The title of hero

Early that morning, Kakashi and Asuma stood before the desk in the Hokage's Office, still bearing unhealed wounds and the weight of exhaustion.

They had just given Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage, a full account of the incident as she sat in her chair, detailing Uzuki Yugao's motives, change of heart, and sacrifice, as well as Naraka's plot and escape.

They had also placed the Rooster Talisman on the Hokage's desk.

Asuma bowed his head deeply, his voice hoarse and filled with self-reproach:

"My failure to notice Yugao's pain and the changes in her was a dereliction of my duty as captain. It ultimately led to this tragedy. Please punish me severely, Lord Hokage."

Kakashi pulled down his mask as well, revealing a grave, weary face, and added, "I was also at fault. When I realized something might be wrong with Yugao, if I had acted more decisively, perhaps..."

"Enough, both of you!"

Tsunade abruptly cut them off, bracing both hands against the desk, her knuckles white with strain.

She raised her head. Her usually piercing eyes were now filled with crushing weariness and profound guilt.

"Neither of you was at fault." Tsunade's voice was low and hoarse, carrying an indescribable pain.

"The fault was mine. As Hokage, for the sake of the so-called greater good and a fragile peace, I took it upon myself to forgive and readily accept enemies who had inflicted terrible suffering on Konoha and murdered our comrades!"

"I ignored the feelings of people like Yugao, who truly bore the pain of losing someone they loved! I was the root of this tragedy!"

"Lord Hokage!" Asuma hastily raised his head. "You were thinking of the village's greater good! You wanted to prevent further sacrifices!"

Tsunade waved a hand weakly, as though unwilling to hear any more reassurances.