Sakumo Hatake's Final Duel
"Boom!"
The blade's energy carved deep into the ground, leaving a jagged scar along its trajectory. Dirt erupted into the air, forming a thick cloud of dust that obscured the battlefield.
From within the haze, a calm voice emerged.
"Tunan, I didn't expect your strength to have reached this level."
As the dust settled, Sakumo Hatake stepped forward, his White Fang tanto still gripped firmly. A faint smile played on his lips, tinged with admiration.
That last attack—Uchiha Tunan hadn't aimed at him directly. Had Sakumo truly stood still, he would have been cleaved in two. Even if Tsunade were present, not even her legendary medical ninjutsu could have saved him.
Uchiha Tunan sheathed his short blade with a composed expression.
"I have been fortunate to learn from you, White Fang."
Sakumo's sharp eyes flickered momentarily toward the rooftops, sensing hidden onlookers. He took a deep breath before turning his gaze back to Tunan.
"It's late," he said. "I hope you can respect my choice. Draw your blade. This is my loss."
Uchiha Tunan nodded. Chakra surged around him, distorting the air.
Secret Technique: Instantaneous Clone Jutsu!
In an instant, three identical figures materialized around Sakumo. They moved in perfect synchronization, executing a deadly coordinated strike—Sanhe Gale Slash!
Just before the glowing blade arcs met their mark, Tunan pulled back the attack.
"Schlik!"
Three short blades found their way into Sakumo's abdomen, thigh, and waist—each strike strategically avoiding fatal points.
With a muffled groan, Sakumo staggered, his breathing labored. The clones dispersed in a burst of chakra, leaving only the real Uchiha Tunan standing before him.
Coughing up blood, Sakumo smirked weakly. "You're still too kind. You hesitated at the last moment."
Tunan shook his head. "No, I missed."
A light of understanding dawned in Sakumo's weary eyes. He exhaled slowly, his posture relaxing.
"But you won."
Uchiha Tunan's expression darkened slightly. "You chose this fate."
Sakumo's vision blurred, but he reached out and clasped Tunan's wrist. "Kakashi... take care of him for me."
A pained silence followed. Then, Sakumo sighed. "Perhaps... I was wrong after all."
Uchiha Tunan activated his Byakugan, scanning Sakumo's chakra flow. His life force was depleting rapidly. Tunan tightened his grip on the hilt of his short blade.
"No, you were right. Right and wrong don't matter—only the consequences do. You made your decision, and you bore the burden of it."
A faint chuckle escaped Sakumo's lips. "A true samurai, huh...?"
His voice grew faint, his eyes losing focus.
Uchiha Tunan leaned in slightly, his voice firm. "If Kakashi were ever faced with the same choice... I would abandon the mission."
A hollow ding echoed in Tunan's mind.
"You have gained Sakumo Hatake's approval."
A slow, satisfied breath escaped Tunan. His eyes gleamed with triumph.
Your son may inherit your name, but I have inherited your will.
Without hesitation, he drove the blade deep into Sakumo's chest.
"Schlik!"
Blood spurted. Sakumo Hatake collapsed.
His final breath came with a whisper.
"Thank you... Tunan."
Uchiha Tunan straightened, his expression unreadable. "No need to thank me."
---
The Aftermath
"What happened here?!"
A sharp voice cut through the tension.
Members of the Konoha Military Police, led by Uchiha officers, stood on the rooftop, their eyes fixed on the scene below.
One of them murmured, "Captain, was that an illusion?"
Another shook his head. "No, White Fang let it happen."
A younger shinobi clenched his fists. "So... should we arrest Tunan?"
Their leader remained silent for a moment before sighing. "No. Report this to the Hokage. This was White Fang's choice."
With that, the Uchiha officers vanished, leaving the backyard empty once more.
Moments later, hurried footsteps echoed.
"Father!"
Kakashi Hatake burst into the clearing, his mask half-askew, his usually calm demeanor shattered.
Behind him, Minato Namikaze took in the sight, his brows furrowing as his sharp mind pieced together the events.
But Kakashi only saw the blood. His father's body lay motionless, lifeless, before him.
"Father..."
He fell to his knees, gripping Sakumo's hand tightly.
"Father!!"
The weight of the moment crushed him. His breathing grew erratic—grief, confusion, and rage battling within him.
Then, slowly, his gaze lifted.
There stood Uchiha Tunan, still holding his blood-stained short blade.
Kakashi's heart pounded. His vision narrowed.
"Why...?" His voice trembled.
Tunan remained silent.
Kakashi's trembling hands formed seals.
"Chidori!!"
Lightning crackled around his palm, its glow illuminating his tear-streaked face.
With a cry of rage, he lunged.
But Tunan barely moved. With effortless precision, he deflected Kakashi's attack, sending him sprawling to the ground.
Sheathing his blade, Tunan turned away.
"White Fang was a warrior worthy of respect. If you seek vengeance..."
He glanced over his shoulder, his Sharingan gleaming.
"Train harder. I am the man who defeated Konoha's White Fang. You... are far too weak."
And with that, he walked away, leaving Kakashi kneeling in the bloodstained dirt.
---
News Reaches the Hokage
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his desk, gripping his pipe tightly.
"White Fang is dead?" His voice wavered.
An Anbu knelt before him, nodding. "Yes, Lord Hokage. It was Uchiha Tunan."
Hiruzen's brow furrowed. "That boy... defeated Sakumo?"
The Anbu hesitated. "It seems... White Fang did not resist. He chose to die by Tunan's blade."
Silence.
Then, Hiruzen exhaled slowly, eyes heavy with regret.
"So, the will of the samurai led to this..."
---
At the Root Headquarters
Danzo Shimura scowled, gripping his cane tightly.
"Impossible."
White Fang, slain by a mere Uchiha upstart?
Another Root agent spoke. "According to reports, Uchiha Tunan invoked the three-way confluence and challenged Hatake-ryu directly."
Danzo sneered. "White Fang was a fool, bound by his outdated code of honor. He let himself die for his ideals."
A dark smile curled his lips.
"Still... this Uchiha Tunan intrigues me."