Restarting Life: Call Me the Leader of Konoha

Chapter 88 Mask

Konoha.

In a remote yard.

"Yakushi Kabuto, right?"

"Lord Danzo."

The boy wearing glasses bowed respectfully.

"How about my 'roots' working for me from now on?

"It can be seen that you have great potential to become a 'root'."

Sitting on the recliner was a middle-aged man with a bandage on his face and two scars on his chin.

"Come with me, Kabuto."

"I just want to know when the dean will be back." The boy said hesitantly.

If the dean came back and I wasn't here...

No.

This must not happen.

"Nono? She is on a secret mission for Root, so it might take a long time."

Dou lowered his head slightly, and it was impossible to tell what his expression was.

How long is a long time?

Judging from Danzo-sama's concept of 'a long time', it's probably just longer than I imagined, right?

"but......"

Danzo's tone changed, and his voice was still dull, but it seemed to carry some bewitching power.

"I think you can help her. At this time, you are the only one who can help her."

Yakushi Kabuto looked up suddenly.

I can......

Help the dean!

Dean, she needs me...

Adjusting his glasses, the boy stared straight at the man in front of him.

"What do you need me to do, Master Danzo?"

Danzo narrowed his eyes slightly, revealing a meaningful look.

He reached out and handed over a milky white mask.

"This is......?"

"Come with me, from today on, you are a member of the Root.

"The name Dou may not be applicable."

Taking the mask in his hand, Yakushi Kabuto looked at the figure in front of him who was leaning on a cane.

"I understand, Danzo-sama."

-----------------

"Winter... Festival?"

On the crowded street, two figures were walking side by side.

Is it winter already?

Kakashi looked stunned.

I remember that it was almost November when the Nine-Tailed Fox Rebellion occurred, and I had been traveling these days.

It seems like it’s almost December already!

“Yes, this is a festival before the New Year.

"These small countries know how to enjoy life better than us big countries!" Ye Cang said with a chuckle.

In comparison, Sand Village is simply unbearable to watch!

The Land of Rivers is located between the Land of Wind and the Land of Fire. This is a country without ninjas.

Perhaps because of its remote geographical location, it has never been involved in disputes among major powers.

Life is peaceful and comfortable...

Looking at the colorful scene in front of him, Kakashi suddenly felt emotional.

This kind of grand occasion seems to be rare even in Konoha.

"Kakashi! Come on, come on, help me!"

Ye Cang trotted to a stall and waved.

His eyes were full of excitement.

Seeing the objects on it, Kakashi sighed.

This is what we promised in advance, and I will buy it in Kawakuni!

Just as he was about to take a step, Kakashi frowned and looked behind him.

The crowds in the downtown area are still bustling...

"Kakashi! What are you still standing there for?!"

The voice came from far away.

Ye Cang took Kakashi's arm and dragged him to the stall.

"Help me see which one looks better!"

Before my eyes are masks of various colors and shapes.

Unable to return to the village openly, Ye Cang really needs a mask.

Kakashi pouted helplessly.

This is understandable.

Moreover, the country of rivers is famous for its exquisite handicrafts, which naturally include masks.

Since I'm passing by here, I might as well stop by.

What I don't understand is...

"Sister Ye Cang, these masks only cover half of your face, so they're still pretty easy to recognize, right?"

Kakashi frowned slightly, these masks could undoubtedly only cover the upper half of their faces.

If it was someone you were familiar with, you might be able to vaguely guess their identity from the outline of the lower half.

This doesn't do much to conceal your identity.

Not as good as the mask used by the Anbu...

"But it won't look good if you cover your entire face...right? Kakashi?"

Ye Cang asked while holding half of the mask between his fingers.

Kakashi looked at the girl who was frowning in thought and felt speechless.

His intuition told him that this view was wrong.

Whether it looks good or not depends on the person, but from the other person's perspective, it may be right...

The key is.

Don't we really need to consider practicality?

If he were recognized by Rasa or other high-ranking members of the Sand Village, who knows what trouble would arise.

mask......

Did you buy it to avoid trouble or because it looks good?

Kakashi had reason to doubt this!

After looking at Ye Cang who was still concentrating on choosing a mask, Kakashi simply turned his attention to the surroundings.

Amid the bustling crowd, I always feel a chilly atmosphere passing by.

This feeling of being stared at from time to time...

He is still there!

"Kakashi! What do you think of this..."

After an unknown amount of time, Ye Cang picked up a light brown half-mask with diagonal ridges carved on it.

This mask is very simple among a bunch of fancy patterns.

"what?"

After a long time without hearing the other party's response, Ye Cang frowned and turned back, only to find that there was only empty "air" around him...

Disappeared again!

Kakashi, why is he...

I don’t have any money on me!

He glanced over quietly and saw the old lady with spotty eyes setting up the stall. She raised her head and yawned with pleasure.

You probably... didn't see me?!

......

"Hey! Girl, you haven't paid yet!——"

-----------------

Deep in the alley, a shadow leaned quietly against the wall.

Orochimaru...

Although the light was limited and the outline could not be seen clearly, the cold aura was quite recognizable.

This time I will definitely...

Kakashi held his breath slightly.

It is obviously impossible to accept the fact that one is defeated so easily in one encounter.

But this time, I will never be careless again!

"I've been waiting for you for a long time Kakashi."

I heard a hoarse voice coming from the alley.

A pale face seemed to appear in my eyes.

"I have personally watched my disciples die from inferior detonating talismans, and I have also watched my teammates cry helplessly for the dead. I have even thought of killing my companions countless times in order not to be held back...

"War has taught us how fragile life is. Just like this firework, it is fleeting."

A bright light suddenly bloomed in the air, illuminating the deep alley.

Looking at Orochimaru who was looking up in a daze, Kakashi's eyes narrowed.

Losing focus while facing the enemy is a hard-earned flaw.

good chance!

However, just as he took a step, the figure in front of him slowly disappeared.

Then a cold kunai slowly pressed against his neck...

Kakashi swallowed subconsciously, and a few beads of cold sweat slid down his forehead.

I... am no match for him!

That kind of murderous intent that seems to be real can make people feel as if they are dying!

I know in my heart that this is not directed at me, it is just the aura that comes naturally...

But it is not difficult to imagine that in the eyes of the other party, perhaps you are just a corpse or rotten meat.

But it moves!

“The significance of fireworks lies only in the moment when they bloom, how many people will stop to watch, and in whose eyes they will always be brilliant.

"From this point of view, life can be described as 'tenacious'."

Kakashi's heart sank when he heard the voice behind him.

This sounds familiar.

As if someone had mentioned it before.

"Kakashi, you have exceeded my expectations. It's hard to say whether this is a good thing or a bad thing."

The chill emanating from the kunai suddenly moved closer.

"I don't like this feeling of being out of control. Perhaps the best way is to put you here..."

Orochimaru paused and suddenly stopped talking.

The alley returned to silence, with only the restless air emitting a hot breath.

Kakashi's heart moved.

"Hey! You're the one who stole my grilled fish, right?

"Well...I advise you to put down what you have on hand first!"