reborn as Sakumo Hatake

The war was no longer a distant threat. With the successful sabotage of Iwagakure's supply lines, tensions escalated rapidly. Skirmishes erupted along the borders, and every shinobi in Konoha was either preparing for combat or already engaged in the fray. 

Sakumo found himself pulled deeper into the heart of the war effort. As the White Fang, his presence alone inspired hope among Konoha's forces and fear in their enemies. Yet, the knowledge of what lay ahead weighed heavily on his shoulders. 

---

That morning, Sakumo sat with Kakashi in their modest home. The boy had grown increasingly distant, throwing himself into his training and studies. At just five years old, Kakashi had already graduated from the Academy, an unprecedented feat. 

"Father," Kakashi said, breaking the silence as they ate breakfast. 

"Yes?" Sakumo replied, setting his chopsticks down. 

"Are you going to the frontlines again?" 

Sakumo nodded. "There's work to be done. But I'll always return, Kakashi." 

Kakashi's small hands clenched into fists. "I want to help. I'm strong enough." 

Sakumo reached out, placing a hand on Kakashi's shoulder. "You're strong, but the battlefield isn't just about strength. It's about making choices, some of which carry consequences we can't foresee. For now, focus on growing stronger here in the village." 

Kakashi's eyes burned with determination, though he didn't argue further. 

---

By midday, Sakumo was summoned to another meeting with Hiruzen. The Hokage's office was a hive of activity, with messengers coming and going as reports poured in from the frontlines. 

"Sakumo," Hiruzen said, gesturing for him to approach. "We've received troubling intelligence. Iwagakure and Kumogakure are moving forces toward the border of the Grass Country. If they form an alliance, it could spell disaster for us." 

"What's the plan?" Sakumo asked, his tone steady. 

"We need someone to intercept their negotiations," Hiruzen said. "This isn't just about combat. We need intel—details on their strategy, their terms, and their timeline. I'm entrusting this mission to you." 

Sakumo nodded. "Understood." 

"You'll be working with Orochimaru," Hiruzen added, his tone heavy. 

Sakumo's expression didn't waver, though he felt a flicker of unease. Orochimaru was a prodigy, but his methods were often unsettling. 

"When do we leave?" 

"Tonight," Hiruzen said. "Prepare yourself." 

---

That evening, Sakumo met Orochimaru at the gates of Konoha. The Snake Sannin stood tall, his pale skin almost luminous in the moonlight. His golden eyes were cold but calculating, always searching for opportunities. 

"Sakumo-san," Orochimaru said, his voice smooth. "It's a pleasure to work with you again." 

"Let's focus on the mission," Sakumo replied curtly. 

Orochimaru smirked, clearly amused by Sakumo's demeanor. "As you wish." 

The two set off into the night, moving swiftly and silently through the forest. Despite their differences, their synchronization was impeccable. 

---

By the time they reached the outskirts of the Grass Country, the sun was beginning to rise. The rolling hills and dense foliage provided ample cover, but it also meant the enemy could be anywhere. 

As they approached the meeting point—an abandoned temple nestled in a valley—Sakumo activated his unique ability, focusing on the chakra signatures in the area. 

"There are five targets inside," he whispered. "Two from Iwagakure, two from Kumogakure, and one... unknown." 

Orochimaru's eyes narrowed. "Interesting. Let's observe for now." 

The two shinobi found a vantage point overlooking the temple. From their position, they could see the enemy delegations gathered around a makeshift table, their voices barely audible. 

"What are they discussing?" Sakumo murmured. 

Orochimaru formed a series of hand seals, summoning a small snake that slithered silently into the temple. Moments later, its eyes glowed, transmitting the conversation to Orochimaru. 

"They're negotiating terms for a joint assault on Konoha," Orochimaru said, his voice low. "It seems they're still divided on leadership roles. That gives us an advantage." 

Sakumo nodded. "If we disrupt this meeting, it could delay their plans." 

"Leave that to me," Orochimaru said, his lips curling into a sinister smile. 

---

As the enemy shinobi continued their negotiations, Orochimaru unleashed his jutsu. The ground beneath the temple began to quake, and serpents erupted from the earth, sowing chaos among the delegates. 

Sakumo moved in quickly, his tanto gleaming in the dim light. He targeted the Iwagakure shinobi first, mimicking their earth-based techniques to counter their defenses. 

One of the Kumogakure shinobi attempted to flee, but Orochimaru intercepted him with ease, his serpents coiling around the man and immobilizing him. 

The unknown figure—a masked individual who had remained silent during the meeting—revealed himself to be a rogue shinobi hired as a mediator. He launched a flurry of attacks at Sakumo, his movements erratic but deadly. 

Sakumo's ability activated instinctively, allowing him to copy the man's unpredictable taijutsu. Their clash was swift and brutal, ending with Sakumo's blade at the man's throat. 

"Talk," Sakumo demanded. 

The rogue shinobi hesitated before spilling everything he knew about the negotiations. His information confirmed Orochimaru's earlier assessment: the alliance was fragile and could be further destabilized with the right actions. 

Satisfied, Sakumo knocked the man unconscious. 

---

By the time the sun was fully in the sky, Sakumo and Orochimaru had completed their mission. They left the ruined temple behind, their enemies either incapacitated or too disoriented to pursue. 

As they made their way back to Konoha, Orochimaru spoke, his tone almost conversational. 

"You're an intriguing individual, Sakumo-san. Your skills are remarkable, but there's something... different about you." 

Sakumo glanced at him but said nothing. 

Orochimaru chuckled softly. "Secrets are fine, for now. But I wonder how long you'll be able to keep them." 

---

Back in Konoha, the mission's success was met with relief. Hiruzen commended Sakumo and Orochimaru for their efforts, though the looming threat of war remained. 

As Sakumo returned home, exhaustion began to set in. Yet, as he looked at Kakashi practicing in the yard, his resolve strengthened. 

He would protect his son, his village, and the future he had glimpsed—no matter the cost.