💎WEEKLY POWER GOALS 💎
🔥 30→2ch | 60→5ch | 100→8ch | 200→15ch | 400→25ch
⏰ Resets Monday!
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
After dinner, Sakumo and Kakashi engaged in swordsmanship practice outside the house.
Feng Bai carried over a small stool and sat by the doorway, quietly observing their techniques.
However, without the Sharingan, watching their sparring felt like viewing a video at eight times speed—aside from the dull thuds of wooden swords colliding, he couldn't discern any other movements.
After Kakashi executed a flying kick, Sakumo precisely seized the opening and subdued Kakashi with a single move: "Before gaining absolute advantage, such wide, sweeping combat styles make it easy for enemies to exploit weaknesses."
Having pointed out Kakashi's shortcoming, Sakumo helped him to his feet, preparing to begin the next training round.
"Feng Bai, interested in trying?"
Seeing Feng Bai watching eagerly from the sidelines, Sakumo beckoned him over.
Personal instruction from the legendary Konoha White Fang?
Feng Bai's eyes lit up as he immediately leaped from his chair and hurried to Sakumo's side.
"However, I cannot yet teach you specific techniques—you must begin with fundamental stances." Under Sakumo's guidance, Feng Bai gradually grasped the essential principles of swordsmanship.
"Keep your body rigid, and your foundation absolutely stable. Currently, neither of you possesses the ability to use chakra for rapid movement to confuse enemy vision, so a solid foundation proves crucial—at minimum, it prevents single-strike defeats when facing enemy attacks."
Placing his hand on Feng Bai's back to indicate proper spine alignment, Sakumo simultaneously had Kakashi review the basics.
"Clap, clap, clap."
At that moment, several applause sounds emerged, accompanied by a somewhat ominous voice: "Truly befitting Konoha's White Fang, hero of the Second Shinobi World War."
Danzō's figure emerged from the shadows, closely followed by Aburame Ryōma and Yamanaka Zen.
"Lord Danzō." Sakumo's expression remained unchanged as he slowly approached Danzō, positioning his body to shield Feng Bai and Kakashi.
"My son has been in your care." With Danzō's words, Sakumo immediately understood his meaning.
So Feng Bai's investigation has concluded—Danzō has come to claim him.
However—
Sakumo, who had heard rumors about Danzō's activities, found Danzō's attitude quite surprising.
This man, legendary bearer of the "Darkness of the Shinobi World" title, seems intent on publicizing Feng Bai's identity...
"He appears to be enjoying himself immensely with your son." Danzō narrowed his eyes, smiling as he observed Sakumo, as though he could see the two children behind him despite Sakumo's obstruction.
"Your meaning is..." Sakumo couldn't quite interpret Danzō's words, and this marked the first time he'd witnessed Danzō display a smile.
"Friends occasionally staying overnight at each other's homes is commonplace, isn't it?" Gently pushing Sakumo aside, Danzō slowly approached Feng Bai.
"???" Feng Bai's mind reeled with confusion, though his expression remained carefully controlled. He'd caught the gist of their conversation—if interpreted literally, this old man was acknowledging him as his son.
So what should I call him?
Lord Danzō? Old man? Pot Shadow? Bridge Killer?
Under normal circumstances, this would be the moment to—
"Fa... Father?" Feng Bai tentatively voiced the address.
Hearing this form of address, Danzō's heart experienced another profound stirring.
Do you see this, Hiruzen? I too possess a son.
Though this child appears timid on the surface, deep within he truly yearns for paternal affection.
"Tonight you'll remain here. Tomorrow I'll dispatch someone to escort you home." Satisfied with Feng Bai's attitude, Danzō said nothing further before turning to depart the Hatake residence.
Though Danzō had left, the previously warm atmosphere grew cold. Each person lost in contemplation, they trained briefly before concluding abruptly.
"Uncle Sakumo..." Passing Sakumo, Feng Bai paused, wanting to express something.
Instead, he received a gentle head pat.
Sakumo smiled while stroking Feng Bai's hair, softly shaking his head: "It's late. Rest early."
...
"Hey, you don't have snoring habits, do you?" Observing Feng Bai's bedding positioned directly adjacent to his own, Kakashi sought confirmation once again.
"How discourteous, Kakashi. I've never heard my own snoring," Feng Bai retorted while pulling the blanket over himself.
"You fool—how could anyone hear their own snoring!" Kakashi's forehead twitched with irritation.
"Don't worry, Kakashi. By the time I fall asleep, you'll already be deep in dreams." Feng Bai stared at the wooden ceiling, speaking quietly.
"Is it because of your father? I've heard of him—Konoha's Hokage Advisor." Kakashi's understanding of Danzō extended only to that official position.
Indeed, most ordinary villagers' knowledge of Danzō remained limited to that role.
Only village leadership possessed deeper awareness of Danzō's activities.
"Not entirely." Feng Bai continued gazing blankly at the overhead beams.
Having just departed Kirigakure and now gained Danzō's recognition, this represents my most bewildering moment. In such circumstances, how could I possibly fall asleep easily, Kakashi...
"Hoo... hoo..." While thinking thus, Feng Bai unknowingly closed his eyes and began breathing evenly.
"This guy..." Kakashi observed the boy who'd just declared he wouldn't easily fall asleep, helplessly pressing his forehead.
"Sigh." After sighing, Kakashi gently adjusted Feng Bai's blanket upward before closing his own eyes.
I expected that having a stranger beside me would prevent quick sleep, but...
"Hoo... hoo..." Shortly after closing his eyes, Kakashi also entered slumber.
Standing outside the door listening to the interior sounds, Sakumo smiled and shook his head.
I anticipated the two children would engage in lengthy conversation, but unexpectedly...
The following morning.
Sakumo, lying in bed, opened his eyes.
"You've arrived rather early, Grey Dog." He immediately spotted the ANBU operative crouched on the ceiling beam.
"The Hokage seeks your presence," Grey Dog spoke in raspy tones.
"Understood." Upon hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned him, Sakumo's expression sharpened as he rose to don his equipment.
"The Hokage specified you needn't wear a mask, Captain." Seeing Sakumo reach for his ANBU gear, Grey Dog provided timely reminder.
"Very well." Sakumo paused momentarily, then donned his jōnin vest instead.
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🔥 Want to read the next 20 chapters RIGHT NOW? 💎
Patreon members get instant access!
⚡ Limited-time offer currently running... 👉
[Join on Patreon -patreon.com/GoldenLong]