Chapter 170: Breaking Free from Control
Chapter 170: Breaking Free from Control
Tonari, still lost in his thoughts, followed the ANBU dispatched by Hiruzen Sarutobi out of the Root base.
Upon arriving at the Hokage's office, he found only Hiruzen Sarutobi inside.
The Third Hokage stood behind his desk, hands clasped behind his back, gazing out of the massive window that overlooked Konoha's bustling streets.
"Lord Third, Tonari has arrived," the ANBU announced.
With a nod from Hiruzen, the ANBU departed, leaving the two of them alone in the room.
Tonari glanced around the familiar office. The last time he was here, both he and Minato had been promoted to jonin.
Back then, he, Minato, and Kushina had been swept up in a wave of joy and excitement, so much so that none of them had paid attention to Hiruzen's expressions at the time.
Now, in retrospect, Tonari could sense that something had been off about the Third Hokage even then.
The pressing question now was whether Hiruzen had been aware of the schemes surrounding White Fang's situation or even complicit in them—or if he was only learning about them now.
This distinction was critical.
It could determine Tonari's attitude toward Hiruzen and his faith in Konoha as a whole.
---
"You're here, Tonari. Come."
Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled warmly, beckoning Tonari to his side.
Tonari stepped forward, standing beside the older man and looking out over the lively streets of Konoha.
Hiruzen placed a comforting hand on Tonari's shoulder, his eyes filled with a mixture of pride and nostalgia.
"It's been over four years since you came to Konoha, hasn't it? You were just a little boy then, barely this tall. And now you've grown taller than me."
"Four years and three months," Tonari replied, his gaze fixed on the bustling streets below.
"Four years and three months… time truly flies."
Hiruzen sighed.
Four years ago, he was still hailed as the "Ninja Hero." But in the years since, he had increasingly felt the weight of age bearing down on him, sapping his strength and vitality.
His prime was behind him.
There was a time—not long ago—when he believed that he alone could bear the burden of protecting Konoha. But now, that confidence was gone.
With its absence came doubt, hesitation, and fear—factors that gnawed at his once-unshakeable resolve.
Hiruzen could no longer lay claim to the title of "Ninja Hero."
---
Tonari turned slightly, his gaze lingering on the aging figure beside him.
Hiruzen's posture had begun to stoop, and though his stature was not imposing, the weight of his responsibilities was immense.
"Danzo must have told you quite a bit," Hiruzen said, meeting Tonari's eyes.
"But I hope you won't blame Sakumo. From his perspective, his choice wasn't wrong."
Hiruzen's tone was sincere, and Tonari could see that his words came from the heart.
To most people, Hatake Sakumo was a cold and ruthless killer, a "Shura" who dispatched enemies without hesitation. But those who truly knew him understood that he was a deeply empathetic and complex individual.
He was harsh toward his enemies but kind and gentle toward his comrades.
Tonari nodded. "Sakumo-san taught me the basics of kenjutsu. He was my first teacher in the art of the blade. Just for that alone, I could never blame him."
Hiruzen's expression softened with relief.
Continuing, Hiruzen said, "Your teacher, Orochimaru, came to see me. He explained your situation, and we knew you were safe."
Tonari blinked, startled. "Orochimaru-sensei came to you? Then why does everyone think I'm dead?"
"Because someone deliberately spread that narrative.
"With your intelligence, I'm sure you've already guessed who's behind this.
"Over a year ago, Sakumo and Orochimaru were both considered leading candidates for the Fourth Hokage. From that moment, plans were set into motion.
"This recent mission was merely the final move in a much larger game..."
---
Hiruzen's explanation was interrupted by Tonari's sudden outburst.
"Lord Third!"
The loud, unexpected shout left Hiruzen momentarily stunned.
Tonari locked eyes with him, unwavering.
"If you knew all along, why didn't you stop it?"
Hiruzen averted his gaze, turning back to the window.
In that brief moment, a flicker of disappointment crossed Tonari's eyes.
So, even the Hokage couldn't face this head-on...
"It's not that I didn't want to," Hiruzen said, his voice heavy. "You know as well as I do the role Root plays in Konoha. Its benefits far outweigh its drawbacks. Until I was certain of their plans, I couldn't intervene.
"Even the Elder Council wouldn't have allowed it."
Not "couldn't," but "wouldn't."
Tonari silently added this correction in his mind.
Though frustration bubbled within him, he suppressed it.
"Go see Sakumo," Hiruzen suggested. "Your return might ease some of his guilt."
Tonari nodded silently and prepared to leave. Before stepping out, he glanced toward the office's corner. Then, without another word, he leapt out of the window, disappearing in an instant.
---
As Hiruzen watched Tonari leave, his gaze grew distant.
A moment later, a figure stepped out of the shadows, carrying a massive scroll on his back.
The man joined Hiruzen by the window, staring out at the village below.
"That kid... he's grown even sharper in just a year. He noticed my presence," Jiraiya remarked, his tone a mix of admiration and concern.
Hiruzen remained silent, his face etched with regret.
Jiraiya sighed deeply. "Sensei, this time… you really messed up."
Hiruzen's expression twisted further. "Even you think so?"
Jiraiya didn't respond.
He knew Hiruzen already had his answer.
"I truly erred this time," Hiruzen muttered, his voice laden with self-reproach.
---
Meanwhile, Tonari sprinted across Konoha's rooftops, his mind racing.
Hatake Sakumo's chances of becoming Hokage were over.
The streets below buzzed with whispers, people discussing how Sakumo's decision to save his comrade had led to the mission's failure, resulting in casualties and losses for Konoha.
Even though some discussions lacked malice, the damage to Sakumo's reputation was undeniable.
Tonari realized that the true beneficiary of this incident wasn't Orochimaru, as he had initially suspected.
The real winner was Hiruzen Sarutobi.
With Sakumo discredited, the public would no longer pressure Hiruzen to retire. As long as he wished, he could remain Hokage indefinitely.
The shadows of doubt that lingered in Tonari's mind grew heavier.
---
Before long, Tonari arrived at the Hatake clan residence.
He knocked on the door, which was answered by a weary-looking woman. Her face, though ordinary, bore signs of exhaustion and stress.
Recognizing Tonari, her expression briefly lit up with surprise and joy.
"You're alive!" she exclaimed, her voice trembling.
"Is Sakumo-san home?" Tonari asked.
"He is… he's inside," she said, her voice hesitant but hopeful.
---
Tonari stepped into a dimly lit room where Hatake Sakumo sat at a desk.
The once-proud warrior now appeared pale and haggard, his eyes filled with weariness and a deep, lingering sorrow.
"I knew you'd make it," Sakumo said weakly, forcing a small smile.
Tonari clenched his fists. How had the man known as the "White Fang" become so broken?
"Why are you letting this happen?" Tonari demanded.
But Sakumo only responded with a bitter smile, his silence speaking volumes.
Tonari exhaled sharply, his frustration mounting.
In a voice tinged with urgency, he said, "I have a proposal. You might as well listen.
"After all, you've got nothing left to lose."
---
Meanwhile, back in the Hokage's office, Jiraiya frowned as the distant sound of shouting reached them.
Hiruzen's face turned pale as he realized that events were spiraling further out of control.
"Jiraiya... it seems I truly mishandled this."
With that, Hiruzen gathered his chakra, his robes billowing as he summoned his ANBU.
"Root," he commanded coldly.
"Yes, sir!"
Moments later, Hiruzen and his ANBU vanished from the office, leaving Jiraiya alone.
"Sensei... you've really changed," Jiraiya muttered.
---
Half an hour later, Tonari left the Hatake residence, his face as cold as ice.
The sight of Sakumo's lifeless demeanor and the heart-wrenching sobs of his wife lingered in Tonari's mind.
This was Konoha?
This was the village he had once admired?
His heart heavy with disillusionment, Tonari headed straight for Konoha Hospital.
Ignoring the startled looks and respectful greetings of passersby, he entered the building and made his way to Yuta's room.
At the door stood a masked Root operative.
Tonari's eyes narrowed.
The Root ninja stepped forward to block his path, but Tonari wasn't in the mood for games.
Electricity crackled around him as he activated his Lightning Chakra Mode.
"Gate of Life, open!"
"Leaf Hurricane!"
With a thunderous roar, Tonari's kick sent the Root ninja flying, demolishing the hospital wall in the process.
The entire hospital shook from the impact.
(End of Chapter)
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