"Jiraiya?"
Danzō's pupils shrank.
Only now did he fully understand why Sarutobi Hiruzen had appeared here.
Wasn't Jiraiya supposed to be wandering the world?
Why had he returned—now of all times?
Suspicion flickered through Danzō's mind as his gaze shifted toward Hiruzen.
"Danzō," Hiruzen said gravely, "what exactly are you planning to do with Kirito?"
Hearing that tone, Danzō finally accepted reality.
"I only intend to take Namikaze Kirito to another country for treatment."
Before Hiruzen could respond—
A tall figure stepped forward, placing himself squarely between Kirito's bed and the Root operatives.
"Elder Danzō," Jiraiya said coldly, his broad frame blocking the ward, "hand Minato's child over to me."
His long white hair seemed to bristle as he scanned the Root ninja around them.
"Jiraiya," Danzō snapped, "you abandoned the village years ago. What right do you have to interfere with the Fourth Hokage's orphan?"
This was no longer just about the village.
Root's reports about Namikaze Kirito had reached Danzō long ago...and they made his heart burn with desire.
Power like that… was a shortcut to the Hokage's seat.
"Heh," Jiraiya sneered.
"I'm Minato's teacher. This kid is family to me."
"Compared to me, Danzō—who do you think is unqualified here?"
Jiraiya was usually carefree, even sloppy.
But tonight, there was no trace of that.
Minato had died.
The Nine-Tails Jinchūriki plan had already disgusted him.
And now Danzō wanted Minato's eldest son as well?
That crossed a line no sane person would step over.
Everyone knew what happened to children who entered Root.
They never came out the same.
"Jiraiya," Danzō said coldly, "I am an elder of Konoha. I am your senior. Is this how you address me?"
"Senior?" Jiraiya scoffed. "Don't make me laugh."
"Enough," Hiruzen interjected quickly.
"Danzō is your senior, Jiraiya. Show some respect."
"Old man," Jiraiya snapped, turning sharply,
"Kirito is Minato and Kushina's eldest son. Don't tell me you don't know that."
"With me here... no one touches him."
For once, Jiraiya refused to yield.
Before leaving the village, he had received Minato's final message through the toads.
Only one line.
"Jiraiya-sensei, I entrust Kirito and Naruto to you. Please return to the village as soon as possible."
Minato had died protecting Konoha.
Jiraiya couldn't interfere with the Jinchūriki decision—that was politics.
But Kirito?
Kirito was his limit.
"Calm down, Jiraiya," Hiruzen said carefully.
"Kirito is still unconscious. Root's information might help his recovery."
It was an excuse.
Deep down, Hiruzen still leaned toward Danzō's plan.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have allowed Root to linger here for days.
Hokage controlled ANBU.
Root never moved without his knowledge.
His silence had been consent.
"Old man, you—"
"Um…"
A faint sound interrupted them.
So quiet it was almost nothing—
But everyone in the room froze.
All eyes turned toward the hospital bed.
Namikaze Kirito slowly opened his eyes.
They were unfocused at first, as if he didn't quite understand where he was.
"Kirito…!"
Jiraiya's face lit up instantly.
"You're awake! That's great—you're finally awake!"
He rushed to the bedside, his movements uncharacteristically careful.
Jiraiya had known Kirito since he was little.
He visited Minato's home often.
He liked the quiet, serious eldest son.
Red hair reminded him of another pupil—Nagato.
Affection came naturally.
"Ahem…"
Kirito coughed lightly.
With Jiraiya's support, he leaned back against the pillow and looked around.
"Jiraiya… sensei," he said weakly.
"Where… is this?"
"The Konoha hospital," Jiraiya replied quickly.
"You've been unconscious for almost twenty days. You scared us alot."
One person rejoiced.
Two others stiffened.
Hiruzen's expression grew complicated.
Danzō's face darkened completely.
Jiraiya gently settled Kirito, then stood and turned back toward the two elders.
"Since Kirito is awake, Elder Danzō's Root has no reason to remain here."
"Please leave."
Hiruzen hadn't spoken yet—
...but Danzō finally snapped.
"Jiraiya! Namikaze Kirito is the Fourth Hokage's orphan!"
"You're just a wandering ninja with no position. Who do you think you are, ordering me out?"
"Enough, Danzō!" Hiruzen barked.
He stepped forward, his expression returning to its familiar gentleness.
"Kirito… I'm sorry about your parents."
"But tell grandpa—where are their remains?"
"They deserve to be laid to rest properly."
"They're with me," Kirito replied calmly.
"There's no need to trouble the Third Hokage."
No emotion.
No hesitation.
Hiruzen wasn't surprised.
Kirito had always been distant.
"Kirito," Hiruzen said patiently,
"the villagers respect your parents deeply."
"They weren't just your parents—they were heroes."
"Letting them rest in the memorial grounds is a sign of respect."
"…"
Kirito said nothing.
His expression didn't change.
Danzō, however, lost patience.
He stepped forward.
Whoosh—
Jiraiya appeared in front of him in an instant, hand already reaching for his ninja pouch.
"Danzō," Jiraiya warned, "what are you trying to do?"
"You dare threaten me?" Danzō said coldly, eyes narrowing.
Before things could explode—
Hiruzen forced himself between them.
"Have you both lost your minds?!"
"Kirito just woke up!"
"This is a hospital!"
"Don't you think the village has suffered enough already?!"
Silence fell.
The tension, however...
Did not fade.
A/N: Happy New Year, readers-kun! 🎉💥💥
May this year bring you good vibes, big Ws, and even better chapters.
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