20 Minutes after the Anbu member had been sent out, a grump-looking Danzo walked into the Hokage office.
"What was so urgent you had to summon me in secret?"
Hiruzen, who had been smoking his pipe all this time, set it down. "I need to know how the Hashirama cell experiment is progressing."
Danzo's left eyebrow twitched slightly, which Hiruzen knew to be an expression of his confusion. Regardless, he still answered with a progress report.
"This far, we have discovered several uses for the cell, but there is one problem with them. They are too aggressive; they overtake any subject they are implanted in. The cells are also unwilling to accept any attempt at mutating them to form a weaker version.
As for the implantation, there have been several partial successes but no complete success. We have made progress, though; after more tests, I am certain that we can re-create the wood release."
Hiruzen mulled over the information for a few minutes before filling his pipe. "Tell me about the partial successes. How far have you come?"
"Instead of the immediate rejection at the beginning of the tests, we have achieved a temporary harmony in several test subjects. This balance eventually gets destroyed due to the power of the cells. There are currently 5 subjects who are in this fragile state at this moment.
A total of 12, including these five, have reached this state. We are hopeful that one of these will survive the infusion process."
Hiruzen, who had begun smoking again, let out a large exhale of smoke. "That is good, but how many have been used so far?"
Expressionlessly, Danzo answered like it was the most normal thing.
"9,000 subjects have been taken in, and 8,800 have been disposed of. We currently have 150 subjects waiting and 50 patients in the current batch of active subjects."
Hiruzen grimaced at the figure; it was getting so large it would start being problematic.
"Mito Uzumaki-Senju was in earlier requesting my support on a proposal."
"And? She has a decent support base due to the status of her late husband. What would she want from the Hokage?"
Sighing, Hiruzen dumped out his pipe and took out its cleaning tool. Idley cleaned out some of the tar as he answered.
"She wants to use the Impure World Reincarnation to bring back strong shinobi as teachers for the younger generations. They can also be used as proctors for a Jonin exam. You can see how this will be problematic."
This was finally enough to break Danzo's infamous mask.
"That will not be good indeed. It is a good idea, but that will not work for us. How do you want to play this?"
"I made a show of being offended at the idea of disturbing the graves of our fallen shinobi. The only way I can think of handling this is to go down this avenue. Mito is old, but she is still a Kage-level powerhouse, and with her mastery of seals, she is easily the strongest in the village."
"What if we used the new Uzumaki members in the village? Could they be used against her?"
"No, I don't think so. She is fond of the boy, Kane."
Danzo frowned deeper at the mention of his name. Noticing this, Hiruzen couldn't help but comment.
"Don't tell this 3-year-old boy got under your skin with a simple comment? When did you become so sensitive?"
"Silence! Something about that kid doesn't sit right with me. I don't know what it is, but I think he should have eyes kept on him.
Hiruzen let out a small laugh. "Your paranoia is truly something, my friend. As for the kid, he can't be used against Mito like you'd want to use him. That would cause too much dissatisfaction among the clans; they have too much sway."
"I see. I guess public opinion is the only way. I'll take care of it."
"Make sure you do it quietly; village harmony is paramount."
Danzo nodded his head in understanding and started walking out the door. Before he could open it through, Hiruzen spoke again.
"And Danzo, don't touch the Uzumaki's. They are important for our future Junjuriki's stability."
-
Kushina, Mito and Ashita were waiting outside the gates to the academy. It was finally time for Kushina's first day. And unfortunately, they were running late because Kushina wanted to say goodbye to her brother but she couldn't find him.
Her foster mother carried her as they ran through the village; Mito followed behind them. They reached inside the academy grounds as Hiruzen was starting his speech.
They watched on from the back of the crowd. Unfortunately for Kushina's pride, she had to sit on Ashita's shoulders to see anything but the backs of the adults in front of her.
The third Hokage was standing on a platform with several Jonin wearing animal masks. In a warm, energetic voice, he began speaking.
"Welcome, parents and future ninjas of Konohagakure. Today, we welcome the academy's newest members, where they will begin their journey to become fine ninjas.
As the third Hokage of our great village, I am honoured to continue the tradition and welcome you with open arms. Many things are important as a ninja and here at the academy, the things you will learn will help you in your path.
You are the future of our village. You are the roots of our great home, and the will of fire burns bright within all of you.
Each of you has your own talents and skills to contribute to the continued prosperity of the village. Being a ninja is not always about having great skills and strength but about being responsible and making the right choices.
It is important to be strong, but you should not sacrifice everything for strength; other things are important. Here in the land of fire, we value Loyalty, Friendship and the desire to protect the village and those you hold dear.
In your time at the academy, I hope you all find those you will be willing to trust everything to and those you are willing to protect, for it, is these bonds which will grant you the greatest strength in the field of battle and on missions.
Remember, as you attend your classes, the greatest tool a shinobi can have is knowledge. Study hard, practice harder and remember who you are: Shinobi of the land of fire.
But engrave this in your hearts: Konohagakure is not just a village. It is an ideal. It symbolizes Hope, Peace and Unity. It is a place where everyone can have a home and a safe place to return.
May the will of fire burn eternally bright in you all!"
The crowd all clapped, and the parents began to leave. Ashita set Kushina back onto the ground.
She hugged her foster mother and grandmother and ran to the other kids without saying anything.
Sighing, Ashita made a wry smile at her actions.
"Don't take it too seriously, dear. My children were the same. Come along; we should bring back some dongo for Kane. I know a great little shop."
Mito offered some words of comfort and took this distraught mother by the arm.
A/N:
Sorry about the late chapter; I got my Wisdom Teeth taken out on Wednesday.
What did you think of Hiruzen's speech? Was there enough propaganda in there for him?
I hope this clarifies why Hiruzen acted as he did with Mito.