Just then, Hatake Sakumo approached, his eyes carrying a trace of helplessness and heartache.
He stepped forward to shield Kakashi, staring coldly at the other ninja. "Go home. Stop making things difficult for my son."
At the sight of Hatake Sakumo, the ninja did not continue provoking him. They merely sneered and left one after another.
Yet as Sakumo watched Kakashi lower his head in silence, his heart grew incomparably heavy.
He had never imagined that his decision would subject his son to such immense pressure and pain.
"Kakashi, I'm sorry," Hatake Sakumo said in a low voice. "My mistake dragged you into this trouble as well."
Kakashi raised his head, his gaze resolute. "Father, this isn't your fault. I learned the Will of Fire from a young age. Protecting our comrades is the duty of ninja. I believe you were right. No matter what they say, I won't change my mind."
Hearing his son's unwavering words, complicated emotions rose in Sakumo's heart.
He was proud of Kakashi's beliefs and determination, but he also knew that public opinion in Konoha had already turned against them. Kakashi was still so young, yet he had been dragged into such a dispute so early in life. It was unfair to his future.
That night, Hatake Sakumo sat alone in the courtyard of his home, his hands resting on his knees as he gazed at the night sky.
A gentle breeze swept past, rustling the bamboo leaves in the courtyard.
Sakumo's mind kept replaying his conversation with Kakashi from earlier that day, along with the accusations the village's ninja had hurled at him.
Again and again, he recalled that mission and the choice he had made between the mission and his comrades.
"Was I really wrong?" he murmured softly. The conflict and pain deep