Naruto: Aizen's Shadow in Konoha

As Hatake Sakumo walked the streets of Konoha, he felt the harsh scrutiny of the villagers on him, their cold eyes and whispers surrounding him.

"Look, that's him—Hatake Sakumo."

"Seriously, how can someone who violated the ninja code still have the nerve to return here?"

"If I were the Hokage, I'd make an example out of him, punish him according to the law!"

Countless insults, scornful remarks, and harsh condemnations were hurled at Sakumo. When he had made his choice, he had somewhat anticipated such a reaction. Yet, seeing firsthand how the very village he had protected and believed in now treated him with such disdain felt like a thousand knives piercing his heart. These harsh words cut far deeper than any physical wound Aizen had inflicted.

Sakumo's heart ached profoundly.

He wasn't even sure how he made it home. Perhaps the only thing keeping him going was the desire to see his son one last time before he succumbed to the pain.

Meanwhile, the news of Sakumo's return quickly reached the Hokage's office. Sarutobi Hiruzen, upon hearing of Sakumo's arrival, looked up sharply.

"Sakumo has returned?" he asked, his tone a mixture of surprise and apprehension.

"Yes, Lord Hokage," replied an Anbu ninja, bowing respectfully.

Hiruzen stopped what he was doing, took a long puff from his pipe, and sighed heavily. After a moment's silence, he asked, "How does he seem?"

The Anbu hesitated, then replied truthfully, "He looks… broken. He has completely lost the vitality he once had."

Hiruzen nodded, pondering the situation. "Very well. Keep an eye on him, and report back to me with any updates."

The Anbu gave a respectful nod before disappearing.

As Hiruzen watched him leave, he fell into deep contemplation. The disbanding of the new faction within Konoha's political structure was indeed a relief for his Hokage lineage, removing a long-standing obstacle to his control. However, the sudden power vacuum left by the demise of the new faction had thrown the village into disarray.

In the weeks since the incident, rumors had run rampant. Although Hiruzen hadn't actively stirred up public sentiment, he was aware that the major ninja clans were fanning the flames. The clans had always viewed the new faction as a threat, and now, without their opposition, Konoha was more vulnerable to external manipulation.

Though Hiruzen had never been fond of the new faction, he had recognized that their presence kept the ambitions of the larger ninja clans in check. He had always aimed to gradually weaken the new faction over time, using subtle tactics to diminish their influence while strengthening his own. Slowly and strategically, he intended to tighten his grip on Konoha, reclaiming power bit by bit without provoking outright conflict.

Even though Third Hokage had allied with the major clans to check the influence of the new faction a year prior, he had carefully maintained the balance. Now, with the sudden collapse of the faction, the resulting power shift didn't come without complications for the Hokage's faction either.

It was evening.

At this time, the Ninja Academy had just closed for the day, and five-year-old Hatake Kakashi, who had started his schooling this year, was among the students. Kakashi would graduate this year if all went as expected, and his remarkable talent was already apparent. By six, he was on track to become a Chūnin, and in a few years, potentially a Jōnin—a true prodigy.

When Kakashi arrived home, he noticed the lights were on. His eyes lit up, and he hurried inside, knowing the rumors circulating about his father. Kakashi had been worried by his father's prolonged absence.

"Father!" Kakashi called softly, rushing into Sakumo's room. He saw his father's familiar figure, now sitting despondently, a shadow of his once proud self.

"Oh, Kakashi... you're home," Sakumo replied in a low, distant voice without turning around.

Kakashi felt a pang in his chest seeing his father so diminished. He wanted to say something, to console him, but found himself at a loss for words.

"Go practice on your own, eat, bathe, and rest as usual. I've made dinner, so help yourself. I... need some time alone," Sakumo murmured, his back still turned.

Respecting his father's wishes, Kakashi did as he was told. Little did Kakashi know, Sakumo would silently watch his every move from a distance whenever he left. Sakumo's gaze held a mixture of love, pride, worry, and regret.

In the days that followed, father and son barely spoke. Sakumo kept his distance, not wanting Kakashi to see him in such a broken state. He wanted Kakashi to remember him as the strong and honorable figure he once was.

A week passed in this manner. During this time, Sakumo quietly took care of the ashes of his fallen comrades, Zashi and Yoru, then locked himself away at home. Many people attempted to visit him, including the Hokage himself, Sarutobi Hiruzen, but Sakumo refused them all.

There were others, swayed by the harsh rumors and public opinion, who came to his home simply to berate him. Sakumo ignored them. His own former teammates—the ones he had risked everything to save—visited, not to express gratitude, but to question his decision to abandon the mission for their sake. This betrayal became the final straw, shattering Sakumo's spirit completely.

He had watched his closest comrades die before his eyes, unable to help. He'd suffered untold humiliation to protect his son's life. Now, the village he had defended his entire life rejected him, unable to understand his decision to save his teammates. Even those he had rescued criticized him.

Each of these painful betrayals had wounded him deeply, and his heart was finally numb.

The loneliness and cruelty of his reality only deepened with each passing day, and he could no longer bear the torment. Deciding to end his suffering, Sakumo waited for Kakashi to leave for school one final time. Once his son was safely out of sight, Sakumo trudged to his room.

There, lying on the tatami, was his White Fang short blade, the weapon that had been his constant companion throughout his life. Sitting down, he reached for it, slowly drawing the blade.

As the sunlight streamed in through the window, the blade's pure white gleam caught Sakumo's eye, illuminating his face with a final, haunting light.

At that moment, several figures appeared around him, landing beside him in silence.