reborn as Sakumo Hatake

The sun broke over the horizon, casting golden light across Konoha's rooftops. Sakumo awoke early, his mind restless from dreams of masked figures and cryptic words. Despite his fatigue, he resolved to continue his investigation into the mysterious figures plaguing the shinobi world. 

Kakashi was already up, practicing his forms in the training yard. The rhythmic sound of his strikes echoed as Sakumo stepped outside, watching his son with quiet pride. 

"You're up early," Sakumo said. 

"I want to improve," Kakashi replied without pausing, his voice steady despite the exertion. "The better I am, the less you'll have to worry about protecting me." 

Sakumo's chest tightened. "It's not your job to protect me, Kakashi. It's my job to ensure you grow into the shinobi you're meant to be." 

Kakashi stopped mid-strike, his gaze meeting his father's. "Then teach me something new." 

Sakumo chuckled, picking up a wooden tanto from the rack. "Alright, let's see if you're ready." 

---

After their sparring session, Sakumo received a summons from Hiruzen. The Hokage wanted an update on Sakumo's thoughts about the masked figures and their potential threat. 

When Sakumo arrived, he found Danzo already in the office, his sharp eyes tracking Sakumo's every move. 

"You've been unusually quiet about this situation, White Fang," Danzo said without preamble. "One might wonder if you're hiding something." 

Sakumo met Danzo's gaze evenly. "I've shared everything I know, Danzo. If there's more to uncover, I'm working on it." 

"Enough," Hiruzen interjected, his voice calm but firm. "We're all on the same side. Sakumo, have you had any further encounters or insights?" 

Sakumo shook his head. "Not since the mission. But I've been considering what Chiyo told me during my visit to Sunagakure. If these masked figures are active near both our borders and those of our allies, their reach is greater than we thought." 

Hiruzen nodded gravely. "Agreed. That's why I'm assigning you to a new mission. You'll be infiltrating a neutral territory rumored to be a gathering point for mercenaries and rogue operatives. If these masked individuals are involved, we need to know." 

Danzo frowned. "A dangerous task for someone of his standing. Why not send ANBU instead?" 

"Because Sakumo's skill and reputation make him the best choice," Hiruzen replied. "This mission requires discretion and diplomacy, not just brute force." 

Sakumo inclined his head. "I'll leave immediately." 

---

The neutral territory, a lawless zone near the borders of the Land of Water, was a stark contrast to Konoha's order and discipline. The town Sakumo arrived in was a chaotic sprawl of makeshift buildings and market stalls, where mercenaries, traders, and criminals mingled freely. 

Draped in a simple cloak to conceal his identity, Sakumo moved through the crowded streets, his senses sharp. The atmosphere was tense, with whispers of unrest in every corner. 

He approached a tavern known for hosting rogue shinobi, its dimly lit interior filled with the hum of hushed conversations. Sakumo took a seat at the bar, ordering a drink he had no intention of consuming. 

It didn't take long for someone to approach him—a wiry man with a sly grin and a kunai strapped to his thigh. 

"New in town?" the man asked, his tone casual but his eyes calculating. 

"Just passing through," Sakumo replied. 

"Passing through here means you're looking for something—or running from something." 

Sakumo smirked faintly. "A bit of both." 

The man chuckled. "Fair enough. Name's Kenta. You look like you can handle yourself. If you're looking for work, I might know a guy." 

"I'm listening," Sakumo said, careful to keep his tone neutral. 

Kenta leaned closer, lowering his voice. "There's a group recruiting shinobi for a high-paying job. They're... selective, though. You didn't hear this from me, but they've got ties to some masked bigwigs stirring up trouble." 

Sakumo's pulse quickened. "Where do I find them?" 

Kenta hesitated, eyeing Sakumo warily. "Why the interest?" 

"I've got skills," Sakumo said smoothly. "And I don't ask questions as long as the pay is good." 

Kenta nodded slowly. "Alright. There's a warehouse on the edge of town. Midnight. Don't be late." 

---

Sakumo arrived at the warehouse hours before the meeting, scouting the area from the shadows. The building was heavily guarded, with patrols circling its perimeter. 

As the hour approached, more individuals began arriving, each one screened carefully by the guards. Sakumo joined the line, his hood pulled low over his face. 

When it was his turn, the guard scrutinized him closely. "Name?" 

"Shiro," Sakumo replied, using a false name. 

The guard nodded and gestured him inside. 

---

The interior of the warehouse was dimly lit, filled with crates and barrels that provided ample cover for Sakumo to observe unnoticed. A group of individuals stood at the center, their faces concealed by masks. 

One of them stepped forward, their voice distorted by a voice-modulating jutsu. "Welcome. You've been chosen because you possess skills we require. But before we proceed, you must prove your loyalty." 

The figure gestured, and two guards dragged a bound and gagged man into the center of the room. 

"This man is a traitor," the masked leader said. "Kill him, and you will earn your place among us." 

Sakumo's mind raced. He couldn't blow his cover, but neither could he condone senseless killing. 

One of the recruits stepped forward without hesitation, drawing a kunai and ending the captive's life with brutal efficiency. The room remained silent as the body was dragged away. 

"You have until dawn to decide if you're willing to do what's necessary," the masked leader said. "Those who leave will not be pursued, but those who stay will be bound by blood." 

---

Sakumo slipped away before dawn, his heart heavy. The masked figures were clearly recruiting for something far more dangerous than simple mercenary work. 

When he returned to Konoha, he immediately sought out Hiruzen. 

"They're building an army," Sakumo reported. "And their methods are ruthless." 

Hiruzen nodded, his expression grim. "This confirms our worst fears. We must act quickly before their influence spreads further." 

---

As Sakumo returned home, he found Kakashi waiting for him, his young face filled with questions. 

"You look tired," Kakashi said. 

"I've been busy," Sakumo replied, forcing a smile. 

Kakashi studied him for a moment before asking, "Is the war getting worse?" 

Sakumo hesitated, then knelt in front of his son. "The world is complicated, Kakashi. But no matter how dark it gets, I'll always fight to protect you and our home." 

Kakashi nodded, his resolve clear. "Then I'll get stronger, so I can protect you too." 

Sakumo smiled, though the weight of the future pressed heavily on his heart.