I Am the Hokage
After a long and exhausting night, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, convened an emergency high-level meeting in the Hokage Building.
Soon, Konoha's senior advisors—Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane—arrived, followed closely by Danzo Shimura, the head of Root.
In the intricate structure of Konoha, many jōnin hold high-ranking positions, including the heads of prominent clans and ministers of key departments. However, when it comes to deciding Konoha's fate, true authority lies with these four individuals.
Yet, as they gathered in the dimly lit conference room, a stark reality loomed over them—the combined age of those present exceeded two centuries. The absence of younger voices in leadership was a troubling sign for the village's future.
Still rubbing sleep from her eyes, Koharu Utatane looked at Hiruzen with a hint of irritation and asked, "Hiruzen, did you summon us just to disturb our rest? What urgent matter calls for such a late meeting?"
Hiruzen exhaled deeply, his face lined with exhaustion. "There have been two major incidents that require your counsel."
He then recounted the events of the previous night.
As he spoke, the expressions of Koharu and Homura grew grim. When he finished, the two exchanged a glance before Koharu finally spoke.
"The leader of the Kumogakure delegation was assassinated, and the Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails was attacked... These are grave matters. However, our immediate priority should be identifying the culprits. Hiruzen, do we have any leads?"
"The ninja who attacked the Jinchūriki was killed in battle. His body was too damaged to retrieve useful intel," Hiruzen replied. "As for the assassination of the Kumo envoy... we know who is responsible. However, the situation is complicated."
He paused for a moment before continuing. "The one who killed the envoy was none other than Hiashi Hyūga, the head of the Hyūga clan. He had just cause—the envoy trespassed into the Hyūga compound and attempted to abduct one of their clan members."
Koharu frowned. "So, Kumogakure initiated hostilities. Their objective was undoubtedly the Byakugan. But they were caught in the act and killed in self-defense. The Hyūga clan did nothing wrong in this matter."
Hiruzen nodded. "Yet, despite their clear wrongdoing, Kumogakure is using the envoy's death as leverage. They demand we hand over Hiashi Hyūga, or they will annul our peace negotiations and resume the war."
Koharu narrowed her eyes. "And what do you intend to do?"
Rather than answering immediately, Hiruzen turned to Homura. "Homura, how are our supplies? Can we sustain another war?"
Homura, responsible for overseeing Konoha's resources, adjusted his glasses before responding. "If war resumes, we can manage, but barely. Our finances are already stretched. We would have to increase mission fees and reduce funding for various departments, including pensions."
He hesitated before adding, "Further budget cuts will only aggravate tensions with the Uchiha Police Force. They are already dissatisfied, and any more reductions will only breed more resentment."
Danzo, who had been silent until now, suddenly spoke. "Hiruzen, you're focusing on the wrong problem. Have you already forgotten that a Kumo ninja was seen lurking near Kushina Uzumaki's home last night?"
Hiruzen's sharp gaze snapped toward him, but Danzo continued unfazed. "Their ambitions do not stop with the Byakugan. They also desire the power of the Nine-Tails."
Hiruzen coughed slightly, correcting him. "Danzo, Kushina was not a Jinchūriki at that time."
Danzo's expression remained cold. "That's irrelevant. The point is that Kumogakure has always coveted our village's greatest assets. If we yield to them now, they will push for more concessions later. Blind tolerance will only embolden them."
His voice grew sharper. "Hiruzen, you are the Hokage. If you do not act decisively, they will trample over us."
Hiruzen's expression darkened, and he let out a heavy sigh. "Very well, Danzo. If you are so eager for war, why not send your Root operatives to the front lines? It would be a perfect opportunity to demonstrate their strength."
Danzo's lips pressed into a thin line. "Root is a covert force, not cannon fodder for the battlefield."
Before the argument could escalate, Koharu interjected. "Enough. Let's vote. My stance is clear—we should appease Kumogakure."
Homura nodded. "Our resources are insufficient for a prolonged conflict. I also vote against war."
Danzo's expression was unreadable. "I abstain."
With the vote cast, Hiruzen had no choice but to act in accordance with the council's decision.
Koharu exhaled heavily. "Now comes the difficult part. Who will approach the Hyūga clan and convince them to surrender their leader?"
A tense silence filled the room. Homura remained silent, and Danzo looked indifferent. Neither had any intention of volunteering.
In the end, Hiruzen sighed and stood up. "I will go."
His voice was weary but resolute. "I will explain the situation to the Hyūga clan and persuade them to sacrifice for the village's greater good."
Everything, after all, was for Konoha.
---
The meeting concluded, but Hiruzen's work was far from over.
Before he could rest, he summoned Danzo to his office.
Danzo entered, his expression unreadable. "What is it now, Hiruzen?"
Hiruzen did not immediately answer. Instead, he pulled a dossier from his desk and slid it toward Danzo.
"Last night, a chūnin named Tenma Izumo disappeared. The timing of his disappearance coincides precisely with the attack on Naruto Uzumaki. His forehead protector was found at the scene."
Danzo's brows furrowed. "And?"
Hiruzen's gaze sharpened. "Do you have any knowledge of this?"
Danzo scoffed. "Hiruzen, he was not one of mine. What reason would I have to target the Jinchūriki?"
Hiruzen's voice grew cold. "Tenma Izumo was once a subordinate of Minato Namikaze."
Danzo's expression subtly shifted.
Hiruzen pressed on. "Tell me, Danzo—why would one of Minato's former men target Naruto?"
Danzo remained silent for a long moment before finally speaking. "If he acted, it was of his own accord."
Hiruzen's patience had run thin. "This is the last time I will tolerate your interference."
He fixed Danzo with a piercing stare, his presence heavy with authority.
"I am the Hokage."
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