Aburame Shikuroo's words were like a heavy hammer, brutally shattering Hatake Sakumo's already battered heart.
"Is that so?"
White Fang forced out those two words with difficulty, as though confirming it with him, yet also as though speaking to himself.
"You no longer want me to save you?
"It seemed... I was wrong after all."
He turned around, his face utterly ashen, and slowly made his way toward the Hatake Residence step by step.
Watching his desolate back, a flicker of reluctance crossed Aburame Shikuroo's face. He turned and asked softly, "Clan Head, are we really doing the right thing? He's the White Fang of the Leaf!"
"So what if he's White Fang?"
Standing inside the doorway, the Aburame Clan Head asked in return, then sighed. "Besides, this isn't something we can interfere with. You saw Elder Danzo come today. He took Shihui away with the Hokage's orders, and he was even interested in the nanoscale poison insects you've been researching. If this old man hadn't interrupted him, you'd probably be in Root by now too!"
"Damn it."
Aburame Shikuroo fell silent. After taking one final look at Hatake Sakumo, who had nearly melted completely into the sunset at the far end of the long street, he said "Sorry" in his heart and closed the gates of the Aburame Residence.
Hatake Residence.
Kakashi returned home from school and eagerly drew his short blade before coming to Sakumo.
"Father, you promised you'd teach me new blade techniques when you came back this time. Let's get started!"
Looking at his enthusiastic son, Hatake Sakumo barely managed to rally his spirits. He drew the White Fang Short Blade from his back and headed toward the training grounds at home. "Then focus and learn well. Today, I'll teach you all of our family's blade