Naruto: Konoha Silver Wolf

"'Wolf,' Kakashi!"

"Instructed by the Fourth Hokage to enter 'Root,' this is a testament to the trust placed in both you and me. From now on, you will be a member of 'Root,' I must explain its purpose and responsibilities…"

He spoke slowly and thoughtfully to Kin, the Anbu headquarters Akashi, standing before him with his right eye covered in bandages. He detailed the objectives, retributions, and responsibilities of 'Root,' emphasising that, once part of 'Root,' everything would follow Danzo's commands.

Kakashi listened passively, letting most information go in one ear and out the other. Danzo's attempts to brainwash him were futile, but outwardly, Kakashi pretended to be persuaded.

After Minato Namikaze explained the reasons for joining 'Root,' Kakashi had no choice but to comply, even though he was unwilling. Minato realised that the presence of 'Root' within the Anbu posed a hidden threat to his rule as Hokage, which greatly impressed Kakashi. However, Minato's untimely sacrifice during the Nine-Tails' attack prevented him from reducing Danzo's influence in the Anbu.

Despite awareness of these issues, the Third Hokage never weakened Danzo's power due to his nostalgic and kind-hearted nature.

Thus, Kakashi joined 'Root' and began his life as an operative.

Three months I was passed quickly. The entire village of Konoha operated smoothly. During these three months, Kakashi undertook over a dozen missions in 'Root'—protection, surveillance, intelligence gathering, and assassinations. He completed all tasks. Kakashi also interacted with many other Anbu members outside 'Root,' collaborating on missions.

In these months, Kakashi continued to work on the lightning chakra nature transformation, though he has yet to make significant progress. However, he did manage to enhance the power of his lightning-based techniques.

He also paid attention to his training in the Hatake Three Blades style. The power of his Raikiri increased, and although he still only mastered the second stage of Shunshin, its strength grew. His understanding of Sōshūga, the essence of the technique, remained elusive.

Kakashi's relationship with Rin deepened, though he hadn't crossed the final boundary. Rin steadfastly adhered to Kushina's principles. This often left Kakashi frustrated, even dreaming about taking out his frustration on his sensei's wife, Kushina. Of course, Kakashi only dared to steal glances at her without harbouring any real intentions. His dream goddess could only remain in dreams.

Three months later, on July 1st, the second half of Konoha's Chūnin Exams began. Kakashi learned from Rin that Kurenai was participating in this exam.

On July 3rd, a child was born to the Hyuga clan's Hizashi Hyuga—Neji Hyuga.

On the same day, Kakashi received a new mission.

"Unknown ninjas have infiltrated, intending to kill Konoha's new generation in the second stage of the Chūnin Exams in the Forest of Death! Hmph!"

Kakashi, clad in his Anbu uniform, darted through the Forest of Death, a cold gleam in his eyes.

He now understood that every Chūnin Exam contained many hidden dangers, typically dealt with by Konoha's Anbu or the Police Force.

"These unknown ninjas are probably from Kumogakure! Damn it, Kurenai is also participating in this Chūnin Exam!"

Kakashi muttered, worried. He had no romantic interest in Kurenai but didn't want an admirer to be killed by enemy ninjas.

Despite knowing that Kurenai would become a Chūnin and emerge unscathed in the original timeline, Kakashi couldn't help but worry. His presence could have altered the course of events, causing unforeseen variables.

Swish, swish, swish!

Kakashi's figure flashed through the Forest of Death. Other Anbu members were also present, as one person couldn't cover the entire forest.

As he moved, Kakashi encountered several teams participating in the Chūnin Exam but ignored them. None of the genin could detect his presence unless they possessed unique techniques, which these teams lacked.

During his search, Kakashi found the corpses of three teams. He determined that two teams had been killed by fellow participants, judging by the crude killing methods.

The third team's deaths were suspicious, likely the work of the unknown ninjas. The method was far more skilled; each kills a precise one-hit execution.

Confirming this, Kakashi began tracking the enemy, but his Sharingan was missing no clues.

"Asuma, Iwashi, we've collected both the Heaven and Earth Scrolls. We can head to the central tower now!"

In a corner of the Forest of Death, Kurenai retrieved the Heaven Scroll from a Sand genin's corpse, turning to Asuma and another Konoha genin with a smile.

The three of them didn't realise the danger approaching.