Chapter 101: The Point of No Return
As Kagenori listened to the strategy meeting, the pieces clicked into place with chilling clarity. This was it. The mission that would break the White Fang. The mission that would serve as the catalyst for the war's true, bloody ignition.
As the commanding officer of the Grass front, Hatake Sakumo's primary duty was grand strategy and command, not leading small, high-risk infiltration teams. The fact that he was personally spearheading this operation spoke volumes about its perceived importance. And it was important. If the Iwagakure scroll truly contained the coordinated war plans of three major villages, its interception could shift the entire conflict's momentum.
The historical facts, as Kagenori knew them, were stark: Sakumo would have a chance to secure the scroll, but would choose to save his comrades instead, causing the mission to fail. That failure would be the crack in his reputation that Konoha's hypocrisy would widen into a chasm.
A cold, analytical part of his mind wondered about the source of the subsequent leak. Who would so publicly vilify a hero? Even a snake like Danzo, for all his treachery, was a patriot in his own twisted way. He understood Konoha's need for power. Destroying a asset like the White Fang on the eve of total war would be an act of catastrophic stupidity, and Danzo was not a stupid man.
But the "how" and "why" of the fallout were irrelevant to Kagenori. He was here to be a spectator, to witness the turning point and harvest the Witness Points it would yield.
He was content to remain in the background, a silent observer, when Hatake Sakumo's gaze suddenly settled on him.
"Kagenori," Sakumo said, his voice firm. "Your mobility and sensory skills are exceptional. Would you be interested in joining this mission?"
Kagenori's internal calm shattered. This was an unforeseen complication. Involving himself would tether him to the coming disaster. The teammates Sakumo saved would likely become bitter, and their bitterness would naturally extend to anyone associated with the failed mission. If he participated but later refused to condemn Sakumo, he would be seen as complicit. To maintain his own position and his future influence over Kakashi, he needed to remain clean, detached.
He could not be part of this.
"I must decline, Lord Sakumo," Kagenori said, his face a mask of polite regret. "My apologies. A new technique I am developing has reached a critical phase, and I returned to the base specifically for a secure environment to focus on it. Furthermore, Orochimaru-sensei is due to contact me via summons soon with urgent information. While I am deeply honored by the invitation and would relish the opportunity to fight alongside you, my circumstances prevent me from joining this operation."
Hatake Sakumo accepted the refusal with a slow nod. He had never considered Kagenori a mere subordinate; the young Jonin operated with a level of autonomy that hinted at deeper, Hokage-sanctioned purposes. The reasons given—technique development and communication from a Sannin—were valid and unassailable. His offer had been partly a genuine bid for his considerable skill, and partly a gesture to share credit with his son's master. But it was not to be.
"Very well," Sakumo said, his attention returning to the others. "The team is set. I will lead. The three of you will accompany me, along with one sensory specialist. We depart in one hour. During my absence, Nara Shinko, you have command. This mission is top secret. Its details do not leave this room."
After the meeting adjourned, Sakumo approached Kagenori. "You have done excellent work these past months, Kagenori. The hidden Iwa outposts you uncovered were a significant threat. We would have suffered heavy losses if they had remained operational when the war escalated."
Kagenori offered a practiced, humble bow. "It was my assigned duty, Lord Sakumo. Nothing more."
A strained, unpracticed smile touched Sakumo's lips. "I saw Kakashi briefly upon your return. His growth is remarkable. It is his great fortune to have you as his master. I entrust him to your care. I must prepare for the mission now. You should take this time to rest."
"You have my word regarding Kakashi," Kagenori replied.
He exited the room to find Kakashi waiting outside.
"Sensei, is the meeting over?" the boy asked.
Kagenori looked at him, a complex and unreadable emotion flickering in his eyes before it was gone. "It is. You may go in and see your father."
"Okay!"
As Kakashi entered, Kagenori let out a quiet breath. The die was cast. After this mission, the Konoha force in Grass would be leaderless, its backbone shattered. He felt a pang of something akin to guilt for Kakashi, but he swiftly suppressed it. He could not change this. A man like Hatake Sakumo, whose very core was built upon the Will of Fire, would never abandon a mission or forsake a comrade on the word of an outsider. Any attempt to interfere would only breed suspicion and hostility.
His only role was to watch.
...
A week passed. Under Nara Shinko's capable command, the base operated smoothly, with no major incidents. Kagenori used the time for his own training and to push Kakashi further in his mastery of Full Concentration Breathing.
Then, on the seventh evening, they returned.
The five who had left returned as five. But they were not the same. They were battered, bloodied, and draped in the heavy cloak of failure. One man was carried, his right arm gone, his legs a mangled ruin of flesh and bone, clearly shredded by explosive tags.
The moment they staggered into the base, Hatake Sakumo's voice, thick with exhaustion and urgency, cut through the evening air. "Medic! We need a medic-nin, now!"
From the shadows of a nearby wall, Kagenori watched, his expression impassive. There was no doubt now. This was the event. The point of no return had been crossed. The consequences would now begin their inexorable unfoldment, and he was perfectly positioned to witness every moment.
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