"Big brother, you're amazing!" Xue Jian looked at Kakashi with shining admiration.
Yamato stood to the side, slightly embarrassed. Moments ago, he had been thoroughly overwhelmed by the savage shark-like enemy. Yet Kakashi had handled the opponent in under two minutes using a single strike of ninjutsu. The difference in their abilities was undeniable.
Still, Yamato didn't feel disheartened. After all, Kakashi was several years older—already a seasoned jonin and former Anbu captain. It was natural for a gap to exist. He was, after all, considered a genius for a reason.
Kakashi gave a casual smile. "This one's all yours."
Yamato nodded. Just to be safe, he restrained the unconscious shark-like ninja with his Wood Release. Judging from the enemy's current state, though, it seemed he wouldn't be getting up anytime soon. Although Yamato's technique lacked the sheer power of Chidori, it was still enough to neutralize a foe of that caliber.
Besides, the enemy specialized in Water Release, and Lightning-style chakra was its natural weakness. Being knocked out instantly wasn't surprising.
What none of them noticed was the tiny snake that slithered unnoticed from the unconscious ninja's sleeve and burrowed into the ground—vanishing without a trace.
"…Are you heading back to Konoha?" Kakashi suddenly asked.
Yamato was stunned. The Iburi clan had already dispersed. Orochimaru hadn't shown up himself—only a subordinate. The mission was clearly over. He had no real reason to remain here any longer.
Still, Yamato hesitated. Glancing toward Xue Jian, he felt reluctant.
This was the first bond he had formed of his own volition—the first person he genuinely wanted to protect. But now, they were about to part.
After all, Xue Jian couldn't return to Konoha. She had once belonged to Orochimaru's forces, even if she had been abandoned. That fact alone meant the village would never accept her.
So no, Xue Jian couldn't follow Yamato home.
"…Yes. I'm heading back," Yamato finally said.
Kakashi didn't look surprised. "I'll wait outside. Don't take too long."
"Okay."
Understanding Yamato needed some time, Kakashi turned and stepped out of the cave. As he stood at the mouth of it, he let out a quiet sigh.
The storyline had shifted again—yet somehow returned to its original course. Was this the world's way of correcting itself? Kakashi wasn't sure.
If the timeline truly changed, then he could only respond accordingly. He couldn't act like the Kakashi of old. Not anymore. And if change came, he would face it head-on.
After all, only those with true strength could remain calm before the unknown.
His thoughts were interrupted by a sudden cry from inside the cave.
"Xue Jian! Xue Jian, what's wrong?!"
The voice was filled with panic.
Kakashi immediately rushed back.
The cave wasn't far, and in moments, he was beside Yamato again.
Xue Jian was on the ground, writhing in pain, her body spasming. Yamato stood over her, stunned and helpless.
The enemy ninja lay lifeless beside them.
Kakashi quickly moved to Xue Jian's side, placing a hand gently on her shoulder as he examined her.
He pulled aside the collar of her shirt—and there it was. A black mark, etched like a brand, glowing faintly at the base of her neck.
"A cursed seal…" he muttered.
Yamato blinked, confused. "Senior Kakashi?"
"She's been marked by Orochimaru's cursed seal," Kakashi explained grimly. "It's activating."
"What?! What even is that?!"
Kakashi's voice turned serious. "It's a forbidden technique of Orochimaru's. Those afflicted by it suffer excruciating pain. If they endure it, they may gain power. But more often, they… don't survive."
"You mean… Xue Jian might die?!" Yamato said, his voice trembling.
Kakashi was silent.
The pain. The helplessness. The memory of test subjects dying in cold laboratories. Yamato's fists clenched. He couldn't—wouldn't—let that happen again.
No more silent failures. No more bodies left behind.
He would save her.
Kakashi said nothing more. He knew Yamato would fight for her. Sometimes, silence was the best way to avoid unintended consequences.
If her fate could still change, Kakashi didn't want to interfere.
Xue Jian screamed again—but then, suddenly, she went limp.
"Xue Jian!" Yamato shouted and ran to her side.
"Hea…" she tried to say something, but the strength had left her. Her body began to fade—translucent, breaking apart into wisps of pale white smoke that floated upward.
"No!"
Yamato's chakra surged in desperation. Then a memory surfaced—Wood Release. The First Hokage had used it not just to restrain, but to heal.
He poured his chakra into the ground.
"Wood Release!"
But this time, it wasn't an attack—it was a plea.
A towering tree shot up, its roots chasing the white smoke, wrapping around it, trying to draw it back—but it slipped away, out of reach.
"Damn it!"
Yamato pushed harder, sweat pouring from his brow. He didn't give up.
And then—something happened.
From the bodies of the fallen Iburi clan members, more white smoke began to rise. Not just vapor—something more. Something spiritual.
Kakashi opened his Sharingan.
That energy… it was familiar.
"Yes," he whispered. "This is soul energy."
The same kind he had seen in his journey through the realm of consciousness—the power of the spirit.
The Iburi had poured their final hopes into Xue Jian. She wasn't just another of their kin—she was the vessel for their survival.
The smoke intertwined with the roots of Yamato's Wood Release.
Light spread through the wood—a golden hue.
And from within the growing tree, a figure reformed.
Xue Jian opened her eyes. Her breathing steady. Alive.
"Xue Jian!" Yamato cried.
She smiled.
Kakashi breathed out. A quiet smile on his lips. A happy ending, for once.
Later, in the forest, the three of them stood at a forked path.
Kakashi said, "Xue Jian, A… I'm heading back. As far as I'm concerned, nothing happened here. You'll have to find your own road from here."
"Thank you, Senior Kakashi."
"Thank you, Brother Kakashi. I'll walk my own path."
"I believe you will. Xue Jian, come here. I need to tell you something."
She looked curious but approached.
Yamato tried to listen, but Kakashi had lowered his voice. Clearly, it was meant to be private.
"I understand," Xue Jian replied after a moment.
Kakashi nodded. "Good. Then I'll take my leave."
With that, he turned and disappeared down the path, the trees quickly swallowing his silhouette.
What he had told her was simple:
> "If you ever have nowhere to go, seek out Jinnin Village. Find Ryugasaki—their leader. Tell him you're my friend. That will be enough."
He didn't call her a subordinate—just a friend. It was better that way. Less baggage. Less risk.
For Kakashi, this was only a small act of kindness. But for Xue Jian, it meant a future.
And as the forest rustled softly behind him, Kakashi quietly made his way back to the village once more.