"Hatake-san, if you don't want to say anything, we will be very embarrassed. This interview is also at the request of the daimyo's envoy. If you have any grievances or inside information, you can share it with the public through Ninja Weekly."
The president of the Konoha Newspaper tried to persuade him, but Hatake Sakumo still refused to speak. Rin Nohara, standing to the side, was growing anxious.
She had just overheard the newspaper president mention that Kakashi might be affected if the rumors continued to spread.
Hatake Sakumo appeared slightly moved but remained steadfast in his silence. No matter how many questions the president asked, Sakumo either shook his head or refused to respond.
While he may have been an idealistic man at heart, Sakumo was not naive when it came to politics. He could clearly see the stance that Konoha's higher-ups had taken against him.
The daimyo favored him as a potential Hokage, but Konoha's leadership wasn't interested in a Hokage aligned too closely with the Land of Fire's government. In their eyes, the Hokage's loyalty should lie solely with Konoha—not as a subordinate to the daimyo.
Sakumo understood the Third Hokage's position and the attitudes of Konoha's upper echelon. He had been aware of their mistrust ever since he was a Jōnin. But to use saving his comrades as a pretext to attack him?
If they had used any other reason, Hatake Sakumo might have accepted blame after reflecting on his actions. After all, he had failed to complete the mission, causing losses to both the Land of Fire and Konoha.
However, saving his comrades was a principle he held as sacred. It was not something he could allow to be politicized or twisted into an excuse for condemnation.
Hatake Sakumo's resolve remained firm. He refused the missions and withdrew from public life, but things only seemed to escalate. The leadership acted as if his silence was evidence of guilt and hinted at other conspiracies brewing.
'The principle of saving comrades cannot be tarnished by politics. If it is, the ninjas of this village will become nothing more than cold, heartless weapons.'
This thought solidified Sakumo's stance. As a result, he refused to answer any questions from the president of Ninja Weekly. To speak now might only deepen the suspicions of Konoha's leadership.
Rin wanted to understand the truth or offer encouragement, but she knew she had no standing in this matter. The fact that she and Obito were even allowed into the house was already a privilege, so she could only sit quietly and worry.
When Kakashi returned home from a mission, he learned about the visitors' intentions. After hearing what had transpired, he immediately asked the newspaper president, Rin Nohara, and Uchiha Obito to leave.
Kakashi had heard the rumors circulating in the village, but he trusted his father completely. If Sakumo didn't want to explain himself, Kakashi believed he had good reasons. The young ninja refused to let others push his father into a corner.
As they walked away from the Hatake home, Rin couldn't help but ask, "Mr. President, since Kakashi's father won't speak, what should we do next?"
"What should we do? Students, you should head home. I understand your desire to help your friend, but as you just saw, Hatake-san's son doesn't seem to need your concern."
The president of the Konoha Newspaper's words made Nohara Rin and Uchiha Obito blush slightly. Kakashi's attitude toward them earlier had been distant, far removed from the close friendship they claimed to share.
Rin Nohara clasped her hands behind her back and fidgeted with her fingers. "I want to help Kakashi," she said softly.
Uchiha Obito, on the other hand, said angrily, "That guy doesn't even bother being polite when his classmates come over. I don't care about him!"
Their contrasting reactions helped the newspaper president understand the dynamic between the three. Smiling, he said, "It's getting late. You should head back. While your concern is admirable, I must report to my superior next. I won't be traveling with you further."
Minister?
Rin Nohara perked up at his words, her curiosity piqued. Could this superior, a high-ranking official in the Land of Fire, possibly help Kakashi?
As a diligent student in the ninja school's theory classes, Rin understood the significance of the title minister. In the Land of Fire, only the daimyo and a handful of ministers held such positions of power.
However, Rin also realized that with her current status, it was impossible to speak directly to such a figure. Otherwise, she might as well approach Hokage-sama himself.
After the newspaper president left, Uchiha Obito turned to Rin and said with a grin, "Rin, it's so late. Shall I walk you home?"
"No need, Obito," she replied, shaking her head. "I'll go back on my own. It's getting late—you should rest too."
Waving to Obito, Rin left.
After watching her walk away, Obito smiled to himself. "Rin is so kind," he murmured. Fueled by determination, he resolved to train hard that night and surpass Kakashi as soon as possible.
Rin, however, didn't head home right away. After parting ways with Obito, she quietly followed the president of the Konoha Newspaper. She watched him enter a house located behind Kain's dessert shop before nodding to herself and leaving.
'So, this is where that gentleman lives,' Rin thought. It wasn't appropriate to approach him directly just yet, but perhaps Kakashi would have an idea. The thought of knowing where to seek help but being unable to act immediately left her feeling restless.
Instead of going home, Rin decided to visit Yakushi Nono.
…
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