96. Final Farewells with Everyone and Sakumo’s Wisdom

96. Final Farewells with Everyone and Sakumo’s Wisdom

On the day of his deployment, Hikari's morning was filled with farewells as Konoha's mobilization neared completion and he was set to go alongside the rest of his division soon.

At the Hyuga clan compound, he shared a particularly emotional goodbye with Hinome after also parting with everyone else he knew well there.

Her worry was palpable, leading to their first and prolonged hug—a gesture that spoke volumes about their ever-evolving relationship.

Hikari assured her that they would stay in constant communication, updating each other about their research and personal well-being through letters throughout the war.

Next, Hikari met secretly with Kiyomi at their usual spot. She was also about to be deployed to the Southern Front, and her demeanor was unusually subdued, lacking her typical playfulness, and was very serious and perhaps even slightly anxious.

Hikari did his best to lift her spirits, first saying that he was confident in her abilities and that she would perform well and had nothing to worry about, and then managing to draw a blush and a mumbled response from her before she hastily departed.

He also promised her that he might find a way to visit her front too if the opportunity arose, and everything went well with his own front's operations, as she was running away, hinting at a desire to ensure their paths would cross again soon.

Finally, Hikari now visited the Hatake residence to bid farewell to Sakumo and young Kakashi.

"Hikari, listen carefully...", After some casual talk, Sakumo sighed slightly and then began imparting some wisdom from his experience from participating in the previous shinobi world war, for Hikari, who was leaving for one now as well, so his voice, turning low and serious,

"Hikari, I know how strong you've gotten, but please remember, during the war, leverage your allies as well. Shinobi warfare is not just about individual prowess; it's about how effectively you can work as part of a team. Combined tactics, where you synchronize your jutsu with others, can increase your overall odds of survival and success more than you can believe...",

Sakumo continued, "Remember, always conserve your strength at all times. Do not waste chakra on large-scale techniques unless absolutely necessary, as you could have literally hundreds of opponents at the same time coming against you, one after another, so no matter how strong you are, could falter simply due to attrition, I also have experience of this first hand. Precision strikes to vital points are often more effective than the flashiest jutsu.",

He then made a promise, adding a condition to his words, "If you can reach Elite Jonin level strength and I deem you ready in the coming years, and if this war still rages, then I will allow you to join the fight...",

Sakumo's expression was serious, emphasizing the importance of readiness and maturity in the face of such large-scale conflict, hoping his words would guide Kakashi to appreciate his current position and focus on his growth.

However, noticing Kakashi's subtle envious glance toward Hikari, Sakumo addressed his son's unspoken concern directly, "Don't compare yourself to Hikari. His strength already places him among the top ten shinobi in this village, which more than qualifies him for the front lines. Moreover, he will be surrounded and protected by his clansmen, an advantage you wouldn't have...", Sakumo explained.

His tone was firm, intended to both clarify the situation and temper Kakashi's frustration, "Each shinobi's path is different, Kakashi. Your time will come, but it is not now. Focus on your training and growth with me here. That's how you can truly prepare for what lies ahead...", He added, hoping to steer Kakashi's ambition towards preparation and self-improvement rather than resentment or impatience.

As Hikari watched Sakumo interact with Kakashi, he sensed a deeper reluctance in Sakumo's demeanor towards the war, likely stemming from past experiences or the less-than-favorable treatment he had received from Konoha's leadership in the past. This made Sakumo's lack of enthusiasm for returning to battle understandable, even predictable.

In Hikari's view, Sakumo seemed genuinely more content to stay behind in the safety of his clan's estate, dedicating himself to training young Kakashi and preparing him for the increasing challenges of the shinobi world.

It appeared that nurturing Kakashi's potential and safeguarding his growth was a source of fulfillment for Sakumo, perhaps offering him a sense of redemption and purpose that the battlefield no longer provided.

As to why the two of them didn't need to participate in this war, it was clear. Even the smaller shinobi clans needed to maintain a certain number of their members within the clan compound to preserve the clan's lineage and ensure its survival, something Konoha's leadership could not override, and Sakumo, as the Hatake clan head, decided who were they.

Meanwhile, in the living area, after sensing Kakashi's further lingering doubts and the need for a tangible demonstration, Sakumo decided on a more direct approach to resolve the matter,

"If you're still not convinced, Kakashi, let's step outside and see Hikari's abilities for ourselves, hence the differences between the two of you...", Sakumo suggested, then leading the way with a tone of finality.

Soon after, they moved to the courtyard, where they would have enough space for a safe and clear demonstration. This impromptu spar was not just to showcase Hikari's combat skills but also to provide a practical lesson for Kakashi on the level of expertise required for war leadership.