reborn as Sakumo Hatake

The war's shadow loomed heavier with each passing day. Though Konoha had gained a temporary edge by disrupting the Iwa-Kumo negotiations, Sakumo knew it was only a matter of time before their enemies retaliated. Every mission was another test of strength, skill, and the will to endure the storm. 

Kakashi, however, seemed determined to create his own storm. The boy had intensified his training, waking before dawn and pushing himself until well past sunset. His small frame bore the signs of bruises and fatigue, yet his sharp eyes burned with an unrelenting fire. 

---

One morning, as the first light of day crept over the village, Sakumo found Kakashi in the training yard. The boy was attempting advanced jutsu far beyond his current level, his chakra fluctuating dangerously with each failed attempt. 

"Kakashi!" Sakumo's voice cut through the quiet. 

Kakashi froze mid-seal, turning to face his father. Sweat dripped down his brow, and his hands trembled from overexertion. 

"You'll hurt yourself," Sakumo said, walking over to him. 

"I need to get stronger," Kakashi replied, his voice sharp. "If I'm not strong enough, I'll lose—" 

Sakumo crouched to meet his son's gaze, placing a hand on his shoulder. "Strength isn't just about pushing your limits. It's about knowing when to rest and when to act." 

"But you never stop," Kakashi argued, his voice trembling with frustration. "You're always out there, fighting for the village. How can I do less?" 

Sakumo's heart ached at the boy's words. "Kakashi," he said softly, "there's more to life than war. More to being strong than wielding power. Protecting the people we care about—that's true strength." 

Kakashi hesitated, his expression conflicted. Finally, he nodded, though his determination remained undiminished. 

---

Later that day, Sakumo was summoned for a briefing. The war effort was intensifying, and a new mission required his expertise. When he arrived at the Hokage's office, he found Minato, Orochimaru, and a few other elite shinobi already assembled. 

"Sakumo," Hiruzen greeted him, his tone grave. "We have a critical situation." 

He gestured to the map spread across the table. A series of red markers dotted the borders between the Land of Fire and Iwagakure. 

"Iwa has established forward bases in these regions," Hiruzen explained. "They're using them to stage raids on our supply lines. If we don't eliminate these bases, they'll cripple our ability to sustain our forces." 

"What's the plan?" Sakumo asked, his tone steady. 

"You'll lead a strike team to destroy the largest base," Hiruzen said, pointing to a marker near a river. "It's heavily fortified, but if we take it out, the others will collapse without support." 

Orochimaru smirked. "A bold move. I like it." 

Minato, standing beside Orochimaru, remained calm but resolute. "When do we leave?" 

"Tonight," Hiruzen said. "Prepare yourselves." 

---

As night fell, Sakumo's team gathered at the village gates. The team consisted of Minato, Orochimaru, and two other experienced jonin. Each carried a sense of purpose, though the tension in the air was palpable. 

Sakumo took a moment to address them before they set off. 

"This mission isn't just about destruction," he said. "It's about sending a message. We'll show Iwa that Konoha's will is unbreakable. Stay sharp, work together, and trust in each other's strengths." 

The team nodded, their resolve clear. 

---

The journey to the enemy base was grueling. They moved through dense forests and rocky terrain, avoiding patrols and traps set by the enemy. Sakumo's ability to sense and mimic the subtle chakra patterns of Iwa shinobi proved invaluable, allowing them to anticipate and bypass potential threats. 

By the time they reached the base, dawn was just beginning to break. The enemy stronghold was a sprawling network of tents and fortifications built along the riverbank. Dozens of shinobi patrolled the area, their vigilance heightened by the recent disruptions to their operations. 

"We'll divide into two teams," Sakumo whispered, outlining the plan. "Minato and I will create a diversion near the eastern flank. Orochimaru, you and the others will infiltrate from the west and target their command center. Once we've drawn their attention, strike hard and fast." 

"Understood," Minato said, his eyes glinting with determination. 

Orochimaru smirked, clearly relishing the challenge. "This should be... entertaining." 

---

The plan unfolded like clockwork. Sakumo and Minato launched a series of coordinated attacks on the eastern flank, drawing the bulk of the enemy forces away from the main base. Minato's speed and precision were unparalleled, his movements leaving afterimages that confounded the Iwa shinobi. 

Meanwhile, Orochimaru and the others slipped into the base undetected. The Snake Sannin's serpents proved invaluable for bypassing traps and locating the command center. 

As Sakumo clashed with an enemy captain, he noticed Minato's movements becoming even sharper, as though the young man was adapting to his opponent's strategies in real-time. *He's improving by the second,* Sakumo thought, impressed. 

Suddenly, a massive explosion rocked the base. Flames and smoke rose into the sky as Orochimaru's team completed their objective. 

"Fall back!" Sakumo shouted, signaling the retreat. 

The team regrouped at the edge of the forest, their mission a resounding success. 

---

By the time they returned to Konoha, the sun was high in the sky. Though exhausted, the team was met with cheers and relief from their comrades. 

Hiruzen commended their efforts, though his expression remained troubled. 

"You've dealt a significant blow to Iwa," he said. "But this war is far from over." 

Sakumo nodded. "We'll be ready for whatever comes next." 

---

That evening, as Sakumo returned home, he found Kakashi waiting for him. 

"You're back," Kakashi said, his tone neutral. 

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

Kakashi hesitated before asking, "Were you... scared?" 

Sakumo knelt down, looking his son in the eye. "Every time I step onto the battlefield, I'm scared. But that fear reminds me of what I'm fighting for—you, our home, and the people I care about." 

Kakashi's expression softened, and for the first time in weeks, he allowed himself to smile. 

"I'll be strong like you one day," he said. 

Sakumo smiled, pulling his son into a hug. "You already are, Kakashi."