White Fang of the Leaf Resigns

Just as Fugaku Uchiha was fiercely clashing with the Konoha F4 at the Jonin Meeting, trading barbs back and forth, Obito Uchiha and the others arrived at Uchiha Chuan's home on time.

"Everyone's here?" Uchiha Chuan had long been standing at the door, arms crossed as he watched them leisurely. He had always gone to bed early and risen early, and as long as the weather was not cold, he basically never slept in. Today, he had waited for them especially early, a faint smile on his face as if everything were under control.

"We're all here, Chuan. How are we training today?" The moment Obito saw Uchiha Chuan, he asked impatiently. Excitement gleamed in his eyes, as though he could already see his stronger future self—beating Kakashi with his fists, kicking Asuma aside, and even making Rin see him in a new light.

Uchiha Chuan did not answer directly. Instead, he pulled a blueprint from his clothes, unfolded it, and pointed at the contents. "Here, I've already drawn it up. First, go to the training ground, mark out a field this big, build two gates like these, and find a ball this big." As he spoke, he gestured with exaggerated movements, as if describing some grand building.

Obito leaned over to look at the blueprint and was immediately dumbfounded. "What is this? Aren't we supposed to train? Why does it feel like we're doing construction?"

Uchiha Chuan rolled his eyes, his tone carrying a hint of helplessness. "This is training, get it? Do you think training means throwing punches and kicks all day? That's way too low-level."

Obito scratched his head, still looking utterly confused. "But this doesn't look like a training ground. It looks more like a playground. Who would mark out something like this otherwise?"

The corners of Uchiha Chuan's lips curled upward in a sly smile. "Wouldn't it be more fun to play games while training? Training was never meant to be dull and boring."

"That makes sense." Uchiha Mion stood to the side and nodded seriously in agreement. Her clear, pleasant voice was like a breeze brushing past, making Obito freeze for a moment.

"See? Even little sister Mion gets it, but you don't?" Uchiha Chuan shot Obito a smug glance, his tone teasing.

It was not only the Uchiha brats below third grade who had come today. Even the little Uchiha kids who had not started school yet were here. Their eyes were wide as they stared curiously at Uchiha Chuan, as if he were some magical magician.

Seeing that, Obito could only grit his teeth and accept the task. "Fine, we'll do it. But will this thing really work?"

Uchiha Chuan waved a hand, sounding relaxed. "Don't worry. When have I ever lied to you? I'm giving you the whole morning to finish it. No problem, right?"

"No problem!" everyone answered in unison, their voices full of enthusiasm.

"Then get going. Come find me by the river once you're done." Uchiha Chuan waved them off, signaling that they could leave.

"Why should we find you by the river?" Obito asked with a puzzled look.

"I'm going fishing." Uchiha Chuan said it as though it were only natural, with a hint of leisure in his voice.

"What? You're making us work while you go fishing?" Obito's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief.

Uchiha Chuan shrugged, sounding rather proud. "What else? I'm a genius. I'm already past the stage where I need grueling training. Now I only need to meditate, while you're just getting started."

Obito eyed him suspiciously, feeling that something was off. "Really? I feel like you're fooling me."

Uchiha Chuan still looked proud. "If you don't believe me, then become as much of a genius as I am."

Obito snorted, his tone faintly threatening. "Hmph. If your training method doesn't make us improve quickly, I'll tell the clan head that you're a liar."

Uchiha Chuan was completely unfazed and laughed instead. "Tch, you think I'm scared? Go right ahead."

Obito waved his hand irritably and called to everyone. "Come on, let's finish the task!"

"Woohoo!" A group of little brats cheered as they followed behind him, racing toward the training ground.

Watching their retreating backs, Uchiha Chuan's lips curled slightly as he muttered under his breath, "Tch, my Smart Clone Technique has already been upgraded. Why would I be scared? What a joke."

He turned and headed toward the river, his steps light as if everything were under control. In his previous life, he had not been much of an angler, but after being reborn, he had unexpectedly fallen in love with the activity. As he walked, he muttered softly, "Tsk, who would've thought I'd become an angler one day too?"

Of course, it was mainly because fishing went so well with taking it easy.

While Uchiha Chuan casually dealt with those little brats and sat by the river fishing in leisure, the atmosphere at the Jonin Meeting suddenly became tense.

"What?!"

"Sakumo, you want to resign as the ANBU director and return the Hokage Half-Sleeve?"

"Why?!"

Startled cries rose one after another throughout the meeting room. Everyone had originally thought that, after the fierce clash between the Uchiha Clan and the Konoha Leadership, the rest of the meeting would calm down. Yet no one had expected Hatake Sakumo—the White Fang of the Leaf—to stand up at this moment and say in a calm but firm voice, "Lord Hokage, I wish to resign from my position as ANBU director and return the Hokage Half-Sleeve."

His voice was not loud, but it was like a heavy hammer striking everyone's hearts. Only then did they notice that Hatake Sakumo had not worn the half-sleeve symbolizing his status as a Hokage candidate from the very beginning. At once, everyone's gaze focused on him, their eyes filled with shock and confusion.

"Sakumo, what is this..." Shikaku Nara frowned and was the first to ask.

Hatake Sakumo lowered his head slightly, his voice carrying both helplessness and resolve. "Over the past few days, I realized that the matters a Hokage must handle are far too complicated. Knowing only right and wrong is not enough to become Hokage. One must also learn compromise and exchange. But I am a pure ninja. My blade can only move forward. So I cannot do those things. Because of that, my conviction has become flawed, and my blade is no longer sharp. As I am now, I am no longer capable of serving as ANBU director. And as I am now, I am not suited to become Hokage either. If I became Hokage, I would only lead the village to ruin. Therefore, I have decided to return the Hokage Half-Sleeve."

Though his words were plain, every sentence was like a blade that struck directly at the heart. Everyone understood that Hatake Sakumo was dissatisfied with the Konoha Leadership's way of doing things. He no longer wanted to be bound by the political maneuvering of compromise and exchange, nor did he want to betray his own convictions.

The meeting room fell deathly silent, as if even the air had frozen. Several Uchiha Clan jonin exchanged glances, a trace of gloating amusement flashing through their eyes. Although Hyuga Hiashi, the head of the Hyuga Clan, remained calm on the surface, a faint hint of satisfaction could be seen in his eyes as well. They were simply better than the Uchiha Clan at putting on an act, and their faces remained respectful.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat in the seat of honor with a calm expression, but a barely noticeable fury flashed through his deep eyes. He felt deeply betrayed—Hatake Sakumo, the White Fang of the Leaf, had chosen to withdraw at this moment.

Damn Hatake Sakumo. Haven't I treated you well enough? I supported you with all my strength, and this is how you repay me? The Third Hokage cursed inwardly, though he remained calm on the surface.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura opened their mouths as if they wanted to say something, but in the end, neither could utter a single word. Hatake Sakumo was different from the Uchiha Clan. He would not lie, nor would he beat around the bush. His words were blunt and bare, throwing out his true thoughts without reservation. What could they say to a Hatake Sakumo like this? Were they supposed to catch his cannonballs with their faces?

The Third Hokage took a deep breath and slowly spoke, his voice carrying a hint of weariness and helplessness. "Since this concerns your convictions and your blade, I permit you to resign. And since you yourself say that you are not suited to become Hokage, leave the Hokage Half-Sleeve behind as well."

Hatake Sakumo nodded, his tone still calm. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. However, after resigning, I would like to become a team-leading jonin. When the time comes, I would like to lead a team on missions. I hope Lord Hokage will permit it."

The Third Hokage fell silent for a moment before finally saying flatly, "We'll discuss it later."

Only then did the meeting end in peace.