," he announced as he stood up. "Orochimaru is my sensei from today."

Minato frowned and regarded Kakashi for a moment. Then he lowered his head. "Seeing you like this, I wonder if it's really worth it," the blond confessed thoughtfully.

Kakashi waved a hand dismissively. "It's worth it. It's nothing I'm not used to," he assured calmly. "Training with him won't hurt me. On the contrary, it will only push me further." He paused briefly before continuing, "Orochimaru is a strict teacher and won't go easy on me, but that's exactly what I need to get stronger quickly."

With a sigh, Minato stood up from his crouch. "Let's take care of your wound first," he suggested, placing his hand between Kakashi's shoulder blades. He gently guided him into the living room.

There, Kakashi plopped down on the couch while Minato fetched the first aid kit. When Minato returned to the living room, he sat down next to Kakashi and placed the kit on the coffee table. He opened it and took out the disinfectant. "I probably don't need to explain what I'm doing," Minato observed.

Kakashi chuckled and shook his head slightly. "No, I've been through this enough times. I've had much worse injuries," he admitted with a faint smile.

Minato smiled weakly as he disinfected Kakashi's wound. "I believe you," he said softly, his voice tinged with sadness. Then he looked up. "Are you still on active duty, or are you already retired?" he asked curiously.

Kakashi let his gaze wander to his arm, where Minato was still carefully cleaning his wound. He hummed softly before responding. "How should I put this..." he began cryptically. "I'm definitely not retired yet." Kakashi enjoyed keeping his sensei in suspense a little.

Curiously, Minato raised an eyebrow and set the disinfectant aside to take a bandage from the kit. "So, you're still going on missions?" he asked, interested.

"You could say that," Kakashi replied with a mischievous smile on his lips.

Confused, Minato looked at Kakashi. "Well, then what? Don't keep me in suspense for so long," he demanded, laughing. Then Minato began to wrap Kakashi's forearm with the bandage.

"I'm the Hokage!" Kakashi announced nonchalantly, watching Minato with a slight smile.

Immediately, Minato paused in his task and looked into Kakashi's eyes with a surprised expression. "You're the..." Minato stopped short, swallowing hard. "Hokage!?"

"Oh, had I not mentioned that yet?" Kakashi asked playfully, shrugging, even though he knew full well he hadn't mentioned it. "Why so surprised? You don't have much faith in me," Kakashi commented with a wink.

Minato regarded Kakashi for another moment, then shook his head and resumed his work. Kakashi could see a faint, proud smile on Minato's lips. "I haven't known you long, but I just thought that wasn't necessarily your thing," Minato explained.

Kakashi lowered his gaze and continued to watch Minato. "Well, it wasn't necessarily my wish. I could have done without it. But it was a favor for a friend," he explained in a light but sad voice.

Compassionate eyes landed on Kakashi. "I understand," Minato murmured. "Now I at least know why you want to save everyone. As Hokage, you don't just see the individual, but the whole village.”

Kakashi smiled faintly. "Maybe that's why," he said quietly and thoughtfully.

They were silent for a moment, watching as Minato finished bandaging Kakashi's arm. When Minato was done, he looked at Kakashi. "Do you sometimes worry about how the village will fare in your future?" he asked sympathetically.

Kakashi looked at Minato, his arm still resting in Minato's hand. "No," Kakashi admitted softly, gazing back at his arm. "They will manage fine without me. I have a worthy successor. He is much better suited for the position."

Minato's grip tightened slightly. "I bet you're a great Hokage," Minato encouraged him with an uplifting smile.

Kakashi smiled weakly under his mask. He never wanted to be the Hokage. After losing his Sharingan in the Fourth Great Ninja War, he felt he couldn't protect the village adequately. He had struggled for a long time with whether he should take the position. But in the end, he decided to do it. After all, Obito had wished for it. At least he wanted to keep that promise.

"Which Hokage number are you?" Minato asked, and Kakashi knew the blonde was trying to distract him.

Kakashi went along with it; he didn't want to dwell on it any longer. "I'm the sixth," he answered calmly. Kakashi knew what Minato would ask next, but he had promised to answer his questions.

"Who were the fourth and fifth Hokage?" Minato let go of Kakashi's arm and leaned back.

Kakashi drew his arm to himself and let his gaze fall to his lap. "The fifth was Tsunade," Kakashi replied, pausing for a moment. He bit his lower lip.

Minato looked at Kakashi in surprise. "Tsunade? That surprises me," he admitted, tilting his head slightly. "What about the fourth?"

Kakashi took a deep breath and then looked at Minato. "The fourth was you," he finally said.

Minato's eyes widened. "Me?!" He placed his hand on his chest, and a radiant smile spread across his lips. "I actually became Hokage," he murmured with pride in his voice, his eyes shining with joy.

Kakashi felt tears burning in his eyes as he saw Minato's expression turn sad. The blonde seemed to have realized something. Quickly, Kakashi blinked away the tears and looked away. Silence fell between them until Minato finally exhaled. "You told me yesterday you would answer my questions today."

Kakashi directed his gaze back to Minato, regaining his determination. He knew the hardest part of their conversation was yet to come. "Let me freshen up quickly, then we can talk," Kakashi requested in a calm voice.

Minato didn't look at Kakashi, his gaze was directed out the window. He just nodded in response. Kakashi slid off the sofa and left the living room. He quickly disappeared into the bathroom, closed the door behind him, and leaned against it. Slowly, he pulled down his mask and took a few deep breaths.

After a moment, he pushed off the door and went to the sink. Minato had provided a small stool for him to reach better. Kakashi stood on the stool, clung to the sink with his hands, and looked in the mirror. "I can do this," Kakashi murmured to himself, tightening his grip on the sink.