CHAPTER 168

Uchiha Kiyo roamed the Land of Fire, easing his tense mood after three consecutive years of relentless training.

Since the Kakashi incident, Uchiha Kiyo had remained absent from the conflicts between Konoha and Kumogakure. However, his brief appearance had left a lasting impact on Konoha.

A completely unfamiliar, Kage-level powerhouse had caught the Third Hokage off guard. As a result, Konoha's mission board now included several assignments related to him—some tasked with investigating his whereabouts, while others sought to uncover his true identity. However, Uchiha Kiyo himself remained unaware of these developments. Hui had noticed the situation but deemed it unimportant, choosing not to inform the main body.

Two months passed in the blink of an eye.

During this time, Uchiha Kiyo had been traveling freely, enjoying the world in ways he never could before. Yet, while he relished his freedom, others were suffering.

Hatake Sakumo, the war hero of the Second Shinobi World War, had become the subject of scorn among Konoha's villagers over the past two months. Once celebrated, he was now ridiculed as a disgrace to the ninja world.

"Didn't they teach us in the Academy to cherish our comrades? Why? Why do they now claim that missions are more important than the lives of our allies?"

Hatake Sakumo had been tormented by these thoughts, his body growing frail as guilt consumed him.

Ninjas who reach a certain level of strength develop their own personal ninja way—a philosophy that defines them. Figures like Jiraiya, Naruto, and even Sakumo each had their own guiding principle.

According to Uchiha Kiyo's observations, a ninja's beliefs are embedded in their very soul, shaping their journey and growth. These ideals form the foundation of their strength and determination.

For Sakumo, his path was one of unwavering loyalty to his comrades. Despite the blood on his hands from years of Anbu assassinations, he never wavered from his conviction to protect those he fought alongside.

Even though the Aburame clan member he saved had only been his teammate for a few months, Sakumo had abandoned the mission to ensure their survival. His belief was absolute.

But the weight of public scorn, the accusations of failure, and the betrayal of his own village had left him exhausted.

Was protecting his comrades truly a mistake?

The collapse of his beliefs was undoubtedly a factor in his tragic end. However, Hui also suspected that Sakumo's death was carefully orchestrated—to pave the way for Kakashi's future development.

To think he would sacrifice himself in an attempt to awaken the Third Hokage's conscience and remind Konoha of its true values...

Naïve.

It was impossible.

The convictions of powerful individuals were set in stone. Just as Sakumo's beliefs defined him, so too did the Third Hokage's and Danzo's. No amount of sacrifice could change them.

Hui had been particularly busy in the last two days.

Two nights ago, his sensory abilities detected an unknown ninja sneaking into the Hatake residence. This visitor engaged in a private conversation with Sakumo for half an hour, but Hui couldn't listen in—his chakra didn't reach the study where they spoke.

The visitor's chakra signature felt eerily familiar—similar to Danzo's, but subtly different.

"It must be Danzo," Hui reasoned. "His chakra may have changed slightly after transplanting his new arm."

Hui knew this meant that Sakumo's suicide was imminent.

Fortunately, he had recently completed the development of a crucial jutsu—one designed to delay the process of a soul departing for the Pure Land. It wasn't perfect, but for someone who had just died, it would be enough.

The preparations were complete. Hui had placed multiple scrolls underground at the Hatake residence, concealed by earth release techniques. When the time came, he would activate them and execute his plan.

—

That night, in his study, Hatake Sakumo sat in despair.

Danzo's visit had been the final push.

That man was ruthless.

He had threatened Kakashi.

Sakumo knew Danzo's methods all too well. If even someone as powerful as Uchiha Kiyo had barely survived his machinations, what chance did his five-year-old son have?

There was only one path left.

As much as he hated it, he had to act.

On one hand, it was the only way to appease Danzo. On the other, he hoped his death would send a message—a lesson that might shake the village's blind faith in its system.

He sighed deeply, unsheathing his tanto. His expression shifted, determination setting in even as sorrow and regret flickered in his eyes.

But there was no fear.

With a final breath, he plunged the blade into his abdomen.

The moment his life force faded, Hui sprang into action.

In a hidden underground chamber near the Hatake residence, Hui's eyes snapped open.

"Sakumo… It's time."

Sensing the gradual dissipation of Sakumo's chakra, Hui activated the buried scrolls. The sealing array he had prepared surged to life—a soul-binding technique meant to prevent Sakumo

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