Chapter 9

Danzo Shimura was livid with frustration, but it only made him look foolish in the eyes of Konoha's leadership. 

"Hahaha…" 

Tsunade chuckled to herself, rolling around on her bed as she imagined Danzo being scolded into silence by Uzumaki Mito. But, much to her disappointment, Mito hadn't planned to confront Danzo directly. With her status, scolding him personally would have been too easy and lacked strategic impact. Instead, Mito knew that turning this issue into a formal matter for the Hokage and the Council to handle would be far more effective.

At the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage had just returned from the Senju ancestral house, his expression stormy as he sat at his desk.

"Monkey, why have you called us here so urgently?" Akimichi Tofu, a large man with a hearty smile, entered the room and took note of the tension in the air.

The Third Hokage simply nodded at Tofu, silently urging him to sit. Tofu sighed, patting his belly, and sat on a cushion instead of the small chair meant for him. 

Not long after, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura arrived. Koharu raised an eyebrow at Tofu, who was lounging on the floor.

"Getting bigger, aren't you, Tofu?" she teased with a smirk.

"Just a little," Tofu replied, laughing and inviting Homura to pat his belly for effect.

"Enough of that," Koharu scolded. "We're here for serious business."

The playful atmosphere shifted as the elders took their places. Koharu turned to Hiruzen. "What's the matter, Hiruzen? Why did you summon us?"

The Third Hokage's eyes darkened. "Mito-sama called me today because Danzo decided to interfere with an agreement we all made. He approached Hyuga Shinki and warned him to stay away from Kushina."

Koharu's mouth fell open in disbelief. "Has he lost his mind? The matter of Kushina was settled! Shinki was brought up by Tsunade, recognized by Mito-sama. Does Danzo intend to break our agreement?"

Tofu and Homura exchanged uneasy glances. It was rare for someone to go against an agreement set by Mito Uzumaki. Breaking such a pact was reckless at best and suicidal at worst.

"Mito-sama is understandably displeased," the Third Hokage continued, his tone harsh. He could hardly contain his frustration. *Danzo, why do you always push too far?*

At that moment, Danzo entered the room, his face as stern as ever. He caught the tail end of the discussion and narrowed his eyes. "What's this about me?" 

"Danzo," the Third Hokage said, not bothering to hide his irritation, "we had an agreement concerning Kushina. You were present when it was made. Why did you go behind our backs to warn Shinki?"

"For the safety of the village and to control the Jinchūriki," Danzo retorted. "A Jinchūriki should not form attachments or develop emotional bonds that could compromise them. Shinki is an unknown variable from the Hyuga branch. He's a risk."

"Danzo, Kushina is only six years old," Tofu interjected with a sigh. "Do you seriously think we need to worry about that kind of attachment right now?"

Danzo's face reddened, but he kept his composure. "You know how dangerous it is for a Jinchūriki during childbirth. We must think ahead."

Tofu couldn't help but chuckle, turning to Homura. "Homura, when you were thirteen, did you think about six-year-olds?"

"Of course not," Homura replied, a slight smile playing on his lips. "We preferred big sisters back then. Hiruzen did too."

"Enough!" Koharu snapped, tired of the banter.

The Third Hokage leaned forward, eyes sharp as knives. "Danzo, from this moment on, all matters concerning Kushina will be handled by me directly. You and the rest of the Elders are not to interfere."

"Sarutobi, you can't—" Danzo began, only to be cut off.

"I am the Hokage," Hiruzen said firmly. "This is my decision, and I will not regret it."

Danzo's mouth clamped shut, the muscles in his jaw twitching as he fumed silently. He had come to push his control further, only to have it snatched away. His ambition was checked, for now. 

As the meeting ended, Danzo stormed out, his frustration palpable. His eyes burned with the determination to reclaim control, but the weight of Uzumaki Mito's influence and the Third Hokage's decree loomed over him like a shadow.

*Hyuuga Shinki, enjoy your reprieve. It won't last forever.*

>>>>>

Gimme Power Stones or give me death, or something like that