Ch-03 Hatake Michikatsu.

(A/N: I am considering bestowing a unique ability upon the MC's eye. I've initiated a poll for the general public, similar to what I typically do for Patrons. I would greatly appreciate your participation and vote there. Link: https://www.patreon.com/posts/poll-for-hds-87610062?utm_medium=clipboard_copy&utm_source=copyLink&utm_campaign=postshare_creator&utm_content=join_link)

It was the afternoon hour when Sakumo arrived at Konoha. At the gate, he encountered the Uchiha Clan members who were on guard duty.

The Uchiha guard inquired, "Who is this child, and what should I document about him?"

"Temporarily record this child as an orphan, and that's all," instructed Sakumo. The Uchiha Clan ninja promptly carried out the task.

Despite the Uchiha Clan's reputation for arrogance, the Uchiha guard displayed deference, recognizing the figure before them as Hatake Sakumo, renowned as the 'White Fang' of the Leaf Village. His presence alone caused enemy village ninjas to flee their missions.

Sakumo then took a detour back to his house, breaking from his usual routine. Normally, when Sakumo returned from missions, Anbu members would find him heading straight to meet the Hokage, but this time was different.

A single Anbu ninja materialized before Sakumo and inquired, "Captain, are you not planning to report to the Hokage?"

"I'm heading home to care for this little one; he must be quite hungry," Sakumo remarked.

Curious, the Anbu ninja questioned, "Who is this child?"

"I discovered this child in a small village within the Fire Country. I'm contemplating adopting him as my own son. Kindly convey my apologies to the Hokage for me. Once I've ensured the child is settled, I'll promptly make my way to the Hokage's office," Sakumo explained.

The Anbu ninja gave a nod and departed in a swirl of smoke, headed to inform the Hokage about Sakumo's return and his failure to meet with him.

----

Upon entering his house, Sakumo encountered a woman who appeared to be in her mid-twenties. She sat in the yard, tending to the dogs and engaging in playful interactions. These were no ordinary dogs; they were ninja dogs.

Observing his wife in this state, Sakumo's lips curved into a smile, and he spoke, "Kiyomi, I've returned."

Kiyomi pivoted toward the entrance of the Hatake clan compound, catching sight of Sakumo. She responded, "Husband, you've come back. You must be tired. I'll get a meal ready for you. Go freshen up and get ready."

Sakumo stood in silence, a smile gracing his face, without uttering a word.

Kiyomi approached Sakumo and noticed the child cradled in his arms, all six of the child's eyes now wide open. Surprised for a moment, Kiyomi quickly regained her composure.

"Whose child is this? And for what reason have you brought this child to our home?" inquired Kiyomi.

Sakumo responded with a playful grin, "Why couldn't this child be my own? Perhaps I brought him here after affair with another woman."

"While I would be overjoyed if that were true, I know you would never do such a thing," Kiyomi remarked.

Sakumo shook his head upon hearing this. Due to his wife's weakness, she is unable to give birth and suggests he marry another woman. However, Sakumo never agreed to this. Following that, he explained the entire situation and detailed the challenges this child has faced.

Kiyomi felt sympathy for the child upon learning about the challenges the child had faced. Then, Sakumo said, "Kiyomi, I was considering adopting this child as my own son, if you don't mind."

"Why would I mind such a thing? In fact, it's a joyful occasion. Someone will address us as their mother and father," Kiyomi replied with a smile on her face. Upon seeing her smile, Sakumo also grinned and continued, "Now that we've made the decision to adopt this child, what do you think we should name him?"

"You're absolutely right. We need to come up with a fitting name for our son," Kiyomi replied with a smile.

"How about Michikatsu? It is evident that due to his appearance, he might face mockery or even be labeled a monster, causing people to fear him. However, I am confident that as the son of Hatake Sakumo, he will undoubtedly conquer all challenges and emerge victorious," stated Sakumo.

"'Michikatsu,' meaning 'victorious path' – a truly wonderful name. Alright, from this point forward, our son shall be recognized as Hatake Michikatsu," Kiyomi said with a smile.

"By the way, did you feed him anything during the journey?" inquired Kiyomi.

"No, I didn't know what to feed him," replied Sakumo, scratching the back of his head.

"You're only telling me this now? Come on, why are you standing here? Go to the hospital immediately and get some milk for our son from the milk bank," urged Kiyomi.

(A/N: I presume that since the Naruto world exhibits such advanced technology, the presence of milk banks would also be logical.)

"Yes, ma'am." With those words, Sakumo hurried out of the house at full speed.

After fifteen minutes, Sakumo returned with the milk. Once Kiyomi received the milk, she fed Michikatsu, who subsequently drifted into a peaceful slumber.

"Look at how adorable he appears while sleeping. How could anyone label him a monster?" Kiyomi remarked, gently kissing Michikatsu's forehead.

Observing this, Sakumo also smiled and stated, "I should head to the Hokage's office. I haven't reported to the Hokage since returning from the mission."

Kiyumi nodded, and Sakumo departed to make his report to the Hokage.

----

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen was engrossed in paperwork when a knock on the door drew his attention. Lifting his head, Hiruzen beckoned, "Enter."

Sakumo stepped into the Hokage's office, kneeling on one knee, and said, "Hokage-sama, I apologize for my delay. I had to care for a child I brought with me, which is why I couldn't arrive on time. Here is the scroll containing all the mission details." Sakumo handed over the scroll to Hiruzen.

Accepting the scroll, Hiruzen replied, "No need to worry; you had valid reasons. By the way, which child are you referring to?"

Sakumo proceeded to explain his encounter with the child and the child's circumstances. He then described his decision to adopt the child. "We have formally adopted the child as our own, naming him Hatake Michikatsu," Sakumo announced.

"Hatake Michikatsu, a wonderful name that suits your son. Congratulations to you, Sakumo, on becoming a father," Hiruzen congratulated with a smile.

(A/N: If you like the story please vote power stones.)