The Breath of Rock.
Back at the Police Force headquarters, Yashiro unrolled the scroll Jinzō had given him and started reading.
He already had one of Jinzō's earlier creations—a basic internal training method and four breathing postures. Jinzō had shoved it into his hands ages ago. Yashiro, being Yashiro, tossed it into storage and never touched it.
Back then, he didn't take Jinzō seriously. Even though he'd always looked out for him, Yashiro had still been influenced by the clan's whispers—"dead-last Jinzō, the useless brat."
That was also why Jinzō's techniques hadn't spread inside the Uchiha.
But after Jinzō proved himself… Yashiro dug the old scroll out and gave it another look.
And damn if he didn't have to admit—this kid's ideas were brilliant.
Breathing synchronized with hand seals? Turning rhythm and chakra into something that actually powered jutsu? Nobody else would've even thought of that.
And from the looks of it, this new ninjutsu wasn't weak at all.
"Yashiro, what's caught your eye?"
The voice came from the door. Uchiha Fugaku walked in.
"This," Yashiro said, holding up the scroll with a proud grin. "Ninjutsu Jinzō passed to me."
He looked like a father bragging about his kid. To him, every clan orphan was like family. And Jinzō—even if he could be an insufferable little punk sometimes—was still a good boy who remembered kindness.
Fugaku's expression darkened. "You'd better not get too close to Uchiha Jinzō."
The smile on Yashiro's face faded, replaced by one of those patient, calm looks he used when he was done putting up with someone's nonsense.
"Fugaku," he said evenly. "Jinzō is Uchiha, no matter what. If you can't even tolerate him, how the hell are you supposed to lead the entire clan?"
Fugaku had no answer. Yashiro was right. In truth, Yashiro was probably the only one in the clan who could bridge the gap between the Uchiha and the village.
He didn't add that the warning had come from Elder Huohe.
"…Sorry," Fugaku muttered.
"Being clan head isn't easy," Yashiro said gently, patting his shoulder.
"Yeah," Fugaku replied flatly.
"Alright, enough moping. White Fang's commendation ceremony is later. Try not to look like someone kicked your dog."
Yashiro smiled, but Fugaku didn't see the worry in his eyes.
Hokage's Tower – Below the Platform
The streets were packed. Practically all of Konoha had gathered for the ceremony. Only a handful of shinobi lingered on the side.
War drained the village's manpower. Every available ninja was at the front lines. The Uchiha Police Force was an exception—but the villagers didn't trust the Police Force, so they didn't count them.
Standing in the crowd, Jinzō listened to villagers murmur nervously.
"Why so few shinobi here?"
"Because they're all fighting."
"My son's out there. I haven't heard a word about him."
"My daughter too… If the front fails, will the enemy attack Konoha?"
Fear rippled through the crowd.
"Relax. We've got Lord White Fang! He beat an entire Sand ninja force single-handed!"
"Yeah, with White Fang here, we're safe."
Hope spread again. White Fang—Hatake Sakumo—was the villagers' symbol of victory.
"Hokage-sama's here too," someone pointed out. But that comment was immediately swallowed by louder shouts of "White Fang! White Fang!"
On the raised platform sat Sarutobi Hiruzen with his two advisors, Homura and Koharu. Their faces were sour. Only Hiruzen wore a faint, unreadable smile.
To the villagers, the strongest man wasn't Hokage—it was White Fang.
That was the reality of reputation. Hiruzen's greatest battles were in the past. To these people, it was like they'd never happened.
Jinzō smirked to himself. Hokage-sama might be the "God of Shinobi" in textbooks, but the villagers only cared about who'd saved them today.
The Commendation Ceremony
"White Fang! White Fang! White Fang!"
The cheers exploded as Hatake Sakumo appeared. He clearly hadn't expected this many people. Hiruzen had only told him there'd be a simple commendation.
Awkward, but he rolled with it. Sakumo strode to the platform and dropped to one knee.
"Hokage-sama."
The crowd hushed. The Uchiha guards didn't need to shout—just a stare from those cold Sharingan eyes made anyone behave.
Hiruzen rose, holding a half-sleeve armband. He bowed to Sakumo—an act that made even Jinzō raise an eyebrow. The Hokage bowing to someone?
"Hatake Sakumo," Hiruzen said gravely. "Thank you for the victory you've given this village."
"It was my duty," Sakumo replied.
"This is the proof of your contribution. Carry it with pride—and carry on the Will of Fire."
Hiruzen handed him the armband. Sakumo trembled as he took it, raising it above his head. "Thank you, Hokage-sama."
"From this day forth," Hiruzen declared, voice carrying over the crowd, "you are Konoha's White Fang!"
The village erupted.
"White Fang!""Konoha's White Fang!""Our White Fang!"
The roar was deafening.
Sakumo couldn't help but smile. For once, he wasn't just a weapon—he was a hero.
And as the villagers' cheers shook the air, Jinzō muttered under his breath, amused, So this is what approval looks like. Doesn't look half bad.
Then, Sakumo finally remembered the one thing he wanted to ask.
"Hokage-sama," he said.
"Speak, Sakumo," Hiruzen replied warmly.
"I'd like to request permission for Uchiha Jinzō to view the Scroll of Seals."
Hiruzen's smile froze.