Capítulo 40: Chapter 40: The Approaching Storm
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[Name]: Hiruzen Sarutobi
[Gender]: Male
[Age]: 64
[Favorability]: 99
[Relationship]: Master and Subordinate
[Bond]: Unwavering Loyalty
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The room was thick with tension as Ren's newly revealed eyes, swirling with the menacing Mangekyō Sharingan, reflected the dim light of the study. Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, sat quietly, his pipe set aside as he processed the unexpected turn of events. The eerie silence between them deepened, broken only by the faint laughter and voices filtering in from the courtyard where Asuma played with little Konohamaru.
"You've hidden yourself well, Ren," Sarutobi finally said, his tone even but laced with a new wariness. "Those eyes... I didn't expect this."
Ren remained unfazed, his gaze cold and steady. "You speak of the Will of Fire, Hokage-sama, but you stand at the center of a crumbling foundation. You place faith in ideals that cannot stop the darkness from creeping in."
Sarutobi's expression tightened as he studied the young man before him. "And what do you propose, Ren? You seem to believe you have the answer to the village's troubles."
Ren's Mangekyō Sharingan continued to spin slowly, casting an ominous glow in the dim light. "The answer is not found in peace built on false promises or fragile alliances. The Uchiha... Shisui... they all stand at a precipice. The village will fall if you cannot protect them."
Sarutobi's eyes darkened, and his hand rested on the table, subtly shifting his weight. "If you think I cannot protect Konoha, then you do not understand the burden I carry. The Uchiha's ambitions, their rebellion... it's a path that leads only to ruin. And you—what role do you intend to play in this?"
Ren's expression didn't change, but his voice was firm. "A necessary one. For Shisui. For the Uchiha. For Konoha, but not for the version you envision. You still think you can balance the scales, Hokage-sama, but sometimes you must choose who will hold the knife."
Sarutobi's brow furrowed, the weight of Ren's words settling heavily over him. "So you believe in bloodshed, in sacrifices?"
Ren's eyes glinted, the Mangekyō Sharingan reflecting a world where survival dictated such decisions. "I believe in survival. For those who deserve to live. And I believe you've already chosen your sacrifices, whether you admit it or not."
Sarutobi inhaled sharply but kept his composure. His years of leading the village had taught him to remain steady, even when faced with threats from unexpected sources. "This village has survived because of the sacrifices made in the past. That is the nature of leadership. I would choose to spare all, if I could. But not all lives can be saved."
Ren's lips curled into a small, chilling smile. "Spoken like a true Hokage."
Silence filled the room again, thick and oppressive.
Sarutobi's gaze flickered to the door, sensing the quiet beyond the room. No doubt his Anbu were already aware of the tension inside, and if necessary, they would act. But for now, Sarutobi was curious. He wanted to know just how far Ren intended to push this.
"What is it you want, Ren? What do you hope to gain by coming to me like this?" Sarutobi's voice was low but edged with the authority of a man who had lived through wars and led a village through countless crises.
Ren's Mangekyō Sharingan stopped spinning, and his expression returned to its usual calm, composed demeanor. "I want one thing, Hokage-sama. The safety of those I value. For Shisui, for the Uchiha that stand by him. And if they fall… I want justice for them."
Sarutobi sat back, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Justice? Or revenge?"
Ren met his gaze directly. "Call it what you will. But if Shisui dies because the village chooses to let him fall, then those responsible will pay the price."
Sarutobi didn't respond immediately. His mind raced through the implications of Ren's words, the weight of his loyalty to Shisui, and the potential chaos that could follow if things were left unchecked.
Finally, he spoke, his voice measured and deliberate. "I will do what I can to ensure that Shisui does not fall. But Ren, understand this—once the first drop of blood is spilled in a conflict like this, there's no turning back. You will not be able to control the chaos that follows."
Ren's eyes darkened. "Then I'll be ready for it."
With that, Ren stood up slowly, bowing his head respectfully. "Thank you for your time, Hokage-sama. I have no further business here."
Sarutobi watched as Ren turned and made his way towards the door, his posture calm and collected, but with an underlying tension that suggested the meeting had not gone as the Hokage might have hoped.
As the door slid open and Ren stepped out, Sarutobi exhaled deeply, his eyes lingering on the young man's back.
"Ren..." he called, just before the door fully closed.
Ren paused, looking over his shoulder.
"I pray it never comes to that," Sarutobi said quietly.
Ren didn't respond. He simply closed the door behind him, leaving the Hokage's study in silence once more.
In the dim light of the evening, Ren walked back through the compound. His Mangekyō Sharingan had faded, his expression now unreadable. But his thoughts were clear—Konoha's future was teetering on a knife's edge, and he was ready to tip the balance, one way or another.
"Hasn't the Hokage already shared this information with you?" Ren suddenly said.
Danzo's steps halted abruptly. He turned sharply, his gaze locked intensely on Ren.
Ren remained unfazed, not meeting Danzo's eyes, and instead stood still with his head slightly bowed.
What did that mean?
The information has already been shared with Danzo. Was this implying that Ren anticipated Danzo's reaction and his move?
This kid... sees things so clearly...
A long silence hung between them before Danzo finally withdrew his sharp gaze.
"Ren," he called out.
"Yes, Lord Danzo," Ren responded.
"Continue to serve me. I will not treat you poorly."
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