Chapter 120: Breaking the Game, The Order to Sakumo Hatake!

"Captain Hatake gave up the mission in order to rescue the members of his team."

The reporting ninja's words hung heavily in the air. Sarutobi Hiruzen, seated at his desk, fell into a brooding silence. Uzumaki Raiden, who had been preparing to leave, paused mid-step. Curious about the unfolding situation, he returned to his seat, his gaze fixed on the reporting ninja.

The atmosphere in the office was tense. The reporting ninja, under Raiden's scrutinizing gaze, began to fidget nervously, beads of sweat forming on his temples.

"Interesting," Raiden thought, leaning back in his chair. "Why deliver such sensitive information in my presence? Are they unconcerned about me overhearing, or is there a deeper motive?"

Hiruzen's silence was telling, his mind undoubtedly churning through the implications of the failed mission. After a long pause, the Third Hokage broke the silence, his voice low and measured.

"Who knows about this?"

"Only the team members on the front lines, the messenger who delivered the news, and those of us in this room, Lord Hokage," the ninja replied, bowing slightly.

"And Danzo?" Raiden interjected, his curiosity piqued.

The ninja blinked, caught off guard by Raiden's question, and instinctively glanced at the Third Hokage for approval. Hiruzen nodded slightly, permitting the response.

"Lord Danzo is currently in the Land of Rain. He has likely not received this information yet, though I cannot be certain," the ninja answered cautiously.

Hiruzen nodded again, deep in thought. Raiden, meanwhile, shifted into a more relaxed posture, observing the interplay with quiet interest.

"Let's see how the old man handles this," Raiden mused, leaning forward slightly.

The Third Hokage spent several minutes contemplating his next move, his cigarette holder never leaving his lips. Finally, he stood, his gaze fixed on the window overlooking Konoha.

"Pass my orders," he said, his tone firm. "Effective immediately, all individuals privy to this information are forbidden from discussing it further. Captain Sakumo Hatake is relieved of his position as frontline commander. Mito Menyan will take over his role.

"Hatake is to return to Konoha immediately and remain under house arrest until further notice. He is not to leave his residence without my explicit approval. Anbu will oversee his necessities and assign four operatives to monitor him at all times."

The room fell silent as the gravity of the decision settled.

The reporting ninja hesitated, as if awaiting further instructions, but Hiruzen's stern gaze quickly spurred him into action. "Yes, Lord Hokage!" The ninja bowed and vanished from the room.

Hiruzen sighed heavily, sinking back into his chair. The burden of leadership weighed visibly on him.

"Raiden, do you think my punishment is too lenient?" Hiruzen asked after a moment. "A mistake of this magnitude, yet all I've done is dismiss him and place him under house arrest."

He glanced at Raiden, his expression a mix of weariness and self-reflection.

"Hatake Sakumo is a vital asset to Konoha. We can ill afford to lose someone of his caliber, especially now. While his failure has dire consequences, his actions—saving his comrades—are commendable in principle. Still, I understand that others may not see it that way."

Raiden crossed his arms, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Teacher, I think your punishment is… shortsighted."

"Oh?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, intrigued by Raiden's bluntness.

Raiden leaned forward, his tone measured but firm. "Captain Hatake's failure isn't just a tactical setback; it's a potential morale crisis. Sealing the information is one thing, but ensuring compliance is another. Can you guarantee no leaks?"

He paused, letting the weight of his words sink in before continuing. "And let's not forget Captain Hatake himself. A man of his pride and sense of duty will already be blaming himself for the mission's failure. Being confined to his home will only deepen his self-recrimination.

"Now imagine what happens when whispers of discontent inevitably reach him. Some may accuse him of putting his team above the village, questioning his priorities. The isolation, combined with such accusations, will only push him further into despair."

Raiden's gaze bore into Hiruzen's, his voice softening slightly. "If that happens, Teacher, Captain Hatake might make a choice we can't undo."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed as the implications became clear. "What do you suggest, then?"

Raiden leaned back, his demeanor shifting to one of casual confidence. "Simple. Keep him busy. Assign him a high-stakes mission—something that allows him to atone for his perceived failure. Idle hands breed doubt, but a focused mind won't have time to linger on past mistakes."

He smiled. "And while we're at it, let him join my team. If he's to be punished, let him work under someone younger—me. That alone will sting his pride enough to serve as penance."

Hiruzen regarded Raiden thoughtfully, stroking his chin. "And what of the other five members of your team?"

"I'll select them personally," Raiden said, his tone light but firm. "Of course, only with their consent. I wouldn't want anyone who doesn't want to be there. In return, I promise to handle any mission you assign us, no matter how difficult."

Hiruzen chuckled softly, shaking his head. "You're audacious, Raiden. But…" His expression shifted as red chakra began to swirl around Raiden, forming a single tail behind him.

The Hokage's eyes widened in surprise. "You've already reached this level?"

Raiden's smile didn't waver. "Teacher, my requests aren't unreasonable. They're well within your authority. Let me handle this."

After a long silence, Hiruzen finally laughed, the tension in his shoulders easing. "Very well. Sakumo Hatake will join your team, and you'll have the freedom to choose your other members. But remember, Raiden—the missions you'll receive won't be easy."

Raiden stood, bowing slightly. "Thank you, Teacher. I won't disappoint you."

As Raiden left the office, his weapons in hand, Hiruzen remained seated, a faint smile lingering on his lips. The future of Konoha seemed a little brighter, knowing the potential Raiden carried.

(End of this chapter)