"As for the Third Mizukage's remains…"
Hiruzen Sarutobi stroked his beard, a calculating gleam sharpening his gaze.
"Once the Intelligence Division has extracted all possible information from the corpse, we will contact Kirigakure. I believe they will be… eager to repatriate their former leader. At that time, the negotiation will be in your capable hands."
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu, who had been silently reeling from the news of Yuta's solo victory, exchanged a glance and nodded in unison. "Understood."
'That's it?'
Danzo's frown deepened, his dissatisfaction plain as he stared at Hiruzen, who seemed ready to move on.
"In my opinion," Danzo cut in, his voice a cold, sharp blade, "we should announce this to the entire shinobi world. Let every village see the price of crossing Konoha and our allies!"
He leaned forward slightly. "Furthermore, the Hidden Mist is leaderless and crippled. With Yuta's power, now is the perfect time to strike and dismantle them entirely!"
"No."
The Third Hokage's refusal was immediate and absolute, cutting off Danzo's fervent pitch.
The political climate was a powder keg, needing only a spark. A full-scale assault on Kiri would be that spark, igniting a continent-wide war.
"If we move against the Mist," Hiruzen elaborated, his tone weary but firm, "Sunagakure and Iwagakure will not hesitate to declare war on us. We would be fighting on multiple fronts. It is a severe disadvantage."
Even in his prime, Hiruzen Saritobi favored caution. Konoha did not fear war, but recklessness was not strength.
"Hiruzen is correct, Danzo. You are being overly aggressive," Utatane Koharu said, her expression severe.
"The Mist is already bleeding. If we extract a heavy price for the Mizukage's body, they will be crippled for a generation. Even if a great war comes, they will pose little threat." She gestured sharply. "Moreover, their homeland is an island chain, shrouded in perpetual mist and surrounded by sea. The geography favors the defender."
Seeing Danzo's displeasure, Homura Mitokado swiftly interjected as a mediator.
"However, Danzo's other point has merit. It is time the world understood the consequences of provoking Konoha."
At this, Danzo's expression cleared somewhat.
For Yuta, observing his first meeting of the Konoha leadership council—the so-called "F4"—was a uniquely boring experience.
He suppressed a click of his tongue. 'So much for witnessing the legendary 'Regretful Hokage' in action.'
"This suggestion is indeed a good one," the Third Hokage conceded, his demeanor softening. He turned his attention to Yuta and the others seated on the sofa, his expression warming into genuine paternal pride.
"Yuta, your performance was exemplary. Not only did you secure the Uzumaki survivors, but you eliminated a Kage. To think that in just a few short years, you have grown into such a mighty tree, capable of sheltering Konoha itself."
Listening to the praise, Danzo's posture relaxed, a hint of smug satisfaction gleaming in his eye.
'Hmph! With a sturdy root like me protecting the village, is it any wonder my student has grown so strong?'
'No, wait, what are you so proud about?' Yuta internally retorted, catching Danzo's look. 'Since I became your student, what ninjutsu did you ever actually teach me? Now you want to take credit?'
'And you, Hokage-sama,' he continued the silent monologue, 'enough with the 'Will of Fire' and 'mighty trees.' If you really appreciate my work, how about a tangible reward?'
The Third Hokage also noticed Danzo's preening. The corner of his mouth twitched irritably.
'That face… Why does that face annoy me so much every time he makes it?'
He pointedly looked away from Danzo and addressed Yuta in a gentle, concessional tone. "You may select one technique from the Scroll of Seals as your reward. How does that sound?"
Utatane Koharu opened her mouth instinctively to object, but caught herself and remained silent. The reward was unprecedented, but so was the feat.
Danzo, however, wore a look of profound dissatisfaction. 'Only one technique? How stingy, Hiruzen.'
'Scroll of Seals?' Osamu, sitting on the sofa, jolted to attention.
Though often simple-minded, as a Konoha Jonin he knew exactly what that meant. It was said to contain the village's most powerful and forbidden kinjutsu (forbidden Techniques). Learning just one could elevate a shinobi to legendary status.
'So, killing a Kage gets you a pick from the Scroll…' Osamu's face took on a dreamy, thoughtful expression.
Jiraiya, sitting beside him, nudged him hard with an elbow. "Hey. No use day dreaming. You couldn't take down a Kage; you'd be the one getting taken down."
"I know that," Osamu grumbled, rubbing his side. "You didn't have to say it so bluntly. Fine. Next time a limited-edition magazine drops, you're not reading my copy."
The threat struck a critical blow. With his bathhouse-peeping cut off and no extra money for his own vices, being denied Osamu's magazines would be torture.
"No! I was kidding! I take it back!" Jiraiya capitulated instantly, bowing his head in shameless defeat.
Listening to their exchange, Orochimaru let out a quiet, disdainful sigh and subtly leaned away. Better to focus on Yuta's choice than the idiot beside him.
Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Meyuri all watched Yuta with keen curiosity. 'Had the old man finally learned to be generous?'
Yuta's own gaze flicked to Danzo, seated beside the Hokage, and understanding dawned.
In the Hokage's eyes, as Danzo's student, he was part of the Hokage's own political lineage.
Rewarding a lineage member who had performed a monumental service with a forbidden technique was… politically tidy.
As for what was on the Scroll that interested him… it really came down to two.
The Flying Thunder God Technique.
Or the Edo Tensei.
The latter held a morbid fascination, but the former's utility was undeniable.
"There's no need for further consideration, Hokage-sama," Yuta said, his voice clear and decisive in the quiet room. "I choose the Flying Thunder God Technique."
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