Chapter 26: Will of Fire.

Author Note: Nothing of importance, just enjoy the chapter, and if you have any questions, make sure to comment!

And like always, remember if you want to read up to 12 chapters ahead go to https://www.patreón.com/cornbringer

I'm currently updating the novel 2-8 chapters a day in patreeeeon. On chapter 38 so far, though by the end of today it will be chapter 40-42

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Enjoy you sexy bastards.

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[Arata Takeshi - POV.]

Two months had passed since the Nine Tails incident. The scars of that terrible night were still visible throughout Konoha, with many parts of the village still in ruins. My house, thankfully, hadn't suffered as much damage as other houses around my neighborhood had. There were still things to fix, but nothing that needed immediate attention. Calmly, I moved through the rooms, broom in hand, sweeping away the dust and debris that had accumulated. Tsuki followed me, her soft purrs and gentle presence a constant comfort.

Tsuki hadn't separated from me since that night. Perhaps she sensed my solitude and was attempting to soothe it in her own feline way. As I moved, my eyes wandered over the cracked walls.

I might need to hire someone to fix that… though I doubt I will find someone available right now, or for the next few months, considering how much work the village needs.

Turning around, I paused for a moment, glancing at the photo of my parents that sat on a nearby broken table. The sight of their smiling faces brought a pang of sadness and anger, but I quickly pushed it aside, focusing on the task at hand.

There was no time for dwelling on the past; I had to keep moving forward.

I would kill Danzo eventually, but until then, I wouldn't let him control my every action. There was much to be done before killing him.

As I continued cleaning, the sound of the door sliding open caught my attention. I turned to see Itachi standing in the doorway, his expression as calm and composed as ever.

"Takeshi," he greeted, stepping inside. "Have you already bought the materials for the academy?"

I nodded, setting the broom aside. "Yes, I got everything yesterday."

Itachi gave a small nod of approval. "Good. The academy starts in a week, so it's important to be prepared."

"Admit it, you just don't want to go without me," I replied, a faint smile tugging at my lips.

"Guilty," he admitted, a rare grin gracing his face. "It wouldn't be the same without my best friend."

Well, it's no fun when he reacts like that to my teasing.

Tsuki, seeming to have an opinion on our conversation, meowed, rubbing against my leg as if saying, "Pay attention to me, not him." Smiling, I bent down to pick her up, stroking her soft fur as she settled comfortably in my arms.

Itachi's gaze softened as he looked at the cat. "Tsuki seems to be doing well."

"She's been my little shadow," I said with a chuckle, kissing the forehead of my purring cat. "Always following me around."

"Are you sure you don't want to stay with us for a while?" Itachi asked, his gaze thoughtful as he looked around my house. "At least until your house is fixed up?"

I shook my head slightly, a small smile playing on my lips. "I appreciate the offer, Itachi, but you know my answer."

This wasn't the first time he had offered for me to stay with his family. I knew they were worried about my mental state, about how being here was affecting me, and I really appreciated the feeling behind their concerns, but I still had some things to work through, things that I needed to process alone.

Maybe one day I would take the offer, but right now, I felt like I needed to be here. At least until I fixed my home, after that… who knows.

"Very well," Itachi conceded, his tone heavy with resignation. He paused, glancing at the fading sunset through the wooden slats of the window. "Just promise me you won't overwork yourself, Takeshi."

I offered him a faint smile. "Talking about the academy, how long do you think it will take before we get bored?"

Itachi's lips quirked up in a small smile. "Probably not long, a few months, maybe?" His eyes held a hint of amusement in them. "Just remember to behave yourself and not cause any unnecessary trouble, my mother will scold you if you do."

"Me, causing trouble?" I said, feigning surprise as I placed a hand over my heart in a dramatic manner. "I would never do such a thing, especially with the threat of Lady Mikoto on the line."

Itachi chuckled. "Yes, none of us would dare cross paths with her."

"Well, if you're gonna be standing there you might as well help," I said, motioning towards the pile of trash in the corner, before pointing to one of the brooms I had lying around. "Unless you're afraid of breaking a nail or something."

Itachi nodded, walking over to the pile and picking up a broom. "You're just jealous because I have better nails than you," he retorted.

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[The Hokage Tower.]

[Third Person POV.] 

Mikoto and Fugaku Uchiha made their way to the Hokage's Office, their expressions serious and determined. The weight of the request they were about to make hung heavily between them, each step bringing them closer to the inevitable confrontation.

As they entered the office, they were greeted by the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who sat behind his desk with a calm and attentive demeanor. Beside him stood Danzo Shimura, his presence as cold as ever. The tension in the room was palpable.

"Lord Hokage," Fugaku began, bowing respectfully. "We have come to discuss the matter of Takeshi Arata."

Hiruzen nodded, gesturing for them to sit. "Please, have a seat. What is it that you wish to discuss?"

Mikoto spoke up, her voice steady but filled with a mother's concern. "I will cut to the chase, Lord Hokage. We would like to request that Takeshi be placed under our care. He has lost his parents, and we believe it would be best for him to be with a family who can provide the support and guidance he needs. Takeshi's mom was my friend, and I've been around his life for a long time. I believe we are the right call for this job."

Danzo's eye narrowed slightly, his tone measured but firm. "While your intentions may be noble, Mikoto, it is crucial to consider the larger picture. Takeshi Arata possesses a unique set of abilities that could be of great benefit to Konoha. It would be unwise to place him under the care of a single clan, especially one as politically significant as the Uchiha."

Fugaku's expression remained composed, though a flicker of irritation and anger crossed his features. "With all due respect, Danzo, Takeshi's welfare should be the primary concern. He has just lost his parents, and the last thing he needs is to be thrust into a world of politics and power struggles."

Danzo's gaze remained unwavering. "It is precisely because of his abilities that we must ensure he is properly guided. The village can provide him with the training and discipline necessary to harness his potential for the greater good of Konoha."

Mikoto's eyes flashed with anger as she glared at the elder. "Takeshi is not a tool to be used, Lord Shimura. He is a child who needs a family. The Uchiha can provide him with a loving environment and the support he needs to grow and heal."

Danzo's tone grew colder, his eye narrowing. "Emotional support is one thing, but what of his training? His potential must be cultivated carefully, and the Uchiha are not known for their willingness to share power or knowledge."

Fugaku's voice hardened. "This is not about power or knowledge, Danzo. This is about a child's well-being. Takeshi needs stability, not to be treated like a pawn in some grand scheme."

Danzo's lips curled into a thin smile, devoid of warmth. "And who better to ensure his stability than the village itself? The Uchiha have their own interests, and it would be naive to think that you would not seek to use Takeshi for your own purposes."

Mikoto took a step forward, almost hissing her words out. "Our only interest is in his well-being. The Uchiha have no interest in using him. Takeshi has already suffered enough. He deserves a chance to be a child, not a soldier."

The room fell into a tense silence, the air thick with unspoken accusations and mistrust. Hiruzen watched the exchange carefully, his eyes flicking between the two sides. Finally, he raised a hand to silence the brewing argument.

"Enough," Hiruzen said, his tone brooking no argument. "Both of you have valid points. However, we must consider what is best for Takeshi in the long term."

He turned his gaze to Danzo. "While your concerns about his abilities are noted, seeing we don't know how much his kekkei genkai can do, it is crucial that he is placed in an environment where he can find stability and emotional support. For now, I believe it is best that he stays with the Uchiha."

Danzo's eyes hardened, clearly displeased with the decision. "Hiruzen, this is a matter of the village's safety we're discussing. His abilities –"

"I understand your concern, Danzo," Hiruzen cut him off, an edge to his voice. "But this decision isn't yours to make. We don't want to repeat the Hatake situation."

"Does that mean the clan has your permission to take legal responsibility for Takeshi?" Mikoto asked.

Hiruzen nodded. "Mikoto, you will take responsibility for Takeshi's care. Ensure that he is provided with everything he needs.

 This decision is final."

Danzo's voice was icy, his displeasure barely concealed. "One day you will come to regret this decision, Sarutobi. The boy's potential is too great to be left in the hands of a single clan. We must think of the village as a whole."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly, his tone unyielding. "And I am. The boy's well-being comes first because through it, the village will be benefited. He will be placed with the Uchiha, and they will be responsible for his care and training. This discussion is over."

Mikoto bowed her head respectfully. "Thank you, Lord Hokage. We will do our best to care for him."

Fugaku nodded in agreement, his expression one of determination and relief. "We will protect him and guide him, Lord Hokage."

With the matter settled, Hiruzen dismissed them, and Mikoto and Fugaku left the office, leaving Danzo standing there, his displeasure evident. As they walked away, Fugaku couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, knowing that Danzo would not give up so easily.