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"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Sakumo Hatake replied with a simple nod and exited the Hokage's office without unnecessary words, adhering to his usual straightforward style.
Watching Sakumo Hatake leave, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a sense of calm in his heart.
At the very least, other ninja villages wouldn't entertain the idea of targeting Asahi.
As long as things remained this way, regardless of whether Asahi would assist Konoha in the future, they wouldn't have a direct confrontation with him.
Lighting his pipe, Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep drag, standing by the window, overlooking the village he held dear.
However, before he could reflect for a moment, the office door was violently knocked.
Listening to the frequency of the knocks, Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head in resignation.
No need to guess—it was undoubtedly his old comrade, Danzo Shimura.
"Come in, Danzo."
Extinguishing his pipe, Sarutobi Hiruzen adjusted his Hokage cloak and invited Danzo Shimura into the office.
Danzo wasn't one for pleasantries, directly pushing open the door to the Hokage's office.
The current Sarutobi Hiruzen was still in his prime, the Hokage known as the "Professor"
Although Danzo aspired to be Hokage, believing he could do better than Sarutobi Hiruzen, he didn't dare show it too explicitly.
If it were later, he would probably have barged in on his own without waiting for permission.
Upon entering, Danzo caught a whiff of a strong tobacco odor, causing him to furrows his brows.
Danzo Shimura, who strictly adhered to shinobi rules of concealment, always disdained things that easily revealed one's presence, like tobacco.
Seemingly, Hokage's not the only one falling short here; even the shinobi are lacking!
Suppressing his thoughts, Danzo inquired with a stern tone, "Hiruzen! Do you know that there's a stranger of Kage level person in the village?"
His opening line was a direct questioning, causing a displeased furrow in Hiruzen Sarutobi's brow.
Although their relationship was amicable, within the confines of the Hokage's office, there was only one Hokage.
Over these many years, Hiruzen had grown accustomed to Danzo Shimura's temperament. While he was somewhat displeased, he didn't express it.
Instead, he spoke with a friendly tone,
"I'm aware; it's just Kage Level person. No need to worry—he's a friend of Jiraiya and the others, coming to Konoha is entirely normal. Besides, with Jiraiya and the others accompanying him, there won't be any trouble."
Typically, someone in Hiruzen Sarutobi's position would be grateful for such a reassuring response.
However, Danzo Shimura, witnessing Hiruzen's demeanor, only grew more disdainful.
Originally, if anyone else were in this situation, they would have been immensely grateful for Hiruzen Sarutobi's warm and accommodating response.
However, the person in question now is Danzo Shimura. Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi's demeanor, instead of being appreciative, Danzo's disdain for him only deepened.
Being offended like this and still able to endure it, where is the dignity of a Hokage?
Indeed, since becoming the Hokage, Hiruzen's character has become increasingly weak! I am more suited for the position of Hokage than he is!
"Do you know that this Asahi has already made contact with the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!"
Suppressing his own thoughts, Danzo Shimura put on an angry expression.
Of course, he wasn't truly angry. A mere Asahi, although a formidable shadow-level ninja, was still not taken seriously by Konoha.
Danzo did this to carry out his long-standing plan.
To recruit the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki and turn her into a war machine for Konoha!
Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned upon hearing Danzo's words!
Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? Kushina? Danzo's plan to turn Kushina into a war machine is back on!
"Danzo, I haven't received any information, how did you find out? It seems you have quite a few people under your command?"
Hiruzen's tone was not pleasant; Danzo has been having too many thoughts lately, and Hiruzen didn't mind giving him a bit of a hard time.
Indeed, Danzo's expression changed a bit.
He was too impatient! Next time, he must stabilize the situation first! Danzo admonished himself.
But, if he were to give up just because of a little difficulty, that wouldn't be his style!
"Hiruzen, this was discovered by a Root member by chance. Don't change the topic. We are currently discussing the issue of the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki!"
"As the village's leader, you should be aware of the movements of the Jinchuriki at all times! But, you are neglecting the issue of the Nine-Tails so much!"
Admitting that he sent someone to monitor Kushina is impossible. Doing so would reveal his true intentions to everyone.
In any case, admitting is impossible. Everything is just a coincidence.
"Oh~" Hiruzen smiled, looking into Danzo's eyes, "How do you think we should handle this matter?"
"Of course, we should hand over the Jinchuriki to Root and let Root take care of her!"
Danzo said without hesitation, completely disregarding Kushina's wishes.
"Take care of her? Do you want to turn Kushina into a war tool? Or do you think that the village's training is inferior to that of Root?"
Hiruzen stared at Danzo, showing no mercy to his longtime companion.
Of course, it's just a matter of position, nothing else.
"What's wrong with turning her into a war machine? This is the fate of a Jinchuriki!"
Danzo scolded without mercy; he was really getting fed up with Hiruzen.
"But she is first and foremost Uzumaki Kushina! Danzo, don't forget, Lady Mito entrusted us to take good care of Kushina before her death, to prevent her from experiencing the same fate as Lady Mito!"
Hiruzen's tone was firm, leaving no room for negotiation.
"I have great respect for Lady Mito, but she is first and foremost Konoha's Jinchuriki..."
"That's enough!"
Danzo wanted to argue further, but Hiruzen didn't give him a chance. He directly interrupted his words.
"Danzo, you can leave now. There's no need to discuss this matter any further."
"Hiruzen, you... fine, one day you will regret this."
Danzo waved his arm and turned to leave the Hokage's office.
"Wait..."
"Hmm?" Danzo turned back, somewhat puzzled. He naively thought that Hiruzen had changed his mind.
Hmm... it turns out he was indeed too naive.
"Make sure to withdraw all the people you've placed around Asahi. She has ANBU protecting her, and that's enough."
"You!! Fine, I understand!"
Danzo's anger instantly skyrocketed, almost causing him to faint.
This time, he didn't offer any defense. At this point, all defenses were meaningless and would only further embarrass himself.
Thinking back to his earlier thoughts... they were really something!
Bang!
Watching Danzo slam the door as he left, Hiruzen once again lit his pipe, took a deep puff, and then sighed softly.
"Danzo, you don't know what I know. For Asahi, the Nine-Tails is probably just that."
"Asahi's strength might already be comparable to the First Hokage. I just hope Kushina can establish a bond with him."
"At least, it can be considered one of Konoha's trump cards~"
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