Excessive chakra consumption made his hands tremble slightly. Uchiha Kagami slowly walked toward Fugaku.
Fugaku steadied his breathing as well. Despite his heavy injuries, he was far from finished.
A towering figure stepped between them Elder Bokuto. "That's enough." His voice was firm, leaving no room for argument. "If this continues… it will turn into a fight to the death." His gaze swept over both of them. "No matter who falls… that is not something I wish to see."
Hearing that, Uchiha Kagami lowered the hand holding his blade. He was willing to respect Bokuto. After all, he had benefited greatly from him.
But Fugaku was not as willing. Kagami stood there almost unharmed while he himself was in a miserable state. And now it just… ends like this?
What about his dignity as clan head?
"Elder Bokuto…" Fugaku began, his expression dark, ready to argue... But a pair of hands gently grabbed his arm.
Uchiha Mikoto shook her head, her beautiful face filled with concern.
After a long, restrained sigh, Fugaku finally lowered his hand.
Kagami had no intention of competing for the clan head position right now. He spoke calmly "Thank you for your guidance, Clan Head. And congratulations on the birth of your son. I'll take my leave."
"Shisui, I'm going."
As Kagami walked away, the remaining Uchiha watched in silence.
There was no anger over the disrupted celebration. Instead...
"…Perhaps we were wrong…"
"Not just Izuna-sama… he might even reach that legendary level…"
"That's enough." Bokuto cut them off sharply. "No one is to speak about what happened today. The clan head needs rest. Disperse."
The village always kept an eye on the Uchiha clan, but not closely enough to know everything.
Bokuto looked toward the direction Kagami had disappeared, his brows slightly furrowed. He didn't know that a great ninja war was coming. To him, Kagami simply seemed… too radical.
Even as the leader of the radical faction, he couldn't understand why Kagami chose this moment to reveal his strength.
But the truth was simple. Kagami hadn't lied. He really was just testing himself. The academy students weren't worthy opponents. Even ordinary jonin stood no chance. And targeting the village's higher-ups would be inappropriate.
After careful consideration, Fugaku was the most suitable choice.
********************
On the way home, a voice echoed loudly in his mind. "Depending sharingan to uses slashes… brat, you are still too weak."
"You really can't expect anything decent to come out of a dog's mouth. You think I didn't hear you muttering earlier?" Kagami replied casually.
Sukuna sneered. "I won't deny your talent. But compared to me… your techniques are lacking."
"Kid, make a pact with me. I can teach you use slash without your eye and perhaps Domain Expansion... Just five minutes is enough. I haven't tasted the pleasure of killing in a long time. You don't like Konoha's higher-ups anyway, right? How about I help you kill them?"
Kagami knew Sukuna could probably kill the Third Hokage and the others. But the worst-case scenario… Was running into Kushina Uzumaki.
Aside from Hashirama Senju, every generation's strongest fighter in Konoha was the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
And as Sukuna's vessel Kagami had no confidence in dealing with that red-haired monster.
Sealing techniques held terrifying priority in this world.
Even Kaguya Ōtsutsuki had been sealed.
Demons are said used to be walking around the world… now almost all of them sealed by a bunch of red haired people.
What if Sukuna were released. And some sealing master treated him like a calamity to be suppressed?
"Sukuna, I'm not lying to you. This world is dangerous. Being inside me isn't a prison… I'm protecting you."
"Who the hell do you think you're talking to?! I don't need protection, bastard!!" Sukuna exploded in anger.
"Keep shouting, and I'll lock you in darkness for a month," Kagami said calmly.
Silence.
Sukuna immediately shut up.
********************
The next day
Kakashi let out a breath of relief when he saw his father preparing breakfast. "Father…"
Sakumo Hatake gestured for him to sit. After a moment of silence, he spoke. "Kakashi… I've decided to follow my own will…Maybe, just like they say… I'll become trash who breaks the rules of the shinobi world." The thin man smiled faintly. "But I think… those who abandon their comrades are worse than trash."
"…Yeah. I'll support you, Father!"
Relief appeared on Sakumo's face. The one thing he feared most… was losing Kakashi's approval.
Perhaps that Uchiha boy was right. He didn't need to overthink it. All that mattered… was Kakashi.
Sakumo placed the White Fang blade on the table. "Kakashi, you're grown now. There's something I need to tell you."
Kakashi felt a chill.
"I once thought about ending my life… to atone. But I don't want to give them that satisfaction." A sharp glint flashed in his eyes. "I'm leaving the village."
Kakashi's pupils shrank. "Father! I'll.."
Sakumo raised his hand, stopping him. He gently placed a calloused hand on Kakashi's head. "You have people you care about here, don't you? Protect yourself. Protect your comrades…Goodbye, Kakashi."
A puff of smoke exploded. Kakashi stood there in silence Tears streaming down his face.
Far away, Sakumo received the memories from his shadow clone and fell silent. Then he let out a long breath. Looking back at Konoha one last time, his eyes were filled with complicated emotions.
Suddenly, More than a dozen masked shinobi appeared. "Sakumo Hatake! You've left the village without authorization! What are you doing?!"
Sakumo glanced at them calmly. "Root…" As an elite jonin, he knew exactly who they were and their leader is."Tell Danzo… if he dares touch Kakashi… I will kill him."
"You bastard! How dare you threaten Lord Danzo!" Several Root shinobi charged forward.
But before they could land. A white line flashed.
Thud. Thud. Thud.
Bodies hit the ground. Blood splattered.
Silence fell.
The White Fang of Konoha. A man feared across battlefields. Someone who stood above even the Sannin. How could they possibly stand against him?
"This isn't a threat. It's a promised" Sakumo's voice echoed one last time. "…Whether I've betrayed the village or not… Perhaps becoming a wandering swordsman… is the only end for someone like me."
*******************
The news of Sakumo Hatake's departure was kept secret.
To the outside world, it was said he was on a classified mission. But internally, the impact was massive.
Inside the Hokage's office "Classify Sakumo Hatake as an S-rank rogue ninja! He knows too much, we must mobilize all ANBU to eliminate him!" Danzo slammed the table, roaring in anger.
Hiruzen Sarutobi watched him in silence, his gaze growing colder.
Koharu Utatane spoke in a low voice "Danzo is right. If Sakumo falls into another village's hands… it will be disastrous."
Mitokado Homura remained silent, but his stance was clear.
Suppressing his anger, Hiruzen finally spoke, voice hoarse "I trust Sakumo. He just needs time… to clear his mind."
Hiruzen Sarutobi was furious, because everything had started when Danzo leaked the classified mission. Something like this could have been handled quietly; Sakumo Hatake could have compensated the village for the losses he caused at a later time.
After this incident, Sakumo Hatake had no chance of becoming Hokage.
In Hiruzen Sarutobi's view, a true Hokage, when faced with a dilemma between the mission and comrades, should sacrifice themselves to ensure the village's interests are not harmed.
Both the Second Hokage and he himself understood this.
He did want his student to become Hokage, but he would never frame Sakumo Hatake for that purpose.
He was angry at Shimura Danzo and also at Hatake Sakumo.
Just because of a few words from others, why did it have to escalate into something as serious as fleeing? This is the village where you were born, and your son is still here!
Shimura Danzo fell silent for a moment.
They all knew the strength of the White Fang of Konoha. If there were a level above Jonin comparable to Kage, then Hatake Sakumo would undoubtedly belong there.
Every Jonin was an elite of the village, but in front of the White Fang's blade, they were reduced to ordinary soldiers.
Before the Yellow Flash appeared, the White Fang of Konoha held the record for the most Jonin kills in the ninja world.
Danzo Shimura did not think he was weaker than Sakumo Hatake; if they were to fight, the odds would be 40/60.
And he have a 60% chance of winning!
But he have more important matters to deal with. The situation in the ninja world is constantly changing. If Hiruzen makes a mistake, he must step in and take over.
After thinking for a moment and realizing he couldn't back down, Danzo spoke in a heavy voice. "In that case, I will take responsibility for the espionage missions across the various villages. If Sakumo betrayed Konoha, I will personally hunt down and kill Hatake Sakumo!"
Now it was Hiruzen Sarutobi's turn to fall silent.
Where else could you find such a hardworking and dedicated like Shimura Danzo…?
Hiruzen let out a weary sigh. "Let's end it here for now. Kakashi is still in the village, and Sakumo won't do anything that would harm it."
Besides, it's not without precedent. Jiraiya once stayed in the Land of Rain for several years.
At this moment, Mitokado Homura spoke up. "Jiraiya and Minato have returned. Minato has learned the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique. They might be able to catch up to Sakumo Hatake."
Hiruzen glanced at him with displeasure. "I've already explained the core of the issue, and you're still going in circles?"
"They just encountered a tailed beast from Iwagakure. Let them rest for a while." Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke. "By the way… Uchiha Kagami and Kakashi can both be taught by Jiraiya."
At the mention of the Uchiha clan, Danzo's sense of alarm immediately flared. "Kakashi is one thing, but Uchiha is definitely not someone Jiraiya should teach!"
As if realizing that Danzo was under pressure, Hiruzen's tone softened slightly. "Danzo… when you hear that name, do you only hear 'Uchiha'? Kagami… that was our comrade's name."
Both Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu showed faint, nostalgic expressions, but Danzo remained unmoved. "Kagami was influenced by the Second Hokage. This Uchiha brat is not Kagami's descendant, only adopted by his wife.
Notice his wording even when referring to classmates, Danzo avoided the word 'uchiha'. It wasn't hard to imagine what kind of monstrous image the Uchiha clan held in his mind.
"We should at least try. What if he, like Kagami, integrates into the village?" Hiruzen smiled. "Alright, it's almost lunchtime. Your families are waiting, so I won't keep you any longer."
With too many people present, Danzo didn't push further. He shot Hiruzen a displeased look, then turned and left.
If only I had become Hokage… If I had been chosen, the Uchiha clan would have been subdued! Second Hokage… why didn't you choose me?!
Back then… I was just a little too short!
Danzo still agonized over whether he had hesitated too long back then. If he could turn back time and step forward to cover the retreat…
Perhaps the Second Hokage might have survived.
************************
Konoha Training Grounds
Seeing the heavily damaged ground, Jiraiya slowly approached. "Controlling such a rapidly rotating mass of chakra must be extremely difficult."
He walked toward Minato Namikaze, who was standing in a crater."I've heard it's easier to extract chakra by following the direction of your hair swirl."
Minato, panting, smiled bitterly. "That's just a rumor."
"Not necessarily. I refine chakra using my right hand… let me see which way yours spins… Huh… you've got two swirls one left, one right… Forget it, let's take a break!"
Jiraiya took out a twin popsicle from his bag and snapped it in half. "Which side do you want?"
Either way is the same.
Suddenly, Minato froze, inspiration striking him. Both ways are the same! Forgetting all about the popsicle, Minato immediately stood up and began refining his chakra again.
If you refine it the same way, no matter the direction… A faint blue light flickered in his hand.
Jiraiya stared at the now-stable chakra sphere and couldn't help but sigh. As expected… you truly are a genius, Minato.
Minato beamed with excitement. "It's starting to take shape, and I've already named it…"
"Jiraiya Twin-Style Hidden Light Popsicle Inspired Sphere!"
Jiraiya shook his head with a smile. "Well, you should get some rest. The Third Hokage wants to see me about something. They said I should bring along a boy from the Uchiha clan, and also Sakumo-nii's son. I'll introduce you later."
"Uchiha…" Minato dispersed the chakra in his hand and chuckled. "They're a rather reserved clan. The Uchiha I knew weren't very expressive."
********************
Kakashi and Uchiha Kagami were summoned to the Hokage's office earlier than expected.
Aside from a few occasions at the start of the school year, this was the first time Uchiha Kagami had directly interacted with the Third Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was known as a heavy smoker. Even with two children standing before him, he still held his pipe, exhaling wisps of purple smoke. The old man, increasingly hunched with age, hardly looked like someone who held the highest authority in the Land of Fire.
And yet he was exactly that.
Since the establishment of the ninja village system, the power to decide war and peace had always rested in the hands of the Kage of each village.
When the Second Hokage went to Kumogakure to sign a peace treaty, did he need approval from the daimyo? When the Third Hokage deployed his forces, did he need permission?
However, compared to the hundreds of millions of ordinary people, the number of ninja only in the hundreds of thousands was still far too small. A daimyo was necessary to govern the civilian population.
The position of the Fire Daimyo was mostly symbolic; in reality, the Hokage was chosen internally by Konoha.
Even someone like Danzo, a 'half-step' Hokage, could intimidate a daimyo with a single glare.
But what use was an unofficial title?
Danzo had failed the Jonin confidence vote, and until his death, no one truly regarded him as Hokage. Only those whose names were carved into the Hokage Monument were recognized as true Hokage.
During the Third and Fourth Shinobi Wars, it was the Kage of each village who decided to wage war, daimyo merely designated the battlefields.
Even Sunagakure, once pushed into economic decline, later cooperated with Orochimaru in an attempt to prove its strength to the Wind Daimyo through the Konoha Crush plan. Though, in the end… it turned into something rather absurd.
Snapping back to the present, Uchiha Kagami nodded. "I've heard of Jiraiya a powerful ninja known as one of the Legendary Sannin."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled warmly. "Your strength is exceptional. I think you should graduate early and train under Jiraiya. If you perform well, you might even become his disciple. The youngest Jonin right now, Minato Namikaze, is his student!"
Jiraiya… Minato Namikaze…
Kagami's thoughts raced.
The Third Hokage had handled the Uchiha massacre coldly, in that sense he was not a good person. But before that incident, it was clear Hiruzen still wanted reconciliation with the Uchiha clan.
Minato's later rise, given his close ties with the Uchiha, might have been part of that plan.
Who was Minato Namikaze?
A 'charmer' of the ninja world with golden hair to match.
The Uchiha clan's thousand year tradition of never letting Sharingan fall into outsiders' hands had nearly been overlooked just because of Minato's personality.
And he wasn't even Hokage yet.
Joining Jiraiya's faction was, in essence, a signal from the Third Hokage.
In every ninja village, the position of Kage was usually passed down from teacher to student, or from parent to child.
Hiruzen was telling the Uchiha: you still have a chance you are still part of this village.
Originally, he had favored a boy named Uchiha Obito someone unusually warm and open for an Uchiha. But now, both Uchiha Kagami and Kakashi had serious psychological burdens.
One had become withdrawn, while the other was lost after his father's departure. Both of them needed the warmth of a 'little sun.'
Many former Uchiha had become more cheerful after interacting with Minato. Hiruzen was playing his trump card against darkness, Minato Namikaze.
Kakashi was still shaken by the heavy blow of his father leaving. He simply nodded absentmindedly as he listened to Hiruzen's words.
If Uchiha Kagami hadn't deliberately stayed at the Ninja Academy, he would have graduated long ago. And now he had no reason to refuse.
Note:
Please let me know your thoughts in the comments below
If you liked the fic consider giving me Stone (if you haven't already). Or if you'd like to support me, all of my accounts use the same name. Thank you