Compromise

Meanwhile, in the Hokage Building's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi, along with his advisors Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, and the Elder Council member Shimura Danzō, sat around a table. Hiruzen and Danzō faced each other.

Kakashi and Yamashiro Aoba stood beside Hiruzen, reporting on the day's events.

After hearing their reports, the four Konoha high-ranking officials all wore grim expressions.

Danzō, in particular, looked as black as coal, his hawk-like eyes fixed on Hiruzen.

Kakashi and Yamashiro Aoba retreated behind Hiruzen, exchanging a smile. They had both lost to their disciples, and a hint of embarrassment was visible on their faces.

However, Yamashiro Aoba felt somewhat better. Even someone like Kakashi had lost, so if this incident were to be remembered, most of the attention would be drawn to Kakashi.

After the awkwardness passed, their gazes turned to the four Konoha leaders sitting at the table. The situation today was unusual, and a solution had to be found.

"Does anyone have any thoughts on this matter?" Hiruzen asked, surveying the three men before him.

But the three remained silent, passing the ball back to Hiruzen. After all, the Hokage needed to make the first move in such meetings.

Hiruzen removed his Hokage hat and placed it on the table. "Based on what Kakashi and Yamashiro Aoba said, it's confirmed that Konoha has gained three more genius ninjas. I believe this is a good thing for Konoha."

As soon as he said this, Danzō, who had been itching to retort, couldn't hold back.

"Hokage-sama, two of these three genius ninjas are remnants of the Uchiha clan, and the other is the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. According to the information I've gathered, the three of them have a very close relationship. If anything goes wrong, these three could cause immeasurable harm to Konoha," Danzō said aggressively.

"Danzō, what 'immeasurable harm' are you talking about? They are Konoha ninjas and received Konoha's education. I don't understand why you say they will harm Konoha. Why can't they bring a more glorious future to Konoha?" Hiruzen said softly, but his calm eyes stared unflinchingly at Danzō.

"Heh! Hokage-sama, you underestimate the darkness in people's hearts. When the truth eventually comes out, do you think they will still feel the same way?" Danzō chuckled coldly.

"Where there is falling leaf, there is fire burning. The fire's light illuminates the village. When the fire dies down, new leaves will sprout again. I believe the Will of Fire passed down in Konoha will make them fight for the village," Hiruzen invoked the Will of Fire once more.

The "Will of Fire" was Konoha's faith. No one present dared to defy it, especially Danzō, who aspired to succeed Hiruzen as the Fifth Hokage. He had to learn the "Will of Fire," unless he could reveal his own intentions after gaining power.

"Hokage-sama, Danzō, we are not here to argue today, but to discuss what to do next. All evidence, including the origin of those two Ninja Beasts, points to Yuyou Uchiha. In contrast, Sasuke Uchiha and Naruto have not posed much of a threat. Our focus should be on how to deal with Yuyou Uchiha," Utatane Koharu said. As a Konoha advisor and Elder Council member, her words carried weight, and the tense standoff between Hiruzen and Danzō eased somewhat.

"According to the intelligence we have, Yuyou Uchiha's current strength is no less than that of an elite jonin. Of course, his actual combat ability is still unknown. However, he somehow acquired two Ninja Beasts that are at jonin level. Kakashi just mentioned that these two Ninja Beasts, when cooperating, were quite troublesome even for him. Therefore, we must consider whether Yuyou Uchiha possesses any other Ninja Beasts. Such power is enough for us to take seriously," Mitokado Homura, sitting beside Utatane Koharu, added.

These two were considered the neutral faction in Konoha, acting as a balance between Danzō and Hiruzen.

"Hokage-sama, you've heard what the two advisors said. Yuyou Uchiha is very dangerous right now. Therefore, I believe Root should handle Yuyou Uchiha," Danzō interjected.

"Yuyou Uchiha has not committed any harmful acts against Konoha. According to Konoha's rules, we cannot take any action against him, otherwise, it would violate Konoha's operating principles, which is not good for Konoha," Hiruzen's attitude remained firm. He did not want Danzō's Root to handle Yuyou Uchiha.

He took Yuyou Uchiha's displayed power very seriously, but he also wanted to secure such a talented individual for himself, or at least ensure his loyalty to Konoha's interests. He did not want Danzō's Root to grow any stronger. Danzō already commanded considerable power, and giving him more would risk another "Uchiha Incident." Furthermore, if they acted against Yuyou Uchiha and caused him to rebel, the situation would become even more unmanageable.

The high-ranking officials' meeting continued, with the main focus being the clash between Hiruzen and Danzō. Danzō wanted to control Yuyou Uchiha or eliminate him before he could grow. Hiruzen, on the other hand, held the opposite view, believing Yuyou Uchiha should grow like other Konoha ninjas and become a pillar of Konoha's future.

The meeting lasted for a long time, finally concluding in the early hours of the next morning. The final decision was to increase surveillance on Yuyou Uchiha without his knowledge, and any information gathered was to be immediately shared with all parties.

During the meeting, Hiruzen did not mention Sai's existence. Everyone knew Yamashiro Aoba was Hiruzen's confidant, making this an open act of surveillance. However, Sai was different. Danzō had no right to monitor any Konoha ninja, but Sai's existence was Hiruzen's compromise to Danzō; otherwise, they would not have reached a common agreement.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, one day you will regret saving Yuyou Uchiha," Danzō said, approaching Hiruzen as he was leaving.

"I stand by my choice. I hope Root will restrain itself. There are things you cannot touch. Konoha is under my command now, Danzō," Hiruzen said, glancing at Danzō.

After everyone left, only Hiruzen, Kakashi, and Yamashiro Aoba remained.

"Hokage-sama, what should I do next?" Yamashiro Aoba asked Hiruzen for instructions.

"Proceed as usual," Hiruzen replied after a moment's thought.

"Aoba, your mission is very important. Besides Yuyou Uchiha, pay attention to that child Sai; he is Danzō's man."

"I understand, Hokage-sama," Yamashiro Aoba turned to leave.

"Kakashi, you know what to do. I trust you with Naruto and Sasuke," Hiruzen continued, addressing Kakashi.

Kakashi nodded. Honestly, he wasn't sure what to do yet. With two Ninja Beasts, Sasuke and Naruto's strength had increased significantly, which would have a major impact on future events. However, Ninja Beasts were part of a ninja's strength, and he couldn't forbid their use.

As a result of this discussion, two figures from Team 7 and Team 99 became invisible: Sakura and Fujiwara Chima.