Konohagakure
Hatake Sakumo
"Please leave. My father is not seeing visitors."
Hatake Kakashi stood at the entrance, firmly relaying the instructions his father, Sakumo, had given.
"I am Uchiha Naraku, captain of the Konoha Military Police Force. I have an urgent case that requires the assistance of Hatake Sakumo. Please inform him."
Kakashi was slightly taken aback by the visitor's identity. As a shinobi, he couldn't refuse a formal request from the Military Police Force so easily. Reluctantly, he stepped back into the house.
However, before Kakashi could even speak, the captain had silently followed him inside.
Kakashi's eyes widened in surprise at the intruder's audacity, his expression turning stern.
"This man... he's strong."
Despite Kakashi's annoyance, he couldn't deny the man's abilities—his stealth was proof of a seasoned shinobi.
"Hatake Sakumo-san, I am Uchiha Naraku, captain of the Konoha Military Police Force. Forgive my abrupt visit, but our unit urgently requires your expertise."
Kakashi frowned, but noticing the respectful tone in Naraku's words—unlike the harsh criticism others had thrown at his father—his irritation subsided somewhat.
Inside, Hatake Sakumo sat kneeling on the tatami, his face pale, eyes dim. He looked up faintly at the sound of Naraku's voice.
Although surprised, he remained composed and murmured to Kakashi:
"Kakashi, please leave us."
"...Yes, Father."
Sakumo's voice was hoarse and lacked its usual steady strength—evidence of his inner turmoil.
"Hatake-san, numerous enemy agents infiltrated Konoha and deliberately spread slanderous rumors about you. They have been captured by the Police Force and executed. I hope their lies did not affect you too severely."
Sakumo's expression subtly changed. His eyes stirred at the mention of spies and rumors.
"Spies… rumors?"
"Yes. Intelligence gathered by the Police Force has revealed that both Sunagakure and Kumogakure deployed covert operatives to destabilize Konoha from within. The smear campaign against you was part of this effort. Those responsible have been dealt with."
"I apologize for the harm this has caused you."
Naraku knelt formally and bowed in apology.
Sakumo, veteran of countless missions and defender of Konoha for nearly two decades, struggled to process this. Could it really have been foreign enemies all along?
"Thank you for your concern."
He bowed in return—though his body remained frail, the gesture held dignity.
Still, doubts lingered in Sakumo's sharp mind.
If it was enemy agents... why was I vilified for saving my comrades? Why didn't the village protect my name?
He remained silent, but Naraku could see the questions forming.
Naraku knew the truth—those "spies" were fabricated. The executions? Fictitious. But if Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzō's silent manipulation weren't treason, they were no better than enemy plots.
"There are still many hidden threats in Konoha. This incident has heightened our awareness. If these infiltrators aren't stopped, more shinobi will fall victim to their tactics."
"That is why we wish to recruit you, Sakumo-san, into the Criminal Investigations Division of the Konoha Military Police Force, specializing in counter-espionage."
Hatake Sakumo was no fool. He immediately recognized the implications—especially the fact that the Third Hokage had not publicly cleared his name.
Third Hokage... I never once sought to challenge your authority. Why did you let this happen?
Despite the deep betrayal he felt, Sakumo still had one reason to endure—his son, Kakashi.
Sakumo looked up at Naraku with tired but focused eyes.
"The Criminal Investigations Division?"
"Yes. As the famed White Fang of Konoha, your expertise is invaluable. I am appointing you as Special Advisor to the Captain, and Deputy Chief of the Criminal Investigations Division. Your primary focus will be on internal threats and espionage."
"You were wrongfully targeted, Sakumo-san. I believe you'll ensure no one else suffers the same fate. Konoha needs your strength—not just on the battlefield, but within our walls."
Naraku's tone was firm yet respectful. He knew reconciliation between the Third Hokage and Sakumo was now impossible. The White Fang had carried out countless S-rank missions—missions so feared that other villages would rather abandon objectives than face him.
His reputation had once been a pillar of Konoha's strength. Nobles, daimyō, and high-ranking clients had demanded his presence.
Yet now…
"Hmph, White Fang? I'm just a broken fang now. A disgrace who violated orders. What good can I do?"
Sakumo laughed bitterly.
"Hatake-san," Naraku said quietly, "I believe that people who break the rules are trash."
Sakumo's expression tensed slightly.
"But," Naraku continued, meeting his gaze, "those who abandon their comrades… are worse than trash."
The words struck deep. Sakumo's body trembled slightly, as if hit by a sudden gust of wind.
He had long since collapsed under the weight of shame and betrayal. But hearing those words—words that mirrored his own beliefs—he stirred.
Naraku saw it. A spark in Sakumo's eyes.
"Do you really think so?" Sakumo asked, unsure.
"Yes," Naraku nodded. "Without question."
A burst of laughter rang out.
"Haha… ha ha ha!"
Sakumo laughed—genuinely. The first time in what felt like an eternity. His gloom began to lift, replaced by a flicker of the strength he once had.
Naraku pressed on, striking while the moment was hot.
"Konoha needs not only warriors who fight on distant fields—but guardians who preserve peace within. You can help us protect the village from the shadows."
"With the White Fang leading criminal investigations, spies would think twice before daring to infiltrate again. Crime would fall. You would serve Konoha—not from its walls, but from its heart."
Sakumo lowered his head, deep in thought.
The Uchiha-controlled Military Police had once been an insular force. But under Naraku's command, it had begun to change. Non-Uchiha had been recruited. Barriers were breaking.
To enact that shift and still retain Uchiha loyalty—clearly, Naraku was no ordinary leader.
After a long pause, Sakumo raised his head.
"Where is the Criminal Investigations Division located?"
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