Chapter 68: Tonan's Visit, Issuing A Challenge
In the two days since the fallout, Hatake Sakumo had also heard the vicious rumors circulating through the village. They were facts now, undeniable and unforgiving. Once, as he quietly passed by two villagers whispering and sneering, one of them spat carelessly in his direction.
Sakumo didn't flinch or dodge—the saliva landed squarely on his trousers. The passerby smirked bitterly, "Sorry, White Fang-sama, didn't see you there."
Sakumo paused, his expression unreadable. Then, lowering his head, he walked on without a word.
"He didn't even acknowledge us. If Konoha has more selfish trash like him, we're doomed sooner or later," one voice spat after him.
Inside the Hatake household, Sakumo sat alone in his dimly lit room, lost in thought. The silence was thick. Suddenly, the bedroom door slid open abruptly.
Kakashi stood there, fists clenched tight, his usual composure replaced by simmering anger.
"Father," Kakashi's voice was sharp, "you shouldn't have saved that bastard Ryoma."
Sakumo blinked, startled by his son's bluntness. He turned to face Kakashi, eyes narrowing with quiet pain. "You think I shouldn't have saved my comrade?"
Kakashi dropped his gaze, the weight of his own words hanging heavy. After a long silence, he whispered, "Didn't you always say that a shinobi's mission is the most important thing?"
A flicker of regret crossed Sakumo's eyes. He nodded slowly. "I'm sorry, Kakashi."
Kakashi let out a deep breath, slammed the door behind him, and stormed outside to the backyard, where the wooden training post awaited.
His knuckles bled, skin torn and raw from relentless punches. Yet he didn't stop, channeling his frustration into each strike.
Knock, knock, knock…
The sharp rap on the door froze Kakashi's fists mid-air. He looked up at the overcast sky, recognizing the visitor.
Uchiha Tonan stood patiently outside, a calm smile on his face.
"Kakashi, it's training time. Why do you look so down?" Tonan asked, stepping in without waiting.
Kakashi shook his head, hiding his bleeding right hand behind his back. "Tonan, I need a few days off. I don't want to train right now."
Tonan's eyes narrowed slightly, a knowing look crossing his face. "Then you should spend some time with White Fang-sama. He must be going through hell. Don't blame him—he did what was right, even if it cost him dearly. It's just that others' interests got in the way."
With that, Tonan turned and left quietly.
That evening, at a small barbecue stand, Namikaze Minato, Uzumaki Kushina, and Tonan sat chatting over grilled meat.
Kushina nudged Tonan, placing a generous piece of lean meat into his bowl. "How's Kakashi been? I tried to invite him out, but he refused."
Tonan smiled softly, eating slowly. "He's locked himself up. Doesn't want to see anyone, not even me."
Kushina pushed her bangs back, chin resting on her hand as she watched Tonan eat, occasionally feeding him with her chopsticks. "This isn't good. The whole village is turning on White Fang-senpai. When will this storm blow over?"
Minato, quietly chewing, added, "People forget fast. This will pass in a few days. I'm meeting Kakashi early tomorrow. The ninjutsu he showed last time was fascinating—gave me some ideas. I want to talk to him… and cheer him up."
Kushina gave Minato an approving thumbs-up. "Good plan!" Then, topping off Tonan's bowl despite his protests, she said, "Come on, Tonan, eat up—you're still growing."
Tonan accepted the extra meat, trying to smile. But beneath the table, his hand rubbed his bulging stomach nervously. Inside, dark thoughts churned: Tomorrow… it's time.
Early the next morning, Minato arrived at the Hatake household and, with firm resolve, dragged the reluctant Kakashi outside.
At the breakfast stall on the corner near the Hatake residence, Tonan finished his meal, wiped his mouth with a tissue, and took out a thousand ryo note from his wallet. He placed it on the table and stood.
"Your change!" the shopkeeper called out, hurrying after him.
"Keep it," Tonan said, waving without looking back.
The shopkeeper shook his head, sighing, "Ninjas really are extravagant."
Tonan approached the Hatake household. Using the white pigeon he'd left there last time for surveillance, he knew Sakumo was inside.
Worried that Sakumo might be too close to despair and not daring to use the Byakugan to spy, Tonan knocked firmly on the door.
Knock, knock, knock…
The weight of Sakumo's internal struggle filled the room. Passersby slowed, curious about the knock.
The door opened slowly, and Sakumo appeared, eyes vacant and weary.
Forcing a faint smile, Sakumo said, "It's you, Tonan. Kakashi just left with Minato."
Tonan bowed deeply, hands on his knees. "I came to see you, senpai."
Sakumo's surprise showed briefly before he shook his head. "Sorry, today's not a good day. Please come back another time."
He moved to close the door, but Tonan was quicker. His hand caught it firmly, eyes blazing with resolve.
"No. Today is the right time. Senpai, you cannot avoid the samurai duel."
Tonan withdrew his hand, voice steady and serious. "I, Uchiha Tonan, successor of the Sanbo Style, hereby challenge Hatake Sakumo, successor of the Hatake Style."
Sakumo was stunned, hesitating to refuse. Yet, bound by the samurai spirit, he nodded slowly. "Come in."
Tonan smiled and followed Sakumo into the courtyard.
Voices murmured on the streets:
"Did I hear right? That kid wants to challenge White Fang?"
"White Fang has brought down Heaven's wrath and man's anger on himself. No surprise that kid wants to put him in his place."
"I remember him—the Uchiha clan member, Uchiha Tonan."
"That's right… No wonder he looks familiar."
"The Uchihas can be ruthless, but Tonan is known for his loyalty and strong sense of justice."
"I hope he can teach White Fang a lesson and ease the villagers' grievances."
"How? Tonan can't match White Fang's strength."
"Still, maybe he'll hold his own. White Fang isn't so brutal as to crush a junior without reason."
"What's a loser like White Fang good for? This won't stand—I'm telling the guards."
"I'll inform Hokage-sama."
"If White Fang dares to harm Tonan, I swear…"
"What will you do?"
"I'll come to his doorstep every night and throw feces."