Konoha, Hokage's Office.
Hatake Sakumo and his two teammates, all looking disheveled, knelt on one knee. The Third Hokage drew lightly on his pipe, his expression obscured by the drifting smoke, making even his tone impossible to read.
"You killed three Root operatives and eliminated the hidden danger. You took down Mist Village's Anbu Commander, yet traded his head for the captured Aburame Shihui, and even triggered the Six-Tails Jinchuriki's rampage?"
"Yes, Lord Hokage. Also, although we failed to bring back the enemy's head, we did obtain some intelligence regarding Kirigakure," Hatake Sakumo hurriedly explained.
"Is that so? Very good. Write a detailed mission report and submit it to me when you return."
The Third Hokage cut him off in a calm yet unquestionable tone. "You are all injured. Go to the hospital and have your wounds treated first."
"...Yes, Lord Hokage."
Hatake Sakumo opened his mouth, but not a single word came out. After lowering his head in acknowledgment, he led his two teammates away.
"Sarutobi, you've gone soft!"
A cold, stern voice suddenly rang out from behind the bookshelf. A middle-aged man with bandages wrapped around his face and a cross-shaped scar on his chin stepped out, openly rebuking him.
"You actually abandoned the mission for a captured ninja. You should have handed him over to me."
"Danzo," the Third Hokage sighed, "the Shinobi World is in turmoil right now. We need a White Fang of the Leaf."
"Hmph, you're simply too indecisive!"
Danzo snorted. "Today, he abandoned the mission for Aburame Shihui. Who knows whom he will abandon a mission for tomorrow? When have ninjas ever carried out missions without sacrifice? Once the enemy learns of this weakness, will he still be the White Fang of the Leaf who strikes fear into everyone's hearts?"
Faced with Danzo's