Konoha's overall strength had weakened, which might tempt villages like Sunagakure and Kumogakure to make a move against it.
Perhaps I should have been more careful about this. Danzo thought coldly, weighing how he should make up for this loss.
No matter what, Hatake Sakumo's suicide had become a fact, and every corner of Konoha had been shaken by it.
The villagers, the shinobi, and the higher-ups each carried different feelings—some regretted it, some blamed themselves, and some remained indifferent.
But no matter how they reacted, this chapter of Konoha's history would forever be etched into their hearts.
Hatake Sakumo's death was not merely the fall of a hero; it was also the bitter price of Konoha's politics and public opinion.
News of Hatake Sakumo's suicide swiftly spread throughout the shinobi world, drawing vastly different reactions from the upper echelons of the Five Great Nations.
Though every nation maintained a calm facade, the news stirred enormous waves beneath the surface—especially among the Kage-level powerhouses who had once faced Sakumo on the battlefield.
In Iwagakure, Ōnoki, the Third Tsuchikage of the Land of Earth, sat in his seat and listened to a report from one of his shinobi.
A cold sneer appeared on his aged face, his eyes carrying a trace of contempt and gloating.
"Hatake Sakumo, the 'White Fang of the Leaf,' actually ended his life through suicide. That really is... delightful."
Ōnoki stretched his back, his tone laced with undisguised mockery and satisfaction.
Hatake Sakumo's reputation had long resounded throughout the shinobi world. During the Second Shinobi World War in particular, Sakumo's overwhelming individual strength had dealt Iwagakure's forces severe blows in battle after battle.
As a Kage-level powerhouse, Sakumo had been a lethal threat on the battlefield. Whether in direct combat or surprise infiltration, Iwagakure had paid no