Hatake Sakumo pondered for a moment, then took the White Fang from Kakashi's waist, examining it closely while speaking softly:
"Want to become a samurai or a ronin?"
"After dying once, amusingly, I seem to have gained new insights into swordsmanship."
Hatake Sakumo gently stroked the blade of the White Fang: "Not wielding it as a Konoha ninja, but from the true self of Hatake Sakumo, seems to make it quicker, doesn't it?"
Aomi smiled.
Dragon realm enlightenment, near-death enlightenment, it seems that ninjas who experience these more or less have new realizations?
Extreme emotions and dilemmas always have the potential to unleash power, not just the Uchiha clan...
Senju Tobirama looked at Hatake Sakumo and said softly: "He's grown stronger, Aomi..."
In Senju Tobirama's eyes, Hatake Sakumo was a sword too hard and easy to break, but after walking once between life and death, it was as if he was refined anew, rekindling his potential from deep within.
"Indeed, Sakumo..."
Aomi mused: "I don't actually have anything to ask of you, but there happens to be a position suitable for you, Sakumo. You don't exactly want to abandon your identity as a Konoha ninja, do you?"
Hatake Sakumo silently nodded.
Although this experience gave him a new perspective on the village and the Will of Fire, it wasn't extreme enough to defect.
He just wanted, like Jiraiya, to wander the Ninja World alone, capturing insights from his heart, honing his mind and strength.
This time, even if Sarutobi Hiruzen disagrees with his leaving the village, Hatake Sakumo won't care anymore.
Your disciple can wander outside the village, why can't I?
Hatake Sakumo had a hunch that the swordsmanship he hadn't improved for a long time might meet an opportunity for a breakthrough.
"Indeed, Root is currently under my control..."
Aomi said slowly: "I still lack a powerful intelligence ninja out there. If you're interested, Sakumo, you can take the position of Head of Intelligence of Root."
"I trust that with your qualifications and experience, you clearly know what kind of intelligence to gather abroad. Usually, you can act freely, and I'll contact you when there's a specific task."
"The former Root of Konoha wanted to destroy you, but the new Root in my hands welcomes you to be a part of it..."
[From the dialogue target Hatake Sakumo: You have acquired a special talent—White Fang's Edge]
[White Fang's Edge]: Your swordsmanship, dynamic vision, and nerve response capabilities have dramatically improved!
Hatake Sakumo's expression jolted, and the calmness brought by seeing through life and death also broke, confusedly looking at Aomi.
He initially thought that even if Shimura Danzo was exposed, Sarutobi Hiruzen would only give him a slap on the wrist.
After all, what he and Orochimaru did last time with human experimentation was so excessive. Even after Hatake Sakumo personally seized them, a few months later, Shimura Danzo still resumed his position as Hokage Assistant and Root Leader.
This cycle has happened countless times within Konoha, and Hatake Sakumo was tired of watching, even numb to it.
However, Aomi broke this cycle, pulling Shimura Danzo down!
"Shimura Danzo is now imprisoned..."
Aomi appreciated Hatake Sakumo's shocked gaze and Kakashi's bewildered look, then smiled:
"The leadership of Root is temporarily taken over by me, and the Hokage Assistant position is appointed to Tsunade-sensei."
Hatake Sakumo blinked hard, and even after his journey between life and death, with his simple thinking, he still couldn't imagine how Aomi, just after stepping out for a while, managed to topple Shimura Danzo!
This shattered the awe that Shimura Danzo had established in Konoha for decades—no matter how excessive his actions, he was always forgiven by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Hatake Sakumo let out a long breath: "Aomi, I am willing to take on the role of Head of Intelligence of Root!"
With Shimura Danzo removed, Hatake Sakumo no longer had any concerns.
"Sakumo, then here's your first task: go find this person to partner with..."
Aomi found a piece of paper and wrote on it:
Currently appointing Kakuzu as the Director of Finance of the Hidden Village of Konoha's Root, with Hatake Sakumo as his partner, contact if needed, best wishes—
A conscientious boss, Root Leader Uchiha Aomi.
"He's quite an interesting person, Sakumo,"
Aomi playfully said: "In the past, he was tasked by the village to assassinate the First Hokage, and after failing and being imprisoned, he was to be executed. Doesn't that sound a bit like your story?"
"I believe you'll have common ground and become good partners."
Hatake Sakumo scratched his head, reflecting, "Seems like there's more than just one unlucky guy in the Ninja World..."
And when he saw the name on the paper, Hatake Sakumo's pupils contracted.
The name Kakuzu, for Hatake Sakumo, who had been in the frontlines for over a decade, was well-known.
The legendary Undying Ninja, the strongest bounty hunter—Kakuzu!
"What is it, Sakumo, is there an issue?"
Aomi asked with a smile: "I crossed paths with him before, and we've had some interactions since then. He's been looking for a stable job within the organization, and I consider this helping him out."
Hatake Sakumo slowly exhaled: "No problem, Aomi, I look forward to meeting him as my partner in Root..."
"That's good then, Sakumo, contact anytime."
"Yes, Lord Aomi!" Hatake Sakumo quickly got into his role, stood up, and saw him off.
After Aomi left.
Kakashi looked at his father, who had regained his vitality, nudged his arm: "Father, how did Aomi do it?"
Hatake Sakumo smiled, rubbing Kakashi's white hair, speaking earnestly:
"Even I don't know, but I must tell you something important, don't probe into others' secrets."
"Especially those who are good to you and better than you!"
"Remember, Kakashi, while your father is out on missions, visit Aomi's house often, don't worry if Shisui and Asuma aren't friendly, Aomi is now my superior, it's quite reasonable for you to visit..."
"If you do that, aim to join Root through your own efforts..."
Kakashi helplessly listened to Hatake Sakumo's advice.
In his view, his father's words had only one meaning—stay as close to Aomi as possible!
At this point, isn't that common sense, my dear father?