Chapter 8: Danzo’s Smile

After dinner, Sakumo and Kakashi were outside, sparring with wooden swords.

Takeshi dragged over a small stool and sat by the doorway, quietly observing the two.

However, without a Sharingan, watching them fight felt like watching a video at 8x speed. Aside from the dull thuds of the wooden swords clashing, he couldn't make out any other movements.

After Kakashi launched a flying kick, Sakumo precisely seized the opening and subdued him in a single move.

"Fighting with such wide, open movements without having a clear advantage just makes it easier for the enemy to exploit your flaws."

After pointing out Kakashi's mistake, Sakumo helped him up, ready to begin the next round of training.

"Takeshi, want to give it a try?"

Sakumo waved over at Takeshi, who had been watching eagerly from the side.

The legendary White Fang of Konoha offering personal instruction?

Takeshi's eyes lit up. He jumped off the stool and quickly ran over.

"But I can't teach you any techniques yet. You need to start with the very basics."

Under Sakumo's guidance, Takeshi gradually began to understand the foundational principles of swordsmanship.

"Keep your body straight, and make sure your stance is stable. Right now, you two don't have the ability to move quickly with chakra to confuse your opponent's vision, so a solid stance is crucial. At the very least, it'll help you avoid being taken down by a single attack."

Sakumo placed a hand on Takeshi's back, signaling him to straighten his spine, and at the same time, made Kakashi review the basics as well.

"Clap, clap, clap."

At that moment, a few claps rang out, followed by a slightly grim voice:

"As expected of the White Fang of Konoha, a hero of the Second Great Ninja War."

Danzo stepped out from the shadows, followed closely by Aburame Ryoma and Yamanaka Zen.

"Danzo-sama."

Sakumo's expression didn't change. He slowly walked up to Danzo, positioning himself between him and the boys.

"Thank you for looking after my son."

Sakumo immediately understood what Danzo meant.

It seemed that the background check on Takeshi had concluded. Danzo was here to take him back.

But—

Sakumo, who had heard plenty about Danzo's methods, found his attitude quite surprising.

This man, known throughout the shinobi world as "the Darkness of the Leaf," now seemed intent on publicly acknowledging Takeshi's identity...

"He looks like he's getting along quite well with your son."

Danzo narrowed his eyes and smiled at Sakumo, as if he could see right through him and lay eyes on the two boys behind him.

"You mean...?" Sakumo couldn't quite grasp Danzo's intention. It was also the first time he had ever seen Danzo smile.

"It's common for friends to stay over at each other's homes, isn't it?"

Gently pushing past Sakumo, Danzo walked up to Takeshi.

"???" Takeshi was completely bewildered inside, but didn't dare show it on his face.

He had caught most of the conversation between Sakumo and Danzo. If he interpreted it literally… it meant this old man was admitting that Takeshi was his son?

Then what should he call him?

Danzo-sama? Old man? Shadow Hokage? Father?

Something more normal would be...

"F-Father-sama?" Takeshi tested the waters with a hesitant call.

Hearing the word, Danzo felt a ripple stir within him yet again.

See that, Hiruzen? I have a son too.

Even if the kid seemed a bit timid, deep down he clearly yearned for a father's love.

"You'll stay here for tonight. Tomorrow, I'll have someone bring you home."

Seemingly satisfied with Takeshi's attitude, Danzo didn't say more and left Sakumo's home.

Although Danzo was gone, the previously warm atmosphere had cooled. After a short and distracted bit of training, everyone called it a night.

"Sakumo-san..." As he passed Sakumo, Takeshi stopped, wanting to say something.

But instead, he got a head pat.

Sakumo smiled and gently ruffled Takeshi's hair, shaking his head lightly.

"It's late. Get some rest."

...

"Hey, you don't snore, do you?"

Kakashi looked at Takeshi, who was sleeping right next to him, and asked again.

"How rude, Kakashi. I've never heard myself snore."

Takeshi yanked up his blanket and dove under, retorting at the same time.

"You idiot! How could someone hear themselves snore?!"

Veins bulged on Kakashi's forehead.

"Don't worry, Kakashi. By the time I'm asleep, you'll already be dreaming."

Staring up at the wooden ceiling, Takeshi replied in a low voice.

"Is it because of your father? I've heard of him—the Hokage's advisor."

Kakashi's knowledge of Danzo only extended to that official title.

And honestly, that was about all most villagers knew of Danzo.

Only the higher-ups of each village had a better grasp of his true actions.

"Not entirely." Takeshi continued to stare at the ceiling beams in a daze.

He had just left Kirigakure and received Danzo's approval. Right now, he was at his most uncertain.

In this situation... how could he fall asleep so easily, Kakashi...

"Huu... huu..."

As those thoughts swirled in his head, Takeshi unknowingly closed his eyes, his breathing gradually evening out.

"This guy..."

Kakashi stared at the boy who had just claimed he wouldn't fall asleep so quickly, a dark expression on his face. He helplessly held his forehead.

"Sigh."

He sighed, gently pulled Takeshi's blanket up, and finally closed his eyes.

He thought that having a stranger sleeping next to him would make it harder to fall asleep, but...

"Huu... huu..."

Soon after closing his eyes, Kakashi too drifted off.

Outside the door, Sakumo smiled and shook his head as he listened to the quiet sounds from within.

He had expected the two boys to have a long conversation—but surprisingly...

...

The next morning.

Sakumo opened his eyes while lying in bed.

"You're here awfully early, Haigō."

He immediately spotted the ANBU crouching on the beam.

"Hokage-sama wants to see you," Haigō rasped.

"Got it."

At the mention of Hiruzen Sarutobi, Sakumo's gaze sharpened. He got up and began to dress in his equipment.

"Hokage-sama said you don't need to wear your mask, Captain."

Seeing Sakumo reach for his ANBU gear, Haigō spoke up in time to remind him.

"Alright."

Sakumo paused, then instead pulled on his jōnin vest.

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