After killing off enemy ninja posing as Hidden Stone ninja to attack Hidden Leaf ninja posted on the village outskirts, Kakashi learns from Minato that he would like him to assist in guarding Kushina while she in the time of her labor where the seal holding Kurama is at its weakest. Dutifully taking the mission, Kakashi goes to Rin's grave to tell her of the new development. However, Kakashi is unaware that Obito had heard the entire thing, leading to the masked man releasing the Nine-Tails on the village before it was sealed within the newborn Naruto Uzumaki at the cost of the lives of Minato and Kushina. Promising the dying Kushina that he will protect his successor's son, Hiruzen resumes his duties as Third Hokage until another successor is groomed for the post. Soon after, Kakashi is inveigled by Danzo to join Root while meeting another ANBU member named Kinoe who possesses the Wood Style.