"Third Hokage-sama, the intelligence from Iwagakure is all here."
Konoha, Hokage Tower.
The most central and important place in the entire village.
The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, read through the scrolls with a grave expression, carefully not missing a single word.
This was crucial frontline intelligence—paid for with the lives of countless Konoha spies…
Iwagakure had moved.
Not only that—other nations were also frequently mobilizing troops.
War… was about to begin again.
Hiruzen subconsciously took a puff of his pipe. After a long exhale, smoke filled the room.
"White Fang, what do you think?"
After a long while, Hiruzen spoke to the other person in the room.
A tall, sharp-looking man stood there like a drawn blade. His silver hair was tied into a ponytail, a short sword on his back. On his left sleeve was half an embroidery matching the Hokage robe.
Konoha's White Fang—Hatake Sakumo, current captain of Konoha's assassination special unit.
"War is unavoidable, Hokage-sama."
Sakumo bowed slightly, voice steady.
"White Fang awaits your orders."
His eyes were calm like still water.
His blade had tasted war.
He knew that life, adapted to it. Not nostalgic—but fearless.
He was Konoha's blade.
Protect the village. Kill the enemy. That was all.
"War… is unavoidable…"
"This is my failure as well, White Fang."
Hiruzen's tone carried deep exhaustion.
Since succeeding the Second Hokage, his political career had never escaped the word "war."
He could not become peace itself like the First.
Nor could he make Konoha flourish like the Second.
All he had brought… was war after war.
"This is not your fault, Hokage-sama," Sakumo said respectfully.
"This war was caused by the enemy's ambition."
Hiruzen didn't reply—only smoked faster.
One puff after another…
After a long time, light flashed in the old man's eyes.
"White Fang—if you were to stop Iwagakure, how confident are you?"
His voice carried killing intent.
Sakumo's gaze sharpened.
That question… was far beyond ordinary.
Enemies marching thousands of miles could not simply be scared away.
Sakumo narrowed his eyes and thought carefully.
From his experience—
"Hokage-sama, it's impossible to destroy Iwa's ambition."
"But if we only need to block their advance—Kannabi Bridge… may be worth considering."
Kannabi Bridge.
A miraculous bridge spanning two countries, over a massive river nearly 800 meters wide with violent currents.
Even elite jonin would find crossing extremely difficult.
The bridge itself was a miracle.
"Konnabi Bridge…" Hiruzen inhaled deeply, thinking.
This time, his hesitation did not last long.
"White Fang, prepare yourself. This time, I'll have to trouble you personally."
"Yes!"
Without hesitation, Sakumo vanished from the Hokage Tower in a flash.
Long after he left, the office was thick with smoke.
Giving orders was easy.
Bearing them… was not.
"Half a Hokage's sleeve…"
"What a pity."
War was indeed the failure of those in power.
War demanded sacrifice—and so did authority.
...
The next morning.
Still by the small river.
But today, three people came to train.
This barely counted as a man's agreement…
After all, the three of them had been trapped in holes until dark last night, and none of them had admitted defeat.
"Solo, or both of you together?"
Hatake Kakashi, in fresh clothes, spoke as coolly as ever.
Obito no longer exploded at every word. He simply gave Kakashi a mocking look.
"Yesterday we beat you while at 1% strength. You still dare act tough today?"
"Tch…" Kakashi rolled his eyes.
"Solo, or together?"
He didn't believe Obito's words.
In his mind, yesterday was just carelessness and bad luck—a draw at worst.
And throughout it all, Obito posed almost no threat to him.
"Jingyan, stand aside first."
Obito cracked his knuckles.
"I'll show him what the Uchiha clan really is!"
...
Five minutes later.
Kakashi removed his blade from Obito's neck and looked at Jingyan.
"Your turn."
T/N:
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