章 16: Konoha Council
In the same time, a tense meeting was held at the Hokage's office. The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, and his old teammates, now members of the Konoha council, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, sat in heavy silence. The weight of the day's events hung over them like a storm cloud.
Hiruzen, smoking his now tasteless pipe, spoke dryly. "Mirai didn't stay idle these past years. He has significantly improved his powers."
Gathering his thoughts, he addressed his companions with a tone of grave realization. "Mirai's absence from the village wasn't just a period of idle hiding. He was researching and perfecting his new technique. All his previous powers, formidable as they were, seem to have been merely a crystallization, a foundation for this new power."
Homura frowned. "Are you suggesting that the metal liquid he controls now is a result of years of research and refinement?"
Hiruzen nodded. "Exactly. The substance he wields is unlike anything we've encountered. Its versatility and destructive potential are immense. This isn't just another jutsu; it's a game-changer."
Koharu looked concerned. "If that's true, then Mirai's threat level has increased exponentially. He was already a formidable ninja, but now…"
Hiruzen sighed. "We need to understand this power better. We must find out its origins, its limitations, and how we might counteract it if necessary. There will be never a technique without a weakness."
Homura added, "Perhaps we should consult with our top researchers and the most knowledgeable ninja about kekkei genkai. This liquid metal could have a unique composition or be a product of rare bloodlines."
Hiruzen agreed. "I'll assign our best minds to this task immediately, if we get a sample of it."
The room engulfed in silence again, until Homura leaned forward, sadness etched on his face. "And today's losses?"
Hiruzen's eyes darkened as he continued. "They were devastating. Fifteen special jonin and six jonin, four of whom were sealing specialists. But the most significant loss… we lost Danzo."
Koharu's face fell even more, reflecting the grief and sadness that each of them felt. "Danzo… How did this happen?"
Hiruzen sighed deeply. "Danzo underestimated Mirai. He believed he could eliminate him, but it backfired. Mirai was prepared, and he executed him."
Homura's expression twisted with a mix of anger and sorrow. "Danzo's methods were extreme, but he was vital to our operations. His loss leaves a gaping hole in our defenses."
Hiruzen nodded, his voice heavy with regret. "I know. Danzo's creation of Root was a necessary evil, a way to maintain peace through less savory means. But I failed to see through his ambition and hunger for power."
The revelation of Danzo's Sharingan-transplanted eye opened a dam of doubt and torment in Hiruzen's mind. He wondered if Kagami, their friend and comrade, had truly died naturally on a mission or if he had been betrayed and his eyes taken by Danzo. The mere thought of such treachery tormented him deeply.
Koharu broke the silence, her voice tinged with urgency. "What do we do now? Mirai is a significant threat, and with Danzo gone, we are vulnerable."
Hiruzen took a deep breath, trying to steady his swirling thoughts. "We must tread carefully. Mirai is a formidable opponent, but we cannot afford more losses. We need to reassess our strategies and find a way to counter his abilities."
Homura's voice was low and urgent. "And what about Naruto? Mirai's protection of him complicates matters."
Hiruzen's gaze hardened. "Naruto's safety is paramount. We must ensure he remains protected while we deal with Mirai."
Koharu nodded. "We need to gather more intelligence on Mirai's abilities and his plans. We cannot let his actions destabilize the village further."
Homura took a deep breath, and voiced their collective concern. "What about the remaining Root facilities and members? We're not fully aware of all of Danzo's operations."
Hiruzen sighed deeply, contemplating the best course of action. "After a thorough check-up and a period of recovery, the remaining Root operatives will be annexed into my ANBU. This will help us keep them under control and ensure their loyalty to the village."
Koharu looked worried. "But what about Danzo's loyalists? They might seek revenge against Mirai. Can we contain them?"
Hiruzen shook his head slowly. "We can't do much about Danzo's loyalists who will undoubtedly go after Mirai. However, I doubt they will make a significant difference. Their numbers are limited, and without Danzo's leadership, they'll lack the coordination they once had."
Homura nodded thoughtfully. "So, we clear the incident as an internal conflict within the Root. It's essential that we frame it this way to maintain order within the village. As long as their hatred and resentment are directed at Mirai and not the village itself, we can manage the fallout."
Hiruzen's eyes were heavy with the weight of the decisions before him. "Yes. We must ensure that the village remains stable. Danzo's actions, though misguided, were always meant to protect the village. We must now deal with their consequences."
Koharu leaned forward, her expression resolute. "And what about Mirai? We cannot allow him to become a greater threat."
Hiruzen nodded. "We will monitor him closely for now. Currently, our priority is to stabilize the situation and ensure the safety of the village."
Koharu leaned forward, her expression resolute. "You mean the recent attacks from the Cloud Village (Kumo) at the Land of Fire's borders?"
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