Naruto: The new beginning

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The next day, three elders gather, but they don't invite the Third Hokage to join them.

Since the meeting is initiated by Danzo, it takes place at his residence.

Koharu Utatane takes a sip of tea and says, "It's been quite a while, Danzo."

Homura Mitokado nods, adding, "Yes, ever since the disbanding of Root, you've become more and more reclusive."

Danzo, seated opposite them with his cane in his hand, gazes at his old comrades through his single eye. 

He speaks gravely, "This old man had planned to retire, but over the years, the actions of the Fourth Hokage have become excessive. How can a Hokage so freely treat shinobi from other villages as his own children?"

Homura, being responsible for intelligence, is somewhat familiar with these matters. "I'm aware of those children. They're talented and young. With proper training, they could become Konoha's future pillars."

Danzo scoffs, "Hmph. You trust in emotions too easily. Leave them to me, and I'll make sure they're moulded into perfect tools."

Koharu raises an eyebrow, sensing there is more to Danzo's agenda. "Did you gather us here just to discuss this?"

"No," Danzo replies, "I wanted to ask: are you really satisfied if you are replaced by others?"

Homura adjusts his glasses, wary. "What do you mean?"

Danzo's voice lowers. "I suspect that Jiraiya and Tsunade will soon replace you."

"..." The two glance at each other but remain silent.

Seeing their lack of denial, Danzo presses on. "The Fourth Hokage is too young & too reckless. It was a grave mistake for Hiruzen to choose him in the first place."

Homura disagrees. "But Konoha has grown stronger in recent years. The Fourth Hokage has done well. Even the Uchiha clan—"

"Superficial strength!" Danzo interrupts. "The Fourth Hokage is too naive. Allowing a Uchiha to become the head of the Anbu and captain of the Hokage Guard? If they harbour any ill intentions, Konoha could fall in an instant! Have you forgotten the Nine-Tails' attack?"

"But the Fourth has already proven the Uchiha wasn't responsible for that incident, at least not the Uchiha within the village. The police force is even opening its doors to non-Uchiha now," Homura counters.

"Their involvement in the police force is irrelevant. That clan can't be trusted. If it were up to me, I'd have handled them much better," Danzo declares with unwavering confidence.

Koharu, growing impatient, asks directly, "What are you really getting at, Danzo?"

After a brief pause, Danzo speaks. "If the Fourth Hokage's decisions lead to disaster, I hope you'll support me."

"Danzo, don't do anything rash," Koharu warns.

"That's right. We've dedicated our lives to Konoha, and we won't let you harm the village," Homura adds.

Both of them suspect that Danzo, having been sidelined for so long, is eager to reclaim power through drastic measures.

"Everything I do is for Konoha," Danzo replies sternly, as he always has, convincing himself of this truth for years.

"Let's hope so," Koharu says.

Neither Homura nor Koharu believe their old friend would betray Konoha for power. After all, they are heirs to the Will of Fire... or so they think. Yet, as they leave, they resolve to keep a closer watch on Danzo.

After they depart, a black-haired boy enters the room, kneeling respectfully before Danzo. "Danzo-sama," he greets.

Danzo looks down at him and orders, "From now on, until the mission is complete, your name will be Sai."

"Yes, Danzo-sama," Sai says, forcing a smile as he raises his head.

Danzo scrutinizes him for a moment and says, "Don't put on that fake smile around me."

"My apologies. The books say that to win trust, you must smile first, but I can't quite control my expressions," Sai explains, returning to his neutral demeanour.

"You're still not fully prepared, but..." Danzo thinks to himself, "I don't have many options left." Aloud, he says, "But you are the most suitable for this task. Don't fail me."

"Understood." Sai stands and leaves.

Danzo turns and stares in the direction of the Sarutobi residence, muttering under his breath as he leans on his cane, "Forgive me, Hiruzen, but if it's for Konoha, I know you'd be willing to make sacrifices."

...

"Of course not!" Sarutobi Hiruzen exclaims, setting down his pipe and looking at the water stains on his robes. "Konohamaru, how many times do I have to tell you? You don't need to defeat your grandfather to become Hokage."

Konohamaru's head droops in disappointment after his failed ambush. "But Grandpa, didn't you say you're the strongest Hokage? If I beat you, I should become Hokage!"

Hiruzen chuckles, though slightly choked on his pipe smoke. Was it wrong for a grandfather to boast a little to his grandson? After all, Minato wouldn't be around to call him out.

He pats Konohamaru's head and says, "Being Hokage isn't just about strength. It's about protecting the village in its time of need. Where Konoha thrives—"

Before he can finish his lecture, Konohamaru has already run off. "Grandpa always says the same thing," the boy grumbles. "Something about flames never dying out... but Naruto Ni-san says fire only leads to ashes if you burn down a forest. Maybe Naruto Ni-san makes more sense after all."

"Ouch!" Konohamaru yelps, rubbing his head after bumping into someone. He looks up to see red hair and quickly bows. "Sorry, Aunt Kushina!"

Kushina ruffles his hair. "Be more careful next time, Konohamaru. Off you go."

"Hello, Lord Third, Mrs Sarutobi," Kushina greets as she steps into the room.

Biwako, having just finished cleaning up after Konohamaru's prank, smiles warmly. "Kushina, it's been a while. Would you like some tea?"

"Thank you," Kushina replies, sitting down. "I've been busy with the Chunin Exams lately. I came by to ask some questions about jutsu."

"Of course. Give me a moment to change," Hiruzen says, pointing to his soaked clothes.

Kushina smiles. "Another one of Konohamaru's pranks? He behaves so well around me."

Hiruzen sighs as he walks into the house. "Yeah, but he's quite a handful. I'll be back shortly."

As Hiruzen leaves the room, Kushina leans closer to Biwako, her face serious, and whispers something quietly.

Biwako's eyes widen in surprise, but she nods solemnly, accepting a small package from Kushina.

Afterwards, Kushina asks a few questions about water-style jutsu, then politely takes her leave.

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