Konoha’s White Fang Shines

Chapter 17: Chiyo's Obsession

The looming threat of a new ninja war appeared imminent, but when Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang, led his team through the enemy encampments of the major villages, something unexpected occurred. All three forces, except for the Sand Village, tactically retreated several kilometers.

This peculiar behavior did not go unnoticed by Sakumo, who promptly reported it to the Third Hokage. Upon receiving the news, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face beamed as he continuously praised Sakumo's success within the confines of his office. Meanwhile, far away in the Sand Village, the Third Kazekage was on the verge of a complete breakdown.

"Damn it! Damn it all!" the Kazekage roared, pacing furiously across his office. "No wonder those bastards agreed so quickly! They just wanted to use us as cannon fodder!"

Ebizō, seated nearby, was nearly dizzy from the incessant pacing. He finally interjected, "Kazekage-sama, the most pressing issue now is stopping my sister. If she encounters White Fang, it could escalate into a full-blown conflict with Konoha."

The Kazekage halted mid-step, pressing a hand to his forehead as clarity returned. "You're right. Chiyo is the real problem. If this escalates, we'll be fighting Konoha alone, and we can't win. Even if we do some damage, the cost will be catastrophic."

From past experience, the Kazekage knew the other villages weren't reliable allies. Among them, the Cloud Village was infamous for betraying its partners. They had a habit of turning on weakened allies, exploiting their vulnerabilities like bandits.

With the other villages maintaining their distance, the Sand Village risked becoming a target itself. This realization sent a chill down the Kazekage's spine. Turning to Ebizō, he spoke urgently, "Ebizō-sama, if we misstep here, the village could face annihilation. Only you can stop Chiyo now. Please, I'm entrusting this mission to you personally."

Ebizō gave a solemn bow. "Rest assured, Kazekage-sama. I will fulfill this duty."

Unlike his temperamental sister, Chiyo, Ebizō was a measured and pragmatic individual who always prioritized the bigger picture. After receiving his orders, he swiftly departed for Chiyo's location.

In Konoha, Sakumo's presence on the battlefield, scaring off three separate enemy forces, quickly became a source of pride. The Third Hokage ordered the news to be spread throughout the village.

Many who had previously cursed Sakumo felt a pang of regret. Learning that he had volunteered to face the most dangerous missions and had succeeded without even engaging in combat, they couldn't help but reevaluate their opinions. Sakumo remained the village's stalwart defender, a hero deserving admiration.

His selfless actions inspired a wave of apologies and gestures of gratitude. Villagers flocked to the Hatake residence to offer their regrets, often bringing gifts. Despite Kakashi's attempts to stop the influx, people would leave offerings outside his door under the cover of darkness. At one point, the sheer volume of gifts blocked their front entrance.

While Kakashi found this newfound attention bothersome, he couldn't deny that it stemmed from genuine respect for his father. Despite his frustration, he chose not to push people away.

These gestures of reconciliation softened Kakashi's resentment toward the villagers. However, their overwhelming support only heightened his concern for his father's well-being.

Meanwhile, Ebizō reached Chiyo's camp just in time. Through patient reasoning and a willingness to kneel before her, he persuaded Chiyo to abandon her plans for direct confrontation with Sakumo. Though Chiyo wasn't foolish, her anger often clouded her judgment. She had kept a close watch on the other villages, wary of betrayal.

When the other villages retreated, Chiyo was furious, raging for hours before deciding to confront Sakumo. Her terms were clear: if the White Fang crossed her path, she wouldn't let him leave without a fight.

Fortunately, Sakumo, aware of the unusual movements of the other villages, chose a cautious approach and avoided provoking a direct confrontation.

This led to a tense standoff. Chiyo and her forces watched from their side, while Sakumo maintained vigilance on his end. The other villages remained in a holding pattern, creating a stalemate that resembled a staged performance rather than a true battle.

Unwilling to retreat without leaving her mark, Chiyo made a bold move on the eve of their withdrawal. She approached the Konoha camp and abducted two ninjas, sending one back to deliver a challenge to Sakumo while keeping the other as leverage.

Inside the Konoha camp, Sakumo stood over a map, meticulously marking strategic points and reviewing intelligence reports. A messenger interrupted his work, kneeling at the entrance of his tent.

"Report, Sakumo-sama! A teammate has been captured by Chiyo's forces. She demands a duel with you alone in the forest one kilometer to the west."

Sakumo frowned deeply, the memory of Chiyo's seething hatred for him flashing in his mind. He nodded solemnly. "Understood. Prepare the camp for potential conflict."

Despite the likelihood of a trap, Sakumo's nature wouldn't allow him to abandon a comrade in need. He armed himself and prepared to leave.

As he stepped outside, he found himself surrounded by his team.

"Sakumo-sama, you are the hero of Konoha, our leader. We cannot let you go alone!" one of the ninjas pleaded.

"Yes, Sakumo-sama! Even if it means carrying our supplies, we'll follow you. Konoha needs you, and we'll support you!" another added.

Sakumo was moved by their unwavering loyalty. He smiled, addressing the group. "Very well. We'll go together. Scouts will lead the way, supply units in the middle, and combat units will bring up the rear. Prepare to move out."

The team mobilized quickly, packing supplies into portable storage seals. Within minutes, they formed an organized line behind Sakumo, moving with precision.

Contrary to their fears, the journey to the rendezvous point was eerily smooth. Though they anticipated ambushes, none came. Even so, the tension was palpable.

At the designated location, Sakumo spotted Chiyo standing amidst her puppets, holding a bound and trembling Konoha ninja. After confirming the situation, Sakumo ordered his team to hold their position and approached alone.

"Well, well, if it isn't the famed White Fang," Chiyo sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "You've brought an entire entourage. Afraid to face me alone?"

Sakumo's tone was calm but firm. "Release my comrade, or you won't leave this place alive."

Chiyo smirked, tossing the ninja toward Sakumo. "Take him. He's no use to me now."

Sakumo caught the injured man and quickly examined him. The ninja was sweating profusely and unresponsive to his touch.

"What have you done to him?" Sakumo demanded, his eyes narrowing.

"Oh, nothing much," Chiyo replied nonchalantly. "Just a little poison. He's got two hours before it kills him. Only I have the antidote."

"Your quarrel is with me. Why harm an innocent man?" Sakumo's voice grew colder.

"Innocent? Don't make me laugh. On the battlefield, there are no innocents. How many of my people have you killed, White Fang?"

Sakumo gritted his teeth, his grip tightening on his blade. "If this is about revenge, I'm here. Face me."

Chiyo's lips curled into a sinister smile. "Then come! Show me what you're made of, White Fang!"

With that, the air filled with the sound of grinding gears as Chiyo summoned her Ten Puppets of Chikamatsu, surrounding herself with her most lethal creations.

Sakumo vanished in a blur, reappearing behind Chiyo with his White Fang blade gleaming with light. His target was clear: end the fight by taking down the puppeteer.

But Chiyo was prepared. Her puppets moved with calculated precision, intercepting Sakumo's strike. The battle began in earnest, a deadly dance of blade against puppet.

The night was far from over, and both combatants knew only one would leave unscathed.

End of Chapter 17