?
The corners of Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes twitched slightly.
It sounded so out of place coming from Danzo.
Danzo tapped his cane lightly against the floor. "Hiruzen, you know Root excels at raising children. Hand Naruto over to me, and I guarantee that within ten years, I'll raise him into a Perfect Jinchuriki."
Hiruzen stood up and stared coldly at Danzo.
"Danzo, you've overstepped."
"The devastating effects of the Nine-Tails' Rampage are still being felt today."
"To help the villagers overcome their fear of the Tailed Beast, Naruto must live among them."
"Naruto cannot belong to any faction, and that includes me, the Hokage."
"This Jinchuriki development plan was proposed by me and approved by the two elder advisors and the majority of the Jonin."
"You want to take the Jinchuriki for yourself?"
"But remember, I am the Hokage!"
Hiruzen's final words cut Danzo deeply.
He gave a cold snort, rose angrily, and made to leave.
Hiruzen quickly changed tack. "Danzo, I need your help with the second round of the Chunin Ninja Exams."
With his back to Hiruzen, Danzo said coldly, "Hiruzen, are you making me take the fall again?"
Hiruzen's eyelids twitched, and for a moment he had no answer.
He and Danzo had a clear division of labor, one working in the open and the other in the shadows. They made a good team.
Danzo often complained, but he had never brought it up in front of outsiders.
He was genuinely angry this time.
Mitokado Homura tried to placate him. "Danzo, what are you saying? Hiruzen is doing this for the village, too."
Utatane Koharu chimed in, "That's right, Danzo. The village can't do without Hiruzen, and it can't do without you, either."
"I've devoted so much effort, yet I can only ever be your shadow."
Danzo