Chapter 41 – The End
"Then tell me, Hokage-sama… why allow someone like that to remain in the village?" Yusuke asked coldly.
Hiruzen paused. His expression was heavy with doubt, unsure of how to respond.
Seeing Hiruzen hesitate, Danzo's face darkened. He wasn't confident what decision his old teammate might make.
"Impossible," Hiruzen finally said.
"Oh? And why is that? Leaking the details of a classified mission is treason against the village, is it not? Meanwhile, I was nearly labeled a traitor just for showing a little disrespect to certain elders. Isn't that right, Danzo-sama?" Yusuke emphasized the final words sharply.
Hiruzen exhaled deeply. "Yusuke, I understand. I will handle this accordingly. I promise you'll receive a proper explanation."
He had no intention of executing Danzo—no matter what. Despite everything, Danzo had served Konoha faithfully for years and was once a dear friend.
"Fine. I hope that explanation is worth something, Hokage-sama," Yusuke said calmly. He knew if he pressed any harder, things could escalate into total destruction. Not that he was afraid—but letting Danzo live would be more painful for the man in the long run. And besides, the damage was done. The trust in Konoha's leadership had already begun to crumble.
"Everyone else is dismissed. I will explain everything that needs to be said," Hiruzen announced grimly. He understood—no ninja ever wanted to suffer the fate of the White Fang again.
"You, come with me," the Hokage ordered.
They returned to his office.
"Tell me, Hokage-sama. What will you do now?" Yusuke asked, wasting no time with political pleasantries.
"Danzo will be removed from his position as a village advisor," Hiruzen said firmly.
"Sarutobi! What is the meaning of this?! This has nothing to do with me!" Danzo barked, his voice sharp and bitter.
"Enough, Danzo. Don't play dumb. Hokage-sama just acknowledged your involvement. Or are you accusing him of being the one who leaked the intel?" Yusuke snapped.
"In my opinion, ROOT should be disbanded too," Yusuke added, locking eyes with Hiruzen.
"What?! You insolent brat! That's going too far!" Danzo roared. ROOT was everything to him—his life's work. And Yusuke was trying to wipe it away?
"Oh? With that so-called 'ROOT' that couldn't even handle a single kick from me, you call yourselves the foundation of Konoha's defense? You couldn't even stop a 'child' like me—what good are you?" Yusuke's tone was ice-cold.
"Enough, Yusuke. Let this matter end here," Hiruzen said gently, trying to ease the tension.
"If that's your command, of course I'll honor it," Yusuke replied, calm but cutting.
"Then all of you may return to your duties," Hiruzen said, trying to draw the meeting to a close.
"Hokage-sama, my father is getting old. I believe it's time he retired. Please allow him to spend his remaining years in peace," Yusuke said.
Once again, Hiruzen hesitated. He didn't want to lose a powerhouse like the White Fang. Initially, he planned to keep Sakumo in an active position—but after this incident, his reputation had crumbled. Perhaps this was for the best. Sakumo could still serve as a reserve force without posing a threat to the Hokage seat.
"One more thing. This entire incident has stained my father's name. I want you, Hokage-sama, to officially clear his name and speak the truth. And I want the ninja responsible to come and apologize—personally," Yusuke continued, ignoring Hiruzen's hesitation.
"Yusuke… that request isn't easy. You know your father did fail the mission. I can't change that fact," Hiruzen said.
"That's easy. Just pin the failure on one of the shinobi who accompanied him. One official statement—and it's over," Yusuke said casually.
"Don't be ridiculous! As Hokage, I can't just fabricate the truth like that!" Hiruzen snapped.
"That's my line. If you want this to spiral into chaos, by all means—ignore me," Yusuke warned, his tone low and deadly.
"…I understand. I'll handle it," Hiruzen finally said in defeat.
"And one more thing. You'd better keep your subordinates in check, Hokage-sama. If not… someone might end up dead," Yusuke added coldly.
"Go home, Yusuke. I'll take care of everything," Hiruzen said softly. He looked as though he had aged years in that moment. Deep down, he cursed Danzo. Yusuke's threats weren't baseless—and Hiruzen knew… this time, he was in the wrong.
"See you." With that, Yusuke's body flickered into golden light and vanished from the Hokage's office.
"That was… Space-Time Ninjutsu? The Flying Thunder God Technique?" Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado blurted at once. They recognized the technique—it had once been used by Tobirama Senju.
"No. There was no spatial fluctuation," Hiruzen replied, shaking his head. He understood the fundamentals of space-time jutsu, even if he couldn't perform it.
"His speed… rivals Space-Time Ninjutsu," Hiruzen murmured.
"That's impossible!" Homura snapped. "How can someone move that fast without teleporting?!"
"Look at this," Hiruzen said, activating his crystal ball.
Inside, they saw Yusuke already back home.
The elders were stunned. The Hatake residence was far from the Hokage's office. Even a seasoned jōnin would take thirty minutes to get there. But Yusuke… had done it in a single second.
"Danzo, your thoughts?" Hiruzen asked.
"For long distances, his speed is on par with the Flying Thunder God Technique. At close range… he might even surpass it," Danzo answered honestly.
Silence followed. If Danzo said it, it had to be true—he wasn't one to exaggerate.
"In that case, Danzo, with speed like that… even you wouldn't be able to stop him. So don't do anything foolish," Hiruzen warned.
"I know. But someone like Yusuke… someone that can't be controlled… does he really belong in Konoha?" Danzo asked, his tone sharp.
"Just because he can't be controlled doesn't mean we should force him to become a rogue shinobi. If you cross the line again, I'll deal with you myself," Hiruzen replied, his eyes filled with unwavering resolve.
— — —
Meanwhile, back at the Hatake residence, Yusuke arrived to find Kakashi pacing nervously. His heart softened a little. After all, Kakashi was still just a kid.
"Kakashi, it's all over. You don't need to worry anymore," Yusuke said with a calming smile.
"Brother, can I ask you something… Was Father really right to do what he did?" Kakashi asked quietly.
"Of course he was. But let me ask you this, Kakashi—what is the Will of Fire?" Yusuke asked in return.
"The Will of Fire means protecting the village," Kakashi answered.
"That's right. But more simply—it means protecting the people we love. Family, friends. We're still human, Kakashi. Not just tools built to complete missions. That's what bonds are," Yusuke explained, placing a reassuring hand on his little brother's shoulder.
"I understand now, Brother," Kakashi said, his dark eyes glowing with renewed determination.
"Good. Come with me. I've got something for you," Yusuke said.
"Huh? What is it?" Kakashi asked, curious. He had no idea what kind of surprise was waiting.
"If you want to protect those you love, you'll need the strength to do it," Yusuke said with a grin. The kid was easy to motivate.
"Don't tell me… something like your sword, Enma?" Kakashi asked excitedly. He knew Enma was far stronger than their father's White Fang blade. (White Fang was only slightly better than a standard weapon—otherwise it wouldn't have broken so easily.)
"Dream on. With your current strength, you couldn't even lift it. But don't worry, I promise I'll give you a blade just as powerful," Yusuke replied.
"Really?!" Kakashi lit up.
"Of course. When I make a promise, I keep it," Yusuke said, ruffling his little brother's hair.
"Come on, let's go. This gift will help you grow," he added.
"Ooh, can I see it too?" Sakumo suddenly chimed in with a wide grin. He was curious what his eldest son had prepared.
— — —
The three of them arrived at a secluded training ground in the woods—one Kakashi often used.
"Why are we here?" Kakashi asked.
"Kakashi, do you know why the Three Legendary Sannin became so famous? It's not just because of their strength—there's another reason. Know what it is?" Yusuke asked.
"Because they have Summoning Beasts!" Kakashi answered quickly.
"Exactly. A strong Summoning Beast can greatly enhance your abilities. And your ninja hound? He's not exactly the combat type," Yusuke said.
"You're giving me a powerful Summoning Beast?" Kakashi asked in awe.
"That's right. And this one… isn't any weaker than the ones from the three sacred lands."
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