Hokage Building, entrance
Hatake Sakumo had barely stepped into the Hokage Building when a crowd gradually began gathering outside the entrance.
More and more people gathered, and whispers spread like a rising tide.
"Have you heard? There's going to be another war! Iwagakure has already sent a letter of condemnation!"
"How could this happen? Wasn't everything fine?"
"I heard from my aunt's neighbor's nephew that Lord Hatake Sakumo failed a mission.
To save an intelligence agent, he killed a lot of Hidden Stone Village ninja and wiped out their entire patrol squad..."
"Wasn't that pretty impressive?"
"What's so impressive about it? He could have just rescued the person and left, but he insisted on killing people!
Would Iwagakure let this go? Look, they've already sent a condemnation letter to the Hokage, demanding an apology and severe punishment for White Fang!"
"Huh? Then aren't we in the wrong?"
"Exactly. We finally had a few peaceful years, and now things are going to get chaotic again..."
"My cousin's neighbor works in the ANBU. I heard Iwagakure is already gathering troops!"
"Oh no, please don't let there be a war. My son just entered the Ninja Academy..."
Discussion rose and fell without pause, the crowd filled with unease and anxiety.
Evening, outside the Hokage Building
Hatake Sakumo walked out of the building.
His steps remained steady, his silver-white hair faintly gleaming in the dusk.
But when he looked ahead, his gaze tightened slightly.
The people who had been gathered together and talking all fell silent the moment they saw him.
Yet that silence was more uncomfortable than any noise.
Countless gazes fell upon him—scrutinizing, doubtful, fearful, and faintly accusatory.
Sakumo continued forward. With every step he took, whispers resumed behind him.
As he passed, people automatically moved aside to make way for him,