After navigating the streets of Konoha for a while, Hikari, flanked by his entourage of bodyguards, reached his destination.
The journey through the village, under the curious and sometimes astonished gazes of the citizens, culminated in front of the Hatake clan's residence.
This compound, less populous than in its heydays and now housing Sakumo along with just a few dozen other clansmen, presented a quiet but dignified front.
The Hatake clan's residence was marked by its understated elegance. The main house, constructed in a traditional style, featured gracefully sloping roofs and wooden beams, exemplifying classic shinobi architecture.
Surrounding the structure was a modestly sized, meticulously kept garden with various plants that added tranquility to the compound.
A sturdy gate stood at the entrance, signifying both welcome and warning. It led to a stone path that meandered through the garden, guiding visitors towards the main building.
Here and there, practice dummies and weapon racks hinted at the martial prowess of the clan's members, even in reduced numbers.
Hikari approached the main building after signaling his entourage to remain standing back, his presence commanding yet respectful.
An old man, who appeared to be a caretaker or perhaps a retired clan member, was sitting serenely in front of it.
Pausing before the elder, Hikari addressed him with a formal tone, "I'm here to see Sakumo-sama, is he available?",
His voice carried a blend of respect and purpose, signaling the importance of his visit.
Recognizing Hikari from his previous visits, the old man stood up with a similarly respectful nod, "Wait here, I will go and check with the clan head himself...", He informed Hikari, adding a note of concern,
"He has not been feeling quite well recently, so please understand..." With that, the man departed, leaving the understanding Hikari alone as he made his way to consult with the clan head.
After a short while, the old man returned, his expression neutral but carrying an implicit invitation.
"You may go ahead..." he told Hikari, indicating that Sakumo was willing to receive him despite his recent withdrawal from the world and his mental state in general due to the recent rumors surrounding him.
The old man's demeanor suggested a mix of reverence for Sakumo's status within the clan and concern for his well-being.
Hikari made his way through the quiet hallway of the Hatake residence, each step bringing him closer to the darkened room where Sakumo resided.
As he reached the sliding door that separated him from the clan head, he noticed it was slightly ajar. It opened onto a courtyard, allowing a stream of sunlight to spill into the otherwise dim space.
Sakumo, seated in a position that allowed him to gaze out into the courtyard, turned his attention towards the door as Hikari appeared.
He managed a smile, a warm greeting that contrasted with the solemn atmosphere surrounding him. "Hikari-kun..." he acknowledged with a nod, his voice not appearing that strange.
Hikari thought to himself, 'He's masking it quite well... No wonder no one in the original story, neither Kakashi nor the other clansmen, managed to figure out what was going through his head right now and what he wanted to do to himself...'
"Sakumo-san...", Hikari started, "I've kept hearing about some troubling rumors lately more and more, and it made me want to come and talk to you directly, to hear your side of things and see how you're really doing.',
"I hope I'm not bothering you by coming here like this...", He said, making sure his words were sincere and respectful.
"Rumors...", Sakumo smiled slightly, "I've learned to accept that they come with the territory of being who I am in this village. But I assure you, I'm managing as well as one can in situations like these."
His demeanor, the calmness in his voice, and the poise with which he carried himself all contributed to an impression of wellness.
Meanwhile, Hikari quickly processed the information, connecting the dots in his mind,
'Having really no friends to begin with, due to jealousy and suppression from the Hokage's faction, and being introverted by nature, on top of masking his real mind this well, it's truly expected for no one to understand him...', Hikari reflected.
Soon after, Hikari and Sakumo found themselves sitting outside in the courtyard, enjoying some tea together.
After a bit more casual conversation, the atmosphere shifted as Hikari's expression grew more serious. Setting down his teacup, he looked directly at Sakumo with a gravity that matched his words.
"Sakumo-san, I hope you don't mind me being forthright with you. It's clear to me, and likely to you as well, that the rumors circulating about you haven't just sprung up on their own.",
"They seem too pointed, too widespread to be mere village gossip. I'm younger, I know, and I hope that doesn't lessen the weight of my words, but I have some thoughts on the matter that I'd like to share with you if you're willing to hear me out...",
Hikari said, his tone respectful yet underscored with a sincere desire to discuss the issue at hand openly.
Sakumo was a bit surprised to hear what Hikari wanted to say, but he kept his usual calm and serious look while saying, "Please do continue, Hikari-kun, no need to be so reserved. I value your opinion quite well...",
He knew Hikari as a friendly and talented youngster, the child of two shinobi colleagues he once knew well.
These were people who had served with him and sadly didn't make it through the Second Shinobi World War, something that weighed heavily on Sakumo since he was their leader at the time.
He had always seen Hikari, who started visiting him a few years back, as a nice, polite young man, quite ambitious and different from his parents in many ways.
Sakumo thought about how Hikari seemed to value his own survival more, a trait that might have saved him from his parents' tragic fate.
He realized that the negative rumors about himself might be because people saw him as too gentle or easygoing, someone who wouldn't push back against criticism or tough situations.
"Let me speak plainly and with total honesty then...", Hikari began, his voice steady and sincere, "I find it hard to believe that anyone could stay completely unaffected in the face of such onslaugh. I just believe that you're exceptionally skilled at concealing your true feelings.",
"And despite the perceptions others may have of you, I also believe that even the strongest and kindest among us reach a point where they can no longer just stand by and not retaliate against those who have launched such targeted, malicious psychological attacks against them...",
"And I believe that, after giving it some thought, I've come up with an idea on how you can retaliate against them without compromising your principles or your loyalty to the village...", Hikari continued, his tone suggesting a blend of strategic thinking and 'genuine' concern for Sakumo's predicament.
"Hikari-kun... I appreciate your concerns, but I'm really fine. I've gotten used to it...", Sakumo sighed, a note of resignation in his voice as he responded to Hikari's earnest proposal.
"No, Sakumo-san, I don't believe you're as fine as you say. Nor do I think you've resigned yourself to the current state of affairs. You've scarcely left this residence in the last month, if at all. It's clear to me that you're struggling, perhaps even feeling depressed.",
"Suppressing your true feelings and thoughts will only make things harder for you in the long run. So, please hear my proposal. Then you can judge for yourself whether it holds any merit or not...", Hikari pressed on, his tone mixing concern with a gentle insistence.
"In fact, have you started having some extreme thoughts, perhaps?", Hikari ventured further, his voice laced with a cautious concern.
At Hikari's probing question, Sakumo was genuinely taken aback. His usual composed demeanor momentarily slipped as his eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Hikari's accurate guess had struck a chord, revealing a hidden layer of turmoil within him.
Indeed, the relentless pressure, the whispers of condemnation, and the isolation had begun to erode Sakumo's resilience, leading him to entertain thoughts that were once unthinkable.
'Could it truly be, as Hikari-kun said, do I have depression? Did my mental state really get that affected already...', Sakumo found himself pondering, the question echoing in his mind.
For so long, he had been a bastion of strength and resolve, a figure others looked up to. The notion that he, Sakumo Hatake, could be suffering from depression and that his unyielding spirit could be faltering under the weight of his circumstances was both startling and illuminating.
Seeing Sakumo's moment of vulnerability, Hikari didn't pause. He chose to press on with his point, aiming to guide Sakumo's perspective even more.
"Sakumo-san, the fault doesn't lie with you. It's unjust to blame yourself to such an extent, to let those thoughts consume you. The real fault lies with those who stirred the public against you, who may have even manipulated those you chose to save into speaking out against you a few days ago.", Hikari spoke with conviction.
"It's crucial to distinguish between the roles people play and who they truly are beneath those titles. Respect for their positions doesn't require acceptance of their actions, especially when those actions are driven by malice. Being in a position of power doesn't grant anyone infallibility or moral superiority.",
"Even the title of Hokage is not preordained or reserved for a select few by divine right. It's a position that signifies leadership and responsibility, one that can be attained by anyone dedicated to the well-being of the village, including you...", Hikari continued, his words deliberate and empowering.
"Those who misuse their authority, who leverage it for personal power grabs, they're the ones at fault. Their positions don't shield them from accountability, nor do they grant them the right to manipulate and harm others without consequence. Remember, power in the village is about service and protection, not coercion or suppression...", Hikari concluded.
Hikari's decision to visit Sakumo today was the result of careful consideration, pinpointing this moment as the most critical juncture for intervention.
He sensed that Sakumo was on the cusp of piecing together the origins of his plight, recognizing the forces at play behind the scenes.
However, this period of realization also posed a significant risk; if Hikari delayed his visit any longer, Sakumo might have spiraled further into despair or, in the worst case, completely ended his own life like in the original story.
The situation had become increasingly dire, especially as those Sakumo had once saved began to turn against him, likely influenced by the manipulations of the Hokage's faction.
This betrayal by his former teammates added another huge layer to Sakumo's already existing predicament, and Hikari, aware of the delicate timing and not knowing the precise dates from the original story's timeline of this period regarding the actual suicide realization of Sakumo, felt the urgency to act right away.
He understood that waiting was no longer an option; the stakes were too high, and the window for effectively contacting Sakumo and redirecting his path was rapidly closing.
Additionally, Hikari felt that he could help change Sakumo's mind about his original decision successfully because he knew that Sakumo's choice to end his life was also filled with doubts from the start.
He knew that his decision was made amidst huge uncertainty and was likely a choice that teetered on the edge of indecision.
That was because, from the original story, Hikari knew that Sakumo's soul ended up in Purgatory after his suicide, and that realm was reserved for souls burdened with extreme regrets and unresolved attachments to the living world.
This knowledge gave Hikari a crucial insight: Sakumo's choice was not made with a sense of sharp resolution but rather as a last resort by someone who still harbored deep connections and unfulfilled aspirations.
It suggested that Sakumo's spirit was not at peace, plagued by thoughts of what could have been and the impact of his actions on those he left behind, particularly his son, Kakashi.
Understanding this, Hikari believed that if he could provide Sakumo with a semblance of hope and a sense of purpose and a different perspective in general, it might be enough to tip the scales.
By reaching out at this pivotal moment, Hikari aimed to inject clarity and support into Sakumo's troubled thoughts, offering him a lifeline out of the despair that threatened to consume him.
Just like in the original story, if someone had truly seen the depth of Sakumo's inner pain, they might have been able to pull him back from the brink. Unfortunately, back then, no one did. However, Hikari noticed it now.
Capturing Sakumo's attention, Hikari pressed on, "The village belongs to you just as much as it does to anyone in the Hokage's circle. And you didn't harm the village's interests in any real sense. Think about it—had someone close to the Hokage done the same, would there be such an uproar?",
"You're being targeted because you're seen as a formidable variable, a potential Hokage who operates beyond their direct influence. Their actions are driven by a desire for power, not the village's well-being."
"Why succumb to their narrative? Challenge them, not as representatives of the village, but as individuals driven by their own selfish motives, and indirectly improve the entire village in this way as well.",
"So, I'm putting forward a formal proposal: consider running for the position of Jonin Commander of the village, and our Hyuga clan will support you. It's time to stop being on the defensive, constantly repelled by their maneuvers. Use that role not just to counter their influence but to foster positive change within Konoha, too.", Hikari concluded with conviction.
Sakumo, visibly taken by Hikari's passionate speech, showed a spark of interest that hadn't been there before. The young man's words had struck a chord, offering a new perspective on Sakumo's dire situation.
Yet, despite the sense of agreement that seemed to resonate within him, Sakumo expressed his reservations thoughtfully.
"You've got some really good points, Hikari-kun, and you're truly wise beyond your years...", Sakumo said, showing a mix of surprise and fundamental agreement for Hikari's philosophy.
"I haven't thought about it all like that fully before, and you make a lot of sense. But, to be honest, the idea of running for Jonin Commander seems pretty far-fetched to me. With all these rumors floating around and how people see me now, it feels like I don't stand much of a chance, even if your clan supports me. I'm sorry, but I think the odds are against me..."
"Well, it's not just my clan that will back you. If you're on board, and if the second part of my plan unfolds as I've envisioned, we're aiming to position you as the informal leader of a new faction within the village.",
"Think of it as a 'small clans' faction,' which would include clans like your own Hatake clan. I'm sure you're well aware of the pressures small clans in Konoha are facing, given the challenges your clan has encountered...", Hikari explained, laying out a broader strategy.
After hearing this, Sakumo's surprise at Hikari's further explanation grew once again, and as he mulled over his words some more, his admiration for Hikari's strategic mind grew even more. Then, the more Sakumo considered the logic and potential impact of assembling an informal "small clans' faction," the more he recognized the true brilliance of Hikari's vision.
Being the leader of the Hatake clan himself, Sakumo was intimately familiar with the challenges and pressures small clans faced under the governance of Konoha's leaders.
His clan, once numerous and influential, had dwindled significantly in size and strength since its inception into the village many times over.
Sakumo had witnessed firsthand how the policies and practices of the Hokage's faction had diluted his clan's power.
The systematic poaching of members, the indoctrination of young shinobi in the Academy, and the encouragement of marriages outside the clan to civilians were some of the strategies that were implanted by all Hokages.
This realization crystallized for Sakumo only in light of his recent experiences, leading him to completely reassess his once positive perception of the village's leadership.
As Sakumo reflected on Hikari's plan, he began to see the potential for genuine change. This wasn't just about restoring his own reputation or securing a position of influence; it was about helping the small clans to foster a more equitable and inclusive village governance.
Hikari's satisfaction grew as he observed Sakumo's 'amazed' reaction, his strategy slowly unfolding as planned. He had also carefully considered Sakumo's probabilistic commitment to his clan and his inherently selfless character in crafting his approach.
By appealing to Sakumo's desire to protect his clan and improve the village's political landscape for everyone else, Hikari aimed to motivate him not only from a place of personal gain but for the 'greater good' as well.
He was even preparing to discuss Kakashi and his future but now realized that there would be no reason for that, as Sakumo already practically agreed. He was just doubting the feasibility of their plan.
Hikari understood that in the original timeline, the Hatake clan effectively vanished, leaving Kakashi, who never questioned anything and blindly served the Hokage's faction his entire life, despite their actions, as its sole representative.
From Hikari's perspective, the upcoming Third Shinobi World War might have been the period during which the Hatake clan was systematically dismantled. This would have been done quietly, removing a clan capable of producing shinobi with Sakumo's level of power, thereby eliminating what the Hokage's faction perceived as a significant future risk to their control.