Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its character belong to Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I make.
Chapter 123: Hatake Sakumo
HATAKE SAKUMO - 4TH HOKAGE
The Hatake Clan was never considered one of the great clans in Konoha, infact their number was very small around 30 people only compared to giants like the Senju, Uchiha, or Hyūga, they were small, almost insignificant in both numbers and political influence.
Their origins could be traced back to a samurai lineage that once served a previous Fire Daimyō. However, as time passed, stronger and more influential samurai families rose to prominence, gradually pushing the Hatake Clan into the background.
They were sidelined not because they lacked skill, but because they lacked power and numbers.
By the time the era of hidden villages began, the Hatake Clan had already declined significantly. Their population had dwindled to fewer than twenty-five members, making them one of the smallest recognized clans in the region.
When Senju Hashirama founded Konohagakure, he extended an invitation to many clans, large and small alike to unite under one banner. For the Hatake Clan, it was an opportunity they could not afford to refuse and they also eager to join them.
They accepted without hesitation. Konoha became their new home and for a time, they lived quietly within the village, contributing what little they could.
Because of their origin as Samurai, they are very disciplined when learning and training to become shinobi, and among the one who are shining brightest inside the clan was Hatake Sakumo.
He was one of the youth who are quiet popular because he was never defeated when duelled using the sword.
Unlike the prodigies born into powerful clans, Sakumo beginnings were ordinary. The Hatake Clan did not possess a wide variety of ninjutsu scroll, nor did they have unique bloodline abilities. Instead, they relied heavily on traditional swordsmanship, skills inherited from their samurai roots.
From a young age, Sakumo trained relentlessly with the blade.
While other shinobi learned complex jutsu, he refined his control over the sword, pushing his physical abilities to their limits. However, what truly set him apart was his decision to go beyond the clan traditional methods.
Sakumo began training in lightning chakra manipulation after he found out he had lightning chakra affinity.
It was an unusual choice because Hatake was never part of the samurai who train with chakra, they are just a small samurai family.
But after they come to Konoha, they are given a chance to learn ninjutsu too, from there Hatake Sakumo learn that he had lightning chakra affinity.
Most members of the Hatake Clan possessed affinities for fire, earth, or water. Lightning was rare among them and only Sakumo had it.
Perhaps it was a remnant of their samurai heritage or perhaps it was simply his own talent.
Whatever the reason, Sakumo lightning chakra enhanced his swordsmanship to an entirely new level. His movements became faster, sharper and far more lethal. Each strike carried both physical force and electrical precision, making it nearly impossible for opponents to defend against him.
Gradually, the gap between him and the rest of his clan widened.
He was no longer just another member of the Hatake Clan and within a years he had became its strongest warrior.
Recognizing his potential, Konoha promoted him to elite jōnin at a relatively young age. Not long after, he was appointed as the captain of the ANBU, entrusted with leading some of the village most dangerous missions.
His reputation grew rapidly and when he did the mission, he wasn't required to wear a face mask.
Then when Ninja World War 2 came, Sakumo proved himself beyond doubt. He led Konoha forces against overwhelming odds and managed to repel enemy advances, turning what should have been a devastating defeat into a strategic stalemate.
To the outside world, it was called a draw.
To Konoha, it was big win.
But victory came at a cost.
The Hatake Clan suffered greatly during the war. Many of its remaining members were sent to the front lines, and most never returned. By the time the fighting subsided, only three adult members of the clan remained.
The Hatake were nearly wiped out luckily 2 other adult who followed into the war were saved by Sakumo and from that near extinction, Sakumo rose even higher.
Not long after that he was being called back to Konoha, he also took this time to bring back Hatake survivor to the clan back.
Now, in the midst of political uncertainty and war, he had been chosen as the next Hokage.
Sakumo could only stare at the village reports with a hint of annoyance.
He had never wanted to become Hokage in the first place, but there was little he could do now. The position had been given to him, and refusing it would only create more chaos within the village if he suddenly rejected or resign.
Although he was not a samurai, his upbringing still carried traces of that heritage. He had been taught to respect authority, and more importantly, to take responsibility seriously when entrusted with a role.
If he was given a position then he would fulfill it to the best of his ability and so, Sakumo worked diligently as a fourth Hokage.
Fortunately, with Uzumaki Raiken assistance and additional funding, his transition into the role of Hokage went relatively smoothly. Administrative matters, logistics, and battlefield coordination were all handled efficiently.
Speaking of Raiken…
Sakumo couldn't deny that the man genuinely seemed to want the best for the village.
At first, however, he found Raiken's actions strange.
Why had Raiken prevented him from meeting the Fire Daimyō?
The reasoning given had been vague at best.
"Hokage, it is wartime. We cannot afford to waste time meeting the Daimyō. Focus on the war first, then we will deal with him later," Raiken had said.
Since Sakumo had never been personally assigned a mission involving the Daimyō before, he accepted the explanation without much resistance.
Furthermore, it had been a long time since the Third Hokage inauguration. The people who upheld such traditions were either absent or currently fighting on the battlefield.
So, Sakumo chose to follow Raiken advice.
A few days later, Raiken presented a report.
The contents shocked him.
According to the intelligence gathered, the Fire Daimyō, Rengoku had secretly allocated at least ten percent of his resources to support other villages. That funding had strengthened their military forces significantly.
Even more disturbing Raiken report suggested that the current war may have been initiated under the Daimyō's influence.
Sakumo fell silent as he read through the documents.
Then came anger because the very man who was supposed to support Konoha had instead contributed to the suffering of its people.
Before Sakumo could decide on his next course of action regarding this betrayal.
News arrived.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had been found and he had safely returned to the village.
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There is 30 advanced chapter on my patreon.
Chapter 148: Disciple
Chapter 149: Senju Dilemma
Chapter 150: Brother
Chapter 151: Hyuga Conflict
Chapter 152: Abuse Of Power
Chapter 153: Save Yourselves
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