Immortality begins with the ninjas of Konoha.

In mid-December of Konoha Year 44, the team members rescued by Sakumo Hatake had an emotional breakdown in a tavern, venting their frustrations with accusations:

"I have never been afraid of death, and I am prepared to sacrifice myself!"

"If the team leader hadn't insisted on staying, this situation wouldn't have happened. I haven't harmed the village's interests."

If only one person had said these words, the impact wouldn't have spread. Unfortunately, the other two members of the team also pointed the finger at Sakumo Hatake:

"If sacrificing myself can save the lives of many more, I will resolutely face death!"

"I had already made my choice at that time. As a Chunin, sacrificing myself for the village was the best outcome for me."

"..."

The idea that sacrificing three lives would allow Sakumo Hatake to save more lives suddenly emerged.

Because the Third Hokage had already issued a gag order, the Anbu and the Uchiha Guard intensified their search, which ironically brought the matter to the attention of even more ninjas.

With the mission details unclear, more and more ninjas began to question Konoha's White Fang.

The students of the Ninja Academy were naturally unaware of the undercurrents in the village, and the genin only heard some vague rumors.

The Third Hokage, who wielded absolute power, continued to tighten the media blackout, but it seemed as if there was a mole within the Anbu, and the rumors persisted.

This caused the ninjas who supported Sakumo Hatake to start attacking the three members of the team, and even some Jonin joined in, saying that slandering Konoha's White Fang was going against everyone!

After all, no one wants their teammates to prioritize the mission above all else, and even less does anyone want this trend of "passing the buck" to spread in the village.

...

This is the second time this month that the Jonin team has been convened for a meeting. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sits at the top, with advisors Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado on his left and right sides, respectively.

The Jonin, who are usually very disciplined, have clearly split into two camps this time. When the topic of Sakumo Hatake is brought up again, people from both sides have voiced their criticisms.

"Why blame Sakumo? The intelligence was flawed, yet no one has investigated? What has the intelligence unit been doing?"

"The failure of an S-rank critical mission decision means even Konoha's White Fang deserves punishment; no one can escape responsibility!"

"..."

As people continued to speak, Hiruzen Sarutobi, whose face remained expressionless, sensed that someone was deliberately leading him. After listening for a while, he suddenly said in a deep voice:

"Quiet!"

Everyone immediately bowed their heads to show their respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi. Danzo Shimura, who was hiding behind the three, narrowed his eyes at the sight.

This is Naruto!

"The village's funding for next year will not be affected in any way."

"Remember, we are Konoha ninjas. At this time of escalating local conflict, it is even more important to prepare for a possible war."

"The relevant intelligence personnel have been suspended and punished. Jiraiya will take over their duties, and Sunagakure and Iwagakure will soon pay the price for their actions!"

"yes!"

All the Jonin in the room bowed their heads and responded loudly again, and many civilian ninjas showed joy on their faces, clearly indicating that the Hokage supported Hatake Sakumo.

Konoha's White Fang continued to enforce the symbolic punishment, which was the treatment due to the strong. However, some "hardliners" were dissatisfied, and the Hokage was somewhat weak on this matter.

Only after the meeting ended did Danzo appear before the three with a blank expression. The Root leader did not mention the mission again, but simply said seriously:

"We need to monitor the movements of the Jinchūriki in Sunagakure and Iwagakure. If war breaks out, we must consider using Jinchūriki in the battle!"

"We cannot relax our surveillance of Kumogakure and Kirigakure; we need to send more people."

"Hiruzen, the village is still too conservative in its use of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. We must have complete control over the weapons, and we must always be vigilant against the Uchiha clan."

When the Nine-Tails and the Uchiha clan were mentioned, Hiruzen Sarutobi fell silent. The two advisors, however, strongly agreed, with Homura Mitokado adding forcefully:

"Complaints about the guards are increasing in the village. Hiruzen, we all know what kind of impact these pent-up emotions will have on the Uchiha clan."

"Yan is right. Our teacher formed the guard unit to keep the Uchiha clan away from the center of power. We can't let our guard down!"

He added some tobacco to his pipe. Upon hearing Koharu Utatane's addition, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't immediately respond. After exhaling a cloud of smoke, he tapped the ashtray and solemnly said:

"The Uchiha are also members of the village, and I trust them completely."

"Jiraiya will be in charge of intelligence work; he will handle everything. As for the use of Jinchuriki, I will follow Lord Mito's instructions."

"Hiruzen!"

"I, as the Hokage, will take responsibility for any problems that arise. Root must cooperate with Jiraiya's work for the foreseeable future."

The words of an "old friend" silenced Danzo once more. His long-cherished wish was to fully weaponize the Jinchuriki to increase the village's strength; unable to achieve this goal, he could only silently rise.

"I hope you won't regret the decision you made today in the future."

"Bang..."

The door closed, and Hiruzen Sarutobi continued to exhale smoke. The key to controlling the power of a Jinchuriki was the sealing technique, and he would not allow Danzo to get his hands on it.

-

As the New Year approaches, the turmoil in the village continues, and the mission controversy seems to have morphed into a debate about the Hokage.

The "Days-Up Faction" commoner Jonin hopes that Sakumo Hatake will become Hokage in the future, so that ordinary ninjas can receive more resources.

The "hardline" Jonin continued their attacks, secretly complaining about some of the Third Hokage's decisions, with some even yearning for war to elect the next Hokage.

Under these circumstances, even the Chunin who had been eager to join the discussion began to participate. Indeed, no one was talking about the mission anymore; everyone had changed their focus.

Ninjas also engage in "online politics," and compared to ordinary people, their reactions to differing viewpoints are far more explosive, sometimes even escalating into a fierce and agonizing struggle...

In Training Ground 36, Might Guy tugged at his green bodysuit. Even with his naturally oblivious nature, he sensed something was off.

"What are all those adults arguing about? And Kakashi, why are you fighting every day?"

Healing minor injuries with the Palm Healing Technique is effortless. Looking at the silent Kakashi beside him, Furukawa Osamu earnestly instructed him:

"Don't mind those three guys, they're just trying to avoid taking responsibility."

"You can't change an adult's opinion; in the end, you'll gain nothing from arguing."

Might Guy paced anxiously, scratching his head. As a genin, he didn't have many sources of information, but seeing Kakashi's change, he still offered encouragement:

"Kakashi, trust the Hokage. The village will handle everything."

The mask concealed most of his emotions. Ever since the three of them criticized Hatake Sakumo, Kakashi had noticed that his father's mood had become somewhat depressed.

Unable to tolerate his hero being questioned, Kakashi couldn't argue with some people and ultimately had to resort to violence.

Having completely vented his frustration, and hearing the two's encouragement, Kakashi let out a long breath and nodded sullenly:

"I understand, Xiu, Kai, thank you."

"..."