After discussing Kakashi's current condition, Sarutobi Hiruzen shifted the conversation to official matters.
With a serious expression, he said, "Sora, you've been in Konoha for a while now. The situation in the Land of Grass is becoming tense. When the time is right, you should return to the battlefield. Every shinobi's strength is crucial to Konoha right now, so we must stand united."
Sora scoffed internally.
'So after all that preamble, he's finally getting to the point.'
Feigning confusion, Sora responded, "I'm sorry, Hokage-sama, but I can't leave Kakashi behind and head to the Land of Grass just yet."
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, about to speak, but Sora continued before he could.
**"As Kakashi's master, abandoning him at his most difficult moment would be irresponsible.
Regarding the situation in the Land of Grass, Hokage-sama should send Master Jiraiya instead. With his experience and cooperation with Nara Shinsuke, they can surely stabilize the situation.
At the Academy's opening ceremony, you once told us: 'Wherever Konoha's leaves fly, the fire burns endlessly.' The Will of Fire should be deeply rooted in the hearts of all Konoha shinobi.
I've taken those words to heart. Right now, Kakashi is like a young sapling on the verge of withering. I have a responsibility to stand by him and help him grow strong again.
Kakashi possesses immense talent. With proper guidance, he could become the next White Fang of Konoha. He is the future of this village, and as his elder, I must trust and protect him.
Hokage-sama, for Kakashi's sake—and for Konoha's future—I trust that you understand my decision."**
Sora spoke firmly, using Hiruzen's own ideology against him.
'You always use the Will of Fire to manipulate others—let's see how you handle it when it's used against you.'
Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression stiffened.
If he refused Sora now, it would make it seem like he was contradicting his own philosophy.
And the truth was, Sora had a point. Kakashi's talent was exceptional—if nurtured properly, he could reach heights similar to Hatake Sakumo.
After a brief silence, Hiruzen sighed and nodded.
With a smile, he said, "Sora, you've truly embraced the Will of Fire. That makes me very happy. You may stay with Kakashi for now and help him recover."
Sora nodded. "I'll do my best. Once Kakashi is in a better state, I'll head to the battlefield immediately."
After bidding farewell to Sarutobi Hiruzen, Sora left the Hokage Building.
Walking down the road, his expression darkened.
'It's really not worth it—dedicating your life to a village like this.'
Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't shown a shred of true remorse for Hatake Sakumo's death.
He didn't regret how Konoha had treated one of its greatest heroes.
And that was the most disgusting part of all.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and Konoha's high-ranking officials always prioritized their vested interests.
"Everyone in Konoha is family."
This statement was nothing more than a convenient lie, used to deceive those who had been brainwashed by the so-called Will of Fire.
Sora returned home.
After dinner, just as Kakashi was about to head back to his room and shut himself off again, Sora spoke.
"Kakashi, it's been days. It's time for you to accept reality. Let's talk—just the two of us."
Uzumaki Kushina, who was washing the dishes, paused and turned to look at them.
Kakashi remained silent for a moment before giving a small nod.
Sora glanced at Kushina. "Kushina, we'll be back later."
"Alright."
In the Forest of Konoha
Sora and Kakashi sat cross-legged on the ground.
Kakashi kept his head lowered, his entire presence shrouded in grief.
Sora broke the silence. "I asked you before—do you think the Will of Fire is right? Have you found your answer?"
Kakashi shook his head, his voice hoarse. "No."
Sora looked at him seriously. **"When you asked me if Sakumo-sama was wrong for following the Will of Fire, I told you, 'I don't know.' That was because I couldn't understand why he believed in it so strongly.
But I can tell you what I understand about the Will of Fire."**
Kakashi slowly raised his head, his dull eyes meeting Sora's.
Sora held his gaze. **"To me, the Will of Fire is a joke. Not because the ideology itself is wrong, but because of those who claim to uphold it.
The First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, was the one who established this ideology, and in the early days of Konoha, it was truly practised.
However, after multiple leadership changes, the Will of Fire has lost its true meaning. Now, it's nothing more than a tool for Konoha's leaders to manipulate those beneath them."**
Kakashi's eyes clouded with uncertainty.
Sora continued, giving him an example.
"Your father, Hatake Sakumo, is one of the greatest victims of this deception.
The Will of Fire instilled in him a strong sense of loyalty to Konoha. He was willing to dedicate himself, to sacrifice for it. He saw Konoha's leaders as the true embodiment of the Will of Fire.
So, when he was faced with a choice, he did what he believed was right—what aligned with the Will of Fire. He saved his comrades.
And what did he get in return? Konoha's leadership turned their backs on him. The very ideology he lived by shattered in front of him.
But that alone wasn't what truly broke him.
The final blow came from the four comrades he saved."**
Kakashi's eyes widened slightly.
Sora continued. "I heard that, on the night before Sakumo-sama's death, the four shinobi who went on that mission with him came to see him.
You know that three of them were the ones who spread the rumours about Sakumo-sama abandoning his mission.
But the fourth—the one Sakumo-sama saved—also turned against him.
Can you imagine how he felt at that moment?
Sakumo-sama followed the Will of Fire. He chose to protect his comrade, and in the end, the very people he saved condemned him.
At that moment, Sakumo-sama lost everything—his faith, his honour, and his place in the village.
And so, in his final despair, he chose to take his own life."**
Kakashi trembled, his entire body shaking with rage. A dangerous glint appeared in his eyes, his breath heavy with barely restrained fury.
Then, suddenly, he stood up, his fists clenched.
His voice was filled with murderous intent. "I'm going to kill them!"
Sora remained seated and shook his head. "Kakashi, if you want to follow in Sakumo-sama's footsteps, then go ahead. But if you take that path, I will no longer recognize you as my disciple."
Kakashi gritted his teeth. "But they killed my father!"
Sora's voice was firm, unwavering. **"They were just the trigger, Kakashi.
The true cause of Sakumo-sama's death wasn't just those four people—it was the entire village.
Konoha claims to uphold the Will of Fire, yet they discarded it the moment it was inconvenient for them.
That is what truly killed Sakumo-sama. Do you understand?"**
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion