Hatake Sakumo noticed Kakashi's subtle movements but didn't comment on them. Instead, a small smile formed at the corners of his lips—he was relieved.
Kakashi had the ambition to catch up, so Sakumo no longer had to worry about his son's future.
With someone like Uchiha Genji leading the way, even if Kakashi couldn't surpass him, he wouldn't fall too far behind.
After sending Kakashi off, Sakumo walked over to the wooden veranda of his home and sat down.
He gazed at the blue sky and white clouds in the distance, lost in thought.
He recalled Uchiha Genji's words from their conversation a few days ago…
He also thought about the strange shift in public opinion about him in the village recently.
Then, his eyes drifted toward the Hokage Building.
"Is this about the Hokage position? It seems like you, Third Hokage, feel threatened by me… You're worried that I might try to take your power. Is that why all of this is happening?"
"No… Based on what I know about the Third Hokage, this kind of underhanded trickery wouldn't be his first move."
"This reeks of Danzo—that rat hiding in the stinking sewers. It has his fingerprints all over it."
"The Third Hokage likely just gave his silent approval and is now sitting back to enjoy the benefits."
"Heh."
A cold smile formed on Sakumo's lips.
"A clever strategy."
"The Third Hokage and Danzo—one in the light, one in the shadows—have seized control over every aspect of Konoha. Doesn't this align perfectly with the Yin-Yang theory that Genji just explained?"
"No wonder the two of them managed to solidify their power all these years."
"So, this is their plan to destroy me?"
"First, they shower me with endless praise, elevating me to a near-mythical status."
"Then, they'll orchestrate a way for me to make a severe mistake."
"After that, they'll manipulate public opinion again, turning the villagers against me. The same people who once admired me will tear me apart."
"I'll fall from grace, trampled under the weight of their manufactured outrage."
"And if I were still the man I used to be—if I had the same rigid beliefs about loyalty, honor, and duty—I probably wouldn't be able to take it."
"I'd lose faith in the villagers, in Konoha, in the very concept of the Hokage."
"My spirit would break, my swordsmanship would crumble, and I'd choose to end my life—dying as a 'martyr' for my so-called principles."
"Heh…"
Sakumo let out a bitter chuckle.
"Genji saw right through it… He understood everything before I even realized it myself."
"That kid really is a monster. He has an unnatural ability to read people—to see through the nature of humans."
But then, Sakumo's expression hardened.
"Now that I've been warned, if I still allow myself to be led by the nose, then I truly deserve to die."
His sharp sword-like gaze flashed.
"Third Hokage, Danzo—you miscalculated."
"To you, the position of Hokage is everything. Power is everything."
"But to me? Neither are as valuable as the sword in my hand."
"If my existence makes you uneasy, then I'll give you what you want."
"I've worked tirelessly for Konoha for over a decade. I rarely even had time for Kakashi. I'm exhausted."
"So, I'll step back. I'll let you have your peace of mind."
"From now on, I'll focus on my sword, train Kakashi, and spar with Genji from time to time. That's the life I want."
"You want to play your power struggles? Go ahead. I'm flipping the table and walking away."
A Few Days Later…
Sakumo didn't act immediately.
He waited.
He took his time, meeting with various people, confusing the narrative.
In the meantime, the public's praise for him only grew stronger.
Then, when the moment was right—when the Third Hokage and Danzo were at their most paranoid—Sakumo finally made his move.
That morning, he informed Kakashi of his decision and walked toward the Hokage Building.
As he strolled through the village, the people greeted him enthusiastically.
"Ah! It's Lord White Fang!"
"Lord White Fang, good morning!"
"Have you eaten yet, Lord White Fang?"
"Lord White Fang…!"
Sakumo acknowledged their greetings with a calm nod but felt nothing inside.
These same villagers—if properly manipulated—could just as easily turn against him tomorrow.
Moments later, he arrived at the Hokage's Office.
Inside the Hokage's Office
The Third Hokage saw Sakumo enter and his eyes flickered for a moment before he greeted him with a smile.
"Sakumo, you're here! Sit down. What brings you today?"
"I heard from Anbu that you haven't reported to work these past few days. Is something wrong?"
Sakumo sat down calmly.
"It's nothing serious. My old injuries have been acting up recently, so I haven't been able to come in."
The Third Hokage's eyes narrowed slightly.
"Old injuries?"
He wasn't expecting this excuse.
Sakumo looked completely fine—if anything, he was in better shape than ever.
Was he playing games?
"Yes."
Sakumo maintained his composed demeanor.
He knew the Third Hokage could tell he wasn't actually injured.
But that didn't matter.
This was simply a polite excuse to pave the way for what came next.
He continued, "Lately, the villagers have been singing my praises. I got a little excited."
"And when I get too excited, my old injuries act up."
"I haven't been able to even greet the people who've come to visit me."
"And now, my condition has worsened."
"I can't continue my duties as Head of Anbu any longer."
"So, I've come today to officially resign."
"I will step down as Minister of Anbu."
"Additionally, since my injuries prevent me from taking missions, I'd like to retire completely—I'll even relinquish my status as a ninja."
"It's time for me to focus on rest and healing."
"I want to step away from village affairs and spend more time with Kakashi—to finally be the father I never had time to be."
Sakumo pulled out an official resignation letter and placed it on the desk.
"This is my formal request for retirement. I ask that you approve it, Lord Hokage."
The Third Hokage Loses His Composure
The Third Hokage's eye twitched.
Resigning from Anbu was one thing.
That was acceptable.
But retiring completely?
That was NOT what he wanted!
This was not part of the plan!
"You can't be serious, Sakumo!" the Third Hokage objected.
"You are one of Konoha's strongest warriors—one of our pillars!"
"The ninja world is in turmoil! Other villages are waiting for the chance to strike Konoha!"
"How can you abandon the village now?"
Sakumo remained calm.
"My health doesn't allow it, Lord Hokage."
"Whether you approve it or not—I'm stepping down."
"And to avoid any misunderstandings, I'll announce my resignation publicly."
"This way, no one will blame you for my decision."
He stood up.
"I'll be leaving now."
The Third Hokage panicked.
"SAKUMO!"
But Sakumo was already walking out the door.
Advance chapter in PATREON
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