Chapter 7: Sakumo Hatake

Evening.

Obito walked along the path leading home.

As he walked, he suddenly slapped himself across the face.

"Did I just… cause trouble?"

This afternoon, his emotions had gotten the better of him, and he'd spoken at length in defense of Konoha's White Fang.

If the wrong person caught wind of this…

A belated shiver ran down his spine. His neck shrank as he nervously glanced left and right, half-expecting a Root ninja to leap out from the shadows and cut him down with a sinister grin.

He silently scolded himself.

Obito, you need to stay low-key. Until you're strong enough, no more taking risks.

This world wasn't a game—people actually died here!

Sigh… After pretending to be brave, it's time to admit I'm a coward…

...

Outside a modest house, neither too big nor too small, a young silver-haired boy pushed open the door.

"Father, I'm home."

A middle-aged man emerged at the sound.

Like the boy, he had flowing silver hair tied back in a ponytail. His sharp features and handsome face carried a dignified air, though his eyes betrayed an exhaustion that couldn't be hidden.

This was none other than Konoha's White Fang, Sakumo Hatake—the famed shinobi and father of Kakashi Hatake.

Seeing his son return, a faint smile appeared on Sakumo's pale face, though it looked more forced than genuine.

"How was Academy today? You didn't embarrass your old man, did you?"

Kakashi was silent for a moment. A flicker of pain flashed in his eyes.

Once, his father had been a man who seemed like an unsheathed blade, his very presence sharp and intimidating.

But now, that once-proud figure had become stooped and weary.

The spirited glint in his eyes was gone, replaced by a shadow that refused to lift.

Finally, Kakashi spoke softly.

"Father, someone at academy mentioned your failed mission today."

Sakumo's smile froze.

"Oh… I see…"

He hadn't expected the rumors to spread even to the Academy.

Sakumo didn't need his son to explain further, he could guess what was said.

Accusations of violating protocol, abandoning the mission, and causing significant losses to the village…

He'd heard it all before. Too many times.

What stung the most was that even the comrades he'd saved had joined in the chorus of blame.

Sakumo let out a long breath, though it did nothing to ease the knot in his chest.

"Did I… really make the wrong choice?"

Kakashi's soft voice broke the silence.

"Someone said that failing a mission makes you a failure."

Sakumo's gaze darkened, guilt welling up inside him.

Because of his mistake, his son was suffering too.

"I'm sorry, Kakashi…"

"Father, please hear me out." Kakashi cut him off, speaking firmly.

"When someone called you a failure, another person stood up for you."

"What?" Sakumo blinked, a glimmer of disbelief in his tired eyes.

"They said that if failing a mission makes you a failure, then abandoning your comrades makes you less than a failure. They also said, in their heart, Konoha's White Fang is a true hero."

Sakumo's body stiffened, his eyes widening in shock.

"Kakashi, are you serious?"

In all these days of scorn, this was the first time anyone had voiced support for his decision.

Kakashi nodded solemnly.

"Of course. And the one who said it… you've met him before. His name is Uchiha Obito. He's a friend of mine."

Sakumo's expression turned complicated.

"Son, you've made a good friend."

For the first time in days, a small, genuine smile tugged at the corner of his lips.

After Kakashi retreated to his room, Sakumo's face grew serious.

The recent days had brought an unsettling realization.

He had unwittingly become an obstacle in someone's plans, and that someone seemed intent on ruining him.

If he couldn't find a way to turn the tides, his own downfall wouldn't matter—but Kakashi…

His gaze turned sharp as steel.

...

Hokage's Office.

Hiruzen Sarutobi sat at his desk, sipping a freshly brewed cup of goji berry tea.

"Ahh…" he sighed contentedly.

He'd once scoffed at such things in his youth. The idea of middle-aged men clinging to their tea and goji berries had seemed absurd.

But now, with age catching up, between the endless paperwork by day and keeping his wife happy by night, his energy wasn't what it used to be.

A knock at the door interrupted his musings.

"Come in," Hiruzen called, swiftly hiding the tea.

A man entered, and Hiruzen greeted him warmly.

"Kisuke! What brings you here today? Come, have a seat."

Kisuke, the teacher of Kakashi and Obito's class, nodded politely and sat across from the Hokage.

"Lord Third, I believe I may have found another promising student."

Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, intrigued.

"Oh? And who might that be?"

"A boy named Uchiha Obito," Kisuke replied, recounting the events of the day.

When he finished, Hiruzen's eyes gleamed.

"So this young Uchiha… he already understands the essence of protecting one's comrades? Impressive. Very impressive."

For Hiruzen, the Fire Will was rooted in protecting and passing down the bonds of the village. Such a realization at Obito's age was rare indeed.

"I'll keep a close eye on him, Lord Third," Kisuke assured.

But then, as if struck by a sudden thought, Kisuke hesitated.

"Though… forgive me for asking, but hadn't you ordered the White Fang's failed mission to be classified? How could this information have leaked?"

Hiruzen rubbed his temples, visibly irritated.

"I've been asking myself the same question, Kisuke."

He noticed the flicker of suspicion in Kisuke's eyes and frowned deeply.

"Do you think I spread the rumors myself?"

Kisuke awkwardly waved his hands.

"N-no, of course not! It's just…"

After some hesitation, Kisuke finally spoke.

"Recently, there have been whispers that White Fang is being targeted because his fame has overshadowed yours…"

Hiruzen's face darkened instantly, as if a thundercloud had descended.

Seeing the Hokage's expression, Kisuke gulped and quickly rose.

"Ah… I just remembered—I left something cooking at home! I'll take my leave now!"

"Go," Hiruzen grumbled, waving him off.

Kisuke practically fled the room.

Left alone, Hiruzen retrieved his pipe, puffing thoughtfully.

Konoha's waters are growing murky…

The shadows stirring beneath the surface—who could they be?

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

Read 10 chapters ahead for free on my patreon, read pinned message!

+70 chapters on patreon.com/Jixo

These translations are only possible because of your support. Every membership keeps the stories flowing and helps me bring fanfics to life for everyone to enjoy. Thank you for making this possible!