"So this is your attitude toward your mission? I want an explanation!" Seeing Hatake Sakumo stay silent, Hiruzen Sarutobi knew he was admitting it. He demanded an answer.
Hatake Sakumo took a deep breath and explained, "Lord Hokage, I'm truly sorry. Being the only one monitoring him around the clock has been more than I can handle."
"I wasn't slacking off at first, but it's been almost five years, and Uchiha Dan hasn't shown any signs of anything unusual. So lately..."
"Hmph! I won't listen to excuses from someone who hasn't done his job properly!" Hiruzen Sarutobi said coldly, putting on a show of impartiality.
"I failed in my duties. Please punish me, Lord Hokage!" Hatake Sakumo knelt on one knee and spoke earnestly.
"Hatake Sakumo, you've served the village well, and you're the only heir of a distinguished clan. Your mistake wasn't all that serious. What do you think would be an appropriate punishment?" Hiruzen Sarutobi asked, feigning difficulty.
Hatake Sakumo put on a pained expression. Gritting his teeth, he said, "I failed in my duties. I should be removed from the Anbu as a warning to others."
"Doing that would leave a stain on your career as a ninja," Hiruzen Sarutobi warned him, pretending to be concerned.
"I understand, but I'm willing to accept the punishment!" Hatake Sakumo said solemnly, as if he'd made up his mind.
He was using a tactical retreat to advance. That was the plan Uchiha Dan had come up with for him.
There was no turning back now that he'd drawn his bow. He chose to keep trusting Uchiha Dan's plan.
"Forget it. I don't want to make things difficult for you," Hiruzen Sarutobi said. He'd made his point, and Hatake Sakumo had shown his resolve. It wasn't as if he could really