The reward for Hatake Sakumo was straight out of the history books—the Hokage Half-Sleeve. This symbol of distinction conveyed the Daimyo's confidence in him, marking him as a worthy candidate for the next Hokage.
Considering the age of the Third Hokage and Hatake Sakumo, it wasn't far-fetched for the Daimyo to start grooming a successor. In other villages, such recognition might not raise eyebrows. But in Konoha, it was an entirely different story.
The Third Hokage despised any overt acknowledgment of Hokage candidates. Such recognition signified a potential threat.
Before the Daimyo's envoys, however, he couldn't let his dissatisfaction show. Instead, he masked his frustration, swallowing his anger.
But his composure shattered when Hatake Sakumo happily accepted the Daimyo's gesture, slipping on the Hokage Half-Sleeve in front of everyone.
My god, Sakumo, you really dared to wear it.
Among the onlookers, Tsunade facepalmed, glancing at the Third Hokage's darkening expression.
And yet, the situation only escalated.
If Hatake Sakumo's reward was provocative, Shinki's reward was outright incendiary—a complete Hokage robe.
The Third Hokage's temples throbbed as he saw the pristine white robe with red patterns. While it lacked the official title of Hokage, its implications were unmistakable.
When the envoys retired to rest, the Third Hokage retreated to his office with a scowl so deep it could cut through stone.
The Third Hokage's Office
"Tsunade," he began, trying to keep his voice steady, "what do you think the Daimyo's intention is? Is he expressing dissatisfaction with me, hinting that I should start preparing a successor?"
"I don't know," Tsunade replied bluntly, arms crossed.
She had her own grievances. Between the Daimyo's meddling and the Third Hokage's paranoia, the situation had become a mess.
"If you want to stew, stew over Sakumo-senpai. I have no idea what he was thinking. As for Shinki? That robe doesn't interest him nearly as much as a beautiful woman."
Tsunade's annoyance boiled over.
How had she not seen it before? Shinki was a magnet for women, leaving a trail of chaos wherever he went.
"One after another, they just flock to him…"
"Shinki likes women? Beautiful women?" The Third Hokage blinked, caught off guard.
A fellow traveler?
"Just like you!!" Tsunade snapped.
Her irritation spilled over as she continued, "Forget the ones back in Konoha; now he's picked up Pakura from the Sand Village! At first, I thought it was strange how he managed to bring her back. Now it's obvious."
"Ahem." The Third Hokage coughed awkwardly, trying to diffuse her anger. "Tsunade, men are like that sometimes. As long as they're capable, it's fine. Let him be."
He hastily changed the subject.
"As for the robe, it's a gift from the Daimyo. He has to wear it. Sakumo already wore the Half-Sleeve—if Shinki doesn't wear his robe, it'll seem disrespectful."
Tsunade sighed in exasperation. She knew he was right. The moment Sakumo donned his Half-Sleeve, Shinki lost any excuse not to wear his robe.
To refuse now would insult the Daimyo, painting him as arrogant or dismissive.
What would the Daimyo think?
I gave you a robe out of respect, but you won't wear it?
If Hatake Sakumo could accept his Half-Sleeve, why couldn't Shinki?
Though frustrated, Tsunade knew this was out of her hands. Shinki would have to deal with the consequences of wearing—or not wearing—the robe. As for Sakumo? Well, he'd have to face the fallout with the Third Hokage himself.
A Meeting of Old Guards
Not long after, Mitokado Hamura arrived at the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage sat silently in his chair, puffing on his pipe with such intensity that the room felt like a sauna.
After a few days of treatment, the wounds on Mitokado Hamura's face had healed significantly.
"What do you make of the Daimyo's intentions?" the Third Hokage asked, putting his pipe down.
"Who knows?" Hamura replied, his tone detached. "It could be an expression of satisfaction, a warning, or simply an attempt to win favor. Maybe all three."
The Daimyo had indeed achieved all three.
"What did Tsunade say?"
The Third Hokage sighed, his frustration bleeding through.
"Tsunade claimed Shinki doesn't care about the robe. She even accused him of being more interested in women than anything else. And to her credit, there are a lot of girls around him."
Mitokado Hamura chuckled lightly, shaking his head. "Compared to Shinki, Sakumo's actions are far more concerning."
The Third Hokage's brow furrowed deeply.
The Hokage Half-Sleeve wasn't just a garment; it was a statement. For Sakumo to wear it while the Third Hokage was still in office felt like a direct challenge.
Mitokado Hamura continued, "The conflict with Shinki is internal. He's part of the Hokage faction, after all. But Sakumo? He's an outsider. Why step into this mess?"
Indeed, Sakumo's decision to wear the Half-Sleeve opened the door for Shinki to wear the robe without issue.
After all, if Sakumo could wear his reward, how could Shinki be criticized for doing the same?
"I don't know if Sakumo is just naive or if he genuinely harbors ambitions for the Hokage position," Hamura said, his tone carrying a subtle warning.
The Third Hokage clenched his fists. The situation was spiraling out of control. In trying to suppress Shinki's reputation, they had inadvertently elevated Sakumo, only for him to act in a way that drew even more attention.
Now, with the Daimyo's recognition, Sakumo's reputation had skyrocketed, making him a viable Hokage candidate in the public eye.
What a disaster.
The Third Hokage sat back in his chair, massaging his temples. This wasn't how things were supposed to go.
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