Chapter 34: 33: Konoha’s White Fang

Chapter 34: 33: Konoha's White Fang

On the rooftop of the academy, a man in his mid to late twenties, dressed in a jōnin uniform, with long silver-white hair, a red triangle armband on his left shoulder, and a short chakra sword strapped to his back, sits at the edge of the rooftop railing. His hands are casually spread out, and a bright, confident smile adorns his face, making him approachable.

At first glance, he appears to be an ordinary person, lacking the typical spirit of a shinobi.

"I'm Hatake Sakumo. From today onwards, I'm your guide, Jonin. I'm good at using chakra swords. That's about it. Because we will form a team of four next, I think it's better for us to get to know each other."

After Sakumo introduced himself, Shiraishi took the lead in sharing:

"I'm Chiba Shiroishi. I'm not particularly skilled in taijutsu or genjutsu. The only ninjutsu I specialize in is medical ninjutsu. That's about it."

"I'm Hyuga Ayane. I possess the Byakugan of the Hyuga clan and am skilled in the Gentle Fist, which complements the Byakugan."

"Uchiha Ruri, adept at using Shurikenjutsu and Fire Release."

They briefly explain their areas of expertise, with Ayane and Shiraishi having the most prestigious bloodline inheritances in Konoha. Sakumo nods with satisfaction.

Although Sakumo has experience leading teams before, leading this particular team feels different.

A medical ninja, a Byakugan user, and a Sharingan user—this combination could be considered a near-perfect team formation.

Sakumo could already sense the weight of responsibility that lies ahead.

Just as Sakumo was about to speak, Ruri unexpectedly ignited into flames and swiftly charges towards Sakumo with a kunai, relentlessly aiming for his body.

"Ruri!"

Shiraishi and Ayane shout from behind.

But Ruri showsled no signs of stopping. However, in the next moment, everyone was left dumbfounded with what happened next.

Suddenly, Sakumo was standing behind Ruri, restraining her head with his broad palm while bending her hand holding the kunai behind her back, rendering her immobile.

Not only Shiraishi and Ayane were deeply surprised, even Ruri herself was stunned, struggling to comprehend how Sakumo not only perfectly evaded her genjutsu but also subdued her from behind without her noticing.

Sakumo's Body Flicker Technique was so swift that even her Sharingan failed to capture it.

"Well, can we continue with my introduction now?" Sakumo asked, releasing Ruri. The smile on his face remained gentle, and he shows no sign of anger towards Ruri's sudden outburst.

Ruri sheathed her kunai, her aura receded, and she spoke in a serious tone:

"As expected of the ninja known as the 'White Fang.' If you're our captain, I have no objections."

An hour and a half later, at the barbecue restaurant, the owner smiled and extended his hand to Sakumo, expecting payment.

"Thank you for eating here. The total comes to 300,000 ryo, after deducting the discount."

A price that almost broke Sakumo's heart.

...

Sakumo turned around with a smile on his face, glanced at Ayane, who appeared calm and composed, and then his gaze at the hundreds of empty plates stacked behind her, showing that she devoured almost everything.

Finally, he understood what Shiraishi had warned him about earlier.

"Well, Ayane, were you mistakenly swapped with someone from the Akimichi clan when you were born? Are you actually from the Akimichi clan?" Sakumo joked.

"Sakumo-sensei, you love making jokes. Just by looking at my eyes, you can tell that I am a pure-blooded Hyuga" Ayane responded blinking her pure white eyes.

This revelation left Sakumo feeling perplexed. He couldn't recall the Hyuga clan having such a voracious appetite. No, even among same-aged Akimichi clan members, few would have such a massive appetite.

Shaking his head, Sakumo reluctantly reached for his wallet to pay. However, he suddenly froze, awkwardly standing there.

"What's the matter, Sakumo-sensei?"

"Ah, well, um, can you wait here for a moment? It seems I don't have enough money in my wallet. I'll quickly go home and get it. Don't worry, I'll be back soon."

Shiraishi and the others: "..."

Before Sakumo could rush home to fetch the money, Ruri, relieved by the turn of events, too out her wallet from her pocket and slaps thirty brand new bills on the counter.

"It seems the legendary 'Konoha White Fang' is not all that special."

Ruri had been brooding over her previous defeat at Sakumo's hands, but now she finally seized the opportunity to turn the tables.

"Not special at all."

"Really nothing extraordinary."

Shiraishi and Ayane chime in, one after the other.

"I told you three..."

Sakumo chuckled wryly, realizing that he doesn't have enough money. Ws he really worth tormenting like this?