reborn as Sakumo Hatake

Chapter 10: ### **Chapter 10: Ripples of the Future**



In the weeks following their mission, the tides of war continued to shift. Konoha's forces maintained their stronghold, but the pressure from Iwagakure and their allies was relentless. Sakumo found himself torn between the growing responsibilities of a shinobi and his role as a father. 

---

It was early morning when Sakumo received a message summoning him to the Hokage's office. He entered to find Hiruzen, Danzo, and a few other council members already gathered. The atmosphere was heavy with unspoken tension. 

"Sakumo," Hiruzen began, gesturing for him to sit. "We've received intelligence that Iwagakure is mobilizing their elite forces. They're targeting our defensive outposts in the Land of Grass." 

Sakumo nodded, his mind already racing. "What's the mission?" 

"You'll lead a small team to reinforce one of our key outposts," Hiruzen explained. "It's critical to our supply chain. If it falls, our forces on the frontlines will be cut off." 

Danzo interjected, his tone sharp. "This is a mission of utmost importance. Failure is not an option." 

Sakumo's jaw tightened, but he kept his expression neutral. "Understood." 

"You leave at dusk," Hiruzen said. "Choose your team wisely." 

---

As the day passed, Sakumo prepared for the mission, carefully selecting his squad. He chose two experienced jonin and a skilled chunin—each reliable and resourceful. 

Before leaving, he sought out Kakashi, who was in the training yard practicing a new jutsu. 

"Kakashi," Sakumo called, his voice calm. 

Kakashi stopped mid-movement, turning to face his father. "Another mission?" 

"Yes," Sakumo said, kneeling to meet his son's gaze. "It's an important one. I need you to stay strong while I'm away." 

Kakashi hesitated, his young face a mix of pride and concern. "I will," he said finally. "But come back. Promise me." 

"I promise," Sakumo said, placing a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. 

---

By nightfall, Sakumo and his team had set out. The journey to the outpost was grueling, the forest paths treacherous and riddled with traps. Sakumo's ability to mimic enemy tactics once again proved invaluable, allowing them to navigate safely. 

As they approached the outpost, the distant sounds of battle reached their ears. Smoke rose into the sky, and the acrid scent of burning wood filled the air. 

"They've already begun their assault," one of the jonin said, tightening his grip on his kunai. 

"Let's move," Sakumo ordered, his voice firm. 

---

The scene at the outpost was chaotic. Konoha shinobi were holding their ground against a much larger force from Iwagakure. The air was thick with the clash of steel, the roar of jutsu, and the cries of the wounded. 

Sakumo's team leapt into action, their arrival turning the tide of the battle. Sakumo led the charge, his tanto flashing as he cut through enemy lines. 

At one point, an Iwa shinobi unleashed a massive Earth Release jutsu, threatening to collapse the entire defensive structure. Sakumo activated his unique ability, instantly copying the technique and using it to counter the attack. The resulting clash sent shockwaves through the battlefield, but Konoha's defenses held firm. 

---

Hours later, as the dust settled, the outpost remained standing. The Iwa forces had retreated, though the cost of victory was steep. Many Konoha shinobi lay injured or worse, their sacrifices etched into the blood-stained ground. 

Sakumo stood among the survivors, his body weary but his resolve unbroken. 

"Secure the perimeter," he instructed, his voice steady despite the exhaustion. "Reinforcements will arrive soon." 

The shinobi around him nodded, their respect for the White Fang evident in their expressions. 

---

That night, as Sakumo sat by a campfire, one of his teammates approached—a young chunin named Ryo. 

"Sakumo-san," Ryo said hesitantly, "how do you do it?" 

"Do what?" Sakumo asked, glancing at the young man. 

"Stay so calm. So strong," Ryo said, his voice tinged with admiration and doubt. "I was terrified out there." 

Sakumo considered his words before replying. "Fear is natural. It reminds us that we're alive and that we have something to fight for. What matters is not letting it control you." 

Ryo nodded slowly, his expression thoughtful. "Thank you, Sakumo-san. I'll remember that." 

---

The next morning, reinforcements from Konoha arrived to relieve Sakumo and his team. As they prepared to return home, Sakumo couldn't shake the feeling that the battles ahead would only grow more difficult. 

---

When they finally reached Konoha, the village seemed eerily quiet despite the bustle of daily life. As Sakumo entered his home, he found Kakashi waiting for him, as always. 

"You're back," Kakashi said, his tone neutral but his relief evident in his eyes. 

"I am," Sakumo replied, ruffling the boy's hair. 

For a moment, they sat in silence, the bond between father and son stronger than any words could express. 

---

Later that evening, as Sakumo lay in bed, his thoughts turned to the future. He knew the war would test him in ways he couldn't yet imagine. But he also knew he wasn't alone. 

For Kakashi, for Konoha, and for the promise of a better tomorrow, Sakumo vowed to face whatever challenges lay ahead. 


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.