Shattering the Will of Fire

Kakashi's hand trembled as he gripped his Short Blade.

He knew Qian Ye.

This civilian Genin had made quite a name for himself at Kikyo Pass and was promoted to Chunin as soon as he returned to the village.

The Third Hokage had even awarded him a large residence in the central district.

He had truly been riding high.

Yet now, this rising star had come to the dark house of a traitor's family.

And brazenly claimed that he would save Kakashi's father.

"What can you possibly use to save him?"

Kakashi's voice was hoarse and dry.

"Even Teacher Minato can't do anything."

"The Hokage has given a death order. No one is allowed to visit him."

Qian Ye tossed the apple core in his hand into the nearby trash bin.

He brushed the crumbs from his hands and pulled over a chair to sit down.

He crossed his legs, his posture relaxed.

"Minato Namikaze is a good man."

"But good men can't save Hatake Sakumo."

"Because good men have to follow the rules, consider the bigger picture, and listen to the Hokage."

Qian Ye pointed toward the door.

"What is Konoha's bigger picture?"

"It is the supply lines at the front and the distribution of benefits among the major clans."

"Your father investigated the Logistics Department's dirty accounts. That meant touching those clans' moneybags."

"The old Third needs that money to fight the war, and he also needs those clans to keep the rear stable for him."

"So in their eyes, your father can only be treated as a traitor."

Kakashi's eyes widened.

The whites of his eyes were filled with bloodshot veins.

"My father did it for those Genin who died!"

"They couldn't even receive their pensions!"

"They couldn't even afford their rent!"

Qian Ye let out a