CHAPTER 68
Two Days Later, in Konoha
Over the past two days, Sakumo Hatake had heard the rumors spreading throughout the village.
He knew there was nothing to explain—people believed what they wanted to believe.
As he walked through the streets, two villagers whispered among themselves.
"Tch!" One of them suddenly spat on the ground, and the spit landed on Sakumo's pant leg.
"Oh, my apologies, Lord White Fang. I didn't see you there," the man sneered with a mocking tone.
Sakumo paused briefly but said nothing. He simply lowered his head and kept walking.
"Hah! Acting all high and mighty," the other scoffed. "If Konoha had more selfish trash like him, we'd be doomed."
---
The Hatake Household
That evening, Sakumo sat alone in his bedroom, lost in thought.
Kakashi stood at the doorway, fists clenched.
"Father, you shouldn't have saved that traitor, Ryoma Aburame."
Sakumo turned his weary gaze toward his son, his face haggard from sleepless nights.
"You think I shouldn't have saved my comrade?" he asked quietly.
Kakashi hesitated, his head lowering. After a long silence, he muttered, "Didn't you always teach me that a ninja's duty is to complete the mission at all costs?"
A trace of sorrow flashed in Sakumo's eyes as he nodded. "I see… I'm sorry, Kakashi."
Without another word, Kakashi spun on his heel and slammed the door behind him. He stormed into the backyard, fists pounding relentlessly against a training post.
Blood seeped from his knuckles, staining the wood.
---
A Visitor
"Knock, knock, knock..."
Kakashi stopped mid-strike, breathing heavily. He glanced at the sky and knew exactly who it was.
Sighing, he opened the door to find Uchiha Tunan standing outside, a calm smile on his face.
"Kakashi, it's time for training. You seem troubled."
Kakashi shook his head. "Not today, Tunan. I just... I need some time to think."
He instinctively hid his bloodied hand behind his back.
Tunan's gaze flickered briefly to Kakashi's hidden hand before returning to his face.
"I understand," he said gently. "But don't distance yourself from Lord White Fang. He did what was right, even if it went against the interests of others."
With those parting words, Tunan turned and walked away.
---
A Night at the Barbecue Restaurant
That evening, Minato Namikaze, Kushina Uzumaki, and Uchiha Tunan shared a meal at a local barbecue shop.
Kushina placed a generous piece of grilled meat into Tunan's bowl, watching him eat with amusement.
"How's Kakashi doing? I even went to his house, but he refused to come out."
Tunan swallowed his food before answering, "He's keeping to himself. He won't even see me."
Kushina pouted. "He can't keep sulking like this. The entire village is gossiping about White Fang. I don't know when this storm will blow over."
Minato, carefully slicing his meat, spoke in a calm, reassuring tone.
"People forget quickly. Give it a few days. Tomorrow, I'll go see Kakashi myself. He showed me an interesting jutsu last time—maybe a little sparring will help clear his mind."
Kushina flashed a grin and gave Minato a thumbs-up. "I'll go with you!"
Then, she stuffed yet another piece of meat into Tunan's already full bowl.
"Eat up, Tunan! You're still growing!"
Tunan forced a smile. "Thank you, Kushina-senpai."
Under the table, he discreetly rubbed his overly full stomach.
But deep inside, he thought to himself: Tomorrow...
---
The Next Morning
Minato arrived at the Hatake household early and, despite Kakashi's protests, dragged him outside.
Meanwhile, at a small breakfast shop on the corner of Hatake Street, Uchiha Tunan calmly set down his chopsticks.
"It's time for me to act."
He dabbed his mouth with a napkin, then placed a 1,000 ryo bill on the table and stood up.
"Hey, you forgot your change!" the shopkeeper called after him.
Without looking back, Tunan waved dismissively. "Keep it."
The shopkeeper stared at the bill in surprise, then sighed. "Ninjas sure are generous..."
---
The Challenge
Tunan approached the Hatake household and, through the eyes of a white pigeon perched nearby, saw Sakumo still inside, unmoving.
He hesitated. If he breaks too soon, I won't have time to push things further…
Quickly, he knocked on the door.
"Knock, knock, knock..."
Passersby slowed their steps, curiosity flickering in their eyes.
After a long moment, the door creaked open just slightly. Sakumo stood in the shadows behind it, his face drained of life.
Seeing who it was, he forced a weary smile.
"Ah… Tunan. Kakashi went out with Minato."
Tunan bowed politely. "I came to see you, Senior."
Sakumo blinked, then shook his head. "I'm sorry. It's not a good time. Please go home."
He began to close the door, but Tunan suddenly pushed against it, a glint of determination in his eyes.
"No, Senior. Today is the day."
He stepped back, raising his voice so those outside could hear.
"As a disciple of the Uchiha, I challenge Sakumo Hatake—the White Fang—to a duel!"
A murmur rippled through the gathering crowd.
Sakumo hesitated. His first instinct was to refuse. But deep within, his warrior's pride whispered otherwise.
After a long silence, he exhaled deeply and nodded.
"Come in."
---
The Gathering Crowd
Word spread like wildfire.
"Did you hear? That Uchiha kid is challenging White Fang!"
"White Fang's been disgraced—maybe the kid just wants to put him in his place."
"That's Uchiha Tunan, right? He's one of the good ones. Not arrogant like the others."
"I hope Tunan teaches White Fang a lesson. The villagers deserve justice."
"Justice? That kid doesn't stand a chance!"
"You think White Fang will hold back? What if he injures Tunan?"
"Tch, as if that traitor has any honor left."
"I'll inform the Uchiha Police Force."
"I'm going straight to Lord Hokage!"
"If White Fang hurts Tunan, I swear—"
"What will you do?"
"...I'll throw rotten eggs at his house every night!"
Laughter and heated whispers filled the street as more people gathered, eager to witness the confrontation.
And inside the Hatake home, Sakumo and Tunan stood face to face.
The duel was about to begin.