What in the world? Release him? Demand ransom for his release? The sorrow on Sarutobi Hiruzen's face vanished instantly, replaced by sheer bewilderment.
His cherished pipe lay shattered on the floor, forgotten. At this moment, he couldn't decide whether to curse Grass Village or not. Grass Village initially Hung up Danzo on the border, making it appear as though they intended to execute him if Konoha attacked. And now... mere hours after he issued the death order, they claim they can release him?
Isn't this a blatant manipulation of Konoha's emotions? Do they comprehend the determination and inner turmoil he, Koharu, and Mitokado experienced while giving this order? After all, Danzo is more than just a teammate; he's a beloved brother.
Hiruzen had prepared to spend the entire night mourning his dear friend, even selecting a suitable spot near the Village Heroes Memorial for the return of Danzo's body, planning an elaborate funeral.
Yet, why hadn't they mentioned this earlier? Couldn't they have brought up the matter of funds sooner? Why orchestrate such a dramatic turn of events? Hiruzen clenched his teeth, inhaling sharply, then turned his gaze to the Anbu ninja before him. It seemed he recalled something and hastily exclaimed, "Hurry, Alert all high-ranking officials and clan leaders. Summon them for an urgent meeting!"
"Understood." The Anbu responded as he withdrew.
Hiruzen sighed, retrieving the broken pipe from the ground, his face carrying a tinge of sorrow. With a trace of melancholy in his eyes, he muttered to himself, "Indeed, Grass's Wiseman, as called by Danzo."
He could already envision it—this time, when Danzo returns, the village will plunge into chaos once more.
…
On the other side, following the morning meeting, the clan leaders returned home with a myriad of emotions, a blend of sadness and turmoil.
The impending sacrifice of Konoha's Assistant Hokage weighed heavily on their hearts. Grass Village seemed to be crossing a line. Despite Danzo being the shadow within Konoha, the fact that he was on the verge of being sacrificed felt like an extreme measure. Nevertheless, they understood that it was all for the greater good of Konoha. They respected the decision made by the Hokage.
Tonight promised to be a restless night. After all, following this night, Konoha's second in command, the Assistant Hokage, the one who bore the village's darkness, would depart.
In their respective homes, the clan leaders gathered in the living room, each finding their own way to commemorate the Assistant Hokage who was sacrificing himself for Konoha. Even though the Hokage had issued the order, they hoped to contribute to ensure Danzo received a grand funeral. They envisioned sitting together to bid Danzo a personal farewell. 'Thank you for everything, Danzo, for all you've done for Konoha.'
Yet, even in their wildest dreams, they couldn't have anticipated that… this would be the unexpected conclusion.
"What in the world?! He's being released?" The clan leaders, having received the unexpected notice from the Anbu, were equally flabbergasted, staring at the Anbu ninja before them. "What is Grass Village thinking? We're in the midst of a war. How can they flip-flop so suddenly? This absurdity is a disgrace to shinobi!"
"Clan leader, please choose your words carefully. Shouldn't you be relieved that Danzo-sama is returning?" The Anbu member countered.
"I... I'm overjoyed!" The clan leader hastily nodded, not wanting any potential accusation of betrayal from Higher-ups.
"Then, I'll take my leave. I need to inform another clan. The Hokage requests your prompt attendance at the meeting," the Anbu member nodded and departed.
"... Understood." The clan leader could only offer a nod in response.
Similar scenes unfolded across various shinobi clans in Konoha. As they received the unexpected news, all the clan leaders, exhibiting expressions of extreme joy and perhaps a few tears, hurried to the Hokage Tower to prepare for the impending meeting.
Tonight, for Konoha, it was destined to be a sleepless night.
…
In contrast to the turmoil in Konoha amid the sudden cessation of the war, Grass Village enjoyed an unusual interlude of tranquility. Since the war's onset, Grass Village promptly transitioned into a state of preparedness, casting an air of tension over the entire village.
However, presently, Grass Leader Akihiko sat leisurely in the courtyard of the Fuso residence, basking in the moonlight, poised to relish a delightful meal. Dining here had become a regular occurrence for them, and it felt almost like their own home.
Observing the two children, satiated and engrossed in a game of hide and seek, Akihiko, seldom at ease, allowed a moment of inner calm.
As Kushina approached with tea, Akihiko displayed a trace of surprise. He nodded appreciatively, saying, "Thanks.
"This is the least I can do, Leader Akihiko." Kushina shook her head, hesitated for a moment, then inquired, "Is Konoha heading into another war?"
"No need to worry, everything is under control." Akihiko waved his hand dismissively. "It probably won't last much longer."
The successive wars had not only strained Konoha but also left the villagers yearning for peace. Combined with the prevailing public sentiment, the villagers had little understanding of what a Jinchuriki truly entailed. They were only aware of the Son of Rebellion and the monstrous entity.
With Konoha instigating yet another war, the dissatisfaction among the ordinary people of Konoha would likely escalate. The only lingering concern rested with the other four major ninja villages.
Akihiko reassured Kushina, "So, do whatever you want to do. Everything is under control."
With that, Kushina, still displaying a hint of uncertainty on her face, continued, "Thank you, Leader Akihiko, for everything you've done for me and Naruto. If things really don't work out..."
Before she could conclude her sentence, Akihiko intervened, speaking with the authority befitting a leader, "The Uzumaki clan is a member of Grass Village, and Grass Village will not abandon any of its ninjas!"
The concept of bringing someone into the village only to let them go was foreign to Grass Village. Even the village's advisor, Mubuki, showed no hesitation in taking individuals away; much less Akihiko, the leader.
Moreover, the recovery of the Uzumaki clan's bloodline limit was part of the original plan. Otherwise, having Uzumaki clan members in Konoha's future could lead to complications. It was a strategic move embedded in the village's intentions.
Seemingly aware that Kana and Fuso had chosen to give them some privacy, Akihiko calmly added, "Rest assured, recover well, stay honestly in the village, and even if you want to leave... you'll have to settle your medical bills first. Obito is already burdened enough. Miss, you wouldn't want to see him graduate with accumulating massive debts, would you?"
Hearing Akihiko's words, Kushina, who had braced herself for a more emotional exchange, suddenly stiffened. Then, she offered a helpless smile and said, "Truly, just like Fuso said."
She then raised her fist, excitement evident in her tone, "Is there anything you need me to do? Don't underestimate me; I'm very powerful!" Her characteristic Red Hot-Blooded Habanero trait seemed to emerge, and with a somewhat impatient tone, she declared, "Rest assured, I've been itching to take on those guys from Konoha for a long time."
"Wasn't this happening because of you?" Hearing Kushina's words, Akihiko stroked his chin and directed his gaze toward the two children not far away. "Just, please take care of the children."
Before a confused Kushina could respond, Akihiko shifted his attention to the blond Naruto, sighed, and continued, "This child... seems to possess a knack for learning. In a few years, he'll be ready for the academy."
As the words settled, Kushina also froze for a moment, then took a seat, glancing at the two children nearby. Particularly, observing the joyful smile on Naruto's face, she couldn't help but smile tenderly, a sense of pride filling her. She remarked, "Certainly. Naruto is my child; he's bound to be very bright."
Upon learning that Fuso's child, Nagato, had been diligently studying since a young age and had already completed numerous test papers, Kushina believed Naruto could do the same.
With determination, she declared, "With my guidance, he will undoubtedly grow into an exceptional ninja."
…
On the Side, a sudden shiver ran down Naruto's spine as he glanced around, attempting to discern the source of the eerie feeling. However, there was nothing visibly unusual.
Yet, when his gaze fell upon Karin, nestled in Akihiko's arms, a fleeting hint of envy crossed Naruto's face. However, it quickly dissipated.
Shortly afterward, looking at his mother seated beside him, Naruto smiled once more, seemingly carefree. He treasured his current life. Here, he not only had his mom but also Aunt Fuso, Aunt Kana, Leader Uncle, and a little sister who addressed him as a brother. And everyone liked him. It was fantastic.
However, a peculiar thought crossed his mind. A cat that could breathe fire? Naruto tilted his head in confusion. Did he have one with him? No...?
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