The war may be over, but Minato isn't an ignorant Hokage. Shinobi from small villages that took advantage of the war do not wish to be controlled by the great nations. Minato, knowing that they would continue to wreak havoc, orders the ANBU to maintain the peace that many sacrifices were made for. It is during these missions that Kakashi builds up a reputation for himself, earning the nickname "Cold-blooded Kakashi".
An ANBU Shinobi informs Minato, saying that there's no sign of psychological trauma in Kakashi associated with killing Rin. I personally found this quite odd. Despite his efficiency while taking out 5 Iwagakure Shinobi, he clearly showed frustration and killed off the opportunity to gain intel.
Kakashi's duties are quickly altered though as Minato reveals to him that Kushina, his wife, is pregnant. We learn that it's Kakashi that keeps Kushina safe during her pregnancy. Having Kakashi watch over pre-birth Naruto is a nice addition to the story as we all know Kakashi becomes Naruto's mentor in the future.
Kakashi may not be happiest Shinobi in Konohagakure, but his work ethic remains flawless. Protecting Kushina was well within his capabilities and Minato relieves him of his duties after the mission is a success.
Kakashi's break is shortlived though as the episode goes into one of the most tragic and impactful events in the Naruto timeline. The Nine-Tails' attack on Konohagakure. The masked man known as Obito takes control of the Nine-Tails to destroy the village. This story was well expanded on during Minato's flashback, but it was still different. Little time was invested into Minato and Kushina's experience compared to that of Kakashi. I greatly appreciated this whole new point of view.
The couple's death leaves gaping holes in society, including the Hokage seat. Danzo tries to step up to the plate before Hiruzen (the Third) intercepts and takes up the Hokage title once more. Danzo, bitter as ever, approaches Kakashi and tries to poison his mind. Even going as far as trying to recruit him. Danzo is convinced that Hiruzen isn't the right man for the job, leaving Kakashi confused.
After Hiruzen's reassignement, the Feudal Lord returns to his prefecture (his house basically). In need of an escort, Hiruzen orders some of the ANBU to guide the Feudal Lord. Among which is Kakashi. Hiruzen has the ANBU in front of him and mentions a plan before reaching out to a scroll.
It then cuts off to what I believe is "Root" HQ. The ANBU under Danzo's command. Upon entrance, Kakashi is confronted by a masked Shinobi using Mokuton (Wood Release, has to be Yamato). Before the two youths can clash on a serious level, they are interrupted by Danzo. He clears the misunderstanding and welcomes Kakashi before he receives a scroll. Kakashi delivers the very same scroll that Hiruzen reached out for, marking the end of the episode.
Kakashi's "betrayal" should have some detrimental end results which would add to his development. I'm excited to see how much more he goes through before he becomes the respectable Jounin we know him as today.
I'm definitely having a blast with this arc. Because today's episode was titled "Minato's death", I feared the possibility of it being to focused on just that. It would have taken away from this being Kakashi's arc. I'm glad that wasn't the case as the sequences switched up quickly while still keeping the story together. All of that while keeping Kakashi's development (decisions, reactions, mental state) in the spotlight. I give this episode an 8,5/10.
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