The Shimura Actually Has Ice Release

The last thing Sakumo expected after bowing before Hiruzen to confess his failure was that the teammate he had risked the mission to save would not only be ungrateful—but would hold a grudge against him.

Knowing his punishment wouldn't be issued immediately, Sakumo lowered his head again, then left the room with his team under escort from the ANBU.

...

"Ahh..."

Watching Sakumo and the others leave, Hiruzen slowly took a pipe from his robes, lit it, and exhaled a long breath of smoke, starting to puff away leisurely.

"Hiruzen, you called me here..."

Danzō, having received the summons, pushed the door open and walked in, immediately enveloped in smoke.

He frowned and waved his sleeve to disperse the smoke clouding his view before he could make out Hiruzen's grim expression.

"What happened?"

Seeing the look on Hiruzen's face, Danzō furrowed his brow. He instantly sensed something was wrong.

"Sakumo failed his mission," Hiruzen said, glancing at Danzō as he exhaled another puff of smoke. His voice was low and somber.

Danzō blinked in surprise, then cautiously asked, "The mission personally assigned by the Daimyō?"

"Yes, that one," Hiruzen confirmed with a nod.

"Even Konoha's White Fang could fail?" Danzō was well aware of that mission. Though challenging, it shouldn't have been enough to trip up someone like Sakumo...

"Yōmei Rikujin fell into a trap. Sakumo gave up the mission to save him," Hiruzen said through clenched teeth, taking a deep drag from his pipe.

"Tch. And for something like that..." Danzō's tone held clear disappointment.

"But... that's just like Sakumo. He's always been the type to protect his comrades," Hiruzen said instinctively, defending him.

"Regardless, failure is failure. He must be punished," Danzō slammed his palm on the table.

"Mm." Hiruzen nodded. He had no intention of covering for Sakumo—especially with the Daimyō expecting an explanation.

"What do you think we should tell the Daimyō?" Hiruzen had summoned Danzō for exactly this issue.

"What's there to explain? The mission failed. We'll refuse the subsidy. Missions don't always go perfectly for shinobi anyway."

Seeing Hiruzen troubled over something so minor, Danzō waved his sleeve irritably and stepped closer.

Hiruzen was quite satisfied with that response.

He couldn't afford to be so blunt with the Daimyō, but Danzō could.

Danzō had always lacked proper respect for the Daimyō.

Let Danzō intimidate him first—then Hiruzen could smooth things over. That should be enough to cover up the matter.

Though... it was a shame to lose such a generous subsidy...

"So, what about Sakumo? What punishment do you suggest?" Hiruzen snuffed out his pipe and looked to Danzō for his opinion.

"Konoha's White Fang is a top-tier asset. We still need his reputation to keep Sunagakure in check. I say we keep this matter under wraps and suspend his team for the time being."

Danzō thought for a moment before giving his reply.

Of course, he had some personal motives. He was planning to support Sakumo's son as the next Hokage. Tarnishing Sakumo's reputation now would jeopardize that.

"This mission failure does fall on Sakumo. Once the dust settles, we'll send him to the border. That should suffice as punishment," Hiruzen nodded, sharing his own thoughts.

"I think we don't need to inform Koharu and Homura."

If those two found out, who knew what kind of fuss they'd stir up?

The two quickly finalized a general plan and agreed on the details.

"Then I'll leave this matter to you," Hiruzen said, leaning back in his chair, finally relaxing.

Danzō didn't reply. He simply nodded and turned to leave.

"To give up a mission for the sake of a comrade, huh..." Hiruzen murmured as he watched the door close, his gaze drifting to the photo of Tobirama hanging on the wall.

...

"Orders from Danzō-sama: Sakumo's team is to cease all operations, submit to ANBU investigation, and are forbidden from discussing the mission with outsiders."

At the hospital, where Sakumo's team was gathered for treatment, an ANBU operative suddenly appeared and delivered the message.

He didn't leave after speaking. Instead, he took position at the doorway, blatantly standing guard over them.

Faced with this surveillance, Sakumo showed no emotion. But Yōmei Rikujin at his side began to grow visibly anxious.

The Hokage had actually left this matter in Danzō's hands? And even suspended their duties?

All of this was Sakumo's fault—so why were they the ones suffering for it?!

Glancing at Sakumo, who said nothing, Yōmei Rikujin's eyes burned with a resentment so strong it almost took physical form.

Damn those upper-echelon bastards. Why didn't they just arrest Sakumo outright? Why drag innocent people like us down with him?

Of course—they're protecting "Konoha's White Fang."

The higher-ups definitely planned to shield that man.

No. I can't just sit here and wait for the axe to fall. I have to act.

If they want to cover for Sakumo, then I'll do the opposite.

Determined not to become Sakumo's scapegoat, Yōmei Rikujin began plotting in silence.

...

Completely unaware of what had happened, Takeshi returned home as usual—only to find neither Ryōma nor Danzō there.

Only Nono was sitting alone on the couch, studying medical ninjutsu.

"Nono-san, where are Ryōma-sensei and the others?" Takeshi asked curiously.

"Oh, Takeshi. You're back. Ryōma and the others went on a mission with Danzō-sama. They won't be back tonight. You can practice your ninjutsu on your own—or learn medical ninjutsu with me."

Brushing her hair behind her ear, Nono smiled at him gently.

What a lucky break!

Realizing he wouldn't get beaten up today, Takeshi's joy was plain to see. He gave Nono a sweet smile, almost coquettish in tone.

"Then I want to learn medical ninjutsu from you, Nono-san."

"Alright, but first I'll make dinner."

Nono stood from the couch with a stretch that accentuated her curves, making Takeshi blush.

Tch, what a good day—no beatings, and no old man's cooking...

Wait, what kind of mission did the old man go on anyway? Was it dangerous? Probably...

...

Meanwhile, Yōmei Rikujin was being interrogated by Yamanaka Akira and doing his best to plead innocence.

"Please, sir, you must tell Danzō-sama—it was all Sakumo's doing! I was fully prepared to sacrifice myself for the village! It was all him, all his fault…!"

"Hmm." No matter how much Yōmei Rikujin ranted, Yamanaka Akira only nodded silently. His face behind the mask betrayed no emotion.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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