Black Naruto: Shadow Moon

"Yingyue, you're here." Shuomao's voice was low and he sounded extremely tired.

Yingyue walked into the room and looked around. The room was simple and cold. Shuomao's white-fang knife was hung on the wall. The blade was still sharp, but it seemed to have been forgotten by its owner in the corner.

Yingyue's heart tightened, and she sat opposite Shuomao and said in a deep voice: "Senior Shuomao, public opinion in the village is becoming increasingly unfavorable. I am worried about you... I am worried that you will suffer an undue blow because of this."

Sakumo did not respond immediately, but just looked at the night outside the window in silence.

After a long while, he whispered, "Yingyue, I know what happened now. I was not unaware of the strangeness of that mission. I know that this is probably a conspiracy, a conspiracy from within the village."

Yingyue nodded, "Yes, it is not difficult to guess who is manipulating these public opinions behind the scenes. I have found some clues. People from the Root are pushing all this. This is obviously a conspiracy of Shimura Danzo. He wants to suppress you in this way and prevent you from becoming an important figure in the village."

The corners of Sakumo's mouth twitched slightly, but the smile looked extremely bitter.

"I have already guessed that Danzo has always been a ruthless person. I am afraid that this mission was set up by him from the beginning. I don't care about him. I have seen too many conspiracies and tricks over the years."

Yingyue looked at Sakumo and keenly caught the deep fatigue in his tone, as if it was not Danzo's conspiracy that made him despair, but some deeper reason.

He couldn't help but ask, "What makes you so frustrated?"

Sakumo closed his eyes, sighed softly, and whispered: "Kagezuki, you know what? I am not disappointed by Danzo's conspiracy. I am disappointed... the attitude of the villagers and the silence of the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen."

Yingyue frowned, waiting for Sakumo's explanation.

"The villagers once trusted and respected me, but now, they blame me because of a few rumors. Even the teammates I saved stood up and criticized my decision." Sakumo's voice was filled with deep helplessness and sadness. "I can understand the influence of manipulated public opinion on them, but these accusations... I can't accept them."

He paused and continued, "What hurts me the most is the attitude of the Third Hokage. Sarutobi Hiruzen... He has always trusted me, but this time, he chose to acquiesce to the fermentation of public opinion in the village and did not stand up to speak for me. Even the Daimyo of the Land of Fire did not speak for me. They all chose to remain silent."

Yingyue was silent for a moment after hearing this. He knew that Shuomao was an extremely noble person who firmly believed in the will of fire.

He had used the Will of Fire as his principle countless times to save the village and his companions, but the current situation made him feel betrayed.

"The Will of Fire... I used to think that was the most fundamental creed of the village. But now, I'm beginning to doubt its true meaning." Sakumo raised his head, his eyes full of confusion and pain, "Kagezuki, I have always believed that ninjas are people first, and tools second. We ninjas protect the village, not just to carry out missions, but to protect those we cherish. But now it seems that many people in the village don't think so."

Yingyue knew that Sakumo's inner pain was not only because of the attacks from public opinion, but also because he found that the beliefs he held on seemed to be out of touch with the reality of the village.

He still believed in the will of fire, but he did not approve of the current attitude of the village that used ninjas as cold tools.

"Senior, you are right." Yingyue said calmly, "Ninjas are not just tools. Your decision is correct. Although those people you saved were manipulated, you cannot deny yourself because of this. You chose to save them because you know that life is more important than the mission."

Sakumo's eyes dimmed a little, and he whispered: "But this village doesn't seem to think so."

Yingyue stood up, walked in front of Shumao, and said firmly: "The public opinion of the village is not the absolute truth. Someone is manipulating all this, but you can't give up on yourself because of this.

You were once the pride of Konoha, and now, the village still needs you. Don't let a conspiracy make you doubt yourself, it's not worth it. "

Shuomao looked at Yingyue, with a hint of struggle in his eyes.

The pain in his heart did not completely disappear because of Yingyue's persuasion, but he felt a long-lost comfort.

"Kingyue, I understand..." Sakumo said softly, "I will consider your words carefully."

Yingyue nodded, with deep expectation in her eyes.

He knew that Sakumo's mood was still complicated, but at least he was no longer in complete despair like before.

"I will continue to find out the truth behind all this." Yingyue said, "Senior, you have to cheer up. This struggle is not over yet."

Sakumo nodded slightly, his eyes flickering slightly.

Although he still felt heavy in his heart, Yingyue's words made him feel the long-lost hope.

On this stormy night, the haze in Sakumo's heart may not have dissipated yet, but at least he is no longer alone and helpless.

In the next few days, Hatake Sakumo occasionally appeared on the streets of Konoha, often accompanied by his son, the young Hatake Kakashi.

Although Kakashi is young, he has already graduated from the Ninja School and became a Chunin. His talent and ability make him famous in the village.

However, as his father Hatake Sakumo's reputation was tarnished in the village, Kakashi began to feel the indifference and rejection from his companions and ninjas.

One day, Hatake Sakumo was taking Kakashi for a walk in the village when they heard a quarrel on the street corner.

When he got closer, he saw several older ninjas surrounding Kakashi, their words full of provocation and hostility.

"Kakashi, do you still think you are a genius? Your father gave up the mission in Konoha and ruined the entire operation for his companions!" one of the ninjas said sarcastically.

"Don't think you can be so arrogant just because you are Hatake Sakumo's son. Your father is a coward!" another person echoed.

Kakashi stood in front of the men, his hands clenched into fists. Even though anger was burning in his heart, he still did not take action.

He was not afraid of the words of these people, but he could not accept the insults against his father.

"What father did was right. Ninjas are not just tools. The Will of Fire teaches us to protect our companions!" Kakashi responded firmly.

As soon as these words were spoken, the ninjas became more excited, and one of them even stepped forward and pushed Kakashi. Kakashi walked steadily, and although he did not fall down, he was filled with resentment.