C686 Aftermath

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The dawn light filtered through the large windows of the Hokage's office, casting a warm glow on the room's wooden interior. Minato Namikaze, the acting Hokage, sat behind his desk, sifting through reports of the previous night's chaos. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the former Hokage and now adviser, sat on the couch to his left, his face etched with concern.

"How are the damage reports looking?" Hiruzen asked, not looking up from the scroll he was reading.

Minato sighed, rubbing his temples. "The property damage is extensive, but repair crews are already at work. Most of the civilian areas should be restored within a month. We were lucky that the casualties were minimal, thanks to the swift response and Peter's intervention with the Nine-Tails."

Hiruzen nodded. "The villagers are resilient. They'll rebuild quickly. Our main concern should be the perception of our strength. Other villages might see this as an opportunity to strike."

Minato leaned forward, "But we didn't lose more than a handful of ninja. We are practically at the same strength as we were yesterday, even stronger if you add Peter to the equation.."

Hiruzen shook his head. "That doesn't matter. The other villages will hear about the attack and assume we're weakened. And that's when the wolves will gather, hungry and on the prowl for their next meal..." he sighed as he added, "And let's not forget how Peter killed Danzo, an elder of our village. His undead are currently dismantling Root as we speak..."

Minato placed the scroll down and looked directly at Hiruzen. Truthfully, he was happy when he heard that Danzo was dead…

Hiruzen's eyes darkened. "Danzo's death is a significant blow. His influence and the knowledge he possessed were vital to our village's defenses."

Minato could see the anger in Hiruzen's eyes, a mixture of grief and fury. "I understand your concerns, Hiruzen, but Danzo was also a liability. You already know that I've been planning to dismantle Root since I became Hokage, but it was never easy with Danzo's connections. Although I'm sorry for your loss, I can't help but feel grateful to Peter…"

"But Peter," Hiruzen interjected, "he's an unknown. We don't know his motives or the full extent of his power. We can't trust him blindly."

Minato stood up, walking around the desk to face Hiruzen. "Peter saved us last night. He protected the village and our people. We cannot afford to make an enemy of someone so powerful. Especially not now."

Hiruzen's fists clenched, his knuckles turning white. "I won't pursue vengeance, Minato, but I'll keep my guard up. We still don't know anything about him, other than his immense power and his hatred for Danzo."

Minato nodded, placing a hand on Hiruzen's shoulder. "That's all I ask. For now, let's focus on rebuilding and protecting the village. We'll keep a close eye on Peter, but we must also show him the respect he's earned."

Hiruzen sighed, his body relaxing slightly. "Agreed. But we must remain vigilant."

Minato smiled, the tension in the room easing. "Thank you, Hiruzen. I know it's hard, especially after everything that's happened…" he said, leaning back in his chair, his thoughts drifting to the events of the previous night.

The former Hokage had not only lost his friend and advisor in Danzo but also his beloved wife, the mother of his children. She had been there when Kushina was giving birth, acting as the midwife for Naruto's birth.

When Obito launched his attack, she bravely tried to protect Naruto, stepping in before anyone else even noticed the intruder. Her sacrifice was swift and tragic, leaving no time for anyone to come to her aid.

Minato stood up and bowed deeply to Hiruzen. "I'm so sorry for the loss of your wife. She died protecting my son, and I couldn't be more grateful to her. I know this must be incredibly hard for you. You've lost so much in such a short time."

Hiruzen smiled weakly, motioning for Minato to stand. "It's not your fault, Minato. My wife was a kind woman, and she died protecting an innocent child. Such a death is better than wasting away in old age. Besides, she lived a long life, and so have I."

Minato almost broke down at Hiruzen's words. He could see the profound sadness in the older man's eyes, but Hiruzen had endured much loss in his long life. He was too accustomed to losing loved ones, having lived through many wars.

Trying to shift the somber mood, Hiruzen asked quietly, "What do you plan to do with Obito?"

Minato's brow furrowed as he thought about his wayward student. He remembered the young, cheerful Genin who had once been full of dreams and ambition. How had he turned into a crazed murderer? The transformation was still a mystery to him.

"We've already sealed his chakra," Minato began, his voice heavy with the weight of the situation. "Kushina and I even removed his Sharingan. His prison cell is sealed so tightly that no one, not even me, can teleport inside."

Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "And what about Peter's offer? He said he's willing to help imprison Obito."

Minato nodded. "Yes, I'll ask him when he wakes up. We can't take any chances after all."

Although Hiruzen had his reservations about involving Peter, he refrained from commenting. He knew his judgment was clouded when it came to Peter, so he was trying his best not to act on it.

Glancing out the window, Hiruzen asked, "How are Kushina and Naruto? I haven't seen them since last night."

Minato glanced at the clock and smiled. "They should be on their way to the Uchiha district by now."

"?!"

————

Uchiha District…

Peter woke up to the enticing smell of food wafting through the air and the gentle clatter of utensils from downstairs. He blinked a few times, adjusting to the morning light streaming through the window. Kurama, still trapped in his small fox form, sat on the windowsill, gazing outside.

Peter sat up, raising an eyebrow at the tiny fox. "Huh, you didn't run away? I thought for sure you'd try to escape..."

Kurama scoffed, his tails flicking in annoyance. "I know I don't stand a chance. If I ran, you'd just use some crazy power or ability of yours to bring me back. So instead, I just lounged around and glared at the red-eyed Uchiha bastards running around outside."

Peter smirked, swinging his legs over the side of the bed. "Or… Maybe, just maybe, I'm starting to grow on you. Perhaps you don't want to leave?"

Kurama jumped down from the windowsill, following Peter as he stood up and walked to the door. "I'd rather have some strange fungus growing on me than you," Kurama barked. "I'm dying to get the hell away from this place..."

Peter laughed, not believing a word. "Sure you are," he teased, opening the door and stepping into the hall, Kurama at his heels.

As they walked downstairs, Peter continued to tease Kurama, who responded with a mix of grumbling and shouts. The aroma of breakfast grew stronger, leading them to the source of the delicious smell.

Peter entered the kitchen and found Kushina Uzumaki and Mikoto Uchiha cooking breakfast. Kushina, the woman he had saved, and Mikoto, with her long black hair and gentle features. Both women were busy at the stove, working in perfect harmony as they chatted.

[Insert picture of Mikoto here]

At the dining table, two babies and one child were seated. Peter instantly recognized the first baby as Naruto, having seen him last night when he saved Kushina. The other baby, only a few months older than Naruto, had to be Sasuke Uchiha. He had a small tuft of black hair and wide, curious eyes.

[Insert picture of Sasuke here]

The child sitting next to them, watching Peter with vigilant eyes, was undoubtedly Itachi Uchiha. Even at five years old, Itachi had an air of maturity and seriousness about him. His dark, intelligent eyes followed Peter's movements, and his expression was calm yet cautious.

Peter smiled, taking in the domestic scene. "Morning," he greeted, walking towards the table. "I didn't expect you to make me breakfast..."

Kushina turned, her face lighting up with a smile. "Good morning, Peter!" She exclaimed. "It's the least I can do. After all, you save my life, not to mention the village as well."

Mikoto nodded, her smile equally warm. "And you got rid of Danzo for us as well. Forget about a single breakfast, I'll make you meals for the rest of your life for that. So just take a seat and let us thank you properly." She then gestured to the children. "I'm Mikoto Uchiha by the way, and these are my sons, Itachi and Sasuke. You met their father, Fugaku, last night. Thank you again for helping him."

Peter nodded, sitting down at the table. Kurama jumped up onto a nearby chair, drawing some wary looks from the two mothers, but they didn't say anything since Peter was there. They at least knew that the nine tails was powerless with him around.

Peter glanced at Itachi, giving him a friendly nod. "You must be Itachi," he said. "It's nice to meet you."

Itachi's eyes narrowed slightly, but he nodded in return. "Yes, I am. And you're Peter, the one everyone is so afraid of."

Mikoto's eyes widened as she turned back to admonish her son. "Itachi!"

Peter chuckled, cutting her off. "That's me," he said, leaning in slightly. "How scared are they exactly?"

"Very," Itachi answered honestly. "Though most of our clan is grateful as well… At least, so I've heard."

Peter nodded. "Good. And what about you? How do you feel?"

Itachi paused to think, both mothers eyeing him warily, hoping he wouldn't anger their very powerful guest. "I'm grateful. You saved my village and helped my clan, but I'm also a little scared." His eyes traveled to Kurama as he asked, "Is that the real Nine-Tails?"

Peter glanced at the small fox and then back at Itachi. "Yes, that's Kurama. He's not as scary in this form, is he?"

Kurama huffed indignantly. "Ugh, I can't believe you have me fraternizing with Uchiha's. Just being in the same room as these savages makes me want to puke…"

Peter sighed at Kurama's words and turned to Itachi. "Don't take it to heart, Itachi. Kurama has had some bad experiences with your clan. After all, one of them just mind-controlled him last night."

Itachi seemed to take this information in stride, his mature demeanor surprising Peter. The boy nodded, understanding the context without showing any fear or resentment.

The smell of food intensified, and soon Kushina and Mikoto brought over the finished breakfast. They made plates for Peter and Itachi, while the babies were left out as they couldn't eat solid food yet. The women served themselves and sat down, ready to enjoy the meal together.

Peter took a bite and smiled. "This is delicious." He complimented, "So, how's the village doing?"

Mikoto smiled warmly. "Great, thanks to you. Barely anyone died from the attack. There was some damage to the buildings and the outer gate, but nothing we can't fix."

Kushina joined in, her eyes bright. "I feel perfect after your healing as well. It's like I was never even hurt. Even old injuries are gone. I feel ten years younger!"

Peter smiled, genuinely happy. "I'm glad you're alive and well."

Curiosity got the better of Kushina. "How did you heal me? Your magic, as you called it, looked a lot like seals, but they weren't any seals I've ever seen before."

Peter was about to explain the mystic arts to her when suddenly, the shadowy figure of undead Danzo emerged from the shadows, kneeling before Peter and offering some papers. The appearance of the shadow startled everyone, especially Itachi, who immediately pulled out a kunai and positioned himself in front of his mother and brother, ready to protect them with his life.

Peter raised an impressed brow and snapped his fingers. Instantly, Itachi found himself teleported back to his seat, his kunai now twirling between Peter's fingers. "Your drive to protect your family is admirable, Itachi, but I have no intention of hurting them. Relax and enjoy your food."

Kushina and Mikoto were shocked at how effortlessly Peter had teleported Itachi. But none were more surprised than Itachi himself, who had no idea what had just happened.

Peter then looked over one of the papers he was given, raising an eyebrow. "Danzo, is this true?"

Danzo nodded, his voice echoing eerily. "Yes, master."

Peter handed the paper to Kushina. "You may want to see this."

As Kushina read the document, her eyes widened, and a chilling, rage-fueled aura escaped her. "HOW DARE THEY!!!!"

A/N: 2134 words :)

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