The Final Decision

Kakashi, Hiashi, and Shikaku were all somewhat taken aback by what their Fifth Hokage had just said. More importantly, though, it was who she had said it to: Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō had all once been students and direct subordinates of the Second Hokage. After the First Shinobi World War ended and Sarutobi Hiruzen took the position of Third Hokage, the three of them had become the village's leaders. Even now, they were figures whose every move could shake all of Konoha. During the Third Hokage's tenure, he too had needed to heed their opinions on certain matters. Tsunade, as Fifth Hokage, was likewise constrained by the three; in terms of seniority and status, she was still their junior. Hearing such a forceful and uncompromising declaration, it was no wonder Kakashi, Shikaku, and Hiashi wore such expressions.

Kakashi and Shikaku exchanged a glance, each catching the special significance in the other's eyes.

It seems this isn't just about Naruto. The Fifth Hokage intends to reclaim control of the entire village, doesn't she?

It was almost at the exact same moment.

Kakashi, Shikaku, and Hiashi all had similar thoughts flicker through their minds.

Everyone present was clever.

They could read between the lines well enough.

Kakashi, Shikaku, and Hiashi were already thinking along those lines.

So was Jiraiya.

And the three seated before them—Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzō—were even more seasoned. They could hear the implication too, but still needed to confirm it.

There was no pause.

As soon as Tsunade finished speaking,

"Then, Fifth Hokage, I'd like to ask you: do you intend to keep indulging the rogue ninja—Namikaze Naruto?"

Shimura Danzō fixed Tsunade with a penetrating look. His calm words, delivered with deliberate emphasis, carried an unmistakable threat.

"Indulging him? Did I ever say