MTLNOVEL Chapter 126: The Will of Rebirth
Shiyu Uchiha took a deep breath to calm himself before slowly responding, "I can't give you an exact answer before you walk the path yourself. I'm also taking it step by step, feeling my way forward. A theory that hasn't been tested by practice isn't the truth.
However, I believe the most fundamental point is respecting differences and embracing differences. Everyone has their own beliefs and convictions. We shouldn't force others to act completely according to our wills, as long as everyone's general goals and directions align."
Sakumo Hatake was slightly taken aback. He hadn't expected such a response from Shiyu Uchiha. After a moment of silence, he continued pressing, "Then tell me this, Shiyu Uchiha, are you afraid that being part of the Hokage lineage might make me an obstacle on your path?"
Without hesitation, Shiyu Uchiha firmly replied, "Of course I'm afraid. But does fear mean I should just give up? You're a respected elder after all—I absolutely couldn't remain indifferent no matter what. As for what happens afterward, we'll cross that bridge when we come to it. If there's no path, I'll carve one through the wilderness." His voice rang strong and determined, solidifying his conviction.
The moment he spoke those words, Shiyu Uchiha's Blade Intent, which had previously been suppressed to the extreme by Sakumo Hatake's pressure, completed its transformation along with his strengthened mindset, naturally advancing his Sword Techniques to Kage-level mastery!
What followed was an even more remarkable breakthrough against Sakumo Hatake's Blade Intent suppression. Throughout this process, Sakumo clearly sensed Shiyu Uchiha's transformation, his eyes revealing a comforting smile as he realized it was time for him to make a decision too.
Moments later, Sakumo Hatake seemed to have made up his mind. He looked toward Shiyu Uchiha, who was undergoing a transformation in his realization of Blade Intent, and decisively said, "Thank you, Shiyu. Your words have clarified many things for me. I think it's time I made a choice."
When Shiyu Uchiha heard Sakumo Hatake's words, he felt an inner sense of relief. He understood that Sakumo had abandoned thoughts of suicide, so he didn't press further.
Deeply aware that everyone had their own choices and paths, Shiyu Uchiha didn't wish to interfere excessively with Sakumo's upcoming decisions. Therefore, he actively bid his farewells and quickly left the Hatake Clan Compound.
Though Kakashi wasn't entirely sure what had just transpired, he keenly noticed the change in atmosphere at home. The previously heavy and oppressive aura appeared greatly dissipated, replaced instead by a sense of ease and tranquility.
This transformation made Kakashi incredibly happy, recognizing that all these positive changes stemmed from Shiyu Uchiha's visit. So he felt incredibly grateful to Shiyu Uchiha.
Then, Sakumo Hatake quietly looked at Kakashi and calmly said, "Kakashi, wait at home for me. I need to settle this matter properly." With those words, Sakumo Hatake turned and exited the house.
As Sakumo Hatake slowly opened the gate and stepped out of the Hatake Clan grounds, his gaze remained firm yet composed.
Standing outside the gate, he gently addressed the nearby villagers, "This failure rests on me alone. I will personally explain everything to the Hokage. This doesn't concern you—don't let yourselves be used by others. Such actions bring you no benefit whatsoever."
Under Sakumo Hatake's overwhelming presence, sweat beaded on the foreheads of the villagers and even some ninja, none daring to utter a word.
A few members of Root secretly hid among the crowd, trying to stir unrest. However, under Sakumo's sharp gaze, they ultimately refrained from rash action.
At this moment, his heart still burned with an intense Will of Fire. Yet this was no longer the Will of Fire advocated by Hiruzen Sarutobi—it had evolved into a belief uniquely his own, combining The First Hokage's ideology with his personal understanding.
Though his strength hadn't fully returned, this belief helped steady his mind, giving him enough composure to move forward, even if only slightly. Nevertheless, his formidable aura remained awe-inspiring—a mighty presence accumulated over years.
Then, under everyone's watchful eyes, Sakumo Hatake steadily strode toward the Hokage Tower. Announced by Anbu, he finally entered the room where Hiruzen waited—Danzo Shimura was already there.
Sakumo ignored Danzo completely. Upon meeting Hiruzen, he met his gaze steadily, his voice calm but resolute: "Lord Hokage, I take full responsibility for the mission's failure."
He continued, firm and unwavering: "I resign from all my duties and return my Hokage ceremonial half-robe." With that, he removed the robe symbolizing his status and honor, placing it on the table.
He then produced the evidence he had previously gathered—documents exposing corruption within the Sarutobi clan and their four allied families—and placed them before Hiruzen, saying nothing more.
Hiruzen gazed at Sakumo, feeling deeply conflicted inside. He knew that he and others had meticulously plotted for this moment, aiming to eliminate a man who posed a threat to him. Now everything had gone exactly as planned, yet inexplicably, not a trace of joy surfaced within him.
As their eyes met, Hiruzen felt as if he saw his own ugly soul reflected in Sakumo's gaze. For a brief moment, he realized he'd stepped on others to chase power and status—a truth that filled him with regret and guilt. But soon, he used the Will of Fire to rationalize everything—he told himself it was all for Konoha's stability.
Originally, Hiruzen had no intention of letting Sakumo go, knowing his immense strength and recognizing that due to prior schemes against him, Sakumo now had no other options left. They had ensured no escape route remained for him.
After much deliberation, Hiruzen decided against fully alienating Sakumo and eventually accepted his request—including secretly agreeing to his additional condition—releasing his teammates detained within Root and granting them freedom as independent ninja.
Furthermore, he attempted to comfort Sakumo, assuring him that his contributions would never be forgotten. Once the dust had settled, he promised to reinstate Sakumo's former position, keeping the Anbu Commander post reserved for him.
Danzo was unwilling to accept this demand beside him. He definitely didn't want to let go of something he'd already gotten his hands on. During this time, he even tried pushing his luck multiple times, demanding Sakumo Hatake take further responsibility. His intention was obvious—to pull Sakumo into Root. But Sakumo gave him the cold shoulder and simply turned to face Hiruzen Sarutobi.
This attitude severely wounded Shimura Danzo's pride, yet as the saying goes—*"A man's reputation goes before him."* All he could do was mutter a few defiant words—there was no way he'd dare challenge Sakumo directly.
Meanwhile, when Sakumo finally left, he dropped off his forehead protector at the administration office while he was at it.
This act later made Hiruzen Sarutobi realize how serious things had become, and he began regretting his decisions, attempting to mend his relationship with Sakumo Hatake.
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