The morning sun was just beginning to rise over the misty hills as we finally reached the massive gates of Konohagakure. After so many years hiding in the shadows, running through unknown lands, and fighting endless battles, this was the moment we returned home.
Standing near the gate was a man whose white hair glistened in the early light. Beside him, a boy with a dark mask partially covering his face stood quietly, eyes sharp like a young wolf's. It was Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha, and his son, Kakashi.
Raizen stepped forward, locking eyes with Sakumo.
"Sakumo... old friend," he said softly, making sure the nearby guards wouldn't overhear. "I know the truth. Danzo framed you. He destroyed your name. And now, I have proof."
Sakumo trembled as if a great weight had been lifted from his shoulders. He looked at Raizen, his eyes filling with tears he'd held back for years.
"Raizen… you're still alive..." he whispered. "I knew you would come back someday."
Beside them, I glanced nervously at the boy hiding behind his father's legs. His gaze was sharp, filled with a silent strength.
"Hi... I'm Izuna," I said, extending my hand.
Kakashi stared at me for a moment, then quietly—almost reluctantly—shook my hand.
"Kakashi," he answered.
And that was it. Two boys standing at the edge of their futures.
Inside the Hokage's Office
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat behind his old wooden desk. A thin trail of smoke curled from his pipe, and deep lines marked his weary face. The weight of leading the village pressed heavily on him.
Raizen, Kayami, and Sakumo stood before him.
Hiruzen stared at Raizen for a long moment, then slowly took off his hat and placed it on the table. He stood up quietly.
"Raizen…" His voice was hoarse. "Look at you. Gone for years. Why?"
"Hokage-sama," Raizen said softly but firmly, "I didn't disappear because I wanted to. I disappeared because I had to."
Hiruzen clenched his teeth. "Explain." Kayami placed a hand on Raizen's shoulder as a sign of support.
"Six years ago," Raizen began, "I was sent on a special mission — SS rank. You sent me personally. You told me to trust only you. And I had to return to Konoha every seven days with reports. But something… something changed."
Without hesitation, Raizen threw a bundle of documents onto the desk.
"Hiruzen, look at this. We've been hiding for years because of these lies. Danzo has been tearing our clan apart from within. He's the one who planted doubt against Sakumo, made the village turn its back on him. He's undermining your leadership, step by step."
Hiruzen slowly opened the papers—reports, copies of secret orders, sealed ANBU records that should never have left the archives. His hands trembled as the truth unfolded, and suddenly his pipe slipped from his mouth, falling onto the worn carpet.
"Sensei..." Hiruzen's voice broke the silence, "What have I let happen to this village?"
Hiruzen's voice was barely a whisper. "Danzo... what have you done? Sakumo... my Sakumo..."
Sakumo looked to Raizen, relief and gratitude washing over him. His face, for the first time in years, carried the proud weight of the White Fang once more.
"Raizen… you saved my name. If you ever need anything... the Hatake stand with the Uchiha."
Outside the Office
While the elders untangled webs of betrayal, Kakashi and I sat on a wooden bench in the hallway. The quiet between us was heavy—both of us knew the world was shifting just behind those doors.
Kakashi was the first to speak, his voice low and stubborn.
"My father... he's a hero. You know that?"
I nodded. "Yeah. My father said your father was his brother in arms. More than just a friend."
We looked at each other. In those eyes, there was no childish innocence—only the understanding of two boys who had grown up too fast. A silent promise passed between us.
Inside
Hiruzen slowly stood, his gaze clouded by shame.
"Raizen... Kayami...Sakumo…this must stay between us. But Danzo will pay. I promise you."
Raizen turned toward the window, eyes fixed in the direction where Kakashi and I sat.
"My son... his son... they deserve a Konoha free of shadows. Free of Danzo."
Behind the Door
I leaned toward Kakashi, whispering, "One day... if Danzo ever tries again... I'll stop him."
Kakashi looked back at me, his cold gray-blue eyes gleaming with resolve.
"Me too."
———————————————
As we prepared to leave the Hokage's office, I took one last look at Kakashi. My uncle had told me stories about Sakumo, about how my father and Sakumo were close friends who fought side by side.
Hiruzen sat back in his chair, sighing deeply. "I'm not a good Hokage," he muttered to himself. "I trusted Danzo too much... and look where that's gotten us."
I glanced at Raizen and Kayami, seeing the determination in their eyes. This was only the beginning. The shadows would not rule Konoha forever—not if we had anything to say about it.
Izuna stood quietly nearby. He thought to himself, They will probably only remove Danzo from the council, but not from the village itself. That won't be enough. I need to get stronger…