White Fang of the Leaf's Decision

"Uchiha Chuan... I never expected him to suppress the Third Hokage and Shimura Danzō. That was far more terrifying than being merely a ninjutsu prodigy! How could the Uchiha be so lucky to produce someone like him?" On the way out, Hyuga Hiashi could not help sighing, his tone laced with mixed emotions.

"Indeed. Being able to speak normally under the pressure of the Hokage and Danzo was already remarkable. Yet he seemed to hold the initiative the entire time, never showing the slightest trace of fear." Aburame Shibi nodded, his tone carrying a hint of admiration.

"With him, the Uchiha truly seem destined to rise. No matter how much the village suppresses them, it will probably be difficult to keep them down." Inuzuka Tsume sighed, her tone filled with helplessness.

Hyuga Hiashi fell silent for a moment before saying gravely, "I'll find an opportunity to get in touch with him. A genius like that is worth the Hyuga Clan's friendship."

Aburame Shibi and Inuzuka Tsume exchanged a glance and nodded. The three then went their separate ways.

Meanwhile, the clan heads of the Ino–Shika–Cho Three Clans were also quietly discussing Uchiha Chuan's performance.

"Shikaku, what do you think?" Yamanaka Inoichi looked at Shikaku Nara, his tone inquisitive.

With both hands tucked into his sleeves, Shikaku Nara frowned slightly. After pondering for a moment, he said, "Uchiha Chuan... as long as he isn't killed halfway through, he will inevitably change the entire Uchiha Clan. He even has the potential to become Hokage."

"Hokage?!" Akimichi Chōza's eyes widened, surprise in his voice. "Shikaku, aren't you exaggerating?"

"No, not at all." Shikaku Nara shook his head, his tone solemn. "You saw how he performed against the Third Hokage and Danzo today. That unhurried bearing, that step-by-step calculation—ordinary ninja simply could not manage it. He even forced the Third Hokage to lower his head and admit his mistake. Such ability far exceeds his age."

"But Danzo probably won't let him grow up, will he? Otherwise, it would be too terrifying. This is the first time I've seen Danzo and the Third Hokage completely suppressed from beginning to end, without any power to fight back." Akimichi Chōza scratched his head, concern in his voice.

"That has nothing to do with us." Shikaku Nara said calmly. "The Ino–Shika–Cho Three Clans do not need to take part in their struggle. We only need to follow the victor. So once we return, I'll give the order: from now on, show the Uchiha ninja as much respect as possible. Even if you can't respect them, don't speak ill of them. Just stay away from them. And don't deliberately frame them."

"We can pass down the order, but sometimes it'll still be hard to control everyone. After all, there are always impulsive people in the clan." Akimichi Chōza frowned, concern in his voice.

"I'll arrange for the Uchiha to learn of our measures." Shikaku Nara smiled faintly, confidence in his tone. "Then, even if something unexpected happens, it will only be an accident. After all, every ninja clan has its black sheep."

"As expected, you've thought it through more thoroughly than anyone, Shikaku." Yamanaka Inoichi nodded approvingly.

The three then dispersed and returned to their respective clans.

Meanwhile, Kakashi appeared beside Hatake Sakumo in a Body Flicker.

"Father!" Kakashi called softly, his tone complicated.

"You saw it too?" Hatake Sakumo turned to look at his son, his tone questioning.

"Mm." Kakashi nodded, his expression heavy.

"What did you think?" Hatake Sakumo asked.

"Uchiha Chuan... is stronger than me." Kakashi fell silent for a moment before finally admitting it wholeheartedly. Though he had always been competitive, faced with Uchiha Chuan's performance, he had no choice but to concede defeat.

"Mm. He's stronger than me too." Hatake Sakumo sighed, his tone filled with emotion.

"Father, why would you say that?" Kakashi asked, somewhat puzzled.

"Before today, I could give everything for the village without any burden, because I believed it was right." Hatake Sakumo looked into the distance, confusion in his voice. "But after today, the village suddenly feels unfamiliar to me. I've never seriously tried to understand it."

"Is it because of Uchiha Chuan?" Kakashi asked.

"No, it's because of the Hokage." Hatake Sakumo shook his head, disappointment in his voice.

"The Hokage... isn't always right either, is he?" Kakashi asked softly, hesitation in his tone.

"That's right." Hatake Sakumo nodded firmly. "So I've decided not to be the ANBU commander anymore. I'll lead teams on missions again and properly understand the village as it is now. As I am now, I'm not worthy of this Hokage's half-sleeve."

As he spoke, Hatake Sakumo reached up, tore off the Hokage's half-sleeve from his arm, and casually tossed it aside. His movements were crisp and decisive, as though he had cast off a heavy set of shackles.

"Father..." Kakashi looked at Hatake Sakumo, a trace of worry flashing in his eyes.

"Don't worry, Kakashi." Hatake Sakumo smiled faintly, his tone relaxed. "This is my own decision. Perhaps this choice will instead allow me to see more clearly."

Kakashi was silent for a moment before finally nodding. "I understand, Father."

Hatake Sakumo patted Kakashi on the shoulder, satisfaction in his voice. "Come on. Let's go home."

Father and son walked away side by side, their shadows stretching long beneath the setting sun. Hatake Sakumo did not know that this decision would soon save his life.