Chapter 10: Old Friends

After waiting a while and still seeing no sign that Danzō was going to speak, the others resumed their discussion on the intel concerning Kirigakure.

"So it seems Kirigakure intends to pursue an elite-force strategy."

After hearing and organizing the intel gathered by Hatake Sakumo, Mitokado Homura was the first to offer his thoughts.

"But such a policy will inevitably cause internal friction. If I were the Mizukage, the most effective way to resolve those contradictions would be to start a war."

As an old-school shinobi from the Second Hokage's era, Koharu Utatane proposed the method most favored by that generation of high-ranking officials.

Danzō: "..."

"Hiruzen, we mustn't lower our guard against Kirigakure."

Aware of Konohagakure's advantageous terrain—and that it would be the first to be attacked if war broke out—Koharu reminded Hiruzen.

"I know."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded while holding his pipe, then turned once more to look at Danzō.

Now both Homura and Koharu sensed something was off. The meeting had already progressed this far, and yet Danzō hadn't said a single word—not a peep about the Uchiha threat, nor any talk of sending people to gather more intel on Kirigakure.

Was this really the same Danzō they knew as "the darkness of the Shinobi World"?

True, this made for a much more pleasant meeting atmosphere, but something still felt off.

"Danzō, what do you think?"

Koharu finally couldn't hold it in and directly asked for Danzō's opinion.

"Indeed, we should stay vigilant regarding Kirigakure's movements."

Now that someone had asked, Danzō nodded in agreement.

That's it?

No "You're being too soft," no "You'll regret this," no "I'm the real Hokage"?

"Speaking of which, during this mission, Sakumo also brought back a child."

Uncertain of Danzō's true intentions, Hiruzen decided to drop a bombshell.

At those words, Danzō finally opened his eyes, a cold smirk flashing in his heart.

So Hiruzen couldn't hold it in after all.

"A child? Does this child possess some important intel?"

Hearing this, Homura turned curiously to Sakumo, slightly confused as to why he hadn't mentioned this earlier.

"The child possesses the Ice Release kekkei genkai."

Seeing that Danzō was showing some reaction, Hiruzen continued revealing what he knew.

"The Ice Release kekkei genkai? Hiruzen, where is the child now? We must ensure their protection."

Deeply aware of the value of kekkei genkai, Koharu couldn't suppress her interest and immediately asked about the child's whereabouts.

If all went well, Konohagakure could gain a new kekkei genkai bloodline to serve the village.

"The child's name is Takeshi. Shimura Takeshi."

Hiruzen set down his pipe and raised his teacup with a cheerful smile.

"What?!"

Koharu abruptly stood up at the news. Realizing her outburst, she quickly sat back down.

"He's named Shimura Takeshi? Could it be..."

She looked at Danzō with disbelief in her eyes.

"What is it, Koharu? Why are you acting like—wait, Shimura Takeshi?"

Homura was just about to scold her for the slip-up when realization hit. He too turned to Danzō with the same shocked gaze.

"Danzō... did you adopt that child?"

Koharu cautiously asked.

"I didn't adopt him. That child is my biological son, lost and now found."

Locking eyes with Hiruzen, Danzō publicly acknowledged before the village leadership that Takeshi was his own flesh and blood.

Seeing this, the smile on Hiruzen's face grew wider, and Hatake Sakumo, standing nearby, let out a breath of relief.

"What..."

Koharu looked as if she had been struck by lightning, frozen in place. Homura's brain also seemed to short-circuit as he scrambled to process the gravity of this revelation.

"Well then, I'll take my leave now."

Knowing he was no longer needed, Sakumo prepared to exit.

"Mm. Good work, Sakumo. Go rest in the waiting area for now—I still have something I want to discuss with you later."

Pleased with Sakumo's performance, Hiruzen gave him a warm smile.

"Understood."

Sakumo nodded and, instead of using Body Flicker, walked slowly to the door and opened it gently before leaving.

"Danzō, is this true? That child is really your..."

Still unable to accept it, Koharu pressed again, her tone laced with disbelief. Homura looked slightly jealous.

"Of course. Takeshi is my son. ANBU has already confirmed it through thorough investigation."

Danzō slightly lowered his lone visible eye, maintaining his calm, unbothered posture.

Koharu... she's really had her edges worn away by time.

Back in the day, she had more resolve than most men of her generation, but now—

Though his face remained composed, Danzō had long been harboring grievances about his old comrades.

Hiruzen was too soft. Homura was too soft. And now Koharu—acting like this—was the softest of them all.

Clearly, the Hokage seat would be best entrusted to himself.

"This is great news, Danzō. But hiding it this deeply? That's a bit much, don't you think?"

Now that Hatake Sakumo had left, Homura felt at ease enough to tease Danzō.

Who would've guessed?

The man who once vowed to devote everything to the village had secretly fathered a child—and an outsider no less.

No wonder he'd stayed so quiet during the meeting today.

"Heh, Danzō, this is huge. Us old-timers haven't had a proper get-together in ages—shouldn't we catch up?"

Koharu also recovered from her daze, adding her own half-joking remark.

"I'm very busy. Unlike the rest of you, I don't have time to waste."

Danzō bluntly rejected the idea.

Yep, still the same old Danzō—his words always hit like a gut punch.

But the others were used to his style and didn't mind. They simply took the opportunity to reminisce a bit.

Years spent immersed in the world of power had dulled their youthful passion and idealism.

But thanks to the news of Danzō suddenly having a son, they found a rare moment to reconnect with their younger selves.

"Speaking of which, Hiruzen, isn't your son about the age to start at the Academy?"

Koharu suddenly remembered Hiruzen's youngest son.

"Asuma, huh... Yeah, I guess so."

Hiruzen rubbed his head awkwardly.

"You know how it is—I'm always so busy. Biwako handles all those things."

Still annoyed from earlier, Homura decided to poke fun at Hiruzen.

"Biwako marrying you really was bad luck. I remember you used to peek on her when we were kids—"

"Homura! That was years ago!"

Hiruzen quickly cut him off. Any more of that and his dignity as Hokage would go up in smoke.

These guys...

Danzō looked at the three, now laughing and chatting merrily, with a flicker of annoyance.Under normal circumstances, he would've left the room without another word.

But for some reason, his legs refused to move.

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Pls Drop some Power Stones

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