"Aren't you going to ignore the rumors outside?"
In the courtyard, Kakashi, who was receiving guidance from Sakumo on swordsmanship, looked at Sakumo and asked softly.
To be honest, he couldn't understand the rumors outside, why they targeted his father so much.
It was just one failed mission, and it didn't affect Sakumo's status in his mind at all. But the words of those outside made Kakashi feel very uncomfortable.
"Kakashi, if it were you, would you pay attention to them?"
Sakumo asked with a smile.
"..."
Kakashi gripped the short knife tightly, seemingly hesitating and struggling.
"Sorry, I don't know what to do."
"Why apologize? Kakashi, you still have a long way to go in the future."
Sakumo squatted down and held Kakashi's hand, which was gripping the knife, with his broad palm, comforting him with a smile.
"Mm."
Kakashi nodded.
"You got into a fight with someone today, didn't you?"
Sakumo said in a certain tone.
Kakashi hesitated for a moment but nodded nonetheless.
"I taught a few reckless guys a lesson. The things they said were just too harsh."
"I'm glad you stood up for me. So, in your view, are their words right or wrong?"
The smile disappeared from Sakumo's face. To Kakashi, it was an extremely serious expression.
Missions or companions? Kakashi began to ask himself, if he were in his father Sakumo's position at the time, would he choose to continue the mission or save his companions?
He didn't know what the right choice was.
A ninja should prioritize the mission, but is the Will of Fire flawed...
But that's the will passed down by the First Hokage; how could it be flawed?
If it were wrong, how could such materials be included in the mandatory readings at the Ninja School?
But...
Kakashi felt a little lost.
He, who always achieved perfect scores in theory, for the first time didn't know how to solve this problem.
"I don't know."
In the end, Kakashi still shook his head.
He looked up at his father, Sakumo, hoping he could give him an answer for reference.
Is it mission priority or companion priority?
Sakumo didn't answer. He just patted Kakashi on the shoulder and looked at the beautiful setting sun in the distance. The evening glow illuminated his face, it was the afterglow of a sunset.
"I don't care about other people's evaluations, so you don't need to worry about these things either."
"But the person you saved, Dad, is also insulting you..."
"Don't let others' negations stop you from doing the right thing, or feel regret afterward because of their mocking and criticism. I just followed the beliefs and persistence that a Konoha Ninja should have."
"Yes..."
Kakashi lowered his head, still unable to be as open-minded as Sakumo.
Others could be forgiven, but the person saved by Sakumo yet criticized his savior was something Kakashi found unforgivable.
"Let's end today's swordsmanship training here."
Kakashi nodded, obeyed Sakumo's arrangement, and returned to his room.
Time gradually moved on to late at night. Because of the rumors, Kakashi was mentally exhausted during the day, seemingly absent-minded whether training or eating, and he would rest early at night.
On the roof of the Hatake Residence, Sakumo was alone looking at the sparse star and moon above, enjoying the cool night breeze.
There was a slight noise from behind. Someone climbed up onto the roof and walked toward him.
"Out here in the breeze late at night, you'll easily catch a cold, Sakumo-sensei."
Hakushi walked over to Sakumo's side, smiling as he said.
"Ayane came during the day, now it's you at night?"
Sakumo also smiled.
"Ayane? Did she come too?"
Hakushi was a bit surprised.
"She came after lunch and left shortly after."
"Is that so?"
Hakushi followed Sakumo's gaze, looking at the starry moonlit sky, speaking in a low voice.
"Coming to find me so late, you're not planning to keep me company in the cold wind all night, are you?"
Sakumo asked.
"I'm just here to enjoy the scenery."
"Scenery?"
"Yeah, the same scenery you're seeing... The statues of the Hokage from different generations, who built this village, known for their great achievements in history."
Hakushi shifted his gaze from the night sky to the Kage Rock below, where the statues of the three Hokage sat.
The First Hokage who founded Konoha.
The Second Hokage who formulated the village's important development strategies.
And the current Third Hokage.
In the future, more people will be carved up there, revered and admired by the people of Konoha.
The Fourth Hokage... The Fifth Hokage... The Sixth Hokage...
Sakumo said nothing, silently and tacitly watching the Kage Rock together with Hakushi.
After a long silence, Sakumo was the first to break it. "What will Konoha's future be like?"
This question seemed to be directed at Hakushi, at himself, or perhaps at another.
"I don't think such things need asking, because you've already found the answer you want, haven't you, Sakumo-sensei?"
Hakushi answered Sakumo's question, then spoke again:
"Just like you said to Kakashi, do what you believe is right, and don't feel regret for others' criticisms afterward."
"Indeed, among the three of you, you're the most unique one."
Sakumo said meaningfully.
Sakumo knew that Hakushi had already realized what decision he made in response to these rumors.
"Since you've already made your choice, my coming here seems redundant."