"Lord Hatake, what we love is Konoha itself, not Konoha's higher-ups, and even less any particular faction."
Uchiha Yū's voice carried a cool detachment. He did not immediately invite the other man to join Dawn. You had to eat one bite at a time. At present, it would be difficult for Hatake Sakumo to join any organization unless Konoha as a whole did something to betray him. Even then, it would only make it possible for him to defect; more likely, he would commit suicide on the spot!
"Thank you. I understand."
After hearing Uchiha Yū's words, he felt somewhat better. The villagers' harsh insults and the ninjas' lack of understanding had made everything seem bleak to Hatake Sakumo. But according to Uchiha Yū, it had all been a conspiracy between Kumogakure and Konoha's higher-ups. Hatake Sakumo then made up his mind and said:
"I do not plan to take on ninja missions anymore. I will only act if something concerns the village's safety."
He had not said this without reason. He was not alone; Kakashi was behind him.
Besides, the money he had accumulated from missions over the years was enough to cover their future expenses.
"That is a fairly good solution."
Uchiha Yū did not argue with him. At this stage, the best arrangement for Hatake Sakumo was to withdraw at the height of the storm. The village would not truly punish Hatake Sakumo. It would merely put on a show to let Kumogakure see Konoha's sincerity—that it did not want the Third Shinobi World War to break out. At most, they would send some supplies to satisfy the other side's vanity.
Taking the initiative to yield was not shameful. As long as Konoha developed steadily, it would soon leave the other villages far behind.
"If Lord Hatake