Summary
TheHidden Leaf Villagehas produced a number of exceptional ninja over its course of existence, and many of these capable ninjas have gained repute and fame throughout the shinobi world. One such character is Sakumo Hatake, otherwise known as Konoha’s White Fang, a moniker that haunts those unfortunate enough to face him in battle.
Sakumo rose to prominence duringthe Second Great Ninja War, and his impressive feats in the war led to him being dubbed as the White Fang of the Leaf. While Sakumo may be a celebrated war hero in the current era, he became a victim of hate and ridicule during his own time, leading to his untimely demise. Despite being a revered shinobi, Sakumo couldn’t escape the cruelties of his time, some that even haunted him after his passing.
The Hidden Leaf’s War Hero
Since Sakumo’s story was only revealed as anextension to Kakashi Hatake’sbackstory, many of his feats were never explored or brought to light in the series. However, major details of his role in the Second Great Ninja War have made rounds throughout the series, acquainting viewers with his unparalleled strength and undeniable role in keeping the Hidden Leaf safe during the wartime era.
As the death count of his victims rose during the war, Sakumo quickly gained notoriety among the Five Great Nations. Since his primary offensive ability was the White Light Chakra Sabre, Sakumo was dubbed ‘Konoha’s White Fang,’ an epithet that has stuck to his name ever since. However, his appearance and white hair may have also been symbolized through this moniker.
Since the primary belligerents of the Second Great Ninja War werethe Hidden Sand and the Hidden Leaf, most of the White Fang’s victims resided in the Sand. Sasori’s parents were also killed by Sakumo in this war, leading to Granny Chiyo bearing immense hatred for the White Fang. She bore that hatred for over two decades, seeing how she attacked Kakashi thinking it was the White Fang.
The White Fang’s Fall From Grace
Sakumo’s glory was rather short-lived, and his fabled tale soon dwindled due to a failed mission that took place sometime after the war. The mission was thought to be of great significance to the Hidden Leaf, and its success was vital for the Leaf’s security. However, the mission went awry and Sakumo was left with two options – abandoning his squad to complete the mission or aborting themission to save his comrades.
Sakumo chose the latter, as he valued the life of his comrades over a brief from a paper. However, the people of the Leaf disagreed with these sentiments, vilifying the White Fang over prioritizing his comrades’ lives instead of completing the mission. The entire village ridiculed him, including those he had saved, stating that Sakumo had dishonored their nation.
The constant ostracization spiraled Sakumo into depression, and the condition eventually affected his performance on the battlefield. He could no longer live up to the legend of the White Fang and the never-ending vilification finally got to him, forcing Sakumo to take his own life. Even after death, Sakumo stayed in Limbo, refusing to move onto the Pure Landbefore he could meet Kakashi once more and ask for his forgiveness.
Sakumo Hatake’s Botched Legacy
Sakumo is still renowned as the White Fang among the Five Great Nations, yet his legacy within the Hidden Leaf is often overlooked. Sakumo’s actions left a long-lasting impact on Kakashi’s life, especially since he was merely a child at the time of his father’s death. Witnessing the ridicule Sakumo faced for saving his comrades, Kakashi blindly followed the notion of putting the village’s mission above all else. He became notorious for his cold-hearted disposition and a lack of empathy for those around him, thoughbefriending Obito Uchihaeventually changed these beliefs in Kakashi.
Sakumo’s legacy also reveals the cracks in the beliefs of the Hidden Leaf, as Sakumo and Kakashi’s ordeal is quite ironic. Sakumo was vilified and hated for saving his comrades, forcing him to take his own life. However, Kakashi was disliked for bearing the opposite sentiments, as he prioritized missions over his comrades. The situation clearly shows that Sakumo was wrongly ostracized by the village, and his grim fate could have been avoided.
Despite the tragic conclusion to his life, the White Fang remains a legend in the Hidden Leaf. His legacy lives on through Kakashi, and shinobi continue to recognize him through his father’s moniker. Eventhe Fire Daimyoseemed pleased to know Kakashi was Sakumo’s son when he was recommended for the position of the Sixth Hokage. Sakumo’s legacy continues to make rounds, yet it stands as a reminder of the unjust and unforgivable nature of the shinobi world.
