Although Sakumo-sensei lacked the vast clan and deep political connections backing Torifu Akimichi, his personal prestige and strength as the Konoha White Fang were a powerful deterrent in their own right.
Among shinobi in particular, the name Hatake Sakumo stood for supreme strength and unquestionable authority.
Shinji returned to the White Fang Squad's temporary quarters and found Sakumo beneath the eaves, carefully wiping down his White Fang blade.
Sunlight fell over the silver-haired jonin, lending him an air of cool detachment.
Shinji honestly reported his concerns to Sakumo, along with the fact that he had already sought Torifu Akimichi's help.
Sakumo never paused in wiping the blade. He turned it in his hand, its edge reflecting a dazzling gleam.
After listening, he merely gave Shinji a brief glance and said calmly, "Understood."
There were no further questions, nor any impassioned promises.
Yet that very afternoon, Hatake Sakumo entered the Uchiha Clan Compound alone and headed straight for the residence of the clan leader, Kagami Uchiha.
Unlike Torifu Akimichi, he had no intention of using a visit to catch up as a pretext. Instead, he stated his purpose clearly and directly.
In Kagami Uchiha's elegant but somewhat sparsely furnished reception room, two of Konoha's foremost shinobi sat facing each other.
A faint fragrance of tea filled the air, but it could not mask the invisible pressure.
"Clan Leader Kagami," Sakumo said, his voice as steady as ever, yet carrying the sharpness of a blade. "Shinji is a subordinate and student I have acknowledged. He will soon accompany me to a more dangerous battlefield. I do not want him worrying about his family's safety back home while he is risking his life on the front lines."
His words were simple. He neither threatened nor pressured anyone; he merely stated a fact.
But