Naruto: I am Uchiha Shirou

Inside the Hatake household.

The seven-year-old genius ninja, Hatake Kakashi, sat blankly on his knees at the doorstep, as if all of his vitality had been drained. His vacant eyes reflected the deep despair that consumed him.

Every ninja who came to pay their respects wore expressions of sorrow or unease. Many could hardly believe what they were witnessing, even though they had come in person.

Was the legend of Sakumo Hatake truly over?

"Kakashi, I'm so sorry about Sakumo's passing. Please accept my condolences."

Jiraiya arrived alongside Minato, their faces heavy with grief. When they saw Kakashi, a child of only seven who had lost his father, their eyes filled with melancholy.

"Lord Jiraiya!"

"Jiraiya-sensei!"

As Jiraiya entered, the gathered jonin respectfully nodded their heads. Even among Jonin, there was a distinct hierarchy, and Jiraiya commanded deep respect.

However, the funeral for this legendary ninja was somber and desolate. Only around twenty or thirty ninjas came to pay their respects to Hatake Sakumo, despite his countless contributions to the village.

When Jiraiya saw this scene, anger flickered in his eyes. A hero should not be treated this way.

"Jiraiya-sensei!"

Minato, standing nearby, noticed Jiraiya's reaction and glanced at his mentor. Jiraiya took a deep breath and said in a low voice:

 "Minato, go comfort Kakashi. I will personally preside over Sakumo's funeral on behalf of the Third Hokage. We cannot allow a hero to leave in such disgrace."

"Yes!"

Outside the Hatake house.

Many ninjas crouched on rooftops, in trees, or on streetlights, watching from a distance. Hesitant and conflicted, they chose to observe rather than attend the funeral directly.

The rumors that had spread throughout the village were still fresh in everyone's minds. People claimed that Hatake Sakumo had caused a mission to fail due to his personal decisions, resulting in significant losses for the village.

Public opinion is a double-edged sword. When Sakumo's incident came to light, even the Third Hokage and Danzo Shimura tried to suppress the rumors, but it was already far too late.

The rumors had taken root in the village, and the damage was irreversible. This marked the first time they had wielded public opinion as a weapon, only to realize its terrifying power. It didn't just harm enemies—it harmed allies as well.

Hokage's Office.

"Hiruzen, although the rumors have been suppressed, they've already left a deep impression on Konoha's ninjas. If this situation isn't handled carefully, it could lead to chaos."

"Yes, exactly. Which is more important—completing the mission or protecting one's comrades? If everyone were to act like Hatake Sakumo, choosing comrades over missions, then why would we even need a ninja village? Why would we need a Hokage?"

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu both wore solemn expressions as they explained the broader implications of the incident.

The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, looked grim. After a long silence, he exhaled a puff of smoke and said in a low voice:

 "Danzo has gone too far this time."

The use of rumors had initially been intended to damage Sakumo's reputation, ensuring he would lose any chance of becoming Hokage.

But who could have predicted this outcome? In just a few days, Sakumo had taken his own life, leaving Konoha without one of its most powerful forces.

"Jiraiya has already gone to preside over Sakumo's funeral on my behalf. However, the impact of this matter…"

As Hiruzen hesitated, the door suddenly opened. Danzo Shimura entered, his expression dark. He spoke in a firm voice:

 "Hiruzen, this incident may be unfortunate, but under no circumstances can we condone Sakumo's actions! If we allow such behavior to go unchecked, how can Konoha maintain its position in the ninja world?"

Danzo's hardline stance struck at the heart of the issue.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked to Hiruzen and nodded in agreement:

 "Hiruzen, none of us wanted this to happen to Sakumo, but Danzo is right. If we let this slide, how can Konoha maintain its reputation in the Land of Fire? How can we remain strong in the ninja world?"

For a ninja, fulfilling the mission is the ultimate priority. If everyone were to prioritize protecting their comrades over completing missions, why would clients continue to trust Konoha with their tasks?

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi looked deeply at his old companions. He knew that, even though this decision was wrong, there was no turning back.

The public pressure was too intense. If the rumors hadn't spread so widely, they might have been able to contain the fallout.

But now, it was too late. Sakumo Hatake was a legendary ninja, and his death had shaken the entire village. Hiruzen had no choice.

"I understand."

In the end, Hiruzen Sarutobi, for the sake of the village's stability, lowered his head and said in a heavy voice:

 "Inform Jiraiya. Hatake Sakumo violated the ninja code, causing significant losses to the village. His name shall not be inscribed on the Memorial Stone."

This decision effectively denied White Fanf the title of hero and condemned him to die in shame.

As the ANBU outside the window respectfully acknowledged the order and disappeared, Danzo Shimura remained silent.

Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu sighed deeply, sensing Hiruzen's heavy heart.

"Hiruzen, we can only blame Sakumo for abandoning the mission. We're all doing this for the sake of the village's stability."

"Yes, Hiruzen, think about the powerful clans behind Sakumo. If we allow them to act freely, they'll only grow stronger, becoming a threat to Konoha."

"All these years, haven't we worked hard to balance the power of the village's factions? Weakening the great clans while empowering civilian ninjas will ensure Konoha's stability…"

Their words offered Hiruzen little solace. Losing such a powerful ninja was a painful blow, and Hiruzen could only sigh in regret.

"What a pity… Sakumo was such a formidable ninja, capable of intimidating enemy nations. And now, he's gone."

...

At the White Fang's funeral.

Once, countless people had flocked to see Sakumo. Now, under the weight of public opinion, the hero who had done so much for Konoha was abandoned. His funeral was scattered and lonely, a stark reminder of how quickly things change.

"What!?"

"Why can't White Fang's name be placed on the Memorial Stone!? He achieved so much for Konoha!"

Inside the house, a jonin who had been deeply indebted to Sakumo roared in anger. Seven or eight other special jonin also wore expressions of fury.

At this time, Minato did not yet have the reputation he would earn in the future. Faced with the ninjas' dissatisfaction, he could only lower his head and explain:

 "Everyone, this is the Hokage's decision. Hatake Sakumo caused a mission to fail, resulting in significant losses for the village. Please try to understand the Hokage's position."

But Minato's explanation did little to quell their rage. One by one, the ninjas vented their anger, cornering him.

"Enough!"

At that moment, Jiraiya's tall figure stepped in, his voice booming with authority. The ninjas, though still unwilling, released their grip on Minato's collar under Jiraiya's imposing presence.

"Lord Jiraiya!"

"We're not satisfied!"

"Exactly! How could one failed mission strip him of the right to be honored on the Memorial Stone?"

Jiraiya scanned the room with a solemn expression. In a deep voice, he said:

 "You are all ninjas. You should understand the significance of missions. If word spreads that Konoha values ninja lives over missions, our position as the strongest ninja village will be jeopardized."

Faced with Jiraiya's appeal to the greater good, the ninjas had no choice but to swallow their anger, though resentment still lingered.

At the doorway, Kakashi knelt motionless. When he heard that his father would not even be honored on the Memorial Stone, his vacant eyes trembled. He murmured to himself:

"Ninjas must follow the rules. They must complete their missions... that way, no one will criticize them…"

Kakashi's mind drifted to his father. If his father had chosen to complete the mission and follow the rules, none of this would have happened. He would not have been criticized, and he would not have taken his own life.

This realization planted a dark seed in Kakashi's heart. He finally understood the iron rule of the ninja world:

In the ninja world, rules are everything.

Just as Kakashi was lost in thought, a commotion erupted outside the house.

"The Police Force is mobilizing. Arrest anyone involved in spreading slander and rumors!"

"Hatake Sakumo's mission may have failed, but why did the rumors spread so quickly? This is the work of spies. Arrest all the ninjas who participated in the mission with White Fang!"

Outside Hatake's house, a dense crowd of ninjas was approaching.

This scene shocked the ninjas secretly watching from the shadows.

Under the reflection of various clan emblems, the Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, Aburame, and other clans were all present.

At the forefront was Tsunade, leading more than a dozen ninjas from the Senju clan. Behind her was the Uchiha clan Police Force.

Amid the stunned gazes of countless people, Shirou, who followed behind Tsunade, began issuing commands coldly.

The moment these commands were heard, everyone knew that something big was about to happen.

"Shirou!"

Uchiha Fugaku, who had arrived alongside them, changed his expression when he heard the orders. However, Shirou directly turned to the members of the Police Force behind him and shouted:

"I, Uchiha Shirou, as the Deputy Chief of the Police Force, now order you!"

At that moment, Shirou publicly declared himself as the Deputy Chief of the Police Force in front of everyone.

Two years ago, after returning from the Land of Rain, Shirou had barely paid attention to his title, working quietly in the Medical Division. His role as Deputy Chief of the Police Force had been little more than a formality.

But this time, things were different. It was clear that he intended to formally take up his position in the Police Force.

And yet, instead of being angry about this division of power, Fugaku was worried. "Shirou, you're being too impulsive."

Fugaku's personality could charitably be described as steady, but more unkindly as indecisive and hesitant.

However, after Shirou issued his orders, his trusted followers within the Police Force, including Uchiha Yashiro, immediately shouted:

"Yes!"

In an instant, over a dozen members of the Uchiha Police Force used the Body Flicker Technique to carry out the orders. Fugaku, seeing this, opened his mouth as if to say something. But when he noticed Shirou's resolute expression and Tsunade's cold demeanor at the forefront, he stopped.

He seemed to have figured something out, and his heart sank. Could this be the Senju clan's counterattack?

Thinking of this, Fugaku gave a discreet look to his trusted subordinates, who immediately understood.

"By the Deputy Chief's orders!"

In a flash, dozens of Uchiha ninjas moved to execute Shirou's commands.

Within just a few short moments, so much had transpired that Jiraiya, who had just stepped out of the house, was visibly shocked.

"Tsunade!"

However, Tsunade, dressed in black today, merely gave Jiraiya a cold glance before leading representatives of the major clans into the Hatake clan's compound.

At the same time, banners representing the clan emblems of the Senju, Uchiha, Hyuga, and Aburame families were erected on both sides of the courtyard where Hatake Sakumo's funeral was being held.

The banners, fluttering in the wind, symbolized the presence of the major clans.

A funeral that had seemed so humble just moments ago suddenly transformed into an event attended by the elite of the village.

Hatake Sakumo was a symbol of these great clans. Now that something had happened to him, others might hide, but the major clans could not.

"Kakashi, are you okay?"

Among those who arrived was young Shisui, who, after paying his respects to Hatake Sakumo, approached Kakashi with concern.

At this moment, Kakashi was at the most confused point in his life. His father's death had shattered his previous values, leaving him to rebuild them.

Meanwhile, inside the house, Jiraiya looked gravely at Tsunade, who had brought so many members of the great clans with her. He lowered his voice and said:

"Tsunade, regardless of everything else, we need to suppress this matter for now."

Jiraiya could see that something was wrong with Hatake Sakumo's death. But the biggest issue was that further escalation wasn't an option.

The matter had to be temporarily suppressed. Later, once the public stopped discussing it, they could consider whether Hatake Sakumo's name could be inscribed on the Memorial Stone.

But this time, after paying her respects to Hatake Sakumo, Tsunade just scoffed.

"Jiraiya, are you an idiot?"

Tsunade didn't bother to spare Jiraiya any face, which left Minato feeling awkward, along with the other ninjas in the room, who all lowered their heads as if they hadn't heard anything.

"Tsunade, the repercussions of this..."

Before Jiraiya could finish, Tsunade interrupted coldly: "Repercussions? Hatake Sakumo's suicide has already demonstrated to all of Konoha the consequences of not following the rules as a ninja!

With his death, he defended the dignity of the Land of Fire's premier ninja village. Even if he was a legendary ninja, even if he possessed Kage-level strength, a ninja who abandons the mission must pay the price!"

Tsunade's cold voice echoed, making it clear why Hatake Sakumo had truly taken his life.

The ostracization wasn't the full story. The more significant factor was the uncontrollable escalation of public opinion. This was no longer just a simple failed mission.

The legendary ninja White Fang of Konoha had abandoned his mission, and the resulting damage to Konoha's credibility in the ninja world was immense.

Thus, the greatest pressure on Hatake Sakumo was the harm his actions had caused to the village.

Hatake Sakumo's true reason for suicide was to protect Konoha's honor in the ninja world.

At the doorway, hearing these words, Kakashi froze. His previously confused gaze began to show clarity.

"Kakashi, Lord White Fang was a true hero!"

Beside him, Shisui spoke resolutely, which seemed to help Kakashi understand something.

His father had not taken his own life because he couldn't handle the pressure of public criticism. His father was not so fragile.

The real reason for his father's suicide was to protect the village and uphold Konoha's prestige in the ninja world.

PS: RIP