"Soushu has led his army toward Kyoto."
Inside the Hokage Office, Sakumo Hatake sat across from The Third, Hiruzen Sarutobi, reading the report before letting out a sigh. "This truly is a major event that breaks the established traditions of the Ninja World."
"How do you think we should respond?"
The Third calmly puffed on his pipe, speaking in an unruffled tone. "The Daimyo's inspector is already on his way to Konoha and will likely arrive at the village by tonight."
"There isn't a direct hierarchical relationship between the country and the ninja village."
Sakumo Hatake pointed out with equal calmness, stating a fact.
Or perhaps more precisely, this was the fundamental reason why the one-nation-one-village system had brought about relative peace.
The noble families who ruled the land provided the necessary financial support and material guarantees for the ninja villages, while the villages dispatched ninja to ensure national security and protect the interests of the nobility—a mutually dependent cooperative relationship.
Meanwhile, the existence of ninja villages also served as a balancing force, making sure that warriors possessing formidable combat abilities wouldn't cause irreversible turmoil among civilians. The stability and longevity of the nobles' status benefited greatly from the effective suppression of potential threats by the ninja, preventing rebellion from the lower class masses from ever toppling their rule.
Put more bluntly, there already existed a symbiotic relationship between the nobles and the ninja villages. Both sides relied on exploiting the common people for profit, maintaining power and interest through military might. From the perspective of ordinary citizens, whether facing the nobles or the ninja, they often had no choice but to show reverence and keep their distance, and when necessary, even bow humbly and call them 'Lord.'
Although this was indeed the truth, The Third did not agree with Sakumo Hatake's views. He believed that as leader of the Jonin Unit, Sakumo Hatake had both the responsibility and potential to enact change. And before finally dealing with this trusted aide—who had now become a serious threat—he hoped to make him take up this mantle and steer things toward a fairer, more reasonable path.
"The village cannot afford to lose the Daimyo's support, and this time, Jonin Soushu definitely went too far."
The Third still spoke in a calm and composed manner.
However, Sakumo Hatake refused to respond directly, shaking his head and declining to take a stance.
"Sigh..."
Despite his frustration, The Third had no choice but to let it go.
Now, the balance of power was about to shift completely—it was no longer a time for hesitation.
Even if it meant sacrificing a blade sharper than any other in the Ninja World, Hiruzen Sarutobi was ready to pay the price.
"Take a look at this document."
The Third pulled a report from a nearby folder and slid it over onto the table in front of Sakumo Hatake.
"What is this?"
Frowning slightly, Sakumo Hatake made no move to pick up the file.
He had come to the Hokage Office today specifically to push forward the review of the Proposal for Direct Election of the Hokage by Jonin, not to chat about trivialities, discuss responsibilities, or read so-called confidential documents.
Moreover, although the cover of this document bears no title, its anti-counterfeit and confidential seam seal is a special seal used by the Defense Camp stationed in the Land of Rain. Sakumo Hatake simply has no interest in getting dragged into that mess over there.
Of course, this doesn't mean he's willing to ignore those Leaf ninja stubbornly occupying the eastern border region of the Land of Rain—he just believes everything should be handled according to priority. Until his proposal gets reviewed and approved, he sees no reason to waste energy on unnecessary matters.
"Sanshouo Hanzo is about to launch an offensive against our deployed forces."
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi stated slowly, "And more importantly, Iwa might simultaneously begin a large-scale supporting attack from the Herb Country side."
"Iwa?"
Sakumo frowned, "Aren't they still fighting with Suna on the Bird Country front?"
"That's right—the fighting in Bird Country is far from over."
Hiruzen didn't deny Sakumo's words but continued, "Though we don't yet understand why Iwa dares to open a second front, one thing is certain: several hundred Iwa ninja have already infiltrated into the Herb Country along the northwest border."
"Hmph."
Sakumo rubbed his temples.
He already knew exactly what Hiruzen was about to say next.
"Sakumo-kun, those thousands of Konoha ninja stationed in the Land of Rain cannot afford to lack leadership."
Hiruzen attempted to appeal both emotionally and rationally, "Now is a critical moment. As the leader of the Jonin Unit, you can't..."
"I recall my return orders clearly specified that I came back to report duties."
Sakumo began to bring up past issues, "Besides, it's been days already. Even the proposal I submitted has passed through the Jonin Unit vote and has been formally submitted, yet my duty report remains unreviewed!"
"Hokage-sama, may I ask why that is?"
"Is it because village affairs are too overwhelming, or maybe the administrative system is so bloated that it's practically useless?"
"Or perhaps you think such a review unnecessary?"
Sakumo fixed his gaze on the silent Hiruzen, narrowing his eyes slightly. His body also tensed subtly.
"You're overthinking."
After a long pause, Hiruzen attempted to ease the awkwardness of being seen through by pretending to tap out the ashes from his pipe. He spoke as calmly as possible, "The village has its own difficulties. As the leader of the Jonin Unit, you must learn to bear with it."
"I've never coveted military power," Sakumo sighed softly. "Whether it was reinforcing the Western Border Forces or leading the northern front to strike against Kumo, I've never shirked responsibilities all along."
"But this time, I intend to act selfishly, just once."
"The village can't handle any more chaos."
Hiruzen said, "There are still nearly 3,000 deployed ninja inside the Land of Rain. If nobody stands against Sanshouo Hanzo, the village might suffer another major defeat."
"Then withdraw the troops!" Sakumo snapped. "What's the point of continuing to fight over that barren Land of Rain? Instead of wasting resources there, we'd better follow Soushu's example and station forces to control the occupied territories within the Land of Lightning!"
"After all," Sakumo added, "the Land of Lightning and Kumo are essential parts of the Five Great Countries and their five great hidden villages!"
"Regardless of circumstances, shinobi must never interfere with secular affairs. This is a sacred decree passed down by the Sage of Six Paths!" Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi said, visibly impatient.
"This was clearly Hashirama Senju's proposal when he established the Hidden Village system!"
Hatake Sakumo immediately shot back.
They exchanged glances in silence afterward.
"Are you truly unwilling to go?"
Hiruzen slowly loaded his pipe to calm himself before continuing, "You know full well that our village's strength has become dangerously hollow. If Rain Country suffers a major defeat, the consequences will be catastrophic."
"At that time, even the strategic advantage you've built in Lightning Country could vanish overnight."
"Sakumo-kun, think about the village!"
The moral advantage had completely swung to the Third Hokage's side. Yet despite this, Hatake Sakumo still firmly shook his head in refusal.
"If word of this spreads, how will others in the village view you?"
Hiruzen pressed harder: "Would you really watch those who follow the path of the ninja collapse? Don't you understand what they'll think upon learning their revered image of the White Fang has been shattered?"
"Hokage-sama, everything cannot rely merely on promises alone," Sakumo Hatake implied meaningfully.
His gaze shifted toward the file box resting at the edge of the Hokage's desk.
One report carried a clearly recognizable chakra signature—the Proposal for Direct Jonin Election of the Hokage, submitted by his Jonin Unit to Hokage Tower.
Following Sakumo's eyes, Hiruzen quickly understood his meaning.
But this was precisely the topic he most wanted to avoid!
"All authority over Rain Country's ninja forces shall be entrusted entirely to you. Konoha's survival hinges on what you do next."
Hiruzen smoothly changed the subject instead.
However, ever since his own subordinates staged an uprising against him—forcing him to break personal restraints and directly negotiate with daimyos and courtiers—Sakumo's psychological state had shifted drastically, so he still refused.
As for reputation or image—he no longer gave a damn about either.
What he insisted on remained unchanged—this was always the Will of Fire he had lived by.
Silence fell again over the Hokage Office as the Third Hokage and Sakumo Hatake locked eyes, each wearing a different expression.
Yet neither backed down this time.
Sakumo sensed the Third's reluctance.
Hiruzen could see the steel resolve behind Sakumo's silence.
Still, the issue ultimately required resolution.
White Fang could not be allowed to remain—not even if spared in body, he had to be undone in spirit; that much was agreed upon by Konoha's Inner Circle (known as F3).
But handling such matters required careful methods. Excessive force would provoke resistance across the ranks. That's exactly why Hiruzen needed Sakumo to voluntarily throw himself into Rain Country's quagmire, using his lifelong reputation to cover the inevitable cost of defeat.
The Third Hokage had not lied—truly enough, Iwagakure had deployed forces into Herb Country.
However, instead of the hundreds he claimed would infiltrate, six thousand Iwagakure forces had already secretly gathered in the border regions of the Land of Earth, hoping to seize the spoils once the Rain Ninja Village and Konoha Ninja Forces wore each other down; even Third Tsuchikage Onoki had left the battlefield in Bird Country and secretly arrived at the southeastern border of the Land of Earth, chomping at the bit to showcase his might in the coming great battle.
Prior to this, the Hokage faction's ninja originally assigned to the Rain Country expeditionary force had already been sent back to the village by Danzō under various pretexts such as returning home for recovery, rotation leave, or family visits. Those sent to replace them were either loyalists to Sakumo Hatake or pariahs from noble ninja clans—in short, they were expendable to the Hokage faction.
Yet this intelligence had been intentionally concealed by Konoha's F3, so thoroughly that even Sakumo Hatake—who maintained connections across every corner of Konoha—hadn't caught a single rumor about it.
Therefore, this was a sinister strategy laid bare in plain sight (an "open strategy" that masked its deadly intent).
An even more vicious trap willing to sacrifice three thousand Konoha ninjas as pawns just to lure Sakumo Hatake into the snare.
For Konoha's F4, who controlled public opinion in the village, they could use any means necessary to utterly destroy Sakumo Hatake's reputation and crush him beneath countless boots, ensuring he'd never rise again—at the slightest misstep!
As for Orochimaru, Jiraiya, and Tsunade, also defeated in the Land of Rain and condescendingly granted the title of Sannin by Hanzō the Salamander—they were different. Could the Hokage's apprentices ever be treated like an ordinary Jonin?
Moreover, current village propaganda had already recast these three as shining stars representing Konoha's future, portrayed as mutual admirers in a legendary rivalry with Sanshouo Hanzō!
"Sakumo-kun, don't be stubborn anymore."
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to persuade him.
"The moment my proposal passes review and is announced to all Jonin, I will leave the village and assume my post."
Sakumo Hatake formally presented his condition.
"This matter of direct election is too serious—it must be discussed further!"
Immediately upon hearing this, Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi reflexively rejected it.
"Meaning there's nothing to discuss?"
Sakumo Hatake's tone began carrying a slight chill.
He hadn't impulsively proposed this just to annoy Konoha's rulers led by Hiruzen Sarutobi—he was genuinely determined to fight for rights for the village, especially for Jonin born without prestigious lineages!
Even though he understood that assuming duties in the Land of Rain would inevitably bring unimaginable hardships, Sakumo still hoped that through personal sacrifice, this historically significant proposal might officially be enacted.
Even if afterward the ruling powers obstructed the Jonin's right to vote for the Hokage under various pretexts, as long as the written law established by this proposal remained intact, then there would always remain hope.
Thus, despite the inner turmoil, despite how unwilling he felt about using fellow villagers' lives as bargaining chips, Sakumo Hatake still had to grit his teeth, withstand pressure from the Hokage, and continue this battle of strategic patience—akin to who could sit still longest in the face of pressure.
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not respond to Sakumo Hatake's question, and the office once again fell into deathly silence.
"You really disappoint me, Sakumo."
"Still it was the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi who broke the silence first: 'You are no longer the White Fang I once knew.'"
"People change. And time changes everything."
Sakumo Hatake replied, "Just like the Shin of that era has lost his former glory, this is only natural."
The Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi said nothing more. After a moment's hesitation, he took from the file box the proposal submitted by the Jonin Unit and sorrowfully ran his hand over the document's cover.
Sakumo found himself holding his breath involuntarily.
"Very well."
The Third Hokage opened the document, flipped to the last page, then took out the Hokage Seal and stamped it directly in the approval section.
Then he rang the bell on his desk. With a puff of smoke, an Anbu ninja suddenly appeared beside Sakumo Hatake.
"Deliver it to Advisor Koharu Utatane at the Administrative Department for issuance."
The Third Hokage emphasized, "Issue it immediately! Let her raise no objections and under no circumstances delay!"
"Hai!"
The Anbu ninja took the document, bowed, then vanished in a swirl of blue smoke.
"As you wished, Sakumo."
The Third Hokage let out a deep sigh.
"And yours as well, Lord Hokage."
Sakumo Hatake slowly rose, bowed respectfully, then turned and walked away.
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