Kiyosuke opened his eyes, saying nothing.
After a moment of silence, Koharu Utatane said,
"Kiyosuke's strength and reputation truly are enough."
Homura Mitokado nodded.
"Indeed. And he's also Orochimaru's disciple."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke.
"Kiyosuke, are you willing to become the Fifth Hokage?"
Danzo's face darkened as he stood up.
"I object. Asakawa Kiyosuke is too young and inexperienced to shoulder such a heavy responsibility! I personally recommend his teacher, Orochimaru!"
"Orochimaru lacks the disposition to be Hokage," Hiruzen replied, rejecting Danzo's suggestion.
He turned to Kiyosuke.
"Kiyosuke, the village is facing a time of crisis. We need your help."
Kiyosuke smiled slightly and shook his head.
"I'm not going to become Hokage. I told you that from the beginning. Besides, you're still here, aren't you, Third? There's no harm in continuing as Hokage."
Then he turned toward Danzo.
"I'm not like certain people who obsess over that position day in and day out. It's just a title. What does it even matter? As long as the village stays safe, it doesn't matter who the Hokage is. And besides—if you weren't Hokage yesterday, you never will be. You missed your chance, and you'll always be one step behind."
Danzo's face turned purple with rage.
"What did you say?! I'm thinking of the village!"
Back then, it was because of his slow reaction that he lost his shot. If he'd just spoken up a second earlier, the position of Third Hokage would've been his. Konoha wouldn't be in such a mess now. It's all because of Hiruzen's indecisiveness—he shouldn't be allowed to keep leading!
Kiyosuke leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee and his chin in his palm, grinning.
"Oh really? This isn't about your own ambition? If you were so concerned about the village, then where were you last night?!"
"I…"
"Shut up!"
Kiyosuke shouted, then stood up and jabbed a finger at Danzo's nose.
"You cowardly old bastard. Always playing dirty since you were young. No wonder Second-sama looked down on you. Always claiming you act in the village's best interest—yet whenever something really happens, you hide! You hope the Hokage dies so you can scramble into the seat yourself. Pathetic!"
Danzo's face was livid, his fury boiling over. He slammed the table.
"Impudent brat! Just because you protected the village doesn't mean you can act so arrogantly! Show some respect to your elders! Who gave you the guts to cause such a scene?!"
"Bullshit! You? An elder? You're just older than me, that's it. If we were the same age, I'd have beaten you to death already!"
Kiyosuke didn't hold back at all. With his current strength and renown, even Hiruzen didn't dare offend him easily. And Danzo? Heh.
"Danzo! Kiyosuke! That's enough—both of you!"
Hiruzen finally spoke up, putting a stop to the quarrel.
"Since Kiyosuke has nominated this old man, I'll serve temporarily. When a suitable successor appears, I'll step down."
Mitokado Homura smiled.
"If it's you, then there's no problem."
Koharu Utatane nodded as well.
"Yes. You're more than capable."
Hiruzen turned to Kiyosuke again.
"I know you had a close bond with the Fourth. But Danzo is also preserving his strength for the sake of the village. He's a village elder—you should show some respect."
Kiyosuke raised an eyebrow and looked at Hiruzen in silence. Just stared at him, saying nothing.
The atmosphere grew awkward.
Eventually, it was Nara Shikaku who stepped in to smooth things over.
"Kiyosuke-san, please—sit down. This isn't the time or place."
"Arrogant brat!"
Danzo's single eye gleamed with murderous intent. Everyone present—top-tier shinobi—could sense it clearly.
The temperature in the room suddenly spiked.
Akimichi Chōza, broad as a bear, waved his fan-sized hand.
"So hot… I could really go for something cold to drink."
Aside from him, no one spoke.
Danzo stared at Kiyosuke.
"What exactly do you intend to do? Don't forget where you are."
"Hmph."
...
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
Koharu Utatane coughed lightly.
"Next topic—the matter of the Jinchūriki."
Danzo replied coldly.
"The Jinchūriki is a vital strategic asset. It should remain in the village's care. I don't trust handing him over to some kid."
Hiruzen responded.
"Before Minato and Kushina died, they entrusted Naruto to Kiyosuke. I believe we should respect their wishes."
"Hiruzen, you of all people should understand what a Jinchūriki means to the village. That child is too young to distinguish right from wrong. If someone with ill intentions manipulates him, it could be catastrophic. Don't you see? The Jinchūriki must be raised by the village. The Jinchūriki—"
Boom!
Everyone heard the sound of the wall being smashed.
Danzo's seat had been kicked from behind—Kiyosuke stood atop it, withdrawing his foot.
"So noisy. The Third taking back command is none of your business. Show some respect—call him Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen coughed awkwardly.
This was a tricky position—Kiyosuke was technically acting on his behalf, attacking Danzo in his name.
Still, someone had to maintain order.
"Kiyosuke, that wasn't right. Danzo and I are comrades-in-arms. Even your teacher, Orochimaru-sensei, would call me uncle. I'm used to it—it's no big deal."
"You bastard! I'll kill you!"
Danzo had taken a minor injury. The boy had struck from his blind spot—Danzo hadn't seen it coming. Getting hit like that made him furious.
"Kill me?"
Kiyosuke nonchalantly picked at his ear.
"Go ahead and try—if you have the guts. I've got people lining up from the Land of Fire to the Land of Water trying to kill me. One more won't make a difference."
"Let me ask—if the Tailed Beast rampages, who here can suppress it?"
"Uh…"
Koharu and Homura fell silent. They had personally witnessed Kiyosuke suppressing the Nine-Tails last night. When it came to sheer power, there were few in Konoha who could rival him.
"I can subdue the Nine-Tails in an instant. I could even kill it, if necessary. Can any of you say the same?"
He glanced at Danzo, who was slowly climbing to his feet, and let out a cold, disdainful laugh.
"Taking everything into account, and honoring the Fourth's last wish… Kiyosuke, I'm entrusting Naruto's upbringing to you. Make sure to enroll him in the Ninja Academy when the time comes," Hiruzen said.
"Of course."
"Then… what about the child's surname?"
"Naturally, he'll take his father's."
If he's named Uzumaki, he's just a Jinchūriki—a weapon of the village.
But if he's named Namikaze, he's the son of the Fourth Hokage, a hero's child.
While naming him Uzumaki had its merits, Kiyosuke had considered it from every angle.
Naruto would live as the son of a hero, not as a hated demon fox.