"You know, ever since the Second Hokage's era, the Uchiha clan has been increasingly sidelined in Konoha."
Byakuya spoke coldly, his eyes scanning the dimly lit room where Uchiha En stood quietly.
"Among all the key institutions in Konoha—Intelligence Division, Anbu, Medical Corps—not one is led by an Uchiha. Only the Konoha Military Police Force was handed to us… and even that was a way to isolate and control us."
En frowned, nodding. "Even the Police Force has been losing real authority. We handle civilian crimes while the ANBU and Root handle anything that truly matters."
"But now," Byakuya continued, "under my leadership, the Police Force is regaining its influence. And you think we should let other clans join and dilute that power? No. The Police Force is our last stronghold. We can't afford to give it away."
"What are you afraid of?" Uchiha En asked, hesitating. "That the other clans will steal our influence? We're Uchiha—we rely on strength, not positions."
Byakuya sighed, then snorted. "This is the world of shinobi, En. Power—real power—dictates everything. Why do you think Hashirama became Hokage? Was it truly because of the 'Will of Fire'? No. It was because of his unmatched Wood Release and strength."
"If the Will of Fire alone brought peace," Byakuya continued, "we wouldn't have had three Great Ninja Wars. Power is what shapes nations. Not ideals."
En lowered his head. "Your words… I understand now."
"Good. Never forget that the Hokage is only Hokage because people recognize his strength. Without that, he's just another old man playing politics."
Just then, En spoke up. "Lord Byakuya, there's something else…"
"What is it?"
"News about Hatake Sakumo—White Fang. He recently abandoned a mission to save his comrades. Now the village is turning against him. Even his former teammates have condemned him publicly. They're saying his decision caused Konoha massive losses."
"Hmph. Hatake Sakumo?" Byakuya scoffed. "Sounds like another setup from Hiruzen Sarutobi and his council."
"A conspiracy? But Hatake Sakumo is the captain of the ANBU!"
"Exactly," Byakuya replied coldly. "He holds real power. He's respected, feared, and loyal to his own principles. That makes him dangerous to Hiruzen's grip on the village."
En's expression grew serious. "Now that you mention it… it does seem suspicious. One failed mission and they completely turn on a hero? Every ninja has failed missions. Even I have."
"Right," Byakuya nodded. "But Sakumo's influence was growing. There were rumors he could be the next Hokage—his reputation during the Second Shinobi War even eclipsed the Sannin. That's when the council decided he had to be discredited."
"So they leaked the mission failure?" En muttered, furious. "Framed him to destroy his honor…"
Byakuya's voice was calm but firm. "Typical Konoha elders. When someone becomes a threat to their power, they don't hesitate to sacrifice him—especially one who stands above the rest without playing their games."
En clenched his fists. "What a disgrace… even heroes are betrayed."
There was a pause.
Byakuya then spoke again, his tone thoughtful. "What if we offered Hatake Sakumo a place in the Police Force?"
En stared at him in disbelief. "Invite Sakumo? But… would he even consider it? He's ANBU. A loyal leaf shinobi."
"Loyal to his comrades," Byakuya corrected. "Not necessarily to the village that turned on him. If we give him respect—real purpose—he might listen."
En's eyes widened, then slowly, he nodded. "If Hatake Sakumo joins us… the entire power structure of Konoha could change."
"Heh… Sarutobi Hiruzen never truly treated him like one of his own..."
"Let's go. It's time we meet Hatake Sakumo," Byakuya said with a faint smile.
The politics of Konoha had always been murky. Sarutobi Hiruzen and the village elders—Danzo, Homura, and Koharu—clung tightly to their authority. Anyone with the potential to upset their balance of power was either silenced or pushed aside.
The strong were often deemed dangerous.
Hatake Sakumo—the White Fang of Konoha, hailed as a hero on par with the Sannin—had been crushed not by enemies on the battlefield, but by slander and pressure from within his own village.
Just like the Uchiha clan.
Eventually, Konoha would pay the price for turning on its own. Pain would later reduce the village to rubble, and had it not been for the sheer will—and words—of Uzumaki Naruto, Konoha might not have risen again.
Since Hiruzen and the elders refused to protect their own, Byakuya thought grimly, the Uchiha would welcome them instead.
At the Hatake residence…
The house was dimly lit, neglected. Dust coated the floor. The once-proud White Fang of Konoha, Hatake Sakumo, sat slumped beside a low table, his unshaven face shadowed, eyes sunken with despair.
The whispers, the rumors, the judgment of those he had once protected—Konoha had turned its back on him.
His hand rested on the hilt of his tanto.
The weight of disgrace pulled at him like a storm cloud over his soul.
As he slowly began to draw the blade, the silence shattered—
Bang!
The door swung open violently.
"Ahem… gods, what's that smell? This is where the White Fang lives?" a voice said mockingly.
"I thought you were a legend, but you look like a stray dog."