Chapter 19: Bonds Are the Source of Strength

Chapter 19: Bonds Are the Source of Strength

Back in the Hokage's office, the tension was palpable.

Now that Sarutobi Hiruzen had made his decision, it was clear to everyone that he was resolute.

Though advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu voiced their objections, their opinions were, at best, recommendations. The final say lay with the Hokage.

Hiruzen was still at the height of his power, confident in his abilities to maintain order, and his decision carried significant weight.

Of course, there was one exception.

Thud.

"Why didn't you let me finish earlier, Hiruzen?" Danzo Shimura's cane struck the floor as he stepped forward, his gaze unwavering.

Seated at his desk, Hiruzen exhaled a puff of smoke from his pipe, the embers within glowing faintly.

"I stopped you because I already know what you want to say," Hiruzen replied calmly, meeting Danzo's stare.

The two old friends knew each other well. Just as Hiruzen could anticipate Danzo's thoughts, Danzo knew what Hiruzen was planning.

Danzo wasn't satisfied. He moved closer to the desk, his voice firm.

"Then you should know, leaving this jinchūriki here is a double-edged sword. If handled properly, the benefits will outweigh the risks. But your nature won't let you take the necessary steps.

"That's why you should leave it to me. Let me take on the sins and the criticism.

"Give that boy to me! In just three years—no, one year—I'll turn him into a fully controllable weapon of war!

"Besides, as a Root agent, he technically falls under my jurisdiction. By our agreement, Root matters are not to be interfered with."

Danzo's voice was laced with anger and resolve, but his words also carried the weight of their longstanding agreement.

The atmosphere grew heavier.

Bang!

Hiruzen slammed his hand on the desk, rising to his feet and staring Danzo down.

"Danzo! Remember who is Hokage here!"

"You are!" Danzo growled back, momentarily silenced.

Danzo clenched his cane tightly, his knuckles turning white. His frustration was palpable.

Hokage.

That word stung more than any insult.

"Danzo, don't be so hasty," Homura interjected, stepping forward. "If Hiruzen has made a decision, he must have his reasons."

Danzo hesitated, then let out a sharp exhale, forcing himself to calm down.

"Fine. But at least tell us what you plan to do with the jinchūriki. We deserve to know."

He didn't bother hiding his lingering frustration.

Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe, savoring the moment before setting it down.

"This boy isn't simple," Hiruzen began, his tone firm.

"Do you think an ordinary child could escape from the Land of Lightning, cross such a vast distance, and arrive here?

"Do you really believe Kumo's ANBU are so incompetent that they lost track of their own jinchūriki?"

His words struck a chord with everyone present.

Indeed, they had been so focused on Tonari's innocent demeanor that they had overlooked the extraordinary circumstances surrounding him.

Hiruzen's stern expression softened slightly, and a faint smile tugged at his lips.

"This child is intriguing. I don't know how he managed it, but he clearly has the potential to become a great asset.

"If we guide him correctly, particularly in light of the distrust Root has planted in him, he could become a strong ally for Konoha."

Danzo's brow furrowed. "Hiruzen, if you're aware of his manipulative tendencies, why not leave him to me?

"I can turn him into an emotionless weapon, immune to sentimentality, one that will protect Konoha without hesitation."

Hiruzen shook his head, dismissing Danzo's proposal.

"No. You don't understand what makes him unique. His ability to communicate with the Two-Tails may depend on his personality and mindset.

"If we strip him of those qualities, the Two-Tails may rebel. That's a risk we can't afford to take.

"What we need is not a puppet but a strong individual with his own will and beliefs. Someone who fights for Konoha not out of obligation but out of genuine conviction."

Hiruzen's words carried the weight of a seasoned leader who had seen the consequences of wielding mindless tools of war.

"Besides, Tonari is a citizen of the Land of Fire. We can't simply disregard his rights. The more people who are willing to burn brightly for the village, the stronger the new generation will become."

His commanding presence left no room for debate.

Even Danzo couldn't deny that Hiruzen's logic had merit.

After a brief silence, Koharu spoke up.

"If that's the case, we can't ignore him, either.

"As you said, he has potential. But to nurture it, we need someone to keep him in check, someone who can slowly guide him to see Konoha as his home."

Hiruzen nodded, his expression brightening as an idea came to him.

"The Sannin should be returning soon, correct?

"Though Hanzo spared them, earning the title of Sannin from a man like him has only bolstered Konoha's reputation."

The mention of Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru lightened the mood considerably, except for Danzo, who remained visibly irritated.

Hiruzen's disciples only made his own ambitions feel more distant.

"Are you suggesting one of the Sannin should oversee him?" Homura asked, intrigued.

Hiruzen nodded.

"They're not only powerful but also trustworthy. I've watched them grow—they won't let us down."

Danzo's dissatisfaction was palpable. "And what about in the meantime?"

Hiruzen glanced at Shikashin, who had been silently observing the exchange. A knowing smile spread across the Hokage's face.

"Until they return, Tonari can stay with you, Shikashin.

"With your intellect, you'll surely uncover his true nature and help him integrate into the village."

Shikashin's eyes widened in shock.

The Two-Tails' jinchūriki? Staying in my house?!

"But he should also attend the Academy," Hiruzen added. "It'll help him form connections and learn what it means to be part of Konoha.

"After all, bonds are the source of strength."

His gaze swept over the room.

"One more thing. His status as a jinchūriki must remain a secret. No one outside this room can know."

With that, Hiruzen dismissed the meeting.

Danzo stormed out, his face dark with frustration.

But beneath his stoic exterior, his mind was racing.

*Time to act. If I wait any longer, the Hokage seat will slip further from my grasp.

*Hiruzen, you still live in an idealistic world, too soft for the harsh realities of this village.

But I'll do what needs to be done…

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(End of Chapter)