Chizhong Wu, his face flushed with excitement, said to Sarutobi Hiruzen, "Lord Hokage, the two of us were completely passive in this matter. Abandoning the mission was solely Hatake Sakumo's decision and has nothing to do with us."
Another ninja chimed in, "That's right. We would rather sacrifice ourselves than let the mission fail. This was all due to Hatake Sakumo acting on his own accord. Both myself and Chizhong-jōnin opposed it!"
Hatake Sakumo's eyes widened in disbelief as he looked at the two teammates he had risked his life to save. "Chizhong, you..." he began, pain lacing his voice.
Chizhong Wu immediately interrupted, "You don't need to say anything, Sakumo. I'm grateful you saved my life, but the rules of the ninja cannot be broken. Abandoning a mission is a rule that, as ninjas, we can never violate!"
Hatake Sakumo was deeply wounded by Chizhong Wu's words. He was lost, wondering if he had truly made a mistake. Was completing the mission truly the paramount objective for a ninja, even at the cost of abandoning a comrade?
Had he erred?
Hatake Sakumo, who had once been so certain of himself, felt regret for the first time. Perhaps... perhaps saving them had been the wrong choice...
Hatake Sakumo's spirit plummeted. He could face any punishment the Hokage deemed fit, for the mistake was his, and he was prepared to bear it.
But Hatake Sakumo couldn't understand why the very teammates he had risked everything to rescue would oppose his decision, and even rush to distance themselves from him before facing punishment. Why?!
Seeing Hatake Sakumo’s sudden dejection, Sarutobi Hiruzen was about to speak when Danzo interrupted, "Hiruzen, I believe Chizhong Wu and the others have a point. Abandoning the mission wasn't their choice, so their punishment can be light. Also, don't waste any more time; the front lines are in critical condition, we can't afford delays!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the Hokage robe he wore and sighed. He spoke sternly, "Hatake Sakumo's abandonment of the mission caused severe losses to the village. However, considering his intent was to save lives and his many outstanding contributions on the battlefield, the Konoha higher-ups have unanimously decided..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen paused, looking at the crestfallen Hatake Sakumo. "Hatake Sakumo is stripped of his candidacy for Hokage. His previous merits and achievements are nullified. He is to return to the battlefield within half a month to redeem himself through service! As for you two, Chizhong Wu, depart immediately for the Land of Lightning battlefield to redeem yourselves!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen had intended to say they would depart in three days, but for some reason, the actions of Chizhong Wu and his companion disgusted him. Yet, as Hokage, he couldn't voice this disgust openly. Thus, he inflicted a minor punishment.
Danzo had received the answer he desired. The fate of the other two insignificant individuals concerned him not.
Mito Gate Homura and Utatane Koharu, knowing the verdict from the start, remained silent with their eyes closed.
Only Nara Shikaku, among those present, frowned, looking displeasedly at Chizhong Wu and his companion. But he was powerless; his status did not allow him to interfere with the high-level decisions. He could at most offer advice.
However... Sakumo's current state was truly worrying!
Hatake Sakumo was utterly dejected, seemingly oblivious to Konoha's punishment. He had never held much ambition for the position of Hokage, nor did he believe he was suited for it. As for redeeming himself through service, that was simply his duty.
What filled him with despair was that no one present seemed to understand his perspective, and even the teammates he had saved ostracized him.
Hatake Sakumo had no recollection of how he left the Hokage Building, walking numbly through the streets of Konoha.
"Look! Isn't that our Konoha's 'White Fang'? What's wrong with him?"
"Shush! Haven't you heard? He privately abandoned a mission, causing severe losses to the village. I heard many ninjas died on the front lines because of it!" a spotted middle-aged woman whispered conspiratorially in the crowd, relaying gossip she had heard from some unknown source.
"Huh? Really? But he's the Konoha White Fang! How could he not understand the importance of a mission?"
A lean young man walked by. "Konoha White Fang? As a ninja, he can even abandon missions! I don't think such a person is even worthy of being a ninja anymore!"
"Yeah, yeah. If someone like that can still be a ninja, then our village will descend into chaos!"
"Hatake Sakumo! You are not fit to be a ninja anymore! You shame Konoha!"
...
Every word from the surrounding villagers struck Hatake Sakumo. His once numb heart grew even colder.
Upon returning home, Hatake Sakumo tore at his hair. The usually resolute and straightforward man let out a silent cry of pain, drop by drop...
On the Hokage Rock, a signature landmark of Konoha Village.
Two figures landed successively on the flat ground above the Hokage Rock. The red-haired youth in the lead let out a breath. "Finally, we're back. Too many mosquitoes in the forest. It seems our preparations weren't sufficient. Next time, I'll need to bring some mosquito repellent."
Kakashi cast a sideways glance at Lin Yu, unwilling to engage. "A house built with Wood Style would have mosquitoes flying in? They would probably be devoured and converted into nutrients, right?"
Kakashi waved at Lin Yu. "I'm heading home. And I won't give up on the idea of graduating early, Teacher. You don't need to try to persuade me!"
With that, Kakashi leaped away from the Hokage Rock in a few bounds.
Lin Yu rubbed his forehead, feeling a bit helpless. It seemed his actions had only strengthened Kakashi's resolve to graduate early.
Alas, that was the way of their profession. It was all about "gradual progress"!
No need to rush, no need to rush. I should quickly take these weaklings to Sarutobi Hiruzen. I can also bring some Ichiraku Ramen back for Kushina. That would be nice!
Lin Yu, dragging a string of "candied hawthorns," leaped from the Hokage Rock. All along the way, the sound of "bang bang bang" could be heard, as if the ground was uncontrollably embracing his skull.
Cloud Ninja group: Please, red-haired individual, pay attention to your route! Our skulls are about to split open!
Lin Yu, of course, had no intention of accommodating the enemy ninja. He continued dragging them through the streets of Konoha.
Pedestrians on the street were gathered in small groups, pointing and murmuring. However, it seemed not all of their discussions were about him.
Lin Yu's ears twitched. He seemed to have heard some bad news, and his expression immediately turned grim.
Hatake Sakumo violated ninja regulations by abandoning a mission? How could so much happen in just one day that I'm away from the village? And why is the news spreading so quickly? Are random people discussing this?
Lin Yu changed direction, pulling the rope in his hand. Just in case, he couldn't go to the Hokage Building first. He needed to check on Hatake Sakumo's condition and inform Might Duy.
Hopefully, he'll make it in time. What if Sakumo is gone right after Kakashi gets home? Wouldn't that force me, Lin Yu, to perform a "Reanimation Justsu of the Heavenly Life" in the heat of the moment?