At this time, Uchiha Tunan had returned home and closed his eyes, savoring the newfound strength coursing through his body.
His chakra reserves and mental power had skyrocketed several times over. However, this was expected, as the Hatake clan was not known for vast chakra reserves. Their true strength lay elsewhere.
The most significant gain was Sakumo Hatake's formidable secret techniques. Unlike common ninjutsu or overused high-level techniques, these were unique abilities that had been honed through generations. Each one possessed terrifying potential.
Wind Release: Whispering Wind
A specialized sensory technique unique to Sakumo. By attuning himself to the vibrations in the air, he could detect movements within a certain range. The technique also allowed him to use air currents to transmit sound across distances.
Ninjutsu: Thunder Spirit Wind Flash
This technique combined Lightning Release to stimulate body cells and Wind Release to manipulate surrounding air, minimizing resistance. The result was a drastic increase in speed—more refined and sustainable than the standard Body Flicker Technique (Shunshin no Jutsu).
Lightning Release Secret Technique: Soul of the Thunder God
A dangerous but powerful jutsu that stimulated brain acupoints using lightning chakra. This temporarily amplified mental power and allowed communication with natural electromagnetic fields, making the user resistant to all genjutsu and mental attacks. However, the drawback was severe chakra exhaustion, often leading to unconsciousness once the effect ended.
Lightning Release Secret Technique: Heavenly Thunder Judgment
A devastating single-target attack that required activating Soul of the Thunder God. It summoned lightning from the natural environment to strike down an enemy. Unlike Kirin, this technique had fewer preconditions, making it far more practical in battle.
Lightning Release Secret Technique: Ten Thousand Thunder Prison
Another technique requiring Soul of the Thunder God. By gathering immense amounts of natural lightning, it unleashed widespread destruction—akin to multiple bolts of thunder raining down on an entire battlefield. This technique was designed for obliterating enemy strongholds and wiping out entire squads.
Hatake-Ryuu Swordsmanship
A refined kenjutsu style that combined both Wind and Lightning chakra. When channeled into the White Fang short blade, Wind Release granted unparalleled cutting power, while Lightning Release paralyzed enemies on contact. Compared to the Three-Blade Sword Style (Santoryu), Hatake-Ryuu was far more refined, effective, and deadly.
Uchiha Tunan had only begun familiarizing himself with these newfound abilities when members of the ANBU arrived at his door.
"Uchiha Tunan, the Hokage wishes to see you."
Tunan rose calmly and replied, "Let's go."
One of the ANBU attempted to place a hand on his shoulder, preparing to use the Body Flicker Technique.
Tunan raised his hand slightly to stop him, speaking in an indifferent tone:
"That won't be necessary."
The moment he finished speaking, Uchiha Tunan disappeared.
---
Hokage's Office
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat behind his desk, his expression heavy as he looked at Uchiha Tunan.
"Why didn't you try to dissuade White Fang? He was Kakashi's father."
Uchiha Tunan met his gaze coldly.
"I respected White Fang's decision. He was a true warrior. For a samurai, death in honorable combat is far more meaningful than dying in disgrace."
Sarutobi studied him closely, sensing a shift in the young Uchiha's demeanor. In the past, Tunan had always sought his approval, yet now, his indifference was striking.
Had his recent focus on Shinnosuke distanced Tunan from him?
Or was it something else?
Hiruzen sighed. Konoha had lost a valuable asset in Sakumo Hatake. Now, even Tunan seemed to have changed.
Stepping forward, he gently placed a hand on Tunan's head, his voice laced with concern.
**"I know this must have affected you deeply. And while you and Kakashi were close, what happened… it may take time for him to accept.
I will inform Minato to temporarily remove you from Team 9. Use this time to rest at home.
If you need anything, you can always come to me."**
Uchiha Tunan nodded silently, then disappeared in a flicker.
Sarutobi retracted his hand, momentarily stunned, before sighing and returning to his seat.
He muttered to himself, lighting his pipe,
**"Tunan isn't the type to resent being overlooked.
Has he truly embraced the samurai philosophy?
It's a dangerous mindset… but one that values loyalty.
As long as he doesn't follow the same path as White Fang, he may still be useful."**
Taking a deep drag from his pipe, he exhaled slowly.
"Still… the fact that he could use such an advanced Body Flicker Technique… Just how strong has he become?"
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed.
"It's fortunate that he's still under my command. I must inform Shinnosuke to keep an eye on him."
So preoccupied was he with the day's events that he completely forgot to reprimand Tunan for using the Body Flicker in his office without permission.
---
Hatake Clan Compound
Kakashi knelt beside his father's lifeless form, carefully covering the body with a white cloth before moving it to the ancestral shrine.
His heart was heavy.
He knew something was wrong.
He wasn't naive enough to believe that his closest friend had murdered his father in cold blood.
But at that moment—overwhelmed by grief—he had needed a scapegoat.
Now, as he stepped into Sakumo's room, his eyes fell upon a letter on the table.
His hands trembled as he picked it up.
Sakumo Hatake's Final Will
_"Kakashi, if you're reading this, then I am already gone.
The losses Konoha has suffered are too great, and I have chosen to take responsibility with my life.
I had intended to end it myself… but then Tunan arrived.
Perhaps, as someone who shares the way of the samurai, he understood my resolve.
I am grateful to him.
He allowed me to die in battle—a warrior's death.
For a samurai, this is far more honorable than simply taking one's own life.
Kakashi, remember this well: I lost this duel.
Live on. Uphold the name of the Hatake Clan.
And never forget… Tunan is your lifelong companion.
Do not resent him—he did this for my sake._"
Kakashi clenched the letter, his shoulders trembling.
Tears streamed down his face.
"Father…"
---
In the Following Days
Word of Sakumo Hatake's death spread throughout Konoha.
Uchiha Tunan remained secluded, rarely stepping outside.
During this time, he carved a wooden statue of Sakumo and placed it alongside those of his other "departed" friends and family.
When not paying respects, he was either refining his newfound abilities or engaging in deep self-reflection.
As a true inheritor of the Will of Fire, he constantly evaluated himself.
Had he made any miscalculations?
Was there anything he had said or done that wasn't perfectly crafted?
Had he left any loose ends?
If any flaws existed, he would find a way to correct them—both now and in the future.
Because to be a great shinobi was difficult.
To be a pure shinobi was even harder.
And to be a shinobi whose purity was mistaken for virtue...
That was the true challenge.