The Celestial Copy - Chapter 27

[Killer Bee]

Leaning against the wall of his brother’s office, Killer Bee was in a world of his own, the tense atmosphere of the room nothing but a distant noise. A notepad rested in one hand, a pencil spinning in the other, completely absorbed in the flow. Fresh rhymes for future fights were bubbling up, and he had to get them down.

That silver-haired dude with the half-hid face… wields a borrowed eye all over the place.

Something about that felt off. The rhythm was right, but the meaning wasn’t. A borrowed eye couldn’t see the truth of a man, couldn’t catch the real meaning behind the flow. It was practically a secondhand diss!

He’s cool and he’s calm, a real mystery guest.

Guest… guest…

Can his jutsu handle the very best? The Eight-Tails flow will put him to the test! YEAH!

“Your final report, Yugito,” Ay boomed, shattering the creative process. “Are you absolutely certain Hatake made no moves? No secret meetings or intelligence gathering? Nothing?!”

“That’s correct, Lord Raikage,” she reported calmly. “During the days of the first and second exams, he spent most of his time in the company of your brother, reading erotica together and wandering the village.” 

Yeah, he remembered that. Kakashi was a fun guy like that. Weird that a clone made another clone to keep watch over the student, but whatever worked.

“After the second exam concluded,” Yugito continued, “he focused his attention entirely on training his student. He operated exactly as a visiting Jōnin-sensei would.”

Ay lifted a fist, trembling as he tried to bring it away, but he failed to suppress his fury and crashed it down onto his desk, breaking it in half.

“Humiliated! In my own village! In front of the Daimyo! That Uchiha brat made a mockery of us! Three of our own taken down by one child!” he snarled, “It’s a pattern with them! First, Hatake thwarts our plans for the Byakugan, then he makes a fool of us at the summit, and now he comes to my village and has his student dismantle our best Genin!”

Your brother is worried about being deceived, Gyuki’s deep voice rumbled in Bee’s mind. Shouldn’t you tell him it was a clone in the village for an entire day?

Eight-o, quit being a fool, ya fool! You saw what I saw. Clone or not, he was alright. Tellin’ Bro now will just make him blow a fuse over somethin’ that don’t matter.

Bee looked up from his notepad, finally tuning in to his brother's rage.

“Yo, Bro, you’re fumin’, your rage is in bloom! Simmer down before you punch a hole right through this room!”

“Don’t you get it, Bee?!” Ay snapped, spinning around to face him. “I was played for a fool! I thought the kid was a diversion, that the Copy Ninja was planning something. I was right, of course, but in the WRONG WAY!” He raked a hand through his hair. “That Third Hokage may be a weak old man, but he’s crafty. The Lightning Daimyo is furious. He lost a wager betting on Darui and says it makes our village look weak! I shouldn’t have told Dodai to put Darui and Cee in the exam. At least then I could’ve claimed we weren’t taking it seriously!”

Remembering the feel of that fist bump a month ago, the surprising lack of malice, Bee closed his notepad. He sauntered over to his brother, slipping the book into his vest.

“Yo, you’ve got it all twisted, a total misread. About the one-eyed ninja in your head,” he began, his tone shifting from playful to serious.

Ay stopped pacing, glaring at Bee.

“I saw that dude’s heart,” he went on, tapping his own chest. “All righteous and true. Ain’t no secret plot against me and you. The Uchiha kid was strong, ain’t no disgrace. Sometimes you just lose the race.”

“A ‘righteous heart?!” Ay spat out, the veins in his neck bulging. “The Fourth Hokage had one! He was the fastest man alive, faster than even me, and yet he’s dead! His heart didn’t matter in the end… His power did! His skill did! That’s what saved his village from the Nine-Tails!”

Ay stepped closer, towering over his younger brother. “Righteous hearts don’t win wars, Bee.”

Unblinking behind his shades, Bee met his brother’s gaze. 

“Maybe not, Bro, but it can stop ’em, you see!” he countered. “Kakashi’s gonna be at the top of their tower, man. He’s a good dude. If we can trust each other, this whole peace thing’s gonna be smooth. That’s the real deal, take it from me, Killer Bee!”

Ay exhaled and turned to look out the window. “Fine. I’ll consider what you’ve said. They’re leaving now anyway, so it’ll be a moot point.”

Leavin’ already? Gotta see my new silver-haired buddy off!

“Aight, I’m blastin’ off, no time to cough!” He was about to leave, but paused and glanced at his fellow Jinchuriki. “Yo, Yugito! Don’t stay in this gloom, come escape this doom! Let's say bye to the one-eyed guy!”

“I’ll pass,” she replied. “I have no business with him.”

“Suit yourself, ya fool!”

Bee left the office, taking to the rooftops and heading straight for the village’s main gate.

After a few minutes, he arrived to find the Leaf delegation preparing for their departure. The old Hokage was speaking with the gate guards, while the Uchiha family stood together. Standing a little apart from them was Kakashi.

“Yo! Hold up, Leaf-bro, before you hit the road!” Bee called out, landing beside him with his arms spread out. “I cracked your clone’s little code! Now the real deal’s here, with a heavier load! Next time we meet, watch me unload! ’Cause Eight-Tails, that’s me, da rappin’ Killer B! Yeah!”

Kakashi turned, his visible eye crinkling. “It’s nice to meet you in person too.”

“Mom,” the kid whispered, tugging at his mom’s sleeve. “Why’s that man speaking so weirdly?”

Something about this particular kid left Bee feeling pissed. Before he could drop a diss to educate the youth, Kakashi crouched down beside him.

“Sasuke, a person’s habits are shaped by the life they’ve lived,” he said gently. “As long as the way someone finds joy doesn’t bring harm to others, it’s not something to be dismissed. While they might not make sense to us, it can mean a lot to them.”

“’kay, I’m sorry,” the kid said to Bee. 

Bee chuckled. “Heh. Your clone was more fun, ya fool!”

Be careful, Bee. A clone is only a small fraction of a person. Its intent could have been different from the original’s.

Nah, Eight-O, I hear ya, but you felt it too. The vibe was different. Lighter, yeah, but the core is the same. A clone can’t fake that, not completely. It’s gotta be built from the same stuff.

I’ll give you that. But our trust shouldn’t be handed so freely. You need to be absolutely certain before you extend that trust to someone who holds influence in an enemy village.

Guess I gotta silence the hater's doubts.

Bee stepped forward, closing the distance between them. He held out his fist to Kakashi once more. “Alright, this one’s for real, one last check is due. Put your fist to mine, let me see the real you.”

Kakashi met his gaze. There was no hesitation or hint of deception in that dark eye. He raised his hand and bumped his fist against Bee’s.

That sensation of their chakra connecting washed over him. It was hard to describe it, but there was an undeniable purity in its desire to protect. The same feeling he got from the clone. A sense of will so clear it felt like it had nothing to hide, because its goals were absolute. The only difference was the scale. This was the complete and total presence of the man’s will, and it was baring itself open without reservation.

Bee pulled his hand back, his grin widening. He was right. Kakashi Hatake was the real deal.

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

The pace of our journey back from the Hidden Cloud was dictated by the short, determined legs of a five-year-old boy. We could have easily made it back in a day if one of his parents, or even Itachi, had carried him, but there was no emergency. We were the ones who had invited the Uchiha family on this diplomatic trip, after all. The least we could do was travel at their pace.

With my arms crossed, I sat on a fallen log as I observed our camp.

Fugaku and Itachi were conversing in low tones near the edge of the clearing, likely about clan matters. Mikoto was keeping Sasuke entertained with what looked like a simple hand game, while Hiruzen watched them all with a placid smile as he continued to make absolutely zero progress on his own. 

Still, having a moment of peace was nice. We’d taken a step forward, and hopefully in the coming months, we’d hear good news from Itachi and Shisui about the clan meetings easing up.

That moment of peace was broken as Sasuke, having apparently exhausted his mother's patience, broke away and made his way over to me.

“Oi, Kakashi. Big brother was so cool! He used that giant fire jutsu at the end! But he also used an earth wall too. How many elements can he use?”

“I believe it was four,” I answered. “Fire, Earth, Water, and Wind.”

Though his mastery of Fire Style is on a completely different level than the others. Still, being able to use four elements at his age is a feat in and of itself.

“Four..? Yeah, that makes sense. Big brother really is the best ninja.” He looked me over, up and down, thoughtful in that childlike way. “But you’re his sensei, and Mom says you’re really strong too. So, are you stronger than him?”

A direct question.

“Your brother’s skill with his fire style and genjutsu makes him one of the most talented members of your clan since Madara Uchiha,” I deflected, unwilling to simply state that I would win with ease. “In a real fight, the superior shinobi is usually the one who’s smarter and more prepared. It’s never just about raw power.”

“Okay, so being prepared is what makes you strong,” Sasuke parroted, his little face scrunched up. “Then I want to be prepared! Can you teach me how to do the Great Fireball Jutsu, just like big brother did? If I learn that, I’ll be prepared for anything!”

The Great Fireball Jutsu...

I knew exactly what that technique meant to his clan. An Uchiha wasn’t considered a true adult until they could perform it.

And Fantastic Minds supplied the rest of the detail with perfect clarity. Fugaku had shown the jutsu to Itachi right after they were relocated after the Nine-Tails attack. It only took a single look for Itachi to also do the jutsu. Years later, Sasuke would ask his father to also teach it to him. However, his first attempt would be nowhere near as impressive as his big brothers, leaving his father disappointed. But he would train himself raw for a week straight before showing his father again, which was even more impressive when considering that Sasuke’s affinity was lightning.

I shook my head. “That’s a very special jutsu, Sasuke. It carries meaning in your clan. It’s one you should learn from your father or your brother when the time is right. It’ll mean more coming from them.” I crouched down to look him in the eye. “But here’s something to keep in mind when you’re learning it: Failing to succeed on the first try doesn’t mean anything. Even the greatest shinobi fail. The true test is if you have the will to get back up.”

He pouted at the denial and opened his mouth. “But I want to learn it now! If I don’t star—”

“Sasuke, that’s enough questions.” A calm voice cut him off. “Kakashi-sensei needs to rest too.”

Itachi walked over and placed a hand on his little brother’s shoulder. “The Academy starts soon, doesn’t it? If you want to impress your teachers on the very first day, I can show you a few things with your shuriken right now.”

Sasuke’s pout vanished instantly, replaced by wide eyes. “Really?! You’ll teach me now?!”

Itachi poked his forehead, pulling out some shuriken from his pouch as he led his brother over to a large tree in the distance.

Mikoto drifted closer to her sons, offering praise as they began their practice. Meanwhile, Fugaku leaned against a tree as he watched from a distance. With the clan head alone as his wife and children were occupied, we had the opportunity to have an open discussion. Hiruzen, unsurprisingly, made no move to take advantage of it.

Guess it’s all up to me.

I walked over to stand beside the Uchiha clan head, my gaze also on the two boys. I activated Mephistopheles, not feeling any of the lingering guilt I had felt the first few times I’d used it. So far, I’d mainly relied on it to make stronger first impressions on important individuals like Grand Elder Kanazuji, the Fire Daimyo, Fugaku, Killer Bee, and the other nobles from the Chūnin Exams.

Am I abusing this power? This is going to be my second time speaking to Fugaku with it on. I shook the thought off. I already came to terms with it, especially in regards to politics. I had no problem using it more than once on the Fire Daimyo, and if I encountered any other Daimyo again, I’d do the same. 

It’s fine. I’ve never had any harmful intentions when wielding it.

This time was no different. If a little extra charisma would prevent a clan from being massacred, then so be it.

“Those are a fine pair of boys you have,” I said, breaking the silence. “Sasuke’s different from Itachi, but the fire they have is the same. The future of your clan is in good hands.”

“It is.”

“It’s because of that future I feel that I have to speak with you about a concerning matter,” I continued. “The Uchiha clan has been under surveillance for some time.”

Fugaku turned his head slowly. His black eyes bore into mine. “Oh? And exactly how long has my clan been under surveillance?”

“I’m not sure,” I lied as if it were nothing. “Even though I’m an ANBU Captain, such duties were never assigned to my squad. I learned about it on my own when I came to pick Itachi up for some last minute training before we left. It’s been on my mind over the past month.”

He activated his Sharingan, likely searching for any signs of deception. “Becoming a Captain of ANBU is not a position given lightly. So tell me, why inform me of this? Even if you feel you owe a debt to my clan, sharing such information with the leader of the clan you’re supposed to be monitoring borders on treason.”

“Does it? I believe the real treason is allowing an internal division to fester until it explodes into a major conflict, leaving the village vulnerable to our external enemies.”

“Your dedication to the village is admirable,” he stated, his voice betraying nothing. “But who are you really loyal to?”

I hummed, looking at his sons. Fugaku followed my gaze. We watched in silence for a moment as Itachi patiently corrected his younger brother’s grip on a shuriken.

“To them,” I answered. “To the children who will one day become the future of the village.” 

I turned back to Fugaku. “The Uchiha are a part of the Leaf, even if that isn’t how they’re being treated right now. I’ve never been loyal to a council of elders who no longer have to bleed for the consequences of their actions. Their decisions force other shinobi, parents and families of the innocent children, to die for them instead. They make choices in the dark and refuse to take responsibility.” I let the words hang for a beat. “What your clan is experiencing isn’t about security, Lord Fugaku. It’s the work of those on the council who see the great clans as threats to their personal control.”

Fugaku’s jaw tightened. A sign that he knew exactly who I was talking about.

“The Third Hokage has realized this is an injustice to your clan,” I went on. “And he wants to correct it. This invitation was his first step.”

His eyes narrowed slightly. “That is not the character of the Third Hokage. He has always been a man who values stability above making overt moves like this. This was your doing, wasn’t it?”

“You’re not wrong,” I conceded. “But does it matter? Regardless of the reason, the Hokage’s stance has changed. An opportunity exists that did not before. For it to work, both sides must be willing to speak honestly.”

Fugaku turned back to the sight of his sons. Sasuke was lining up another throw, tongue sticking out in concentration. Itachi murmured something encouraging beside him. The younger Uchiha threw the shuriken, hitting the center of a circle carved in the tree with a kunai. Mikoto clapped, and he looked to his big brother for more praise.

“I’m glad to have someone outside the clan who sees what’s happening,” he said quietly. “Perhaps there is a chance after all.”

I just barely caught the last words he muttered as he walked over to join his family. They implied good things. One conversation and he was already being swayed, or at least believed in things changing for the better.

[FEAT ACHIEVED: SWAY FUGAKU UCHIHA’S OPINION]

[50 CP GRANTED - 150 TOTAL]

[WOULD YOU LIKE TO ROLL?]

I’ll pass. Nice to have proof though.

“Well handled, Kakashi.”

The voice came from behind the tree Fugaku had been leaning on earlier. A figure carrying the scent of tobacco stepped out from behind it, revealing the Third Hokage.

“I must admit, your direct approach had me worried there. But the conviction with which you spoke of your loyalty… it resonated with him. And with me.”

“Thank you, Lord Hokage,” I replied. “But I have to ask. Itachi created the perfect opening for us. You said that during the journey to the Hidden Cloud, you couldn’t speak to Fugaku because his family was present. That wasn’t the case just now. Why didn’t you do anything?”

Hiruzen’s smile widened, a knowing, grandfatherly look filling his old eyes. “I will not insult your intelligence by pretending I simply missed the opportunity. Kakashi, you know exactly what I am hoping for from you in the future. What I am preparing you for.”

Becoming the next Hokage. I’ve accepted it, too.

I nodded.

“Before a Hokage can command their shinobi, they must be acknowledged,” Hiruzen continued, his tone similar to how a teacher would speak. “They must build their own bridges, create their own alliances. I saw this as a chance for you to build your own foundation of support within the Uchiha. And in one conversation, you succeeded beyond my expectations.”

“So you were testing me?”

“I suppose I was,” he admitted with a chuckle. “Though nothing drastic would have changed if you failed. Perhaps a few extra lessons.” He stepped closer and placed a hand on my shoulder. “But clearly that will not be necessary. I don’t foresee it taking much longer. You are more than ready for the hat. A few more years to silence the protests from those who think your age matters, and the village will be yours to lead.”

He looked me in the eye, his expression one of absolute confidence.

“I have no doubt you will be a greater Hokage than I ever was.”

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

[Fugaku Uchiha]

Sitting at the head of the table, Fugaku was having breakfast with his family. He picked up a piece of grilled fish with his chopsticks, eating slowly. Mikoto’s cooking was as good as ever.

“Big Brudder!” Sasuke exclaimed, his mouth filled with rice, making his words a garbled mess. “C’n we go do shuriken training again today?”

“Sasuke. Swallow first.”

“But mom—”

Mikoto set her chopsticks down firmly. “Neither the shuriken nor your brother are going anywhere.”

Itachi ate calmly across him, but there was an unmistakable ease in his shoulders this morning, a softness he rarely allowed himself. He gave Sasuke a small nod of agreement, enough to make the boy snap his mouth shut.

It was their first morning back in the village after a week spent away. Three days to travel to the Hidden Cloud. A single day to watch the finals where Itachi reminded the world of the power behind the Uchiha name. And another three days for the journey home.

The return trip had proved to be just as important as Itachi’s victory in the arena. From the second day onward, the Hokage had dropped the polite pleasantries, allowing the two leaders to speak plainly while the children walked ahead.

Hiruzen had admitted the village was in the wrong. He acknowledged that the isolation enforced since the Nine-Tails attack was a failure of central leadership, a mistake that allowed suspicions to rise against the Uchiha.

But two people had spoken to him during that trip.

Hiruzen was apologetic, yet entirely controlled. The way he spoke was of a politician trying to repair a crack in the foundation because his hand was forced, not because he felt the injustice in his gut. He lacked the raw sincerity Kakashi had projected when he spoke of his beliefs.

Still, it didn’t necessarily matter that the Hokage’s heart wasn’t fully in it. The admission of fault was on the table, and Fugaku had immediately taken the opportunity to address one of the clan’s greatest grievances: The blatant mistrust.

Kakashi’s information regarding the surveillance had been the key. It implied the ANBU were ignorant of the secret monthly meetings, that the clan was already aware they were being watched. This allowed Fugaku to confront the Hokage with indignation without tipping his hand about the extent of the clan’s intelligence network.

At least Hiruzen hadn’t tried to defend it, immediately agreeing to have the surveillance lifted.

Fugaku finished his green tea, feeling a weight lift off his chest that had been there for years. 

The debates within the Naka Shrine had been spiraling toward a dark direction. The radical faction fed on their resentment, making calls to actions. But because the village administration was not aware of that radicalization, this conflict could still be smoothed over. They had admitted their mistakes, and are going to stop applying pressure. The clan could finally breathe now. Without the constant fuel of unfair treatment, the radical faction would lose its influence. The path to conflict was not inevitable after all.

Getting up from his seat, Fugaku headed back to his room and changed into his uniform. First came the black shirt, the crest of the Police Force on the shoulders. Next, the open-front apron with the white diamond pattern on the bottom hem. And finally he put on the standard Jōnin flak jacket.

He mentally prepared for the paperwork waiting at headquarters. The complaints from civilians regarding police conduct had risen drastically in recent months. 

Fugaku frowned as he adjusted the collar. They weren’t entirely wrong. His men, frustrated by the village’s suspicion, were taking it out on the populace during arrests. That aggression bred resentment, which only made the officers more defensive. It was a toxic loop he would have to address. 

He stepped into his sandals and slid open the door.

“Father.” Itachi was waiting for him in the hallway. “Do you have a moment? I wish to speak with you regarding my future.”

Fugaku nodded. He had been expecting this conversation, but the directness of it still caught him off guard. As a Chūnin, his son was now eligible to serve in the Police Force. Enlisting him now would allow him to advance through the ranks rapidly.

That’s my boy. Just one day after promotion, and he’s already eager to get started.

“I’m heading to headquarters now,” Fugaku said, gesturing for his son to follow. “Walk with me. We can process your enrollment papers today. It would be good for the others to see you joining the ranks so quickly.”

“That is actually what I wished to speak about,” Itachi said, falling into step beside him. “I don’t intend to join the Police Force. I want to join the ANBU Black Ops.”

Fugaku stopped, turning slowly to look at his son. “ANBU answers directly to the Hokage. I command the Police Force. I could ensure you start with a rank befitting your abilities. Why would you choose to serve there?”

“If I am in ANBU, I will be able to watch over the village on behalf of the clan,” Itachi answered. “That insight is far more valuable than simply adding another officer to the Police Force. I will serve as the clan’s eyes in the place where we are currently blind.”

Fugaku considered that carefully. 

Itachi was right. Having a direct line into the Hokage’s personal forces would allow him to verify if Hiruzen was truly serious about his promises. If the Hokage was honest, Itachi would act as a vital connection between the village administration and the clan. If he wasn’t, Itachi would be the first to know, ensuring the clan was never blindsighted.

“A sound strategy,” Fugaku admitted. “However, ANBU does not simply accept volunteers. Entry requires a nomination from the Hokage or one of his confidants.”

“I will rely on my merits. The Hokage has already seen my skill, so soon he should invite me.”

“In that organization, skill is secondary to perceived loyalty.” Fugaku paused. “Fortunately, you have another path available. Your sensei holds the rank of Captain within their ranks.”

Itachi’s eyes widened slightly. “Kakashi-sensei is?”

“He is, and a highly regarded one at that. Use your connection. If he vouches for you, your admittance becomes a trivial matter.”

“I understand. I will speak to him today.”

“Do so,” Fugaku instructed. “And Itachi, if the village administration truly intends to end its hostility with our clan… then serve it well. Become an ANBU agent they cannot ignore. We are one of the founders of this village. Strengthen your bond to it as proof that an Uchiha can stand at the heart of its protection.”

“Of course, father,” Itachi said with a slight bow. 

Fugaku watched his son leave with a silent grace that showed he already belonged in ANBU. His mind wandered as he walked to the headquarters.

The title of Hokage, a position no Uchiha had ever held. After the Third Shinobi War, Fugaku himself had garnered some support, but he’d only been a token consideration for the seat of the Fourth, his name dismissed in favor of Minato. There was a lineage to the title, a clear line of succession. The First and Second had taught the Third. The Third taught the Sannin, and one of them taught the Fourth. The Fourth taught Kakashi Hatake, the man who seemed destined for the position of the Fifth.

And Kakashi was Itachi’s sensei.

Perhaps, in a future where trust was rebuilt and they were truly welcomed, Itachi would become the Sixth.

The first Uchiha Hokage.