Once he had the money, Hiruzen Sarutobi worked quite efficiently, and news of Hatake Sakumo's death spread.
This time, however, his death differed from his original fate. Rather than taking his own life because of malicious rumors, he became a hero who had sacrificed his life to complete a mission.
He became someone everyone in Konoha praised, a role model and idol for its ninja.
When Kakashi learned of his father's death, it took him a long time to accept it.
Konoha held a memorial service for Hatake Sakumo, publicized his deeds, and urged its ninja to follow his example and learn from him.
After the memorial service ended, Kakashi returned home alone. Looking at the empty house, he felt something he could not put into words.
The house was just the same as before. Even back then, I was the only one home most of the time.
In the Hokage Office, Hiruzen Sarutobi was reviewing intelligence when an Anbu ninja knocked on the door and entered after receiving permission.
"Lord Hokage, we have urgent intelligence. Word from the front says a squad from Kumogakure has entered the Land of Fire. According to intelligence gathered by the Hyuga Clan's reconnaissance, the leaders are the Third Raikage's son and Killer B, the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki."
"What? The Third Raikage's son and the Eight-Tails Jinchuriki? What is Kumogakure trying to do? Sending a jinchūriki into another country without permission—are they planning to invade our Land of Fire?!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was grave, and he felt a flicker of anger.
They clearly don't take me, the Shinobi Hero, seriously.
Konoha knew all too well just how powerful tailed beasts were.
After all, Madara Uchiha had once brought the Nine-Tails through Konoha's barrier and attacked the village, ultimately fighting Konoha's First in the Battle of