Proposal: Chi Yu
Danzo's forceful accusation made both Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi reconsider his proposal.
After all, the Uchiha Clan had long been regarded with suspicion.
Though the clan had shown signs of softening, and Konoha was in dire need of a period of peaceful development, Minato and Hiruzen were still walking a political tightrope. Their willingness to give the Uchiha Clan a chance was not rooted in trust, but in cautious optimism.
Yet, no one could guarantee that this path of cooperation would last. Should the Uchiha revert to their historically aloof and resentful stance, becoming a destabilizing force again, the consequences would be severe.
Hiruzen, having stepped down from the Hokage seat, would avoid direct blame.
But Minato, as the Fourth Hokage, would be held accountable for any future fallout. And Danzo—true to form—would not hesitate to exploit the situation, wielding it as political ammunition to challenge his authority.
Hiruzen glanced at Minato, and seeing the young Hokage's grave expression, he knew they were thinking the same thing.
Opportunities could be extended—but never blindly. Precautions were essential.
From that perspective, Danzo's proposal carried merit.
Hiruzen turned to Minato and said calmly, "Minato… perhaps we should consider this idea of forming a new department."
Minato paused to reflect before asking, "And the personnel? How do you propose we staff it?"
Danzo responded without hesitation, "Konoha's departments are spread thin. Initially, Root will supply personnel to get the unit operational. My men will handle training and oversight until new recruits are integrated."
Minato narrowed his eyes. "This department must not be staffed solely by Root. Anbu operatives should be included as well."
Danzo had anticipated this resistance. If the new department were composed entirely of Root operatives, it would function as little more than an extension of Root itself—something Minato would never allow.
He folded his arms, feigning nonchalance. "You are the Hokage. The final decision rests with you."
With that settled, Hiruzen asked, "Then who do you have in mind to lead this new department?"
Danzo didn't hesitate. "I nominate Chi Yu."
At the mention of that name, both Hiruzen and Minato frowned.
It wasn't a matter of Chi Yu's capability. On the contrary, his talents were unquestionable. But the purpose of this new department was, ultimately, to act as a counterbalance to the Uchiha. And Chi Yu had made no secret of his hostility toward them during the war.
Appointing him as the leader would make the department's true intentions blatantly obvious to the Uchiha Clan.
Minato's voice dropped. "Chi Yu isn't a wise choice. His history with the Uchiha is… contentious. If he's placed at the head, the clan will immediately understand that this department was created with them in mind. They're not fools."
Danzo leaned back, crossing his arms, eyes flashing with disdain. "And what of it? During the war, tell me—how much did Orochimaru contribute? How much did Chi Yu contribute? Enormously. Afterward, Root was the one to fund their commendations—because no one else did."
His tone grew sharp.
"You two offered them little more than hollow praise. No bonuses. No elevation in status. Orochimaru, a Sannin—cast aside. And Chi Yu, loyal and effective, still left waiting for recognition. Is it because they're affiliated with Root? If that's the issue, perhaps I should step down too."
Minato looked down, uncomfortable. He couldn't deny it. Politically, his appointment as Hokage had been contentious. Orochimaru had been the expected choice, boasting an unmatched resume and battlefield reputation. Even Chi Yu's wartime accomplishments outshone his own.
It had been Hiruzen who silenced opposition and insisted on Minato's appointment. Technically, only Danzo had resisted, but his opposition had carried significant weight.
Danzo pressed on. "You say Chi Yu isn't suitable. Why? Because he follows orders too well? Because he's proven loyal to Root and the village alike? And still, you distrust him?"
Minato could only reply awkwardly, "That's not what I meant."
Hiruzen interjected, his voice sharp. "Danzo, enough. Everything Minato has done is for the good of the village. It's not that we're unwilling to recognize Chi Yu—it's just that Konoha's finances are strained. Once we recover, Minato will ensure he's properly commended."
Danzo scoffed. "Strained finances? And who was in charge when those funds were allocated to aid foreign shinobi who invaded Konoha? How generous of you, Lord Third. You reward outsiders and neglect those who bled for the village. If that's the policy now, then let Chi Yu and Orochimaru serve solely under Root. If Konoha won't value them, Root will."
"No!"
Minato and Hiruzen spoke in unison.
Though technically affiliated with Root, Chi Yu and Orochimaru had always reported directly to village leadership. Their missions—highly classified and dangerous—were not dictated by Danzo alone. Letting Root claim them fully would be disastrous.
Danzo's true objective was clear now.
This new department wasn't just about law enforcement. It was about consolidating power. If the department failed to materialize, or if Chi Yu was denied leadership, Danzo would fall back on drawing Orochimaru and Chi Yu deeper into Root's control.
Their strength was undeniable. If they became tools of Danzo, Minato's authority would be undermined—perhaps permanently.
Orochimaru had already grown disillusioned with the village. If Chi Yu, too, was pushed aside again, he might also begin to waver in his loyalty.
And yet… appointing him as the head of a department built to keep the Uchiha in check would only deepen clan tensions.
Minato and Hiruzen remained silent, trapped between pragmatism and principle.
A single misstep could push Chi Yu further into Danzo's grasp… or provoke the Uchiha into revolt.
They were caught in a bitter, intricate game of trust, suspicion, and survival.Proposal: Chi Yu
Danzo's forceful accusation made both Minato Namikaze and Hiruzen Sarutobi reconsider his proposal.
After all, the Uchiha Clan had long been regarded with suspicion.
Though the clan had shown signs of softening, and Konoha was in dire need of a period of peaceful development, Minato and Hiruzen were still walking a political tightrope. Their willingness to give the Uchiha Clan a chance was not rooted in trust, but in cautious optimism.
Yet, no one could guarantee that this path of cooperation would last. Should the Uchiha revert to their historically aloof and resentful stance, becoming a destabilizing force again, the consequences would be severe.
Hiruzen, having stepped down from the Hokage seat, would avoid direct blame.
But Minato, as the Fourth Hokage, would be held accountable for any future fallout. And Danzo—true to form—would not hesitate to exploit the situation, wielding it as political ammunition to challenge his authority.
Hiruzen glanced at Minato, and seeing the young Hokage's grave expression, he knew they were thinking the same thing.
Opportunities could be extended—but never blindly. Precautions were essential.
From that perspective, Danzo's proposal carried merit.
Hiruzen turned to Minato and said calmly, "Minato… perhaps we should consider this idea of forming a new department."
Minato paused to reflect before asking, "And the personnel? How do you propose we staff it?"
Danzo responded without hesitation, "Konoha's departments are spread thin. Initially, Root will supply personnel to get the unit operational. My men will handle training and oversight until new recruits are integrated."
Minato narrowed his eyes. "This department must not be staffed solely by Root. Anbu operatives should be included as well."
Danzo had anticipated this resistance. If the new department were composed entirely of Root operatives, it would function as little more than an extension of Root itself—something Minato would never allow.
He folded his arms, feigning nonchalance. "You are the Hokage. The final decision rests with you."
With that settled, Hiruzen asked, "Then who do you have in mind to lead this new department?"
Danzo didn't hesitate. "I nominate Chi Yu."
At the mention of that name, both Hiruzen and Minato frowned.
It wasn't a matter of Chi Yu's capability. On the contrary, his talents were unquestionable. But the purpose of this new department was, ultimately, to act as a counterbalance to the Uchiha. And Chi Yu had made no secret of his hostility toward them during the war.
Appointing him as the leader would make the department's true intentions blatantly obvious to the Uchiha Clan.
Minato's voice dropped. "Chi Yu isn't a wise choice. His history with the Uchiha is… contentious. If he's placed at the head, the clan will immediately understand that this department was created with them in mind. They're not fools."
Danzo leaned back, crossing his arms, eyes flashing with disdain. "And what of it? During the war, tell me—how much did Orochimaru contribute? How much did Chi Yu contribute? Enormously. Afterward, Root was the one to fund their commendations—because no one else did."
His tone grew sharp.
"You two offered them little more than hollow praise. No bonuses. No elevation in status. Orochimaru, a Sannin—cast aside. And Chi Yu, loyal and effective, still left waiting for recognition. Is it because they're affiliated with Root? If that's the issue, perhaps I should step down too."
Minato looked down, uncomfortable. He couldn't deny it. Politically, his appointment as Hokage had been contentious. Orochimaru had been the expected choice, boasting an unmatched resume and battlefield reputation. Even Chi Yu's wartime accomplishments outshone his own.
It had been Hiruzen who silenced opposition and insisted on Minato's appointment. Technically, only Danzo had resisted, but his opposition had carried significant weight.
Danzo pressed on. "You say Chi Yu isn't suitable. Why? Because he follows orders too well? Because he's proven loyal to Root and the village alike? And still, you distrust him?"
Minato could only reply awkwardly, "That's not what I meant."
Hiruzen interjected, his voice sharp. "Danzo, enough. Everything Minato has done is for the good of the village. It's not that we're unwilling to recognize Chi Yu—it's just that Konoha's finances are strained. Once we recover, Minato will ensure he's properly commended."
Danzo scoffed. "Strained finances? And who was in charge when those funds were allocated to aid foreign shinobi who invaded Konoha? How generous of you, Lord Third. You reward outsiders and neglect those who bled for the village. If that's the policy now, then let Chi Yu and Orochimaru serve solely under Root. If Konoha won't value them, Root will."
"No!"
Minato and Hiruzen spoke in unison.
Though technically affiliated with Root, Chi Yu and Orochimaru had always reported directly to village leadership. Their missions—highly classified and dangerous—were not dictated by Danzo alone. Letting Root claim them fully would be disastrous.
Danzo's true objective was clear now.
This new department wasn't just about law enforcement. It was about consolidating power. If the department failed to materialize, or if Chi Yu was denied leadership, Danzo would fall back on drawing Orochimaru and Chi Yu deeper into Root's control.
Their strength was undeniable. If they became tools of Danzo, Minato's authority would be undermined—perhaps permanently.
Orochimaru had already grown disillusioned with the village. If Chi Yu, too, was pushed aside again, he might also begin to waver in his loyalty.
And yet… appointing him as the head of a department built to keep the Uchiha in check would only deepen clan tensions.
Minato and Hiruzen remained silent, trapped between pragmatism and principle.
A single misstep could push Chi Yu further into Danzo's grasp… or provoke the Uchiha into revolt.
They were caught in a bitter, intricate game of trust, suspicion, and survival.
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