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TSSITWON Chapter 20: Giving Everything, Even My Soul
🕑 Added 2024-09-03 11:32:37 +0000 UTC"If I must die in the end, let it be only after I have given everything—even my soul—in battle." Gigi Aoki clenched tightly as Aoki spoke those words, his eyes radiating an unquenchable fire of courage.
Sakumo listened intently, pausing for a moment after hearing Aoki's extraordinary determination. In Sakumo's heart, he felt deep respect for this young man. "You... are truly insane," Sakumo finally said, a thin yet respectful smile etched on his face. "But your madness is something remarkable. With such determination, I am sure that one day you will become the Strongest Swordmaster."
"Of course!" Aoki replied enthusiastically. "If I fail, it just means I haven't trained hard enough. I will keep pushing myself until I earn that title!"
Sakumo chuckled softly, impressed by Aoki's boundless spirit. "You really are a kid with steel determination. As a reward for your efforts today, how about I treat you to a meal?"
"Meat?" Aoki sat up straight, his eyes shining with hope. "Seriously?"
Sakumo nodded, his smile widening. "Yes, you've worked hard. You seem to be feeling better now, right?"
Aoki paused for a moment, just realizing that the pain that had tormented him was now forgotten in the rush of adrenaline and excitement. However, as that awareness returned, the pain also came back to remind him.
"Uh!" Aoki groaned, lying back down on the grass, exhaustion overtaking his body.
"Haha, it seems you still can't sit up properly," Sakumo laughed softly, watching Aoki struggle but fail. "Then let's postpone the treat until tomorrow. Today, you should go home and rest. Get a good night's sleep."
Aoki nodded slowly, holding back the pain that coursed through his body. "Uhm... alright," Aoki said somewhat shyly. "Uncle Sakumo... could you take me home?"
Sakumo smiled understandingly. "Of course." Without hesitation, Sakumo hoisted Aoki onto his back, his steps steady and warm.
...
...
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On the other side, while Aoki felt fortunate to have been trained by Sakumo, the White Fang of Konoha, a dark conspiracy was unfolding underground, in a dimly lit and secretive room.
There, a man wrapped in bandages sat in his chair, his gaze sharply piercing through the darkness. The man was Danzo, the leader of Root, who was currently staring coldly at one of his subordinates.
"What do you mean, Sakumo is not dead yet?" Danzo's voice was hoarse but filled with menace. "Is the rumor we spread not strong enough? What is really going on?"
The Root Anbu standing before Danzo then replied in a flat, emotionless tone. "I don't think so, Lord Danzo. Many citizens have come around the Hatake Clan just to insult Sakumo. However, it seems Sakumo has regained a strong will to live."
Danzo's eyes narrowed, his mind racing. "Sakumo has resigned from his position as Anbu Commander, hasn't he? Is that true?"
"Yes, Lord Danzo," replied the Root Anbu, his voice remaining calm behind his emotionless mask. "Sakumo Hatake has stepped down from his position."
Danzo pondered for a moment before speaking again, his voice growing colder. "If Sakumo has resigned and did not commit suicide, then there is only one reason—it must be because of his son, Kakashi Hatake, the genius of the Hatake Clan."
"What are your orders, Lord Danzo?" The Root Anbu asked without hesitation, his eyes cold as he contemplated the possibility of killing a child without a shred of guilt. "Do you want me to kill his son?"
Danzo fell silent for a moment, considering the next plan, as the shadows of conspiracy began to thicken around him.
