Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze hardened.
"ANBU."
A slender ANBU operative wearing a red dog mask appeared instantly, kneeling on one knee.
"Hokage-sama."
"Deliver this letter to Jiraiya. Immediately."
Before the ANBU could depart, a cold, heavy voice echoed from outside the office.
"Hiruzen! That Jinchūriki dared to attack Konoha's civilians. This is outrageous!"
"You will hand him over to Root for proper training."
The door slid open forcefully.
Shimura Danzō entered, leaning on his cane, his right eye and arm wrapped tightly in bandages. A dark, oppressive aura surrounded him.
Hiruzen frowned.
"Danzō. How many times have I told you? When on duty, use proper titles."
The ANBU, sensing high-level conflict involving the Jinchūriki, vanished immediately.
Danzō's expression darkened.
"If you had entrusted the Jinchūriki to me earlier, I would have molded him into a flawless weapon—loyal to Konoha, efficient in missions."
"In just days, he has injured civilians multiple times. This is unacceptable."
Hiruzen's aged eyes sharpened.
"And you," he said calmly, "have been monitoring Naruto without my authorization."
Danzō remained composed.
"As Hokage, you are burdened with countless matters. As leader of Root, I merely assist in safeguarding the village."
Hiruzen struck his pipe lightly against the desk.
"Withdraw all Root operatives from Naruto's vicinity. Immediately."
"Only those who embody the Will of Fire may guide the Jinchūriki."
"I have already summoned Jiraiya. He will take responsibility for Naruto's training."
"You will not interfere, Danzō."
A dangerous silence filled the room.
Danzō's jaw tightened.
"What do you mean by 'embody the Will of Fire'?"
He stared at Hiruzen seated in the Hokage's robes.
"As Tobirama-sama's disciple, I have served Konoha no less than you."
Hiruzen's voice was firm.
"I will not debate this further."
"My decision stands."
Danzō's expression froze.
His confrontation had achieved nothing.
He turned to leave.
"Being so rigid, Hiruzen… you will regret this."
Hiruzen did not waver.
"I will not regret it."
"And remember—"
"As long as I am Hokage, Konoha answers to me."
The word "Hokage" seemed to strike Danzō harder than any blow.
He exited without another word, the door slamming shut.
Hiruzen exhaled slowly.
Before long, there was another knock.
"Enter."
Yakushi Nono stepped inside respectfully and bowed.
Hiruzen narrowed his eyes slightly.
Former Root.
Former subordinate of Danzō.
Her timing was… suspicious.
"Hokage-sama, I wish to report something concerning Uzumaki Naruto."
After hearing her explanation, Hiruzen's expression shifted to surprise.
Naruto… displayed aptitude for medical ninjutsu?
He had been observing Naruto earlier with the Telescope Technique but had been interrupted by Danzō.
He hadn't seen everything.
To perform the Mystical Palm Technique at that age—
Even Tsunade had not done so.
Hiruzen felt a complicated mixture of pride and concern.
Minato and Kushina's son truly possessed remarkable talent.
But if Naruto were placed solely under Jiraiya's guidance, would this medical aptitude be wasted?
Hiruzen studied Nono carefully.
She would have been an ideal instructor.
But her ties to Root remained a risk.
If only Tsunade would return…
Jiraiya wandered freely but still maintained ties with the village.
Tsunade, however, had almost severed contact entirely.
If she were not the granddaughter of the First Hokage and one of his former students, another village might already have branded her a missing-nin.
Hiruzen sighed.
"Yakushi Nono, you have done well."
"Konoha cannot afford to overlook such talent."
Nono's gentle smile returned.
"Hokage-sama… may I at least teach Naruto basic medical theory?"
Hiruzen nodded.
"That much is acceptable."
After she departed, Hiruzen remained seated for a long while.
Finally, he took up his brush and began writing another letter.
Tsunade…
For the sake of this village—and for your old teacher—
Please return.
"ANBU."
A masked shinobi appeared.
"Deliver this to Tsunade."
If Tsunade returned…
Perhaps Konoha's future would grow brighter once more.