Konoha’s Five-Element Ninja

Chapter 65: Upholding the Way of the Ninja

Would the Sand and Rain ninja spare the civilians of the Fire Nation if Konoha let them go?

On the battlefield, only a fool would believe the promises of the enemy.

Even if they truly did release the captured civilians, there was no doubt that once freed, the Sand and Rain shinobi would return to their villages and demand reinforcements—intent on reclaiming control of the migration operation and completing their mission.

That meant Konoha would be forced into another war.

Right now, the enemy forces appeared to be at a disadvantage, but only because their top-tier shinobi had yet to arrive and because the main force had been encircled.

If Konoha allowed the enemy to escape, regroup, and launch a counterattack, it was uncertain if the Leaf could even survive, let alone win.

Even if Konoha emerged victorious, only a handful of them would remain standing.

This was no longer just a choice between killing the enemy or saving civilians—

It was a choice between the lives of Konoha's ninja and the lives of the Fire Nation's civilians.

So then, White Fang, what will you choose?

---

A masked ninja rushed forward and reported to Hatake Sakumo, his voice tense.

"Confirmed. About ten kilometers away, in a canyon, Rain ninja have taken over a group of civilians from over ten villages. Our people have transformed and hidden among them for now. They have yet to be discovered."

"And the rest of the civilians?"

"No unusual activity reported. We're still establishing communication. But given the Rain ninja's tactics, this should be their last card. Orders, sir?"

Sakumo narrowed his eyes and suddenly said something entirely unrelated.

"Gokyuu, how long have we known each other?"

The masked ninja—Gokyuu—froze mid-sentence.

A foreboding feeling crept into his chest.

"...A long time, sir. My first battle was under your command."

Sakumo gave a slow nod.

"Good. Then listen closely—

—Inform all units, the plan remains unchanged.

Full annihilation of the enemy forces."

Gokyuu stiffened.

"Sir…!"

"Execute the order."

---

"Sakumo-dono!"

For the first time, Hayama stepped forward and objected.

The best course of action wasn't extermination—

It was to abandon the mission, retreat, and request reinforcements.

After all, the civilians moved at a slow pace—they had plenty of time to regroup and strike back later.

"Hayama," Sakumo's voice was calm but firm, "You and I might be able to escape this alive, but most of these men won't."

This was supposed to be a one-sided slaughter—a surprise attack to completely wipe out the enemy.

If Konoha hesitated, allowing the Sand shinobi to regroup and reinforce, this battle would drag into a prolonged war.

And Sakumo Hatake did not fight wars he could not win.

"Sakumo-dono," Hayama pressed. "This is about the mission!"

If they abandoned the civilians, the entire operation would be a failure—all their efforts wasted.

"The mission?"

Sakumo let out a sharp laugh, filled with ridicule.

"You think this is about the mission?"

Hayama fell silent.

If Konoha's leader at this moment had been someone like Danzo, or even Orochimaru, or Hayama himself—they would have chosen to prioritize the mission.

They would have retreated, protected the civilians, and then requested reinforcements to crush the enemy later.

Konoha's ninja were trained to obey orders.

They had no fear of sacrificing themselves for the sake of the village's glory, for the Fire Nation's prosperity, or for the duty of a shinobi.

If they died for a mission, they would not complain.

But to Sakumo Hatake—

A ninja was not a tool to be sacrificed.

"Hayama."

Sakumo turned to him, his expression solemn.

"A ninja's death should be their own choice—never a sacrifice made for someone else's convenience.

"The lives of my men are not bargaining chips.

"That is my way of the ninja."

---

Hayama clenched his fist so tightly that his nails dug into his palm.

His voice rose in anger.

"Maybe the Leaf's ninja don't want to die for this mission—

"—but every single person here would die for YOU!"

His hand trembled as he pointed at the Sand ninja commander, struggling to restrain his murderous intent.

"I believe retreat is the best option.

"And next time, I'll personally lead the mission—

"—and I'll place his severed head on your desk."

Sakumo glanced at Hayama.

For the briefest moment, a flicker of warmth passed through his icy gaze.

But his resolve did not waver.

---

To uphold one's ninja way was never easy.

To gain something, one had to sacrifice something.

The way of Konoha's White Fang—his very identity as a shinobi—did not permit him to treat his comrades as disposable tools.

Even if it meant losing the mission, even if it meant facing disgrace, his will could not be shaken.

Only those with unwavering conviction could wield the power that surpassed human limits.

That was why Hatake Sakumo was unlike any other shinobi.

"Hayama," he said calmly, "You are an excellent ninja.

"But you have yet to find a ninja way that truly belongs to you.

"And that makes you dangerous."

Sakumo exhaled.

"I chose to distance myself from you—not because you sided with the Uchiha—

"—but because you and I do not share the same beliefs."

His voice grew colder.

"It doesn't matter what the village thinks of me.

"I will not send my men to die like cattle.

"That is why—no matter what—

"—I will see this battle through to the end."

"Because I am the White Fang of Konoha."

As his aura erupted, even the heavy rain above seemed to halt in place—as if the sky itself yielded to his imposing will.

---

Hayama's fingernails dug into his palms as his frustration boiled over.

Ninjas were meant to die for their missions—no one could change that fate.

Why couldn't Sakumo understand that?

Why couldn't he just let go of his ideals and face reality?

But no matter how much Hayama disagreed, he could not deny the debt he owed Sakumo.

And because of that—

He would follow him into battle, even if he thought it was wrong.

"Hatake Sakumo," Hayama muttered, voice cold.

"You'll regret this."

And then he turned and walked away.

---

"Execute the order—"

"Eradicate every last Sand ninja!"

Even as Hayama left the battlefield, the clash of metal, jutsu, and screams erupted behind him.

Furious, he kicked a nearby corpse into the air—then, with a burst of flames, obliterated it midair.

As the charred remains crumbled, his mind finally cleared.

Now, all he could do was minimize the damage.

"Fugaku, I'll need your help again."

Without hesitation, Fugaku nodded, then vanished into the rain—racing toward Konoha.

This was only the beginning.

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You can read advance chapters ahead on patreon.com/fishkiss69, I will upload 1 extra chapter every day there.

THANK YOU

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