Hatake... Sakumo?

The next morning, Nangō Kumoi arrived at the Hokage Office on time.

Morning light spilled through the windows onto the stacks of documents awaiting processing, and the air carried the busy energy of a new day beginning.

Not long after he sat down, an Anbu wearing an animal mask appeared silently before his desk and respectfully presented a list.

"Hokage-sama, this is the preliminary confirmation receipt for yesterday's distribution of death benefits, along with supplementary lists of families awaiting verification for the next batch."

The Anbu's voice was calm and flat.

"Thank you for your hard work."

Nangō Kumoi took the list and scanned it quickly. The names at the front were familiar, or at least vaguely recognizable, until his gaze stopped on one particular entry:

"Hatake Sakumo (father), assigned to Anbu Third Squad, died valiantly while covering a retreat mission.

Compensation level: Special grade. Immediate family: his son, Hatake Sakumo (five years old, exceptional talent).

Affiliated clan: Hatake Clan

Note: A renowned swordsmanship clan whose lineage can be traced back to the Warring States Era. The clan has produced many elite ninja, particularly skilled in Lightning Release and swordsmanship, with achievements in both the Anbu and regular forces. Though smaller than major clans such as the Sarutobi and Shimura, it was far from comparable to common civilians."

Hatake... Sakumo?

Nangō Kumoi's fingers froze over that line.

A powerful sense of familiarity surged through him.

Hatake Sakumo... the future White Fang of the Leaf, father of the Copy Ninja Kakashi!

That peerless genius who would later fall into a storm of public condemnation over a choice between the mission and his comrades, ultimately meeting a tragic end.

He immediately addressed the Anbu, who had yet to leave.

"Wait.

Please retrieve the complete personnel file for Hatake Sakumo's father, as well as a summary of his direct squad's recent mission records."

"Yes."

The Anbu accepted the order and departed. He was highly efficient, and before long, he placed a more detailed file on Nangō Kumoi's desk.

Nangō Kumoi read through it carefully.

The file showed that the fallen Hatake family ninja had indeed been a veteran Anbu member.

He had earned outstanding merits and was rated an Elite Jonin in strength. Especially skilled in swordsmanship and Lightning Release, he had been one of the Anbu's trusted core members.

His son, Hatake Sakumo, was only five years old, yet had already displayed astonishing chakra control and talent for swordsmanship. He was hailed as another rising star of the Hatake family.

"Anbu... no wonder."

Nangō Kumoi closed the file and leaned back in his chair, lost in thought.

In the original timeline, Hatake Sakumo—the White Fang—had risen to such heights at such a young age that even the Sannin feared him.

Beyond his extraordinary talent and hard work, if he had not received early support and cultivation from a family with deep-rooted connections and resources in the Anbu,

he likely could not have risen so quickly above such brutal competition.

This fallen father had clearly been a crucial part of that.

A trace of regret passed through his heart.

The loss of such an elite ninja in that kind of rear-guard mission was a genuine loss for Konoha.

But then, fragments of speculation and conspiracy theories from his memories before transmigration regarding Hatake Sakumo's tragedy in the original timeline inevitably surfaced as well.

As for what happened to the White Fang later... while claims that he was "schemed against by the higher-ups" or "driven to death by public opinion" might not have all been true...

It may have been more of a tragedy born from mission failure conflicting with a ninja's creed, but one could not completely rule out power struggles or someone fanning the flames behind the scenes.

After all, to some people, a person with immense prestige—especially one who threatened the Hokage's position—might himself be a threat, or a tool that needed to be controlled.

Nangō Kumoi steadied himself and dispelled those overly dark associations.

His principle was to stand firmly in the present and create a better future.

The Hatake Clan was an important part of Konoha, a reliable source of strength and loyalty.

He carefully reviewed the detailed file again, confirming the fallen man's merits and the importance his son held within the clan.

After pondering for a moment, he picked up his brush and wrote clear instructions on the list:

Compensation and honors of the highest standard:

Not only was the compensation to be paid in full, but in the Hokage's name, the Hatake Clan's sacrifice and contributions were to receive public and solemn recognition, affirming the clan's generations of loyalty and dedication to Konoha.

The compensation and honors had to be delivered directly and swiftly to the Hatake clan compound, witnessed by the clan head or elders.

Add Hatake Sakumo to the list of "key inheritors of exceptional talent":

Unlike the attention given to gifted orphans such as Orochimaru, the concern shown toward Sakumo had to fully respect the Hatake Clan's traditions and training system.

The Hokage Office would maintain regular communication with the Hatake family.

It would convey the village's concern for Sakumo's growth and, when necessary, provide resources suited to his family's path, such as more advanced swordsmanship training grounds and opportunities to exchange Lightning Release insights.

Maintain the relationship with the Hatake Clan:

Considering the clan's potential influence in fields such as the Anbu, Nangō Kumoi believed it necessary to maintain good communication with the Hatake Clan.

In the near future, he planned to personally visit the Hatake clan compound, or send Hiruzen Sarutobi in his stead, under the pretext of offering condolences to the fallen ninja's family, expressing mourning and respect.

He would also listen to the clan's views on the village's current policies, treating them as important partners to be united with and relied upon, rather than mere subordinates or potential problems.

After finishing his instructions, he placed the document at the top of the pending stack.

Small and mid-sized clans, especially clans like the Hatake with distinctive inheritances and proven accomplishments, are an important link in Konoha's power structure.

They are not as conspicuous as the great clans, nor do they lack foundations like common civilians.

Unite them, give them the respect they deserve and fair opportunities, and we can gain a large number of steadfast, reliable supporters, Nangō Kumoi thought clearly.

The Konoha he wanted to build would not be one ruled solely by a handful of powerful families, nor one that completely erased all differences.

Instead, while acknowledging the existence of different groups—great clans, small and mid-sized clans, and civilians—it would strive to establish a mechanism that was relatively fair, offered equal opportunities, fostered mutual respect, and allowed everyone to work together for Konoha's prosperity.

The Hatake Clan happened to be an excellent entry point and model example.