Chapter 70: Killing White Fang, New Inheritance
Bang!
The blade of chakra slashed heavily into the earth, gouging a long, narrow fissure that sent a cloud of dust and debris swirling into the air.
"Tonan… I never imagined your strength would rise to this level," Hatake Sakumo emerged from the haze, eyes filled with a rare look of genuine admiration. Tonan hadn't aimed that strike directly at Sakumo — if Sakumo hadn't dodged, he would have been cleaved in two.
Had that happened, even Tsunade Senju herself—returning to Konoha—wouldn't have been able to save him. Tonan's little stash of life-saving pills and bandages wouldn't have mattered.
Calm and composed, Tonan sheathed the chakra tanto without flinching. "It's all thanks to your teachings, White Fang-sama."
Sakumo's expression shifted as his gaze flicked upward toward the rooftop where several figures observed silently. He took a steadying breath and said, "Alright, Tonan, it's getting late. I hope you'll respect my decision. Make your move… The Hatake Style ends here today."
Tonan nodded solemnly. A burst of chakra radiated from him, his form momentarily flickering and multiplying.
"Profound Meaning—Flicker Body Technique."
In an instant, three figures appeared, each wielding their own blade of glowing chakra, converging simultaneously on Sakumo, who stood at the center with eyes closed, calm as ever.
But just as the sword lights were about to pierce him, Tonan retracted them suddenly.
Puchi!
Three chakra tanto stabbed at Sakumo's abdomen, thigh, and waist—each strike grazing past vital organs by mere inches.
Bang!
The clones dissipated, leaving only the real Tonan before him. Sakumo opened his eyes, coughed up a mouthful of blood, and said, "As expected, you're too kind—you held back when it counted."
Tonan pursed his lips, shook his head, and replied, "No, I just lost control of my hands."
A faint smile flickered across Sakumo's face, relief washing through his eyes. "But you won."
Tonan's expression fell, "You let me win, White Fang-sama."
Sakumo sighed, exhaustion evident. "From here on, I entrust Kakashi to you. Take good care of him." He paused, voice heavy, "Seems I made a grave mistake this time… and suffered the cost."
Using the Byakugan, Tonan scanned the extent of Sakumo's injuries with resolute calm. "No, you made no mistake. In battles like this, loss is inevitable regardless of right or wrong. You made the right choice and bore the consequences with your life. That is the true spirit of a samurai."
"Is that so…" Sakumo's eyes shone brightly, the weight on his heart lightening after days of torment. Tonan's left hand slipped into his ninja pouch as he spoke firmly, "If Kakashi ever finds himself in danger, I will abandon the mission to protect him."
Ding!
A mental prompt signaled: Gained Hatake Sakumo's acknowledgment.
The simple alert flooded Tonan with overwhelming joy.
"Sure enough, the one you love most is your son. You wish to pass on your legacy to him. Because I promised you, you regard me as his guardian."
Without hesitation, Tonan drew the chakra tanto once more.
Puff!
Blood poured out as Sakumo collapsed heavily to the ground. Slowly, the flow of blood lessened, and his eyelids began to close. Before death claimed him, he whispered his final words, "Thank you, Tonan."
A faint smile touched Tonan's lips. "Don't mention it."
"Captain, what just happened?" a guard asked.
"You all fell under White Fang's genjutsu."
"Why… why did he die?"
"White Fang intended to die by his own hand. He chose to pass in Tonan's hands."
"So, are we arresting Tonan now?"
"Not yet. We must report to the Hokage first. This is White Fang's will."
One by one, the rooftop guards departed.
Step!
At that moment, Kakashi arrived at the backyard, accompanied by Namikaze Minato. Minato frowned at the leaving Konoha guards, a grim understanding dawning on him.
Kakashi's eyes widened as he saw his father lying motionless on the ground. "Father…" His voice cracked as he knelt, cradling Sakumo's lifeless body. "Father!"
Tonan stood silently nearby, mourning in his own stoic way. Kakashi's tears flowed freely for a long moment before his gaze hardened and shifted to Tonan, expression unreadable.
His eyes blazed with murderous intent as he quickly formed hand seals. A crackling sphere of lightning—Raikiri—sparked into existence on his palm. His face was terrifyingly fierce as he thrust the attack at Tonan.
Bang!
Tonan, whose strength had surged dramatically, casually kicked Kakashi aside. Sheathing his chakra tanto with deliberate slowness, he turned away, voice cold and detached:
"White Fang-sama was a great samurai. If you wish to avenge him, train twice as hard. I am the one who killed Konoha's White Fang. The version of you now…" Tonan shook his head and finished bluntly, "…is pitifully weak."
Without another word, Tonan left the Hatake residence. Once outside the gate, he inhaled deeply and cast his gaze toward the Hokage Rock. The immense power surging through him nearly made him laugh out loud—but he held back, knowing such joy would betray his composure.
Soon, word spread to all of Konoha's senior officials: White Fang was dead.
At Root headquarters, Shimura Danzo was stunned. "How is this possible? How could White Fang let that Uchiha brat kill him?"
"According to the villagers, Tonan challenged Hatake Style with his Sanbo Style at the Hatake gate."
"White Fang must have chosen to commit seppuku. He still clings to that foolish belief in the so-called samurai spirit."
Meanwhile, at the Hokage Residence, Sarutobi Hiruzen slammed his smoking pipe down on his desk in disbelief. "White Fang is dead? How could Tonan kill him? Even if Tonan wanted to, how could he be a match for White Fang?"
A guard answered, "White Fang-sama had been emotionally unstable these past few days. He even used genjutsu to hold us back. From what we saw, he didn't resist. Even in death, he thanked Tonan."
Hiruzen slumped back in his chair, eyes narrowing thoughtfully. "Is that so… this is the true samurai spirit…"
"Hokage-sama, shall we issue an arrest warrant for Uchiha Tonan?"
"No need. Bring him to me. I will ask him myself what really happened."
"Yes."
"Alas… this is a heavy loss for Konoha."