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Too much talk leads to sin. Be sensible, and keep your mouth shut.
Proverbs 10:19
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The fangs of winter plunged deep into the bourg, the cold intensifying greatly today as it reached mid-December. The thick layer of mist evidenced the plummeting temperature, but nonetheless, the monotonous routine of the village denizens hadn't been severed. Street vendors returned to their posts first thing in the morning, hoping to accumulate funds to provide for themselves and their families. As such, today was an ordinary day in the village, with the people mentally begging that the day wanes fast so that they could embrace the warmth of their homes. Adhering to work under the veil of the mist and cold climate was incredibly arduous.
Casting aside the trivial, the highlight of today resides in the extravagant Hokage mansion looming in the distance. Ushering into the warm confines of the mansion, were numerous partitions, and in one of them, resided Sarutobi Hiruzen. However, unusually today, the format of the terrain portrayed an obvious contrast to that of the office. Other than being more spacious, this room wasn't particularly outstanding. Additionally, several more signatures resided here, and all members were seated around a table, each member sharing almost equivalent influence to the village, and respectfully belonging to the higher strata of society.
First of all, as mentioned, we have the Hokage; Sarutobi Hiruzen: The 3rd Hokage, and leader of the Konoha council.
And the data on the other members:
Shimura Danzo: Leader of the covert and secretive organisation known as Root.
Homura Mitokado: A high-ranking Leaf Village official who served as an advisor to the Hokage.
Koharu Utatane: Another senior advisor to the Hokage, she worked alongside Homura.
Nara Shikaku: Shikaku represents the Nara clan and often serves as a strategist for the council.
Yamanaka Inoichi: As a high-ranking member of the Yamanaka clan, Inoichi contributes his intelligence-gathering and sensory skills.
Though the clan leaders aren't members of the Konoha Council, they hold strong influence and, hence, are eligible for meetings if invited. The leaders of the Nara and Yamanaka clan have joined.
Breaking the suffocating silence, Hiruzen cleared his throat and initiated in an aged tone, " I appreciate everyone gathering here today to discuss Naruto's adoption."
Upon declaration, Hiruzen was met with silence once again, with everyone's icy gazes directed at him. Undeterred by the uncanny vibe, Hiruzen deliberated, "I understand that I am partly to blame for not consulting this meeting beforehand, but through this discourse, I will assure you that the process has been handled delicately."
Danzo, with arms crossed and stern disposition, commented, "This is unacceptable. You made the decision to allow Naruto's adoption without consulting the council. This is a serious matter that affects the entire village."
Hiruzen remained calm, aware Danzo would be the first to pull the strings. Not long ago, Hiruzen and Danzo had engaged in an akin discussion concerning this, yet Danzo still remained adamant on rebuking the Hokage's suggestions. As such, Hiruzen assured, "I understand your concerns, Danzo. However, Naruto's well-being was my primary concern." Turning to the council, he inferred, "Uzumaki Saruto is a trustworthy individual who has proven his loyalty to Konoha."
The aged woman, known as Koharu, who assessed the docket in front of her which detailed Saruto's contributions to Konoha, interjected, "Trustworthy or not Hiruzen, this decision should have been discussed with all of us. Naruto is the vessel of the Kyuubi. His safety is paramount."
The aged man beside her, known as Homura, concurred, "Indeed. We cannot afford to be reckless. What do we know about this Uzumaki Saruto?"
Shikaku, as casual as ever, vocalised, "Troublesome as it is, the Hokage has a point. If this Saruto is an Uzumaki, he's probably more capable of understanding Naruto's situation than most. I had a conversation with him earlier, and I got a good impression. He seems genuine."
With a thoughtful nod, Inoichi chimed in, "I agree with Shikaku. Besides, Naruto needs a stable and loving environment to grow up in. We've seen what happens when a child is isolated and stigmatised."
Danzo, as though reigning in authority, assessed Shikaku with slit eyes, and quipped, "Sentimentality has no place here. Naruto is a strategic asset, and his upbringing must be controlled."
Hiruzen retorted, "Danzo, I've already addressed that Naruto is not just a weapon. He is a child, and he deserves a chance at a normal life."
Danzo countered, "And we both know that child is not normal from the moment he was born. He was destined to face these harsh repercussions." Gesturing with his hands, Danzo deliberated, "And let's not forget, Saruto is an Uzumaki. Their clan is known for being unpredictable and dangerous. Can we really trust him with such a vital responsibility?"
The last statement seemed to earn the favour of Koharu and Homura, who nodded in consensus. Koharu, with utmost wariness, aligned, "The Uzumaki clan has always been a powerful and enigmatic presence Danzo. Their strength and resilience are unparalleled. But I agree that we cannot ignore their unpredictability."
Bearing a contemplative stance poised with a finger beneath his chin, Homura supported, "It's true. The Uzumaki have a history of being fiercely independent and often difficult to control. This does raise valid concerns." Retracting his posture, Homura turned to Hiruzen, and intoned, "Hiruzen, I have heard your side of the argument, but shouldn't this Uzumaki Saruto be with us right now? I believe this is very crucial for him too."
Hiruzen nodded in alignment, and gestured to the door, "Very well."
*TAP* *TAP*
Ample thuds echoed in the stillness, which were light footsteps, yet they seemed to carry authority. The gazes of all averted to the target who beckoned for attention, and their pupils reflected bright tomato hair tied in a ponytail. In a graceful stride, the individual exuded unwavering nonchalance, unperturbed by the uncanny pressure emanating from the elders.
At this moment, the vermilion-haired individual commanded attention, and finally, with a formal curtsey, he acknowledged the presence of the village elders. His scarlet eyes squinted, hinting at heightened scrutiny as he assessed the audience.
Hayato introduced formally, "Greetings esteemed elders. My name is Uzumaki Saruto."
Danzo's eyes narrowed sceptically, while Homura and Koharu examined the man that stood before him.
Hiruzen gestured to the chair beside him, "Take a seat Saruto."
Saruto accepted, "Very well. Thank you."
An awkward silence prevailed, but it didn't last long as Saruto verbalised, "It seems mother nature bears witness to this discussion. That would explain why the world is veiled in a contaminated coldness."
"Do you understand your place?" verified a hoarse tone, directing the gazes of all to the leader of the ROOT.
Saruto calmly engaged, "Place? I believe we're all in the same place. After all, we're all law-abiding citizens, am I right?"
Danzo raised a brow in conjecture, and pressed, "Are you trying to act smart?"
"Act smart? Ohh no, I'm more than intelligent," Saruto replied laidback, before haughtily resuming in a hoarse tone; "Quite frankly, the position you uphold is better deserved for me."
Danzo pupils constricted in dismay, and he muttered, "How dare y-"
"Both of you enough," Hiruzen interjected, raising a hand that demanded silence.
With both Saruto and Danzo abstaining, Homura inferred, "So you're Uzumaki Saruto? Quite a negative first impression, wouldn't you say?"
Saruto smiled, and went along in a playful tone, "Perhaps, but I believe honesty is the first step." Directing a malicious finger at Danzo, Saruto elaborated, "I can't pretend to acknowledge Danzo-sama while harbouring impudence for this evil and twisted man who proposed we use a child as a weapon. Can you acknowledge that Homura-sama?"
Danzo's eyes became slit, but before he could voice his opinion...
*CLAP*
Halting the needless flow of discourse was a clap sound, which came from Nara Shikaku. The man proposed, "Let's start the conversation. There's no need for needless riff-raffs."
Koharu aligned, "I agree. After all, this issue is to be taken in the highest regard."
Saruto agreed, "Yeah..." before he turned to Koharu and Homura, and remarked, "... Though I can't say I'm happy you harbour wariness toward the Uzumaki. After all, they were purged by the very people whom they had advocated for in times of distress."
Koharu and Homura could only remain silent, knowing full well the extermination of the Uzumaki was a ploy Konoha had aligned with, despite the Uzumaki's unwavering loyalty to them. It was truly a tragic end.
"And that's all the more reason to be wary of you. You may harbour revolt against us," Danzo snapped back.
Saruto shrugged his shoulders, "Fair point, which means I'll have to earn your respect. Well, since even you're here as a respected individual Danzo-sama, this ought to be easy."
With slit eyes, Danzo inquired, "Saruto was it?"
Saruto nodded, "Yes sir."
Danzo threatened, "Your petulance will cost you."
Saruto waved his hand in dismissal, "Nah, I doubt that, since you seem fine."
Hiruzen could only facepalm at these 2, who seemed persistent on countering each other. Hence, he intervened to direct back on the topic, "Right, regarding the adoption of the Jinchuruki, I believe you have questions you'd like to address. Saruto here, will answer them."
"Then let me ask," Danzo raised a hand, alerting everyone of his incoming storm of queries. He raised, "What makes you think you can handle the responsibility of raising the Jinchuriki?"
Saruto smirked, "Unlike you, Danzo, I see Naruto as more than just the Kyuubi's host. I see him as a child who needs love, guidance, and a sense of belonging, something you seem to overlook."
"And how do you plan to protect him from those who seek to exploit his power?" Koharu pressed.
Saruto maintained professionalism, and answered, " By giving him the strength and the knowledge to protect himself. And by ensuring he knows who his friends and enemies are."
Homura chided along, "Bold words, but actions speak louder."
"Actions huh?" Saruto rasped, wisps of mist exiting his mouth, exemplifying the eerie vibe around him. In a deep tone, he resonated with everyone, "Speaking of actions, Danzo, I've heard whispers about your "Root" operations. Exploiting Naruto's status for your gain won't be tolerated."
The flustered Danzo barked, "You tread on dangerous ground Saruto. Be careful where you point your accusations."
At this utterance, everyone understood Hayato's implication. While obscured, the culprit responsible for Naruto's exploitation was recognised as Shimura Danzo. However, as a result of this man's actions, the village had stabilised after the Kyuubi attack, with the populace directing their wrath toward Naruto.
Saruto snickered, "Ohh, I'm a very careful man you see, but I can't say the same about you. While you emerge as someone who performs tasks under everyone's noses, it is rather obvious that you have exposed Naruto's status."
Danzo commanded, "Silence. You have no idea what you're saying. And let me say this one more time..."
Arising from his seat, an ominous hue infiltrated the premises, seeping with unkempt bloodlust, propagating from the sole individual, who happened to be Danzo. It was truly suffocating, like a serpent that tangled around your neck, ever-so-slowly constricting! He demanded, "Pointing false accusations at me will not bode well. You should be thrown into prison for such slanders."
Saruto welcomed his malice and warned while standing up, "And as someone who had committed the deed, you should be the one behind bars. And Danzo, let me tell you this. Your status won't take you far."
With an equivalent counter, an invisible pressure propagated outwardly from Saruto, and both men revealed their untamed hunger to slit each other's napes. A vicious squall encircled the terrain, and the papers scattered, and extensive cracks had begun to form on the unblemished walls! Homura and Koharu fell victim to the eldritch pressure, unable to speak. Shikaku and Inoichi remained calm, anticipating what would occur next, hence, intervening would be useless.
"Enough!" Hiruzen shouted, emitting an equal pressure that immediately compelled obedience. Saruto, with a grin, complimented, "Whoa, Lord Third, you still have it in you."
Hiruzen ignored Saruto's words, and urged them, "Both of you, take your seat. We have much to discuss, and are unwilling to cooperate."
Without haste, Danzo complied. The duo eyed each other with predatory focus, evidently peeved by each other's existence. The standing Saruto remained firm, and expressed his apology with a formal bow, "I apologise for my actions. However, I believe there is no need for me to elaborate any further, hence, I will finish what I have to say."
With a smile that concealed heightened vexation, he vehemently voiced Homura's and Koharu's thoughts, "And I'm sure you're surprised by my indecency in front of Danzo, despite his status as a higher-ranking official."
Saruto's negligence of Danzo's title, "sama," was a testament to his indecency, and everyone noticed this.
Nonetheless, Saruto continued, "You see, I have the backing of Namikaze Hayato, the Golden Bolt."
"!"
A sharp exclamation rang in the air, so much so, that even the usually laidback and bothered Shikaku was baffled by this epiphany. As though anticipating the dismayed reactions, Saruto continued, "He is also Naruto's uncle and a revered figure in Konoha."
Homura and Koharu turned to each other, their pupils dilating in surprise before Koharu murmured, "Namikaze Hayato? The Golden Bolt? I didn't know he was involved."
Homura affirmed with a nod, "Indeed. If Hayato is involved, this changes things."
Saruto's lips curled in delight, and he expressed his gratitude, "I thank you for allowing this smooth process. Hayato wanted to be here in my stead, but he decided this movement was the safer choice for Naruto's sake."
Homura nodded in understanding, "We understand. He's a revered figure with an extremely high bounty. There's no doubt Naruto's life would be in jeopardy."
Koharu clarified, "If you had said so from the start, this conversation would already be over."
"Haha," Saruto chortled.
Shikaku rasped to Inoichi, "To think he had such a powerful backing. We were unneeded."
Inoichi, with shut eyes and null composition, agreed with a nod.
Saruto focused on Danzo, his warmth subsided, and his visage became grave, before he muttered, "Hayato has no love for your methods, Danzo. Threaten Naruto, and you'll have him to deal with as well."
Danzo scoffed at this man's humour; "You think mentioning Hayato will intimidate me? I have faced greater threats."
Saruto voiced in a playful tone, "Perhaps if he were here, Danzo, this certainly would not have bode well for you..."
He paused for a moment. His delicate lips parted, and in the soundlessness of the realm, his subsequent speech cloaked in depth, reverberated around the terrain...
"As such, it's time you face the consequences."
*SHLUK*
"!"
The grotesque sight of crimson floated in the air, and the reactions of all morphed into dismay. They couldn't believe what they were seeing.
A seething anguish formed on Danzo's chest, and the bitter taste of iron filled his mouth before he retched blood from his mouth!
Danzo's eyes slowly moved toward his chest region, as he noticed a sharp sword impale his chest from behind! It all happened so fast, Danzo had no time to register his plight...
It felt surreal.
It was unbelievable.
Danzo's vision distorted, becoming hazy due to the amassed lack of blood, and rupture of a vital organ. In the tranquillity, the criminal who had performed this audacious stance locked eyes on Danzo's head.
His scarlet hair whipped in the air, and his crimson gaze cradled a contagious wrath!
The prickling touch of perspiration tainted Danzo's features, accompanied by the blood crimson seeping through his lips, and the predicament he was in had finally registered.
"Danzo..." Echoed an icy tone, sending a shudder down the spine of all. Danzo's pupils flickered, and he rotated his neck, wanting to meet the eyes of the perpetrator...
And when he did, his trembling amplified!
Saruto's expression contorted discernibly to that of disgust, and he warned, "This is no mere pep-talk, this is an order. Stay away from Naruto."