In mid-December of Konoha Year 44, the members of the squad saved by Hatake Sakumo broke down emotionally in a tavern, lashing out in accusation:
"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 didn't 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 myself 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 would have been my best ending."
"..."
The notion 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. 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 students of the Ninja Academy naturally could not sense the undercurrents within the village, while Genin had merely heard a few vague rumors.
The Third Hokage, who held absolute power, continued tightening the information blockade. Yet it was as though the Anbu had a mole; the rumors persisted.
This led the ninja who supported Hatake Sakumo to challenge the three squad members. Some Jonin even took sides along with them—slandering the White Fang of the Leaf meant making enemies of everyone!
After all, no one wanted teammates who put "the mission above all else," much less wanted this culture of "passing the blame" to spread through the village.
At the Jonin Division's second meeting that month, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, sat at the head of the room, with the two advisers, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, seated to either side.
The Jonin, who usually adhered strictly to protocol, had clearly split into two camps this time. Once Hatake Sakumo's incident was brought up again, people from both sides spoke out in criticism:
"Why are we blaming Sakumo? The intelligence was flawed, yet no one has been held accountable. What is the Intelligence Division doing?"
"An S-rank major mission ended in a failed decision. Even the White Fang of the Leaf should be punished. No one can evade responsibility!"
"..."
More and more people spoke up. The expressionless Sarutobi Hiruzen sensed 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 next year will not be affected in any way."
"Remember, we are Konoha ninja. At a time when this localized conflict is escalating, what matters more is preparing for a possible war."
"The Intelligence Division personnel involved have already been suspended and punished. Jiraiya will take over their 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 looked delighted; clearly, the Hokage supported Hatake Sakumo.
The White Fang of the Leaf would still receive only symbolic punishment. That was the treatment a powerful man deserved, though some members of the Hardline Faction remained dissatisfied, believing the Hokage had been too weak on this matter.
Only after the meeting ended did Danzo appear expressionlessly before the three of them. The Root leader did not mention the mission again, merely saying sternly:
"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. We need to assign more personnel."
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, the village has been too conservative in its use of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. Weapons must be completely 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 advisers strongly agreed, and Mitokado Homura added forcefully:
"Complaints about the Police Force within the village are increasing. Hiruzen Sarutobi, we all know what effect this accumulated resentment will have on the Uchiha Clan."
"Homura is right. Our teacher established the Police Force 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 reply immediately. After taking a few puffs and tapping the ashtray, he said solemnly:
"The Uchiha are also members of the village. I trust them completely."
"Jiraiya will be responsible for intelligence work. He will handle everything properly. As for the use of Jinchuriki, I will follow Lady Mito's instructions."
"Hiruzen Sarutobi!"
"If there are problems, I, the Hokage, will take responsibility. Root must cooperate fully with Jiraiya's work for the foreseeable future."
His old friend's words made Danzo fall silent again. Completely weaponizing Jinchuriki to strengthen the village had been his lifelong wish. Unable to achieve his goal, he could only rise silently.
"I hope you will not regret the decision you made today."
Bang...
The door closed. Sarutobi Hiruzen continued smoking. The key to controlling Jinchuriki power was sealing techniques, and he would not let Danzo lay a hand on them.
--
The New Year was approaching, but the unrest within the village continued. The mission controversy seemed to have evolved into a debate over the Hokage himself.
The civilian Jonin of the Peace-Life Faction hoped Hatake Sakumo would become Hokage in the future, allowing ninja of ordinary birth to obtain 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 a war would select the next generation's Hokage.
Under such circumstances, Chunin who simply wanted to join the excitement began taking part in the discussions. Indeed, no one was talking about the mission anymore; everyone had shifted to another subject.
Ninja engaged in political arguments too. Compared with ordinary people, their reactions to opposing views were far more explosive, sometimes even escalating into "kunai contests"...
At Training Ground 36, Might Guy tugged at his green jumpsuit. Even he, naturally oblivious as he was, sensed that something was wrong with the atmosphere.
"What are those adults arguing about? And Kakashi, why are you 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 pay attention to those three. They're only running from criticism."
"You can't change adults' opinions. In the end, arguing gets you nothing."
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 accused Hatake Sakumo, Kakashi had noticed that his father's mood had become somewhat low.
Unable to tolerate people questioning the hero in his heart, Kakashi could not out-argue certain people. In the end, he could only fight.
Having thoroughly vented the dissatisfaction in his heart and heard the two of them encourage him, Kakashi let out a long breath and nodded heavily.
"I understand, Shu, Guy. Thank you."