The news of Hatake Sakumo's victory spread across the ninja world like a thunderclap. Within two days, every hidden village was talking.
Konoha's White Fang. His name was now on the lips of every village leader.
His stunning ambush deep in enemy territory had not only annihilated Suna's elite troops, but also forced the Third Kazekage to retreat. The Land of Fire's Daimyō, who had endured repeated humiliation from Suna's raids, was elated. Those attacks had caused enormous losses, marking the greatest disgrace since Konoha's founding.
Now, Sakumo had erased that shame. The Daimyō was so pleased he awarded him an unprecedented honor: a half-length Hokage robe, a symbol of the highest recognition.
---
A few days later
The Hokage's office still carried the scent of smoke and aged parchment. Hiruzen leaned back in his wide chair, his pipe glowing faintly in the dim light. On his desk lay the report detailing Sakumo's victory and the reward he had received. A faint smile tugged at the corners of his lips.
"Excellent," Hiruzen murmured, his rough voice filled with genuine admiration. His fingers lightly tapped the cover of the report. "Sakumo… that boy did beautifully. Deep behind enemy lines, crushed Suna's elite, and even forced the Kazekage to retreat. 'The White Fang of Konoha'… it suits him perfectly."
His eyes sparkled with satisfaction. Konoha had gained another hero, and the humiliation dealt by Suna had been thoroughly avenged.
But as his gaze dropped to the last line of the report — the words "rewarded with a half-length Hokage robe" — the smile faded. The warmth in the room seemed to vanish.
He took a long drag from his pipe, his eyes drifting toward the window where the night pressed heavily against the glass. His fingers tapped the desk slowly, as if waiting for something inevitable.
A knock came, low and deliberate.
"Come in."
The door opened. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura stepped in, one after the other. The lamplight caught a glint off Homura's glasses, while Koharu's brows were drawn tightly as usual. Both wore the same expression — calm, deliberate, and aware of the gravity of the summons.
"Koharu. Homura. Sorry to call you so late." Hiruzen set down his pipe and gave a weary, almost apologetic smile. "It's about Sakumo's reward."
He picked up the report again. His tone remained even but carried weight. "The Daimyō, moved by Sakumo's service and his victory against Suna, awarded him a half-length Hokage robe." He slid the document across the desk and watched their reactions. "It's caused quite a stir. I want to hear your thoughts."
Homura leaned forward immediately, adjusting his glasses. His tone was quiet but sharp with unease. "Hiruzen, this wasn't handled wisely."
He tapped the report with one finger. "Sakumo deserves recognition, of course. No one questions his achievement. But that robe isn't just an honor. It's a symbol of the Hokage. And the Daimyō gave it away like some trinket. What does that say about your position? About the authority of the Hokage?"
His voice quickened, irritation rising. "And I hear Sakumo has been wearing it around the village. Just walking around like it's his right. What is he trying to do? Signal that he's the next in line?"
Hiruzen remained silent, smoke curling around his expression.
Koharu spoke next. Her voice was firm, and every word was precise. "Homura is right. Achievements are one thing, but that robe is something else entirely. Sakumo shouldn't have accepted it. Certainly not worn it. That crosses a line."
She fixed her sharp gaze on Hiruzen. "Think about it. The Hokage's succession has always followed our system, chosen by the current Hokage, approved by the jōnin council, and formally endorsed by the Daimyō. That's the rule. But now the Daimyō bypassed you completely, giving a symbol of your office to someone outside. What does that suggest?"
Her tone hardened. "It's not just a challenge to your authority. It's a challenge to ours. And to Danzō's as well."
She leaned forward, her voice rising. "Danzō has been buried in the Land of Rain for years, losing men just to hold the line. His entire campaign was aimed at crushing Suna and strengthening Konoha's future. And now Sakumo swoops in, takes the glory, and walks around with half the Hokage's robe. What do you think that will do to morale on the frontlines? To Danzō's loyalty? This shakes the entire command structure."
She paused to take a breath, then continued coldly. "The village can and should reward Sakumo. Promotion, rank, even wealth, that's fine. But that robe cannot remain. It must be dealt with. We can't leave it in limbo or allow it to become some kind of prophecy."
Homura nodded quickly, his tone just as firm. "Exactly. I don't dislike Sakumo, but he's drawing too much attention. Wearing that robe, even if it's not deliberate, is stirring up talk. He isn't part of the Hokage's direct lineage, and that still matters."
He pushed his glasses up again, emphasizing his words. "The Hokage's seat determines Konoha's future. It cannot be seen as available to outsiders, especially not under the Daimyō's influence. Sakumo's family has always been close to the nobility. If we allow this, we give the Daimyō a foothold in our leadership."
He hesitated, then added, "We can't strike him down openly. He's a hero right now, and the public is watching. Any move that looks like punishment will only seem like jealousy or internal strife."
His voice dropped lower, more deliberate. "We need to cool him off quietly. Move him out of the spotlight."
Hiruzen looked at him. "Go on."
"Reassign him," Homura said. "Use the excuse of rest or debriefing. Give him a respected but powerless position. Something like head of village patrols or a senior instructor at the academy. He retains honor, but stays out of the field. No more glory, no more attention."
Hiruzen nodded slowly. The suggestion matched his usual method — quiet, balanced, efficient.
Koharu and Homura's points were harsh but grounded. They understood his priorities. Hiruzen's role, above all, was to maintain the stability of Konoha, especially the authority tied to the Hokage's office.
And Sakumo's rising fame, unmatched strength, and that dangerous robe had crossed the line.
Danzō had been mentioned as well. If Sakumo's reputation kept growing, it would destabilize Danzō's influence. That could turn a loyal comrade into a threat.
Hiruzen exhaled, as though releasing a heavy burden. His expression shifted into quiet resolve.
"I understand," he said.
He tapped the desk twice. His voice was calm, but final. "Konoha will honor Sakumo's service. He'll receive his promotions and the respect he deserves. But that robe, the half Hokage robe, is both an honor and an overreach. It will be sealed away immediately. He is not to wear it in public or during official functions without my approval."
With that, the flame around Sakumo would be dimmed without a sound.
Hiruzen looked to his advisors. "And going forward, we must spread the attention. Konoha's strength can never belong to one man."
Homura's eyes glinted. "Exactly. Sakumo is a warrior. But we also need someone who represents the Hokage's lineage. Someone younger. Promising."
He adjusted his glasses. "That boy, Kamiyama Ryo. Already at jōnin level. Not exactly polite, but he's Tsunade's disciple. A direct inheritor of the Hokage's will."
He smiled slightly. "Promote him to jōnin. Give him real authority. It serves several purposes. It shows Konoha's future, softens Tsunade after her proposal was rejected, and reminds the world that the Hokage's line is still strong."
Koharu nodded in agreement. "Tsunade is headstrong, but her judgment is sharp. Promoting Ryo is justified and politically smart. It strengthens the Hokage's legacy and reins in Sakumo's influence."
Hiruzen's expression turned thoughtful. "Yes. He deserves it. His strength already surpasses chūnin by far. This will be a fitting reward, and a timely signal."
It was clear. One move. Multiple gains. Temper Sakumo's fame. Reinforce Tsunade's position. Project continuity. Bind Ryo more closely to his camp.
The three exchanged a glance through the drifting smoke. No further words were needed.
"Then it's decided," Hiruzen said quietly. "Sakumo will be informed. And Ryo's promotion… I'll handle it personally."
Koharu and Homura stood.
"As long as you understand, Hiruzen," Homura said.
They left. The door closed behind them with a low creak, sealing the room in silence.
Hiruzen sat alone. He leaned back, letting out a slow breath. Smoke curled up into the still air, shimmering faintly in the light before vanishing.
Images passed behind his eyes.
He opened his eyes. Outside, Konoha's lights glowed peacefully in the night, quiet and unchanged. As if nothing had just been decided.
"Don't blame me, Sakumo," he whispered to the silence. "Everything I do is for Konoha."
(To be continued.)
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