Backstab
Kushina Uzumaki had been corresponding with Chi Yu, informing him of the changes in public opinion in Konoha.
At present, Sakumo Hatake had been relieved of all his duties. He was confined to his home, stripped of the prestige once associated with his name.
Kushina had also investigated the origins of the public backlash against Sakumo. To her surprise, she discovered that the initial slander stemmed from three of Sakumo's own teammates.
During a high-priority mission, Sakumo had chosen to abandon the objective in order to save his comrades' lives. Despite his good intentions, the mission's failure had dire consequences for Konoha—likely impacting the lives of many and weakening the village's strategic position.
Although the entire squad was punished, one teammate felt the reprimand he received was undeserved. In his view, Sakumo alone had made the decision—he was merely a subordinate, carrying out orders.
Frustrated and inebriated one night, the teammate spoke out publicly.
The other two teammates, who had also harbored resentment in silence, decided to speak up as well. They claimed they had opposed abandoning the mission but had been forced to obey Sakumo's orders as their squad captain.
In contrast, Tsugu—the fourth member of the team and the one Kushina had been asked to observe closely—had remained silent.
Tsugu had lost an arm and both legs during the failed mission. After receiving treatment at the hospital, his family took him home to recover, and he had not been seen in public since.
Yet, Kushina noticed something curious: the other three teammates were now frequently visiting Tsugu's home.
Chi Yu finished reading the letter, closed his eyes in thought, then burned the page to ash.
He hadn't expected Sakumo's own comrades to be the ones who betrayed him.
Their actions—shifting all the blame onto Sakumo—felt like a dagger in the back.
What was worse, the Konoha leadership had done nothing to stop the slander, effectively giving their silent approval.
Chi Yu suspected the frequent visits to Tsugu's home had a purpose: they likely intended to pressure Tsugu into corroborating their story.
If that were the case, then Sakumo's suicide must be imminent.
> "...Hoo. It's time to return to Konoha."
Chi Yu turned and departed without hesitation.
---
Six Days Later
Chi Yu returned to Konoha, dusty and travel-worn.
Fortunately, Kushina wasn't away on a mission and welcomed him back. After a quiet moment between them, the conversation turned serious.
"Chi Yu," Kushina asked softly, "what they're saying about Sakumo-sama in the village... Is it true?"
Chi Yu nodded. "It's true."
He explained everything he had uncovered.
Kushina covered her mouth in disbelief. "But… wasn't Sakumo-sama right to save his comrades?"
Chi Yu's expression darkened. "He was right—and wrong."
Kushina frowned, confused. "What do you mean?"
Chi Yu elaborated, "The Will of Fire, which Konoha claims to uphold, teaches us to protect our comrades. In that sense, Sakumo did nothing wrong. But the shinobi rules strictly forbid abandoning a mission. On that front, he failed."
"Why have such rules at all?" Kushina protested. "Are shinobi supposed to just watch their comrades die?"
Chi Yu sighed. "This contradiction exists in every village. The Will of Fire gives people purpose and loyalty, but the mission system needs tools—pawns willing to die or kill, no matter the cost."
"If the mission isn't critical," he continued, "saving comrades can be justified. But if the mission is of national importance, then abandoning it—even to save lives—is considered a betrayal."
Kushina's voice caught, bitter and disillusioned. "So it's all politics...?"
Chi Yu nodded. "Exactly. Sakumo's mistake wasn't unforgivable. In fact, during a time like this—on the brink of war—his strength is sorely needed."
"Then why let things spiral like this?" Kushina asked.
"My guess," Chi Yu said, "is that the leadership decided it was better to let public opinion run its course. With tensions high, the people needed a scapegoat. And the higher-ups wanted to use this incident to send a message—that even a hero like Sakumo isn't exempt from the rules."
He paused.
"Perhaps they thought they could reinstate him once the storm passed."
But Sakumo had chosen otherwise.
He had taken his own life, unable to reconcile the betrayal and the weight of his convictions.
His death was a devastating blow to Konoha.
With its elite forces already stretched thin, losing someone of Sakumo's caliber—especially in this manner—was catastrophic.
Kushina shook her head, overwhelmed. "It's so complicated. You should go see your disciple. This whole mess is affecting him. People whisper behind his back everywhere he goes."
Chi Yu nodded. "I know. I'll go find Kakashi now."
---
Hatake Clan Residence
Chi Yu found Kakashi in the backyard, striking a wooden post with unguarded fury.
He had no technique—just anger.
"I didn't teach you to train like this," Chi Yu said calmly.
Kakashi looked up, startled. A flash of relief crossed his face before the gloom returned.
"Chi Yu-sensei…"
Chi Yu walked over. "How is your father?"
Kakashi glanced toward the house. "He's locked himself in his room. I bring him his meals, but… he barely responds. Just lies there. Doesn't even turn his head when I call him."
Chi Yu's gaze softened. "And what about you?"
Kakashi forced a smile. "I'm fine."
Chi Yu looked at him closely. "Are you? What do you think? Was Sakumo-sama right or wrong to abandon the mission and save his comrades?"
Kakashi's breath caught in his throat.
He lowered his head, saying nothing.
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