"As expected... it truly is a magnificent power. It is a force worthy of having pacified the chaotic Sengoku era."
Inside the Konoha Hokage Office Building, the air was thick with the scent of aging paper and tobacco. Four figures sat around a low tea table in the central conference hall. Seated beside Hiruzen Sarutobi was the current Hokage Assistant, Danzo Shimura. Opposite them sat the two village advisors, Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu.
The group's collective focus was anchored to a crystal ball resting on the table. Its surface shimmered, projecting a live view of the Third Training Ground. They watched as Minato demonstrated the profound capabilities of Wood Release, effortlessly commanding the forest to bend to his will. Seeing the saplings erupt into massive timber at his touch, the elders couldn't help but recall the man who once held the title of God of Shinobi.
"Possessing two powerful Bloodline Limits... it's no wonder he caught Lady Mito's eye," Hiruzen remarked, puffing on his pipe as a plume of smoke swirled toward the ceiling. His voice carried a rare trace of genuine emotion. "Judging by the innate talent this child has displayed, even with standard growth, he could become one of the village's top combatants before he reaches 20 years old. I just didn't expect Tsunade to take him in as a disciple so quickly. With talent like that, even I find myself quite tempted to train him personally."
"He's a good child," Homura added, studying Minato's bright, handsome face through the glass. "He isn't arrogant or impetuous. He has a steady personality and remains consistently friendly and polite to everyone he meets. At his age, this boy is many times more outstanding than we ever were."
Utatane Koharu let out a small, playful huff. "He's also much more handsome than you old fogies were. However," she continued, her expression shifting toward hesitation as she looked at Hiruzen, "is it really appropriate for him to study under Tsunade? I'm not questioning her skill, but that girl has such a fiery, unpredictable personality. Is she the right fit for a child this important?"
"This was Lady Mito's explicit intention and Minato's own choice. I don't see anything inappropriate about it," Hiruzen replied firmly. He slid a thick file containing Minato's background across the table. "I believe Tsunade has the capacity to train him well. You can see her influence in Nawaki's cheerful, resilient personality."
Koharu picked up the file and scanned the pages, a look of realization softening her features. "I see. Both of his parents have already passed away? In that case, a presence like an elder sister or a mother figure is indeed more suitable than a male mentor. I have no further objections."
"I have an objection," Danzo interrupted, his voice cutting through the room like a cold blade. "You haven't forgotten the Uchiha Clan's previous rebellion, have you?"
Koharu narrowed her eyes. "What does that ancient history have to do with Minato?"
"It has everything to do with it," Danzo said, his squinted eyes opening just enough to reveal a sharp, predatory glint. "There are very few powers in this world capable of suppressing a Tailed Beast. Aside from the Uzumaki Clan, who specialize in Sealing Jutsu, only the power of Wood Release and the Sharingan can effectively control them. The last rebellion proved the Uchiha cannot be trusted. Furthermore, Lady Mito is advanced in years. Though it sounds disrespectful, we must face reality: if an accident were to occur with the Nine-Tailed, Wood Release would be our only insurance policy. Therefore, the priority is to ensure he grows as quickly as possible. You've seen the boy's strength. Despite his lack of combat experience, he already possesses power that could threaten someone of Tsunade's caliber. Sending such a weapon to the Academy is a waste of time. It would be far more efficient to bring him to Root for specialized training."
Homura and Koharu exchanged a heavy glance. They knew Danzo was fueled by his own ambitions, but his logic was difficult to dismiss. The hidden dangers he mentioned were real.
Hiruzen gave a light, knowing chuckle. "What Danzo says isn't entirely wrong. Wood Release is indeed our best means of suppressing the Nine-Tailed. However, it is precisely because of that importance that the child must enter the Academy. If a young powerhouse has no bonds and no attachments to the people, why would they risk their life to protect us when a crisis hits? Would they do it because we are old? Because we are shameless? Or perhaps because of our dark intentions?"
The two advisors nodded silently, understanding the Hokage's point. Loyalty could not be manufactured in a vacuum.
"Speaking of which," Hiruzen continued, giving Danzo a pointed look while returning the pipe to his mouth, "after this child awakened his powers, his first instinct wasn't to brag or even to inform me. Instead, he sought out Tsunade. He must have sensed the very thing Danzo just suggested—that people would try to claim him. It's clear this child is fiercely independent. It's also clear that in the eyes of some in this village, we are just as untrustworthy as the Uchiha you despise, Danzo. This is a failure on my part as Hokage, and a failure for everyone at this table."
"You are too naive, Hiruzen," Danzo countered coldly. "A true Shinobi should not possess a sense of self."
"Perhaps in theory," Hiruzen laughed softly, shaking his head. "But how can a human exist without a self? Even animals know to seek fortune and avoid disaster. Especially you, Danzo—your sense of self is the most distinct of anyone here. Yet, in my eyes, you are still an excellent Shinobi."
Danzo froze, his eyes filling with a flash of disbelief. He never expected his lifelong friend to strike back with such biting, subtle sarcasm. Although Hiruzen spoke with a smile, the underlying message was clear: I see right through you.
Hiruzen felt a pang of helplessness. He didn't enjoy being harsh with Danzo; they had grown up together and bled on the same battlefields. He knew the resentment Danzo carried ever since Tobirama chose Hiruzen as the successor. It was out of guilt and a desire to balance his own soft-heartedness that Hiruzen had allowed Danzo to form Root and hold a portion of the Hokage's power.
But there was a limit. What Hiruzen gave, Danzo could keep; what Hiruzen withheld, Danzo was not permitted to touch. To Konoha, the value of a Wood Release user outweighed Danzo a hundred times over. Hiruzen might be indulgent, but he was never blind when it came to the core pillars of the village's power.
"Furthermore," Hiruzen stated, his tone becoming absolute, "a Shinobi's strength peaks after the age of 12. Even with early training, it will take at least 10 years for Minato to reach his full potential. Until then, he cannot meet the requirements to suppress a Tailed Beast regardless of his training. I gathered you all today to make one thing clear: for the future of Konoha, Minato's development must not be compromised. Anyone who acts against him, in any form, will be charged with treason against the village."
The advisors nodded solemnly. Danzo's jaw tightened, and his eyes turned frigid. He suppressed his rage and gave a stiff nod. He knew he couldn't win this fight yet. Hiruzen was in his prime, less than 40 years old, and his prestige was at an all-time high. Root was still in its infancy, and Danzo's title was merely an extension of Hiruzen's will. He lacked the political and military capital to rebel.
The advisors saw the tension but chose not to interfere. They knew Danzo didn't understand his place, but they also knew Hiruzen used Danzo to handle the "dirty work" that the "God of Shinobi" couldn't touch. If people called Hiruzen a hypocrite for this arrangement, he would accept it.
Seeing Hiruzen's unwavering gaze, Danzo took a deep breath. The matter was closed. To push further would be to invite a total collapse of their relationship.
Fine, Danzo thought, his mind already spinning new webs. Since you want to place the shackles of bonds on that child, Hiruzen, then I shall be the one to choose those shackles for him...
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