NOVEL NEXT Chapter 8: Chapter 7
**Konoha Year 43**
News spread like wildfire through the village. What should have been a top-secret mission became public knowledge—**Hatake Sakumo**, the famed White Fang of Konoha, had abandoned a mission to save his comrades, sparking outrage and controversy.
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## At the Ninja Academy
In the past two years, **Kakashi Hatake** had trained relentlessly, but no matter how hard he worked, he couldn't surpass that one person—**Uchiha Kagami**.
The gap between them felt like it was growing, not shrinking. And yet, despite his overwhelming strength, Kagami hadn't graduated early. Kakashi couldn't understand why.
But Kakashi's personal frustrations paled in comparison to the turmoil in his family. His father, once so proud and strong, was now a hollow shell. Sakumo spent his days drowning in guilt, consumed by the whispers of betrayal from the very village he had sacrificed everything to protect.
One afternoon, Kakashi approached Kagami, who was eating lunch under a tree, his usual calm and detached demeanor intact.
"Kagami," Kakashi began, his voice hesitant, "what's more important—a mission or your comrades?"
Kagami paused mid-bite, his crimson Sharingan briefly flickering as he regarded Kakashi. He'd heard the rumors about Hatake Sakumo, of course. It was the kind of turmoil that a schemer like him relished—Konoha tearing itself apart from within.
"Of course, the mission is more important. We're ninjas, aren't we?"
Kakashi's face fell. This was the answer he had expected but dreaded hearing.
Kagami smirked faintly. "That said, it depends on the mission and the comrades. If you're talking about your father's case, then yes, I think he was wrong."
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### A Hard Truth
Kakashi's head hung low. "So you think so too..."
"Of course," Kagami replied matter-of-factly, brushing crumbs off his hands. "Your father was a fool. A strong ninja like him should never have let a mob of weaklings judge him. If he wanted to stop the rumors, all he had to do was kill the ringleaders."
Kakashi's eyes widened in horror. "Father would never harm innocent villagers!"
Kagami stood and loomed over Kakashi, his voice cold and piercing. "Then he'll crumble. If your father had true courage, he would confront the real cause of his pain—those in power who preach loyalty to comrades but left him to rot. Instead, he'll pick the weakest target: himself."
"What...what do you mean?"
Kagami's gaze sharpened. Hatake Sakumo's pain was deeper than the villagers' condemnation. It was the betrayal of the ideals he had upheld all his life—the **Will of Fire**. He had devoted himself to Konoha's principles, only to find that those same principles were abandoned when inconvenient.
"Sakumo's faith in this village is shattered. Without courage to confront the likes of the Hokage or his advisors, the only escape he'll find is death."
Kakashi froze, Kagami's words sinking in like poison.
"Instead of standing here," Kagami said, grabbing Kakashi by the hair, "go. Save your father before it's too late."
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## The Race Against Time
Without a word, Kakashi bolted, sprinting toward his home as though his life depended on it. Watching him leave, Kagami's lips curled into a faint smile.
If Hatake Sakumo survives, he might become a useful ally. If not...well, Kakashi will serve just as well.
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### Obito and Rin
Moments later, **Obito Uchiha** and **Rin Nohara** approached Kagami. They had been observing from afar, worried about Kakashi. Despite his disdain for Kagami, Obito couldn't hold back.
"Kagami! What did you say to Kakashi?"
"Relax, goggles," Kagami replied with a smirk. "Just gave him something to think about."
Obito's frustration boiled over. "Don't dodge the question! What's more important—your comrades or the mission?"
Kagami glanced at him, amused. "That depends. What about you? If you had to sacrifice one of your clan for a mission, what would you choose?"
Obito didn't hesitate. "I'd never sacrifice my clan! I'd find a way to save everyone!"
*So naive,* Kagami thought, suppressing a laugh. "And you, Rin?"
Rin hesitated but smiled softly. "If someone had to be sacrificed for the mission, I'd want it to be me."
Her answer was pure and selfless—exactly what Kagami expected from someone embodying the **Will of Fire**.
"Rin!" Obito interjected, his voice breaking with emotion. "I'll protect you, no matter what!"
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### Kagami's Choice
Obito, emboldened by Rin's response, turned to Kagami. "So what about you, Kagami? Comrades or mission?"
Kagami's expression darkened. "If it came to that, I'd kill whoever issued the mission."
Obito blinked, stunned. "That's...not exactly an answer..."
"Don't overthink it, goggles. This world isn't fair. Sometimes, there's no right answer."
Before Obito could argue, Kagami activated his Sharingan, the three tomoe spinning hypnotically. The immense pressure from his gaze overwhelmed Obito, and he collapsed unconscious.
"Again?!" Obito muttered weakly as his vision faded.
Rin gasped, rushing to his side. "Kagami, was that really necessary?"
Kagami ignored her and crouched beside Obito's unconscious form, his Sharingan glinting ominously. This wasn't about showing off—this was preparation.
You're the key, Obito. Through you, I'll reach the legendary Uchiha Madara...
He pressed a finger to Obito's forehead, leaving a faint trace of his chakra. Someday, this seed would lead him to the truth behind the shadows.
"Rest up, goggles," Kagami muttered, rising to his feet. "You'll thank me later."