บท 67: Chapter 67: Ninja Way
Hui's words echoed through Hatake Sakumo's mind, leaving him frozen in place.
Rules… and comrades.
These were the two things that plagued Sakumo's heart with endless conflict.
As a shinobi, he knew the importance of following the rules, of prioritizing the mission above all else. A mission was an absolute for a ninja, and his every action must serve its success.
Yet, his training in the village, the teachings at the ninja academy, had also stressed the value of comradeship.
A shinobi shouldn't become a cold, emotionless tool—they must cherish their comrades.
All this time, Sakumo had managed to follow both teachings. He had done well.
But that was only because he had never been forced into a situation where he had to choose between both of them.
Until today.
After a deep struggle within himself, he had decided to prioritize the mission.
Sakumo didn't know if his decision was right, only that it was the one he had instinctively made.
But now, Hui's words had shaken him, filling him with uncertainty.
Rules… emotions… being a shinobi...
His mind felt like a blank slate, unable to process anything clearly.
Watching Hatake Sakumo's expression, Hui understood that an invisible battle was raging within his heart.
In a time like this, he needed someone to guide him—someone who could help him reach a personal decision
But Hui didn't have time for that. He had a comrade enduring unspeakable torture, waiting for him to arrive.
"If a shinobi has no emotions, then there's no difference between them and a mere tool," Hui said firmly, his voice unwavering.
"It's because we have emotions that we're able to create a world full of wonders and miracles. Missions are important, but life is the most precious thing in this world."
Missions versus comrades—there was no single right choice between them, Hui thought. It was a matter of staying true to one's heart.
Yes, he had a mission to fulfill. He was supposed to regroup with the squad leader and carry out the important task assigned to them.
But to abandon his subordinate and rush off to complete that mission… Hui just couldn't do it.
Not when there was still hope of saving Hunter.
"As long as there's even a sliver of hope, I will never give up. That… is my ninja way!" Hui declared, his voice filled with determination.
His words left both Lightning and Hatake Sakumo momentarily speechless, their hearts shaken.
After a few seconds of silence, Lightning finally spoke. "Hui, if you believe there's hope, then go for it. What's your plan? Do you need my help?"
Hui's lips curled into a slight smile, while Hatake Sakumo's expression shifted once more as he absorbed what was said.
"My initial plan was to create a Shadow Clone and use it to pose as myself, appearing to deal with Hunter. That way, I could draw Kamizuru Ishigawa and the majority of their forces away. My real body would then seize the opportunity to attempt a rescue," Hui explained.
Lightning shook his head. "That's too risky. A Shadow Clone won't last long before it's taken out, and losing half of your chakra in the process would leave your true self in serious danger."
"I know that. But it's the best option I've come up with so far. Now that you're staying, Lightning, we can work on a new plan together." Hui's tone lightened slightly, knowing that with Lightning's support, the chance of rescuing Hunter had just increased.
"Count me in too!" Hatake Sakumo suddenly said, his voice firm. "Hunter is my comrade too, and I am a part of the Fourth Squad."
As he spoke, a newfound resolve gleamed in his eyes.
Hui and Lightning both smiled at that.
"Alright then, if we're all in this together, it's time to give it our all!" Hui's voice brimmed with confiLightningce, and that assurance spread to Lightning and Hatake Sakumo, steadying their hearts.
Lightning glanced at Hui, feeling a surge of admiration.
This… this was what made Hui the "Light" of Konoha.
It was what made him… his light as well.
Hatake Sakumo, too, allowed a small smile to break through—a smile of liberation.
Though he hadn't completely resolved his inner struggle between duty and camaraderie, for this moment, he felt free.
Free from the chains that had bound him between the cracks of rules and emotion.
And suddenly, he understood why he saw that hopeful, guiding light in Hui.
It was because Hui himself was a light—one that had the power to reveal the truth to others, a light that could guide everyone in the shinobi world to a realization of their true selves.
….
"Now that we've all decided to stay, our chances of success have just gotten better," Hui continued, his voice calm yet filled with a sense of urgency. "First, we'll set up a few traps around here—they'll come in handy later.
"After that, I'll create a Shadow Clone that will stay hidden somewhere beyond Kamizuru Ishigawa's sensory range. My real body will go in and make it look like I'm trying to deal with Hunter.
"Lightning, Sakumo, your job is to back me up after my 'attempt' fails, and we'll all flee together toward the Country of fire.
"Since they'll sense chakra from three individuals—three high-level shinobi—Kamizuru Ishigawa will assume we're the entire team and will likely pursue us with all his forces.
"Moreover, when he sees us risk returning to deal with Hunter, he'll believe that Hunter has crucial information. He won't kill him immediately; he'll either take Hunter with him during the chase or send him back to their base with a smaller team.
"At that point, as long as Kamizuru Ishigawa isn't present, my Shadow Clone will have a chance to rescue Hunter. Meanwhile, after our retreat, I'll use the traps we set to delay their pursuit while you two head back to seek help from the squad leader.
"That's the plan," Hui concluded, calmly outlining the strategy he had come up with in his mind.
There wasn't much time—this was the best he could devise given the circumstances. There might still be flaws or gaps, but there was no time to refine it further.
Lightning and Hatake Sakumo frowned as they listened to the plan, their brows furrowing with concern.
"Captain, if you stay behind to hold them off, then what's the point of rescuing Hunter?!" Hatake Sakumo protested. Even if someone had to remain behind, it shouldn't be Hui.
Lightning, however, didn't immediately object. He simply asked, "Hui, do you really think you can pull it off?"
Hui's smile deepened, a confident glint in his eyes.
"Trust me, you know what I'm capable of. With my recovery abilities and certain skills, I should be able to manage it. Just focus on getting help as quickly as you can."
His confidence was contagious—it was as if he had already envisioned the successful rescue.
Lightning took a deep breath, nodding. "We'll be back with reinforcements as fast as possible."
Despite the deep concern gnawing at him, Lightning knew that once Hui made up his mind, there was no changing it—unless there was a better alternative. And he knew that among them, Hui alone had the unique physical capabilities and secret techniques necessary to hold back the enemy. If he and Hatake Sakumo stayed, they'd only end up becoming liabilities.
Hatake Sakumo seemed ready to argue further, but Lightning cut him off with a stern look.
"Sakumo, trust the Captain!"
And Hui's voice joined in, "Don't worry. My abilities are beyond what you have seen."
With that, he issued his final order, his voice brimming with the authority of a leader.
"Then, as the leader of the Fourth Squad, I order you: Lightning, Sakumo, your mission is to return and rendezvous with the squad leader."
Hatake Sakumo's eyes widened.
Rules… duty… being a shinobi… and now, his captain…
So, this was what it truly meant to make a choice.
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