Prologue

The Hokage's office.

"Lord Hokage"

"Well, tell me about this mission."

"Yes, Lord Hokage, this mission..."

Then, Hato Heiichi began to report the details of the mission to the Third Hokage, while Shiro and the others stood aside and listened quietly, occasionally adding their own information.

However, overall, it still revolves around Hato Heiichi.

Whether it was because the Cloud Ninja was dead or because Shiro and the others weren't high enough in rank, neither Heiichi nor Hato mentioned why that Cloud Ninja was so important.

But right now, Shiro doesn't care about any of that; he only cares about one thing!

Unfortunately, he still needs to report on his mission and can't go. Moreover, Shiro doesn't know the village's attitude towards him shooting that Cloud Ninja.

Shiro was initially somewhat relieved because although the mission had failed, they hadn't allowed Cloud Village succeed, so they could at least consider it a redemption and there shouldn't be any punishment.

However, everything Shiro saw after entering the village shook his heart, and he was now unsure of what the Third Hokage and the others meant.

Finally, to Shiro's delight, Heiichi said the words Shiro most wanted to hear.

"Lord Hokage, this is the account of the mission."

"Okay, I understand. This time it wasn't your fault. After all, no one expected the Raikage to take action personally. How about this, we won't record this mission in your files, okay?"

"Thank you, Lord Hokage. We'll take our leave now."

The Third Hokage nodded, indicating they could leave, but just as Shiro was about to leave with them, the Third Hokage said, "Shiro, stay."

Shiro paused for a moment, then replied, "Yes, Lord Hokage."

After everyone else left, the Third Hokage stood up from his chair, turned his back to Shiro, and looked out the window.

"Shiro, I hope you won't mind the gossip in the village. I'll take care of it as soon as possible."

"I know, Lord Hokage."

"Shiro, sigh, you can go now."

"Yes, Lord Hokage." With that, Shiro left the Hokage's office.

The Third Hokage actually wanted to talk to Shiro again, since Shiro's talent was also considerable, and he didn't want Shiro to harbor resentment towards the village because of this.

Unfortunately, he couldn't say the words. This time, Shiro was indeed the most wronged, and his contribution to this mission was enormous.

Whether it was providing the Flying Bird, fighting against Ai, or promptly recovering losses after the mission failed, all of these actions deserve praise.

Furthermore, Shiro was not in charge of this mission; he was just one of the members. However, the blame for the mission's failure was placed on Shiro.

Without a doubt, this is unfair to Shiro.

The Third Hokage looked out the window at Shiro, who had just walked out of the Hokage Office Building, slowly exhaled a puff of smoke, and said, "Go and invite Elder Danzo."

The hidden Anbu did not reveal themselves, but simply responded and set off, leaving the Third Hokage lost in thought, gazing at the scenery outside the window.

Hatake Residence.

"Knock knock knock."

"Shiro? Come in."

Upon hearing Sakumo's voice, Shiro breathed a sigh of relief, pushed open the door, and went inside.

"Teacher."

"Okay, please sit down first."

"Yes."

After Shiro sat down, Sakumo finally spoke, "Shiro, I'm sorry, I've dragged you into this."

"No, that's not true. Our mission did indeed fail."

"Shiro, do you know why I failed this mission?"

"Yes, I heard about it. It was because of saving a companion."

"Yeah, saving your comrades. So do you think it's right for a ninja to abandon their mission for their comrades?"

"That's right, companionship is more important than the mission."

"What if your partner criticizes you for it?"

"It doesn't matter. I just wanted to save him. As long as he's saved, that's all that matters. What he thinks doesn't concern me much."

Upon hearing Shiro's words, Sakumo smiled and said, "Follow your heart? I knew I hadn't misjudged you, Shiro."

"In the past, we ninjas were merely a weapon in the hands of those in power, something that couldn't be brought into the light. Therefore, we must abandon our emotions and prioritize the mission above all else."

"But now that we live under the sun, we should take back what we once abandoned. I think that's one of the reasons why the village was First Hokage founded."

"Therefore, Shiro, you must remember that for a ninja, the most important thing is your comrades, and only then comes the mission, because we are no longer just a sword."

"Yes, Master, don't worry, I know."

"I trust you completely, but I'll need you to take good care of Kakashi from now on. That kid is prone to getting stuck on things, and I'm worried he might go astray."

"Teacher, why?" Shiro looked at him in surprise.

Judging from his remarks, Sakumo should believe he is right, so he should have no reason to make that decision.

Sakumo shook his head and said, "This incident was just a prelude, just like your mission. Although it failed, you weren't in charge of the mission, yet the blame for the failure fell entirely on you. Don't you find that suspicious?"

"Ultimately, it's because my contributions are too great, and I'm already the head of the Anbu. This position doesn't match my achievements, you should understand that, right?"

"Yes, but you can too, teacher."

Sakumo shook his head, interrupting Shiro: "It's not that simple. The Hokage cannot be any pure clan ninja from Konoha."

"A pure clan ninja?"

"Simply put, if a member of the ninja clan wants to become Hokage, unless their master is the Hokage, they cannot be chosen Hokage."

"Because in a clan, the clan head's orders are the highest. Even if you become Hokage, according to clan rules, you still have to obey the clan head, so this is impossible."

"But it's the Third Hokage."

"The Lord Hokage is the Second Hokage's disciple, so his ties with the clan are somewhat weaker. Furthermore, he is the clan head, which is a special case. Konoha does not allow any single ninja clan to govern."

"Then we can choose not to fight."

"Hahaha." Sakumo chuckled and patted Shiro's head, saying, "Things aren't that simple. The Hokage is chosen by everyone."

Although Sakumo phrased it rather tactfully, Shiro still understood what he meant.

The Hokage is chosen, which is beyond our control, but we can manipulate which individuals are selected.

Sakumo's reputation is so great that few people in Konoha can surpass him.

Therefore, those who want to seize the Hokage position will inevitably try to ruin Sakumo's reputation first, which is the current public opinion incident.

Once Sakumo has this stain on his record, he will be completely ineligible for the Hokage Position.

However, Sakumo's strength is not low, and there are many places where he is needed, so this stain will be washed away sooner or later. When that happens, the person behind him will start to cause trouble again.

Thank you for the Spirit of the World! Thank you for your support!