Naruto: Scourge of the Ninja World

Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Hatake Sakumo, who was smiling faintly, and for a moment couldn't figure out his attitude.

Hatake Sakumo had always been one of his staunchest supporters.

He was highly capable and served as the captain of the Anbu.

During the Second Great Ninja War, he earned the fearsome title of the White Fang of the Leaf, accumulating great merit on the battlefield.

So why would a single intelligence-gathering mission prompt this White Fang to consider retirement?

"Hokage-sama, did you know…"

"When faced with a crisis, I couldn't stay as calm as my subordinates."

"I don't know when it started, but I began to treat death as the solution to everything."

"When facing enemies on the battlefield, killing them became the only choice."

"But when it was my turn, I lost the ability to think—my only thought was to go down with the enemy."

Hatake Sakumo's voice was steady, as if he were talking about something trivial.

But Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't see it that way.

To him, the White Fang standing before him looked... shaken.

All because of one mission.

"The only reason we managed to escape the Land of Wind this time was thanks to Gekko Chizan's calm mind and the incredible Flying Thunder God Technique."

"If Chizan hadn't been there, the mission would have been exponentially more difficult."

"Aoyama was already injured at the time. I didn't even know if I would abandon the mission to save him, or abandon my teammate to complete the mission."

"But no matter what I chose, I would've lived with guilt."

At this point, a bitter smile surfaced on Hatake Sakumo's face.

It was clear these were his true feelings.

"So, I've decided to resign from the position of Anbu Captain. A blade… is best without emotions or thoughts."

"Just tell me where to strike. That's enough."

"Isn't that right?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen silently took a drag from his pipe.

After a long silence, he finally spoke:

"Sakumo, what made you change your mind…"

"You've always been my right-hand man. I value you greatly—and the Anbu needs you."

In Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind, Hatake Sakumo held tremendous weight.

A "half-shadow of the Hokage" had to bear many responsibilities, and although Sakumo's achievements sometimes overshadowed his superior, it didn't make him any less useful.

Strong in combat, sharp in mind—a perfect second-in-command.

"Gekko Chizan."

"That brat's sense of boundaries is almost nonexistent, and some of his methods border on ridiculous."

"But when it comes to real missions, his mindset and thinking are incredibly rare."

As he spoke, Hatake Sakumo suddenly chuckled. He recalled how that little rascal had dared to hit him with the Thousand Years of Death. It actually hurt more than he expected.

Even with his pain tolerance, he almost yelped out loud.

"He's better than me. His only shortcoming may be his lack of fighting spirit."

"Like he said, even though he has great strength, he deeply resents combat."

"But that doesn't dull his edge in the slightest."

When Gekko Chizan had forced him to make a choice, that serious expression was probably his true self.

Such a genius... knew exactly how to hide his brilliance.

Sigh, compared to him, Sakumo felt he was sorely lacking.

Truthfully, Hatake Sakumo was well aware of his status in the village and had heard all the rumors about him.

With his overwhelming strength, he never paid them any mind.

After all, he believed that if your fists were strong enough, any rumors would shatter on their own.

But after this mission, he realized he was wrong.

In such a dire moment, his thoughts became a mess—what would happen if he really made a mistake on a future mission? What kind of treatment would await him upon returning to the village?

"Hokage-sama, please forgive my retirement."

"Later on, I might even become a teacher at the Ninja Academy, hahaha."

"My kenjutsu would make for excellent student practice."

Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed lightly after hearing that.

Honestly, this might be for the best. Sakumo voluntarily stepping into the background meant the White Fang could still be Konoha's blade—but a hidden one, out of the spotlight.

It was good for both the village and for him.

"Alright then, but until the new Anbu Captain is confirmed, I still need your help."

Hatake Sakumo nodded. This was part of his duty, and he would not shirk it.

"About that Sunagakure kunoichi—has the intel been gathered?"

"It's done. There were hardly any obstacles. Yamanaka Heichi has already written up the report."

"As for the kunoichi, she's currently staying at the Gekko household under Chizan's watch."

Sarutobi Hiruzen inhaled sharply from his pipe.

"You don't think that rascal has fallen for her, do you?"

"He actually brought an enemy ninja back to his home."

Hatake Sakumo burst out laughing. Truthfully, the same thought had crossed his mind.

But since Chizan hadn't mentioned it, he didn't bring it up either.

"Whatever. That brat's learned quite a bit of sealing techniques from Orochimaru—he probably used the Five Elements Seal."

"And he's not weak himself. That kunoichi won't be able to stir up any trouble."

"Still, I have to admit, he has good taste. A kekkei genkai user with Scorch Release—quite the ability."

"If we can convince her to join Konoha, it'd be a great asset to us."

"And if they end up together one day, who knows—maybe Transparent Release and Scorch Release could combine into a new kekkei genkai."

An old man and a middle-aged man shared a glance—then burst into hearty laughter.

Little did they know, the young man they were praising for his potential and talent... was currently facing a triple inquisition.

...

Gekko Residence.

"Chizan, I can't believe you actually drugged and kidnapped a girl from the women's bath!"

"I always thought you were bold but harmless—never imagined you'd really pull off a girl-snatching stunt!"

Sayo looked heartbroken as she stared at Gekko Chizan, who was kneeling in the courtyard.

Off to the side, Pakura covered her mouth to stifle a laugh.

Just moments earlier, she had explained how she was from Sunagakure and how Gekko Chizan had captured her.

To her surprise, Sayo didn't care at all about her origins—instead, she was furious over Gekko Chizan's actions.

This warmed Pakura's heart a little.

She suddenly felt a bit of admiration for the people of Konoha.

Even though she was a prisoner, she was still a kekkei genkai elite shinobi.

And they actually trusted her?

"Sayo-san, I didn't— I swear I didn't…"

"I really was doing it for the mission…"

"The situation was dire! If I hadn't acted, it would've been too late!"

Chizan's face was covered in bruises—clearly, he'd taken a beating.

"Hmph! Chizan, I'm telling you—you've seen everything now. How is Pakura ever going to get married?"

"I don't care! Once you come of age, you have to marry her!"

Pakura: Huh??? I never said I'd marry him???

Gekko Chizan: What the heck??? I mean, sure, she's gorgeous, but I didn't plan to throw away an entire garden for a single flower!

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