Chapter 109: The Greatest Ninja

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"What? Abandon the mission?" Upon hearing those words, Kakashi was instantly stunned.

He didn't retaliate against the insolent person but instead turned away in disbelief, pushing open the door of his own home.

He wanted to confirm with his father that what the person said was a lie. In Kakashi's mind, Sakumo Hatake was the perfect ninja; how could he possibly abandon a mission?

Watching Kakashi hastily leave, the distressed heart of the civilian finally settled. Simultaneously, having exceeded the mission requirements, a smirk appeared on his face.

However, he thought he was a bit unlucky. Why did he have to run into Kakashi who returned to the village? That kick he took was painful.

Rubbing the kicked area, the man left without looking back. He planned to report the mission situation to his superiors.

Being a member of Root, a bit of pain was nothing. Moreover, with so many colleagues on this mission, once the news got out, he would undoubtedly be the most outstanding one!

At that moment, when Kakashi pushed open his home's door, he was met with the seated figure of Sakumo.

The dimly lit room lacked its usual grandeur. Sakumo's face showed signs of fatigue and weariness as if he hadn't rested for several days.

His chin was covered with stubble, and he looked nothing like the White Fang of Konoha. All of this greatly shocked Kakashi.

As the light entered, Sakumo, lost in thought, opened his eyes. Seeing Kakashi returning, a long-lost smile appeared on Sakumo's face.

"You're back, Kakashi."

Seeing the familiar smile, Kakashi's expression hesitated. He didn't know how to voice his question because he already had some guesses. Seeing Kakashi's hesitant look, Sakumo understood that he had heard the rumors outside.

So, without waiting for Kakashi's inquiry, he took the initiative to speak:

"It's true, just as the rumors say. I did abandon the mission."

"How could you? Dad is the greatest ninja!"

Hearing Sakumo's casual words, Kakashi asked incredulously. At this moment, Sakumo had already figured out what he needed to do.

In these past few weeks, apart from Might Guy and a few loyal subordinates, the entire village of Konoha seemed to be filled with accusations against him.

Through this incident, he also saw another side of the village of Konoha.

Now, what he cared most about was Kakashi. Kakashi was still young; he shouldn't be exposed to these dark sides. Moreover, he should have a better future.

At least, within the village, with the face-saving act of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Kakashi could still receive abundant resources for training. 

In the future, he wouldn't end up like himself, being overshadowed despite his accomplishments. 

After all, Sakumo Hatake still had a deep love for Konoha, even though the village wasn't very friendly to him now.

The best solution he could think of now was to spend the next few days teaching Kakashi well. 

He wanted to ensure that Kakashi wouldn't take the wrong path due to his own decisions.

"The greatest ninja?"

Sakumo Hatake shook his head and continued, "Kakashi, come here, I have something to tell you."

Hearing Sakumo Hatake's call, Kakashi obediently walked over to him.

"Kakashi, I have a question for you. What do you think makes a person the greatest ninja?"

Sakumo Hatake looked at Kakashi in a flat tone. After thinking for a moment, Kakashi immediately answered:

"Someone like Dad, who flawlessly completes every mission, plays a pivotal role in wars, turning the tide."

Sakumo shook his head at this and continued, "Like this time, I was faced with the choice either to complete the mission or rescue my comrade, if it were you, how would you choose?"

This time, Kakashi hesitated and didn't answer immediately. He didn't know how to choose; it seemed that any choice would be a mistake.

Seeing this, Sakumo Hatake spoke again, "So, do you think I did something wrong?"

"How could it be! Dad must have his reasons for doing so."

Kakashi said stubbornly, firmly believing that his father was the greatest ninja.

"Kakashi, you need to understand the criteria for judging whether a ninja is great. It never depends on how many missions he completes or how many merits he earns."

"If a ninja gains the recognition of his comrades, even if he's just a genin, then he is a great ninja."

Sakumo Hatake spoke with great emphasis, imparting his understanding of greatness to Kakashi.

"But Dad, everyone outside is now slandering you!"

Kakashi said angrily, finding it hard to accept this situation.

In response to this, Sakumo Hatake took it in stride. 

This wasn't a normal situation. If not deliberately guided, the situation wouldn't have escalated to another extreme, nor would it be as it is now.

"You're still young now. When you grow up, you'll understand that things aren't as simple as they seem."

Saying this, Sakumo Hatake stood up, patted Kakashi's head, and continued, "You must remember what I said. Only a ninja recognized by his comrades can be considered a great ninja."

At the same time, this is the most important assurance for your future succession as Hokage. 

Sakumo Hatake looked deeply at Kakashi, then turned and left the hall, returning to his room.

'It's time to prepare for my plan. I'm sorry, Kakashi.'

Standing in place, watching Sakumo's departing figure, Kakashi felt a strange and somewhat oppressive sensation. 

However, Sakumo's words also left him somewhat perplexed.

Was this encouragement for him to not be afraid of gossip and rumors when facing similar situations in the future, but instead to make the same choice as Sakumo Hatake?

However, are these rumors a recognition of a ninja? After a long time, Kakashi still couldn't understand.

Kakashi didn't want to go out in the village anymore. Thinking about the pointing and whispering of the villagers just now made him feel uncomfortable.

Since that was the case, Kakashi could only come to his backyard to practice the clan's swordsmanship. 

What he didn't expect was that Sakumo, after a long time, would personally instruct him.

Moreover, what Sakumo taught wasn't something Kakashi could currently grasp. 

Not only today but for several consecutive days, Sakumo Hatake diligently imparted Hatake swordsmanship and his insights into combining ninjutsu with swordsmanship to Kakashi.

This should have been something Kakashi would be delighted about, but a strange and uneasy feeling in Kakashi's heart grew stronger and more pronounced.

Because Sakumo's behavior was just too unusual!

<End Chapter>

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