Danzo proposed to Hiruzen Sarutobi that Sora should go to the Land of Waves and lead the Uchiha shinobi there.
Hiruzen sat in his chair, smoking his pipe thoughtfully.
After a long silence, Hiruzen spoke in a deep voice: "Very well. Sora, you will go to the Land of Waves and lead the Konoha shinobi stationed there against the Kirigakure forces."
He fixed Sora with a stern look. "Regarding the Uchiha shinobi, you will have absolute leadership, but I have two conditions. First, do not let the Uchiha clan realize they are being specifically targeted."
The Hokage tapped his pipe against the desk. "Second, the Land of Waves will no longer be able to support our shinobi after this. I will grant you a high degree of autonomy, but you must not allow the Land of Waves to fall under enemy control."
His eyes narrowed. "Can you accomplish these two tasks?"
Sora nodded respectfully. "Lord Hokage, I can do it. Please leave this matter to me."
Hiruzen nodded with satisfaction. "Good. I will provide you with the official transfer orders tomorrow. Currently, Nara Kubota serves as the temporary commander in the field. Upon your arrival, you will assume command, with Nara Kubota serving as your deputy."
The Third Hokage's expression grew more serious. "The situation in the Land of Waves is dire. Kirigakure shinobi are fighting with complete disregard for casualties. You should depart tomorrow and familiarize yourself with the battlefield as quickly as possible."
He continued, "Additionally, Uchiha shinobi will arrive in waves. We expect their numbers to reach approximately one hundred."
Sora bowed deeply. "Understood!"
Suddenly, Danzo spoke up. "There is one more matter, Hiruzen—regarding the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki."
At the mention of the Nine-Tails, Sora's body tensed slightly.
Hiruzen's expression immediately became solemn, and he cast a brief glance toward Sora.
"What about the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki?" Hiruzen asked gravely.
Danzo addressed the Third Hokage directly. "Hiruzen, Lady Mito's time is running short. She may not survive beyond this year. You should begin preparations to transfer the Nine-Tails to a new host."
Hiruzen replied, "I am well aware of this and have already made preparations."
Danzo pressed on. "Regarding the selection of the new Nine-Tails Jinchūriki, Hiruzen, I believe we should reconsider our options."
Hiruzen frowned and was about to speak when Danzo interrupted. "Hiruzen, please hear my analysis before making your decision."
He continued methodically, "Uzumaki Miyuki's talent surpasses that of Uzumaki Kushina—I believe you recognize this fact. Miyuki has learned sealing techniques in a remarkably short time, and her progress has been exceptional. It is only a matter of time before she surpasses Kushina in skill."
Danzo's voice grew more serious. "When selecting a Jinchūriki, one must exercise extreme caution. Why settle for Kushina when there is clearly a superior candidate available?"
His eyes narrowed. "A more suitable Jinchūriki means fewer complications in the future and a reduced risk of losing control. Hiruzen, you understand all too well that if a Jinchūriki loses control, it would spell disaster for Konoha."
Hiruzen responded solemnly, "But precisely because we fear the Jinchūriki losing control, wouldn't Kushina, who has already mastered sealing techniques, be the more appropriate choice?"
Danzo shook his head. "In the long term, Miyuki is more suitable, isn't she? And you needn't worry about the Jinchūriki losing control. Sora's Mangekyō Sharingan can subdue the Tailed Beasts. If any problems arise, he can still control the Nine-Tails."
He added with calculated emphasis, "And... Hiruzen, Sora is about to undertake an important mission for us. Shouldn't we ensure he has no distractions or concerns?"
Hiruzen looked at Danzo with growing frustration.
Couldn't this discussion have waited until after Sora had left? Now that Sora was present, how should he respond?
Sora found himself appreciating the cunning old man Danzo more and more.
It was clear that Danzo had deliberately raised this matter in Sora's presence to gain his loyalty. Though Danzo was undeniably devious, he did honor his promises.
Orochimaru was right—working with Danzo had its advantages.
With Danzo advocating on his behalf, the possibility of replacing the current Jinchūriki candidate had significantly increased.
Hiruzen's mind raced with competing thoughts.
He still disagreed with replacing Kushina with Miyuki as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki.
The initial sealing process was when a Jinchūriki was most likely to lose control. Although Miyuki was talented, she still needed time to develop her abilities fully.
But now Danzo had mentioned this matter in front of Sora, placing Hiruzen in an awkward position.
With Sora about to depart for the Land of Waves on a critical mission, Hiruzen could hardly refuse outright.
If Sora was going to assist them with the Uchiha clan matter, refusing his request now might jeopardize that arrangement.
The current situation presented two Jinchūriki candidates: Miyuki was more suitable in terms of raw potential, while Kushina offered greater safety and stability.
Hiruzen had to decide whether to prioritize potential or security.
He glanced at Sora thoughtfully.
Now he had to consider Sora's position as well...
The scales in Hiruzen's mind gradually tipped toward Uzumaki Miyuki.
After giving Sora a penetrating look, he said to Danzo, "I will reconsider this matter."
Danzo, who knew Hiruzen well, recognized that the Third had essentially conceded. He stood up and said, "Very well, take some time to reflect. Sora, you should prepare for your departure to the Land of Waves tomorrow."
Sora bowed his head slightly. "Yes, Lord Danzo."
Then he turned to Hiruzen. "Lord Hokage, I'll take my leave to make preparations."
Hiruzen nodded. "Go ahead. I will send ANBU with your orders tomorrow."
After Sora and Danzo left the Hokage Building, Danzo instructed, "Come with me."
Sora followed Danzo to the Root headquarters.
In Danzo's office, the elder settled into his chair and addressed Sora directly. "The matter of replacing the Jinchūriki has been essentially decided. You need not worry about it further."
Sora bowed deeply. "Thank you, Lord Danzo."
Danzo studied Sora with narrowed eyes. "Now that you are an official member of Root, you must understand that all members undergo a sealing jutsu."
He continued in a measured tone, "This sealing jutsu will not harm you in any way. It simply prevents the disclosure of confidential information."
Danzo folded his hands. "If someone under this seal attempts to reveal specific information, their body will be paralyzed, rendering them unable to speak or move."
His gaze hardened. "As my subordinate, you must also receive this seal. Do you have any objections?"
Sora replied without hesitation, "Lord Danzo, I have no objections."
Sora knew exactly what sealing technique Danzo intended to use.
The Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal.
This was the jutsu Danzo used to bind his subordinates, ensuring they could never reveal his secrets.
With Sora's current abilities and knowledge, breaking such a seal wouldn't be impossible, though it wouldn't be simple either.
When Danzo heard Sora's immediate agreement, a slight smile curved his lips. "Very good."
Danzo stood and approached Sora. After forming a series of hand signs, he placed his palm over the lower half of Sora's face.
"Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal!"
A curse mark appeared on Sora's tongue.
Danzo nodded with satisfaction. Now Sora truly belonged to him.
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