Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 16: Redirecting the Flames

Days under the villagers' scorn were agonizing, but Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang, remained secluded within his home. No matter how loudly people shouted, it felt like yelling into the void. Over time, the protests began to dwindle.

A month later, the villagers had calmed down, but the other ninja villages were far from quiet.

To the other villages, the fact that Konoha's populace turned on one of its greatest heroes over a single failed mission was both fascinating and amusing.

Among them, the Sand Village found the situation particularly delightful. Sakumo's blade had claimed countless lives, including many of their elite shinobi. When word spread that Konoha villagers were vilifying him, the Sand Village practically erupted in celebration.

However, with the protests quieted, Chiyo, one of the Sand Village's elder advisors, couldn't sit still. At a council meeting, she slammed her hand onto the table, her voice echoing through the chamber.

"I propose we immediately launch an assault on Konoha! Let their anger at White Fang persist, and even demand his execution to appease their outrage."

The Third Kazekage sighed, glancing at Chiyo, who was brimming with fury. He smacked his lips in exasperation. "Chiyo, calm yourself. Even if Konoha were to execute White Fang, sending our forces to attack them is unwise. We lack the strength to face Konoha alone. If we're serious about this, we'll need to form alliances with the other villages. Otherwise, we can only make a show of strength."

Chiyo's already weathered face deepened with wrinkles, her expression sour. "Nonsense! This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity! The Third Hokage is soft. He'll sacrifice White Fang to placate the villagers' anger. If we wait, we'll lose our chance!"

Her younger brother, Ebizō, who bore similarly long eyebrows, quickly stepped in to placate her. "Sister, waging war is no trivial matter. The Third Kazekage's plan is prudent."

"I don't care! Either we go to war immediately, or I'll lead the forces myself!" Chiyo crossed her arms like a stubborn child, her tone growing more petulant.

The Third Kazekage, fully aware that granting either of Chiyo's requests would inevitably lead to a clash with Konoha, found himself in a difficult position. Despite nearly a decade of recovery, the Sand Village still lacked the resources to sustain a full-scale conflict.

But Chiyo's temper was impossible to ignore, leaving the other council members uneasy and silent. Chiyo's seniority, status, and strength rendered them powerless to oppose her.

At his wit's end, the Kazekage turned to the gathered council members and straightened his back, his tone commanding. "What do you all think? Do we proceed as I suggest or follow Chiyo's proposal?"

The Third Kazekage had effectively passed the burden onto his council. However, the moment he spoke, Chiyo's fiery gaze swept across the room like a storm, sending shivers down the spines of those present.

"I… I agree with Chiyo-sama's proposal," stammered the most timid council member, caving under her intense glare.

Chiyo's furious gaze softened into a rare smile.

"Well, I… While I respect Chiyo-sama's perspective, I believe the Kazekage-sama's plan is more stable and better for the village's future," stammered another council member, nervously breaking ranks.

The sound of Chiyo grinding her teeth filled the room, her gaze now locked onto the defector. Her expression seemed to say, Young man, you've got guts.

Before her ire could escalate, several others stood up in quick succession.

"I think Rasa has a point. His suggestion is sound."

"I agree."

"I second that."

"I concur."

The room's mood shifted. Those who had hesitated now openly supported the Kazekage's cautious approach, emboldened by the dissent. Chiyo's menacing aura wasn't enough to deter them all.

Rasa, the bold council member who had first spoken against Chiyo, felt a mixture of relief and dread. He knew the Kazekage's approving glance well—it carried the weight of unspoken expectations.

Chiyo, realizing her proposal had been overruled, dropped the matter. Still, her venomous glare lingered on Rasa, promising future retribution.

---

The other ninja villages were also paying close attention to Konoha's turmoil. If the Sand Village hoped to manipulate Konoha, the other villages were just as eager to exploit the opportunity.

It didn't take long for Sand's proposals to reach the ears of other nations. The "scapegoat" had been chosen, and the Sand Village had drawn first blood. The other villages quickly followed suit, moving their forces as if preparing for all-out war.

Konoha soon received intelligence reports about these movements, throwing the Third Hokage into a state of worry. Before he could convene a council meeting, Danzo appeared in his office, his face shadowed and bandaged as usual.

"Hiruzen, with the Five Great Nations preparing for war, how much longer will you shield White Fang?" Danzo began, his voice sharp.

Hiruzen frowned, surprised by Danzo's sudden arrival, but he remained firm. "Danzo, this is no time to undermine our own forces. Stripping Sakumo of his role would weaken Konoha just when we need him most."

Danzo sneered. "Internal unity must come before external threats. White Fang's actions have sparked outrage among the villagers. If we don't punish him, others may follow his example. Do you want to risk such insubordination on the battlefield?"

Hiruzen hesitated, grappling with Danzo's argument. Seeing this, Danzo pressed on.

"If you refuse to act against Sakumo, then at least control his son, Kakashi. This will ensure Sakumo prioritizes missions over trivial matters."

"You dare suggest targeting Kakashi?" Hiruzen's voice thundered as he rose to his feet, his anger palpable. "Threatening the family of our loyal shinobi in the face of war will only sow division. How could we hope to unite the village with such tactics? How can we uphold the Will of Fire?"

Danzo's calm demeanor cracked slightly as he countered, "Then what's your solution? We can't afford to do nothing while war looms on the horizon. If you continue this sentimental approach, Konoha will be swallowed whole by the other nations."

Hiruzen's voice softened but remained firm. "We'll hold a council of all Konoha's jonin and let them decide. This is not a decision for one man to make."

Danzo stormed out, his frustration evident. "Keep this up, and Konoha will fall."

Left alone in the office, Hiruzen sighed deeply. "War is coming. I knew this day would arrive, but I'd hoped for more time."

Lighting his pipe, he turned to gaze out the window. The sight of children training diligently on the academy grounds brought a bittersweet smile to his lips. These innocent scenes, he knew, would soon be overshadowed by the horrors of war.

---

At the emergency council meeting, Sakumo surprised everyone by standing up and admitting his mistake. His candid admission stunned the room.

Sakumo, having reflected deeply on his actions during the month-long isolation, knew that wartime required different priorities. After visiting old friends and meeting a certain remarkable young boy, he had come to terms with his choices.

To further demonstrate his sincerity, Sakumo offered to step down as ANBU commander and accept a demotion to chunin rank.

The council was taken aback by such humility from the legendary White Fang. After much persuasion, including Hiruzen's impassioned defense, Sakumo reluctantly agreed to a lesser penalty: stepping down to the rank of ordinary jonin.

But Sakumo wasn't done. He voluntarily pledged to fight on the front lines in the impending war, vowing to support the fiercest battles without hesitation. His resolve reignited the council's admiration, turning the meeting into a celebration of his character.

Danzo, meanwhile, simmered with rage. His plans to discredit Sakumo had not only failed but backfired spectacularly, further solidifying Sakumo's heroic reputation.

As the meeting adjourned, Danzo returned to his lair, seething. "Find out who Sakumo has been meeting recently," he ordered coldly.

When his subordinates presented the report, one name stood out: Obito Uchiha.

Danzo gritted his teeth, his anger boiling over. "That brat… Uchiha scum… Hiruzen, you fool!"

And so, Danzo's plotting continued, his wrath now directed toward new targets.

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