Chapter 04: Resignation

(POV Sakumo)

I never expected that the motivation to keep living would come from a boy. However, his words were true. I must head to the Hokage Building immediately to submit my resignation from the position of Anbu Commander. I do not want to hold a high position after failing a mission; whether I resign or get fired, it doesn't matter.

Strangely, somehow people know what happened, even though this should have been very confidential information. Who spread it? Was it... Lord Hokage? No, I don't think it was him. Then who? Right, Danzo! Only that man would want me dead so he could take the Hokage seat. Now I understand, but it seems his plan has failed.

I am truly lucky to have met that boy. I will train him well as a way to repay him for saving me from the despair that almost led me to suicide.

I have arrived, it seems. Alright... I will enter the Hokage Building.

Haaah... People are now looking at me with contempt; they used to praise and respect me, but now? They all see me as trash. Haah... Danzo, you are more cunning than I thought. I better finish this quickly and leave.

"Knock, knock!"

"Who is there?"

"It's me, Sakumo, Lord Hokage," I replied from behind the door.

"Come in," responded Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage.

"Oh, Sakumo, what brings you here?" asked the Third Hokage, raising an eyebrow as he looked at me.

The old man seemed happy to see me. Is that just a facade? No, I don't think Lord Hokage is that kind of person... But why is he silent about all the rumors circulating?

"I came to inform you that I wish to resign from my position as Anbu Commander," I said calmly.

"What? Why do you want to resign?" asked the Third Hokage, looking surprised and confused.

Is that just a facade? But isn't the reason clear? Because of the rumors that have been circulating, I can no longer continue my duties as Anbu Commander, as people no longer respect and value me, and they would not want to take orders from someone like me who has failed a mission.

"I feel I have failed as Anbu Commander due to the mission failure that caused losses for the village. Therefore, I have decided to resign from this position," I said, providing a reason that sounded reasonable, even though the truth is I no longer want to be involved with Danzo. Resigning is the best way to avoid further conflict.

"I see, that's a pity... Your performance has been very satisfactory, but if that is your decision, I will accept it," replied the Third Hokage, accepting my request without many questions.

"Thank you, Lord Hokage. If that's the case, I will take my leave," I said, then turned and left the room.

As I exited the Hokage Building, I continued my journey home. Upon arriving home, I was greeted with a surprised look from my son, Kakashi, who seemed confused but also happy to see the change in me.

"Dad, you're back? What happened? You look better than this morning," said Kakashi, looking at me with a face that rarely shows emotion, but this time there was a glimmer of happiness there.

"There was a boy who helped me recover from the pressure I felt these past few days. Now I feel much better, and I promise to help him train with a sword," I replied with a smile, feeling relieved that I could finally move forward.

"Really? What's his name?" asked Kakashi, surprised, although his eyes still showed his usual calmness.

"If I remember correctly, his name is Aoki. I don't know his last name," I said as I walked into the house.

"Aoki, huh? I will remember that," said Kakashi, following my steps with a newfound curiosity.

(POV Sakumo Ends)

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