The Naruto franchise has several characters that define legendary. Most of them have achieved something significant and thus got their recognition. Masashi Kishimoto took care of his characters and gave them a proper introduction. But there is a particular shinobi the entire Naruto fandom knows about, yet he never got any backstory or spinoff.
Sakumo Hatake, Kakashi Hatake’s father, was a legendary shinobi, but due to some unforeseen circumstances, he committed suicide. He was called the ‘White Fang of Leaf.’ The mangaka seemed to have abandoned the character even though the character has great potential to star in a spinoff series.
Masashi Kishimoto Needs To Pick Up His Pen For Sakumo Hatake
The White Fang of Leaf, Sakumo Hatake, was a legendary shinobi. His name would make the enemies get cold feet. Masashi Kishimoto gave him the Shisui Uchiha treatment. He hyped the character only to never give him any proper arc. None of his battles were ever shown, and why he earned the ‘White Fang’ title was also skipped. Whatever little is known about him is through Kakashi Hatake.
Sakumo was kind and advised Kakashi to work hard like Might Guy. His stature as a shinobi was so great that when they saw a teenager Kakashi, they got scared, thinking it to be the White Fang. Even the Sannins were considered to be less powerful than him. Everyone respected him, and Kakashi idolized his father when he was younger. But the situation changed when he and his team was sent on a crucial mission.
Sakumo Hatake could have completed the mission, but chose to abandon it and help save the life of his comrades. It was a brave choice, but he was vilified for his actions. The Land of Fire blamed him for abandoning such a crucial mission. Even the comrades he saved discredited his action. Sakumo Hatake started to suffer from depression, and a point came where he took his life.
Sakumo Hatake’s life has multiple shades, and the story is quite intriguing. Kishimoto could use him in a spinoff series to showcase his life. He could explore how he got his nickname and his specialties. Naruto Shippuden overlooked all these things. Fans would love to see him in a spinoff like Itachi Shinden. Moreover, they want to know more about the mission that ultimately led to his demise.
Sakumo Hatake Deeply Influenced Kakashi’s Life
Kakashi Hatake idolized his father. But after he killed himself, Kakashi changed his views. He always abided by the ninja rules. He never abandoned the mission, even if his friends were in danger. Kakashi soon became the next prodigy and was the first to become a jonin from his batch. Deep down, he wanted to become like his father, but his views restricted him. When he met Obita Uchiha, he began to revert back to his old self.
There were several shinobi who still respected the White Fang. Obita Uchiha, Minato Namikaze, the Fire Lord, etc., all held him in high regards. Another thing the fans will be treated to if Masashi Kishimoto ever decides to make a series on Sakumo Hatake, was his kenjutsu and White Light Chakra Sabre. The fans are eagerly waiting for the day when the White Fang spinoff will be announced.
Naruto Shippuden can be streamed on Crunchyroll, and the manga is available on Viz Media.
