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Stand up, sit down, stand up, sit down.
At this moment, Danzō had completely abandoned his usual calculated demeanor, his entire bearing radiating restless agitation.
Hiruzen Sarutobi held his pipe, watching with barely concealed amusement as Danzō—who perpetually prided himself on being the epitome of ninja discipline—performed this anxious display.
"What exactly are you smirking about, Hiruzen!" After repeating this restless pattern more than ten times, Danzō finally noticed Hiruzen's expression. Mid-rise, he immediately forced himself back into his seat, his features hardening into their familiar cold mask.
"That child is four years old. If my memory serves correctly, you did indeed request permission to conduct intelligence operations in Kirigakure five years ago." Exhaling a leisurely stream of smoke, Hiruzen studied Danzō through the hazy veil, his tone deceptively casual.
"Hmph..." Danzō offered only a dismissive snort, refusing to engage.
Kirigakure's isolationist policies had effectively severed Konoha's intelligence networks since the Second Great Ninja War's conclusion. This intelligence vacuum had prompted Danzō to volunteer for the dangerous reconnaissance mission personally.
Of course, that was merely the official justification.
While Danzō constantly preached sacrifice and dedication, such noble principles applied exclusively to his subordinates.
When his own interests were at stake, Danzō transformed into a cunning old wolf—no matter how severe the beating, he would swiftly retreat from any disadvantageous situation while spouting righteously empty platitudes.
Regarding Kirigakure—that notorious graveyard where countless foreign shinobi vanished without trace—Danzō had publicly claimed intelligence gathering as his objective. In reality, he had first detoured to the Land of Whirlpools, seeking remnants of the Uzumaki clan's legendary techniques.
Although Uzumaki Mito had bequeathed all her sealing knowledge before her death, Danzō considered such resources woefully inadequate for controlling jinchūriki effectively.
Therefore, the devastated ruins of Uzushiogakure represented an ideal hunting ground for forbidden knowledge.
After conducting a secondary investigation of the Land of Whirlpools alongside Hiruzen's student Orochimaru, Danzō—unwilling to face criticism for mission deviation—had grudgingly led several Root elites to Kirigakure's periphery. Even this cautious approach had resulted in encounters with Mist ninja, leading to various complications—
"Hmph." His recollection ceased abruptly as Danzō issued another dismissive snort. "Regardless, that boy emerged from Kirigakure territory. He cannot reside at my compound for the time being."
"If your son isn't staying with you, am I supposed to house him instead?" Hiruzen responded with mild exasperation, though Danzō's concern held legitimate merit.
After all, what were the odds that Danzō's alleged son would coincidentally encounter Sakumo Hatake during a Kirigakure mission, then conveniently rescue the White Fang at a critical moment, ultimately arriving in Konoha?
Initially, Hiruzen had been too entertained by his old friend's predicament to consider these suspicious circumstances.
Upon reflection, this mysteriously appearing child definitely warranted thorough investigation.
"Since Sakumo retrieved him, the boy should remain in Sakumo's custody temporarily. As for his background intelligence, I'll assign Root operatives to conduct a comprehensive investigation." Danzō rose to his feet, his composure gradually returning to its typical steely resolve as he addressed Hiruzen.
"Keep your methods restrained. He's very likely your biological son, after all. While subtle, certain features do resemble your childhood appearance..." Hiruzen extinguished his pipe and adjusted his hat brim, his tone remaining diplomatically measured.
"This is a personal family matter—your interference is neither required nor welcome!" Danzō pivoted sharply, casting a withering sidelong glance at Hiruzen before departing with characteristic dramatic flair.
As the office door slammed shut with finality, Hiruzen swiveled his chair toward the wall-mounted photograph of his deceased mentor.
"Sensei, who could have predicted that Danzō would—pfft, hahaha..." Addressing Tobirama's portrait, Hiruzen finally surrendered to his suppressed laughter.
This longtime friend who perpetually proclaimed his willingness to sacrifice everything for the village had grown increasingly extreme in recent years. Perhaps having a son would temper his more radical tendencies.
Emotional bonds inevitably influenced decision-making, didn't they?
Flanked by two Root operatives as he exited the Hokage building, Danzō immediately summoned his most trusted lieutenant, Aburame Ryōma.
"Lord Danzō." Ryōma materialized instantly before his commander, offering a respectful bow.
"Inform Orochimaru that I require his presence at the base immediately. Additionally, assign surveillance detail to the child Sakumo recently brought back..." Danzō hesitated momentarily before continuing, "Ensure his protection. He may possess critical intelligence."
"Understood." Ryōma accepted the orders without question, departing under Danzō's watchful gaze.
Danzō lingered in contemplative silence, eventually turning to glance toward Hiruzen's office windows. His brow furrowed deeply, as if wrestling with some internal conflict, before he abruptly turned away. "Let's move," he commanded his remaining subordinates, striding purposefully into the village.
Along Konoha's bustling streets, Sakumo Hatake patiently explained the village's customs and cultural nuances to Feng Bai.
Compared to Kirigakure's oppressive, claustrophobic atmosphere, Konoha's environment was remarkably welcoming. Children chased each other playfully through the thoroughfares while merchants displayed genuine smiles of contentment.
"Sakumo! Back from your mission already? Your son was just here yesterday buying vegetables!" A cheerful vendor called out from her produce stall.
"Indeed. Thank you for looking after Kakashi during my absence." Approaching the woman's display, Sakumo responded with his characteristically warm smile.
"Pfft—cough, cough!" Feng Bai, still holding Sakumo's hand, suddenly erupted into a coughing fit.
Before Sakumo could inquire about his condition, the concerned vendor crouched down to examine the boy. "Oh my, what's wrong, dear? Are you catching cold? Goodness, you're so thin—haven't you been eating properly?"
"N-no, I'm fine." Feng Bai waved dismissively after recovering his breath, though internally he was reeling: Kakashi? If his memory served correctly, only one Kakashi existed in the Naruto universe—the legendary Copy Ninja himself.
And his father? Even more legendary—the renowned White Fang of Konoha. What was his full name again?
Oh, right—Uncle Sakumo... that's Sakumo Hatake!
Only now did the full realization strike Feng Bai: the ANBU operative who had escorted him from Kirigakure to Konoha was none other than the legendary White Fang, whose death remained one of the series' most controversial and debated events.
Feng Bai regarded the man beside him with newfound complexity. Indeed, while Sakumo was undoubtedly a ruthlessly efficient killer during missions, in civilian life he radiated the gentle warmth of a spring breeze, unconsciously drawing people into his comforting presence.
After exchanging pleasantries with the vendor, Sakumo guided Feng Bai away from the market stall toward a residential intersection.
"It appears you'll be staying with me somewhat longer than anticipated." Pausing at the crossroads, Sakumo closed his eyes briefly before reopening them, his tone carrying subtle resignation.
"Hm?" Feng Bai looked puzzled.
Rather than elaborate, Sakumo tightened his grip on Feng Bai's small hand and led him toward the residential district. "My son is approximately your age—you should meet him. His name is Kakashi Hatake. While he appears aloof externally, he actually harbors quite complex inner thoughts."
Oh, he definitely has complex thoughts. I usually call people like that 'closet perverts.'
Recalling Kakashi's future habit of brazenly reading Make-Out Paradise in public as an adult, Feng Bai couldn't suppress his internal commentary.