reborn as Sakumo Hatake

The moon hung high in the sky, casting silvery light across the quiet streets of Konoha. Sakumo sat alone in his study, poring over a stack of mission reports. Each document contained fragments of information about the movements of enemy forces near Konoha's borders. Together, they painted a grim picture. 

War was on the horizon. 

The memories of Sakumo's original life warned him that the Third Great Ninja War was inevitable. This time, however, he intended to shift its course. 

*I have the knowledge and the power to change things,* he thought. *But can I truly prevent the suffering it brings?* 

The sound of soft footsteps pulled him from his thoughts. Turning, he saw Kakashi standing in the doorway, his small frame silhouetted by the faint glow of the hallway lanterns. 

"Kakashi," Sakumo said, his voice gentle. "What are you doing up so late?" 

The boy hesitated before stepping into the room. "I couldn't sleep." 

Sakumo smiled, gesturing for him to sit. Kakashi climbed onto a cushion across from him, his sharp eyes glancing at the reports on the desk. 

"Are these about the war everyone's talking about?" Kakashi asked. 

Sakumo's smile faltered. Kakashi was perceptive for his age, far more than most children. "Yes," he admitted. "But it's nothing for you to worry about. Your job is to focus on your training." 

Kakashi frowned. "If a war is coming, shouldn't I be preparing for it too? I'm going to be a shinobi, just like you." 

The determination in his voice reminded Sakumo of the Kakashi he had known in the original timeline—a boy forced to grow up too quickly. 

"Kakashi," Sakumo said, leaning forward. "Being a shinobi isn't just about fighting. It's about protecting what matters most. Right now, you have time to learn and grow. Don't rush to take on burdens you don't need to carry yet." 

Kakashi's gaze lingered on his father for a moment before he nodded reluctantly. "I'll try." 

Sakumo reached out to ruffle his hair, earning a small, fleeting smile from the boy. "That's my son." 

---

The next day, Sakumo met with the Hokage once more. Hiruzen Sarutobi was seated behind his desk, a map of the Land of Fire spread before him. 

"Sakumo," Hiruzen said, looking up. "What brings you here?" 

"I have a proposal," Sakumo said. He stepped forward, his tone steady. "The signs are clear—war is coming. We need to focus on strategies that minimize casualties, especially among our younger shinobi." 

Hiruzen nodded slowly. "Go on." 

"I'd like to spearhead a special training program," Sakumo continued. "One that focuses on survival skills, teamwork, and adaptability. These are the skills that save lives on the battlefield." 

The Hokage regarded him thoughtfully. "An admirable goal. But training programs take time and resources. What makes you certain this will make a difference?" 

Sakumo hesitated for a moment before replying. "Because I've seen what happens when we don't prepare adequately. We lose not just soldiers but potential—lives that could have shaped the future of the village." 

Hiruzen's gaze softened, and he leaned back in his chair. "Very well, Sakumo. I'll authorize your program. But you'll need to prove its effectiveness quickly." 

"Thank you, Hokage-sama," Sakumo said, bowing. 

---

The training program began within a week. Sakumo selected a group of genin and young chunin to participate, including Minato Namikaze. 

Minato stood out immediately. The young shinobi's calm demeanor, sharp intellect, and remarkable reflexes made him a natural leader. Sakumo observed him closely during their first training session, noting how Minato guided his teammates with precision and care. 

"Minato," Sakumo said, approaching the young man after the session. 

"Yes, Sakumo-san?" Minato replied, his tone respectful. 

"You have a gift," Sakumo said. "Not just as a fighter but as a leader. Never underestimate the value of that." 

Minato blinked in surprise before nodding. "Thank you. I'll do my best to live up to that." 

Sakumo placed a hand on his shoulder. "You'll do more than that. I have no doubt." 

---

One evening, as the training program continued, Sakumo decided to push the limits of his copying ability further. 

He gathered the group in the training grounds, standing before them with a confident smile. "Today, we'll be focusing on real-world scenarios. Each of you will face me in a one-on-one sparring session. Show me everything you've got." 

The genin exchanged uncertain glances, but Minato stepped forward, his blue eyes shining with determination. 

"I'll go first," he said. 

Sakumo nodded. "Very well. Begin." 

Minato moved like lightning, his kunai flashing as he aimed for Sakumo's vital points. Sakumo dodged effortlessly, his eyes locking onto every movement. 

As Minato performed a complex series of feints and strikes, Sakumo's mind raced. He observed not just the physical movements but the intent behind them—the calculations Minato made in split seconds. 

With a sudden burst of speed, Sakumo countered, mimicking one of Minato's own techniques to disarm him. The kunai flew from Minato's hand, embedding itself in a nearby tree. 

The young shinobi froze, his chest heaving as he stared at Sakumo in disbelief. "You… copied my move." 

Sakumo smiled faintly. "A good shinobi always learns from their opponent." 

Minato bowed respectfully. "Thank you for the lesson." 

The other participants looked on with awe, their confidence growing as they realized the depth of Sakumo's skill. 

---

As the weeks passed, the training program began to yield results. The participants grew stronger, their teamwork improving with each session. Sakumo felt a sense of pride watching their progress, but he knew this was only the beginning. 

One evening, as he walked home from the training grounds, he spotted a familiar figure waiting for him outside his house. 

"Kakashi," Sakumo said, surprised. "What are you doing here?" 

"I wanted to see what you've been working on," Kakashi said, his tone guarded. 

Sakumo knelt in front of him, placing a hand on his shoulder. "I'm working to make sure you have a future where you can grow up without the weight of war on your shoulders." 

Kakashi frowned. "But I want to help. I want to fight by your side." 

Sakumo's heart ached at the boy's words. "You will, Kakashi. One day. But for now, your best contribution is to keep training and becoming stronger. When the time comes, you'll be ready." 

Kakashi nodded reluctantly, and Sakumo pulled him into a rare hug. 

---

That night, as Sakumo lay in bed, his mind wandered to the future he was trying to create. The burden of knowledge was heavy, but he was determined to carry it. 

*This power isn't just for me,* he thought. *It's for them—for Kakashi, for Minato, for everyone who deserves a chance to live in a better world.* 

He closed his eyes, the image of a brighter future etched into his mind. 

---