The city was asleep.
Only the sound of the cold night wind echoed through the empty streets.
On the rooftop of an abandoned building…
Kakashi stood alone.
The moonlight reflected softly against his silver-white hair.
His black mask hid the lower half of his face.
He slowly raised one hand.
A blue magic circle appeared in front of him.
It spun silently in the air.
A few seconds later…
The center of the circle turned into a glowing portal.
Someone was waiting on the other side.
Only a dark silhouette could be seen.
“You’ve been gone longer than expected.” The voice was calm.
Deep.
Authoritative.
Kakashi remained silent.
The voice continued, “Report.” A brief silence followed.
Then Kakashi spoke.
“…I haven’t done it.” The figure didn’t move.
“You haven’t…?” “No.” Another few seconds passed.
“Kakashi.” “Have you sealed the Twenty Tails?” “…No.” “Why?” Kakashi lowered his eyes.
“…She isn’t ready.” “Ready?” “She’s an ordinary girl.” “She knows nothing about our world.” “She’s kind…” “And innocent.” “I can’t force that fate onto her.” The air became heavy.
The person behind the portal spoke again.
“I never expected those words from you.” “You accepted this mission.” “I know.” “Then complete it.” Kakashi’s voice remained calm.
“But this mission is wrong.” Silence.
The blue portal flickered.
Suddenly…
Another voice echoed from somewhere beyond the portal.
Much deeper.
Much colder.
“Kakashi.” The moment that voice appeared…
Even the wind stopped.
Kakashi slowly lifted his head.
“…Sir.” “So…” “You’ve started questioning orders.” “No.” “I am questioning this mission.” A low chuckle echoed through the portal.
“You’ve changed.” “No.” “I haven’t.” “Then prove it.” “You have…” The voice paused.
“…One week.” Kakashi’s eyes narrowed slightly.
“One week isn’t enough.” “I don’t care.” “If the seal isn’t completed within seven days…” “…We’ll handle the situation ourselves.” Kakashi’s expression changed for the first time.
“…Don’t involve her.” “You don’t make the rules.” The mysterious voice became colder.
“You follow them.” The portal began to close.
Just before it disappeared completely…
One final sentence echoed through the night.
“Don’t disappoint us again.” The blue light vanished.
Everything became silent.
Only the moon remained above him.
Kakashi stood there without moving.
For several long moments…
He simply stared at the place where the portal had disappeared.
The cold wind gently moved his hoodie.
His voice was almost impossible to hear.
“…What should I do now?” For the first time since arriving in this world…
Kakashi didn’t have an answer.
Far below…
The city lights continued to shine peacefully.
Completely unaware…
That somewhere in the darkness…
A countdown had already begun.
Seven days.
End of Chapter 9