Hatake Sakumo's Choice

After three days, Karot and the others finally returned to the village.

"You guys go back and rest first. I'll report the mission details myself this time."

Matsushita Hokuto's expression was troubled; he clearly hadn't recovered from his close friend's betrayal.

"Yes, Teacher Matsushita."

As Karot casually walked to the entrance, he found Kakashi waiting for him.

"Yo, what a surprise. You're not out on a mission."

"Hmph, none of your business. I heard you were attacked by a Jonin during your mission. Are you okay?"

His tone was still flat, but Karot could sense Kakashi's concern within it.

"Do I look like I'm not okay?"

Afraid Kakashi wouldn't believe him, Karot even spun around in front of him.

"It's good that you're alright."

With that, he turned and left.

Busy missions made people lose track of time. Four years passed in the blink of an eye. Karot's strength steadily increased. A year ago, he fought his father, Hatake Sakumo, to a draw, reaching the Kage level. Reaching the Kage level at ten years old wasn't just genius; it was monstrous.

As Karot and the others returned to the village, they noticed people giving them a wide berth, pointing and whispering. Due to the mission's difficulty, Karot's team had taken a full month to complete it.

"He's Hatake Sakumo's son."

"What a disgrace."

The past awe and respect vanished, replaced by voices calling him by name and various demeaning remarks that reached Karot's ears.

Karot frowned, as if realizing something, and hurried home. When he reached the front door, he found Kakashi sitting by the entrance with a grim expression. Judging by the traces at the scene, he had been there for quite some time.

"Brother."

Upon seeing Karot return, Kakashi called out hoarsely. He had never called Karot "brother" before, always using his name directly. It was hard to imagine the immense pressure Kakashi had endured during this time.

Karot's heart ached for his younger brother. He walked over and gently patted Kakashi's head. He said, "Don't be afraid. Big brother is back."

He then turned and entered the house. Inside, the once spirited Konoha's White Fang knelt on the floor, looking dejected and lifeless.

"You're back."

Hearing the movement, Hatake Sakumo opened his eyes, a flicker of life appearing within them.

Karot knelt down and said, "I never thought you'd have a mission you couldn't complete, Father."

"Isn't that normal? A ninja's missions always have uncertainties."

Hatake Sakumo's tone was calm, without a ripple.

"Father, can you tell me about the mission?"

Karot wasn't trying to rub salt in Hatake Sakumo's wounds; he needed to address the root cause of his current state. Hatake Sakumo wasn't himself.

"It happened like this..."

Hatake Sakumo recounted the mission details bit by bit.

He blamed himself entirely for the mission's failure, believing he had caused immense losses to the village and was a sinner. Coupled with the daily insults from villagers outside their door, Hatake Sakumo was prepared to commit suicide to appease the world.

"Father, I once asked you if a mission or a comrade was more important, and you immediately told me comrades were more important. You were my and Kakashi's role model."

"So you chose to rescue your comrades instead of completing the mission this time. You upheld your ninja way; what did you do wrong?"

"But..."

"There's no 'but.' Do the village's rumors affect you as an excellent ninja? Do you live by their opinions? Are you going to abandon Kakashi and me?"

Under the barrage of questions, Hatake Sakumo's lips parted slightly, leaving him speechless.

"This is a conspiracy, a conspiracy targeting you, Hatake Sakumo."

"From the beginning of the mission, you walked right into a massive conspiracy. Whether you completed the mission or abandoned it, you would have been seen as a failure. If you completed it, you'd be someone who would do anything for a mission, and such people are unwelcome in the ninja system. And you saw what happened when you rescued your comrades."

In Karot's cold tone, Hatake Sakumo understood the whole story. His entire being exuded a sharp killing intent, shedding his previous dejection. This was the true Konoha's White Fang, a god of war.

"Why? Why would they do this to me?"

Hatake Sakumo asked furiously, his terrifying aura filling the room, shattering various pieces of furniture with its sheer force.

Kakashi, outside the house, heard the commotion and asked, "What's happening?"

Just as he was about to open the door and come in, Karot stopped him, "Kakashi, don't come in. Guard the door and don't let anyone in."

"Because you were too brilliant, Father. You stood in someone else's way."

"What? That's the reason?"

"This is enough."

Hatake Sakumo was filled with disbelief. To suffer such heavy losses just to frame him? Hatake Sakumo didn't understand.

"To them, this is politics. As long as I get what I want, I can sacrifice everything."

Hatake Sakumo's worldview shattered and reformed.

"Alright, I understand, Father. You should go out for now and let me have some quiet."

Karot's words greatly shocked Hatake Sakumo. He needed to seriously consider his next steps.

"Okay, Father."

Karot stood up and reached for the doorknob. Just as he was about to open it, he spoke with his back to Hatake Sakumo.

"I hope you make the right choice. Otherwise, I won't be responsible for any consequences."

Although Karot had laid everything out clearly, a mature person wouldn't change easily. Karot's final words were essentially a threat to Hatake Sakumo: if your choice displeases me, I will do something without regard for the consequences.

"Brother."

Seeing Karot emerge, Kakashi quickly went to meet him.

"Don't worry! Father will be fine. He just needs some time alone. Let's spend more time with him during this period, and he'll get better."

"Okay, Brother."

Kakashi nodded earnestly.

"Third, Danzo, you'd best hope Father is alright. Otherwise, the Sarutobi clan and the Kimura clan will pay with their lives."

After Kakashi left, Karot's expression turned extremely grim. He knew Danzo was behind this, with the Third Hokage watching coldly. However, Karot didn't care about that. If Hatake Sakumo met with misfortune, he wouldn't let anyone involved off the hook.

Three days after Karot returned home, Hatake Sakumo finally emerged from his room, looking as if a great burden had been lifted, feeling incredibly light. After greeting Karot and Kakashi, he went to the Hokage Building. He had a private hour-long meeting with the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, in the Hokage's office. No one knew what they discussed.

All that was known was that the next day, Hatake Sakumo requested to resign, and Hiruzen Sarutobi did not try to dissuade him.