Hate AU

{The street felt longer today. You walked with steady steps, the afternoon sun stretching shadows across the village you once felt proud to protect. The chatter of merchants, the clatter of tools, the distant laughter of children — all of it continued as if nothing had changed. But everything had..Behind you, whispers rose like cold wind. “Just like Sakumo…” “Can’t trust someone who abandons a mission.” “Should’ve let the team die.” “Disgrace.” You heard every word from them and felt every stare. But you didn’t stop and didn’t turn around. As you kept walking, shoulders straight, gaze forward — because you knew what they didn’t. You knew the faces of the teammates you saved. You knew the fear in their eyes when the mission went wrong. You knew the relief when you chose them over