Chapter 10: **Chapter 10: Those Who Abandon Their Companions Are Worse Than Scum!**
"White Fang?"
Reiki immediately recognized that Hatake Sakumo's mission had failed. He knew Sakumo well enough to understand that his commitment to saving his comrades had led to the mission's failure. This incident would eventually drive Konoha's legendary ninja, known as the White Fang, to take his own life.
As a classmate of Kakashi, Reiki felt compelled to investigate. After giving medicine to Nawaki, he made his way to Kakashi's house.
Outside Hatake Sakumo's door, a sharp voice cut through the air.
"What kind of ninja abandons their mission to save their comrades? Do you know how many lives are lost on the front lines because of your actions?"
"I, Sarutobi Shinnosuke, would rather die on the battlefield than abandon my duty to the village!" he continued. "You've tarnished the lives of countless ninjas by failing to complete your mission! Do you think you deserve the respect of anyone here?"
The crowd gathered around listened intently, their eyes fixed on the confrontation.
Reiki squeezed his way through, his thin frame making it easier to navigate the crowd. He recognized the troublemaker as Sarutobi Hiruzen's son, who had accompanied Hatake Sakumo on the ill-fated mission.
As Shinnosuke ranted, he was not only criticizing Sakumo but also glorifying himself by claiming moral superiority.
"Are you saying that when faced with a mission, the lives of your comrades don't matter?" Reiki interjected, his voice steady.
The mention of Tsunade's name gave Shinnosuke pause. Even he hesitated to provoke someone connected to the legendary Sannin.
"Who's there?" he demanded, his face reddening with anger.
"It's me, Reiki, Tsunade-sama's disciple," Reiki replied, stepping forward. "You think you can criticize someone for prioritizing their companions over the mission?"
The door creaked open, and Hatake Sakumo emerged, his once-spirited demeanor now replaced by a look of despair.
"I'm sorry for failing the village's expectations," he said, his voice trembling. "This failure is my fault. I didn't follow the mission rules. I've let everyone down."
A murmur rippled through the crowd.
"Is it true that the mission failed because of Sakumo?" someone asked. "He's the Konoha White Fang, but he couldn't even follow the rules?"
"Yes! If he had completed the mission, my husband would have returned safe and sound!" another voice chimed in.
As the gossip spread, it became clear that the villagers were intent on disparaging Sakumo, further deepening his despair.
"Ding! An injury has been detected. Please treat the target promptly."
The system notification echoed in Reiki's mind, pinpointing Sakumo as the subject in need.
Hatake Sakumo, once a celebrated ninja, had faced immense pressure and expectations. His past achievements had made him a target of admiration, but now he was being condemned for his compassion.
"Is this how you repay someone who chose to save a life?" Reiki exclaimed, stepping protectively in front of Sakumo. "You should be ashamed of yourself, Shinnosuke! If you think it's better to abandon your comrades, then you have no right to speak!"
Hatake Sakumo, still heartbroken, found a flicker of strength in Reiki's defiance.
"What are you doing, Reiki?" Kakashi asked, concern etched on his face.
"Do you believe your father did something wrong?" Reiki shot back, looking at Kakashi.
"I… I believe my father did nothing wrong!" Kakashi stammered, stepping forward to stand beside Reiki.
"I also believe in Uncle Sakumo. There's nothing wrong with saving your comrades!" Uchiha Obito chimed in, joining their defense. Nohara Rin stood firm, silently affirming their stance.
"Everyone, when your loved ones are fighting, do you hope that their comrades will abandon them to complete the mission?" Reiki challenged. "Those who don't follow the rules might be seen as scum, but those who abandon the lives of their companions are worse than scum!"
His passionate words echoed in the air, striking a chord with those present. Hatake Sakumo, who had felt numb to the world, felt a spark of hope reignite in his heart.
"Kakashi, step back. I was confused," Sakumo said, pulling his son aside.
Despite his haggard appearance, a renewed light shone in his eyes.
"Shinnosuke, if the mission fails, I will accept the consequences. But do you really think someone who abandons their comrades would give you the opportunity to speak here?"
"Get out!" he barked, his voice sharp as a blade.
With that, he turned and walked back to the courtyard, flanked by the supportive kids who had stood up for him.
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