The Broken "String"... (Part 1)

In mid-December of Konoha Year 44, the members of the squad Hatake Sakumo had rescued suffered emotional breakdowns in a tavern and vented their accusations:

"I was never afraid of death. I was prepared to sacrifice myself!"

"If the captain hadn't insisted on staying behind, this never would have happened. I did not harm the village's interests."

Had only one person said such things, the impact would not have spread. Unfortunately, the other two squad members also turned their accusations toward Hatake Sakumo:

"If sacrificing only me could save the lives of more juniors, I would die without hesitation!"

"I had already made my choice then. As a Chunin, sacrificing myself for the village was the best fate I could have hoped for."

"..."

The idea that sacrificing three people would have allowed Hatake Sakumo to save more lives suddenly emerged.

Because the Third Hokage had long since issued a gag order, the Anbu and Uchiha Police Force intensified their search efforts. Instead, this drew the attention of even more ninja to the matter.

Without knowing the details of the mission, more and more ninja began questioning the White Fang of the Leaf.

The undercurrents within the village naturally went unnoticed by Ninja Academy students, while Genin had heard only vague rumors.

The Third Hokage, who held absolute power, continued tightening the information blockade. Yet it was as though the Anbu had an informant within its ranks, and the rumors persisted.

This caused ninja who supported Hatake Sakumo to target the three squad members. Even some Jonin chose sides, declaring that slandering the White Fang of the Leaf meant making enemies of everyone.

After all, no one wanted teammates who put "missions above all else," much less wanted this culture of "shifting blame" to spread throughout the village.

At the Jonin Division's second meeting of the month, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat at the head, with the two advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, seated to either side.

The Jonin, who normally followed the rules strictly, had clearly split into two factions this time. When Hatake Sakumo's incident was brought up again, people from both sides spoke up in accusation:

"Why are we blaming Sakumo? There were problems with the intelligence, yet no one has been held accountable even now. What is the Intelligence Division doing?"

"An S-rank major mission suffered a decision-making failure. Even the White Fang of the Leaf should be punished. No one can evade responsibility!"

"..."

As more and more people spoke, the expressionless Sarutobi Hiruzen sensed that someone was deliberately steering the discussion. After listening for a while, he suddenly said in a deep voice:

"Quiet!"

At once, everyone lowered their heads to show their respect for Sarutobi Hiruzen. Shimura Danzō, hidden behind the three of them, narrowed his eyes again at the sight.

This was the Hokage!

"The village's funding for next year will not be affected in any way."

"Remember, we are Konoha ninja. At a time when local conflicts are intensifying, what matters more is preparing for a possible war."

"The Intelligence Division personnel involved have already been suspended and punished. Jiraiya will take over the work going forward. Sunagakure and Iwagakure will soon pay for their actions!"

"Yes!"

All the Jonin in the room lowered their heads again and answered loudly. Many civilian ninja showed pleased expressions; clearly, the Hokage supported Hatake Sakumo.

The White Fang of the Leaf would still receive only symbolic punishment. This was the treatment a strong man deserved, though some members of the Hardline Faction were dissatisfied, believing the Hokage had been somewhat weak in this matter.

Only after the meeting ended did Danzo appear before the three of them with an expressionless face. The Root leader did not mention the mission again and merely said solemnly:

"We need to grasp the movements of Sunagakure's and Iwagakure's Jinchuriki. If war breaks out, we must consider deploying Jinchuriki in battle!"

"We cannot relax our surveillance of Kumogakure and Kirigakure either. More personnel must be assigned."

"Hiruzen, the village is still far too conservative in its use of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Weapons must be fully under our control, and we must remain vigilant toward the Uchiha Clan at all times."

At the mention of the Nine-Tails and then the Uchiha Clan, Sarutobi Hiruzen fell silent. The two advisors, however, strongly agreed, and Mitokado Homura added forcefully:

"Complaints about the Police Force within the village are growing more frequent, Hiruzen. We all know what effect this accumulated resentment will have on the Uchiha Clan."

"Homura is right. Our teacher established the Police Force in the first place to keep the Uchiha away from the center of power. We cannot let our guard down!"

He added some tobacco to his pipe. Hearing Utatane Koharu's addition, Sarutobi Hiruzen did not respond immediately. After taking a few puffs and tapping out the ash, he said solemnly:

"The Uchiha are also members of the village. I trust them completely."

"Jiraiya will be responsible for intelligence work, and he will handle everything properly. As for the use of Jinchuriki, I will follow Lady Mito's instructions."

"Hiruzen!"

"If problems arise, I, the Hokage, will be responsible. Root must cooperate fully with Jiraiya's work for the foreseeable future."

His old friend's words made Danzo fall silent again. Fully weaponizing Jinchuriki to increase the village's strength had been his long-cherished wish. Unable to achieve that goal, he could only rise silently.

"I hope you will not regret the decision you made today."

Bang...

The door closed. Sarutobi Hiruzen continued puffing on his pipe. The key to controlling the power of Jinchuriki was sealing techniques, and he would not allow Danzo to lay a hand on them.

--

The New Year was approaching, yet the turmoil in the village continued. The mission controversy seemed to have evolved into differing views on the Hokage himself.

The civilian Jonin of the Peace-Life Faction hoped Hatake Sakumo would become Hokage in the future, allowing ninja of ordinary backgrounds to gain more resources.

The Jonin of the Hardline Faction continued their attacks, subtly complaining about some of the Third Hokage's decisions. Some even longed for war, hoping it would determine the next generation's Hokage.

Under such circumstances, Chunin who merely wanted to join the excitement also began participating in the discussions. Indeed, no one was talking about the mission anymore; everyone had shifted to a different subject.

Ninja could engage in "keyboard politics" too. Compared to ordinary people, their reactions to differing opinions were far more explosive, eventually even turning into "kunai contests"...

At Training Ground 36, Might Guy tugged at his green jumpsuit. Even someone as naturally airheaded as him sensed that something was off:

"What are those adults arguing about? Also, Kakashi, why have you been fighting every day?"

Using the Mystical Palm Technique to treat minor injuries was effortless. Shu Furukawa looked at the silent Kakashi beside him and earnestly advised:

"Don't mind those three. They're just trying to avoid blame."

"You can't change adults' opinions. In the end, arguing will get you nowhere."

Might Guy anxiously paced in circles and scratched his head. As a Genin, he did not have many sources of information, but seeing Kakashi's change, he encouraged him as well:

"Kakashi, trust Lord Hokage. The village will handle everything."

His mask concealed most of his emotions. Ever since the three men had accused Hatake Sakumo, Kakashi had noticed that his father had become somewhat dispirited.

Unable to tolerate people questioning the hero in his heart, Kakashi could not outargue some of them, so in the end, he could only fight.

Having thoroughly vented the dissatisfaction in his heart, and hearing the two encourage him, Kakashi let out a long breath and nodded heavily:

"I understand, Shu, Guy. Thank you."

"..."