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Chapter 247 - CHAPTER 247

Meeting

Chi Yu left his home and followed Minato Namikaze to the Hokage Building.

The two of them had little to say on the way, so they walked in silence and entered straight into the building.

When they arrived at the conference room, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, Utatane Koharu, and Homura Mitokado were already seated, waiting.

As soon as Chi Yu stepped into the room, he felt a sharp gaze on him.

Naturally, the source was Danzo.

After Chi Yu's return to Konoha the previous night, Root operatives had already informed Danzo of his presence. Danzo had waited all day in his office, expecting him, but Chi Yu never showed up. Now, seeing him follow Minato directly into this high-level meeting left Danzo thoroughly displeased.

Chi Yu glanced at Danzo and almost laughed at the sight of the elder's face, which practically spelled out: I'm not happy. He gave Danzo a nod in greeting, then ignored the others and sat down without a word.

The other elders—Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura—were clearly annoyed by his arrogance. Chi Yu's reputation might be great now, but to greet only Danzo while disregarding the rest of Konoha's leadership was blatant disrespect.

Danzo, however, was even more dissatisfied. In the past, Chi Yu had at least bowed politely. Now he had reduced it to a casual nod, proof that his respect for Danzo was gone. For the first time, Danzo felt that Chi Yu had truly slipped out of his control.

After Minato sat down, he said calmly, "Then, let the meeting begin."

Hiruzen spoke first:

"Kushina Uzumaki is due to give birth in about three months. During pregnancy, the jinchūriki's seal weakens, since the chakra is used to nurture the child. This happened when Lady Mito gave birth—her seal nearly collapsed. We must be absolutely prepared this time. Does anyone have suggestions?"

Danzo responded immediately:

"Root's defenses are complete. Kushina can give birth in Root facilities."

For once, Danzo was not deliberately trying to stir trouble. Jinchūriki matters were of the utmost importance, and he knew full well that even if Kushina weren't Minato's wife, Hiruzen would never allow reckless handling of the Nine-Tails. Root's underground headquarters were far from the village center and exceptionally well-defended. His reasoning was sound.

But Danzo still had selfish motives. If Kushina gave birth under Root's watch, he might seize a chance to gather samples of the Nine-Tails' chakra.

Minato rejected the suggestion without hesitation:

"Assistant Hokage Danzo's plan has merit, but I believe there is a safer method."

Though phrased politely, it was an outright rejection. Danzo snorted coldly and said nothing more. He had expected this anyway.

Koharu and Homura offered their own suggestions, but none could fully resolve the risk.

Then Hiruzen put forth his proposal:

"We should establish the delivery site outside the village, protected by a powerful barrier and Anbu. My wife, Biwako, along with the Anbu kunoichi Taji, will serve as midwives. Minato will guard Kushina directly to ensure the seal remains stable. Additionally—" his eyes turned toward Chi Yu, "—should the Nine-Tails' power surge beyond control, Chi Yu will act as a secondary safeguard. With his Mangekyō Sharingan, he can suppress the beast if necessary."

Minato thought carefully, then nodded.

"That plan is sound. With me and Chi Yu both present, we can prevent the Nine-Tails from threatening the village during the birth."

Koharu and Homura agreed, and the plan was settled.

Chi Yu frowned inwardly.

So what did this meeting even have to do with him? These old people were dragging him in just to make him their safety net.

The meeting continued, discussing details endlessly—what kind of barrier to raise, how many Anbu to dispatch, who would take which position. Chi Yu was restless, silently wishing to go home.

Finally, the meeting concluded. Chi Yu immediately rose to leave, but Danzo blocked his path.

Expressionless, Danzo said:

"Chi Yu, come with me to Root. I need to speak with you about the Konoha Defense Force."

Chi Yu frowned. This old man had no sense of timing.

"Lord Danzo," Chi Yu replied flatly, "I have no desire to concern myself with the Defense Force right now. Kakashi is handling it well enough—let him continue. I have other matters to attend to, so I'll be leaving."

Danzo's voice hardened.

"Chi Yu! Will you put personal trivialities above the greater good of the village?!"

Chi Yu gave him a strange look. He understood perfectly: the "trivial matter" Danzo referred to was none other than Kushina's pregnancy. But that was something Chi Yu would never treat as trivial. Years ago, he had even agreed to wear Root's cursed seal for Kushina's sake. Nothing was more important to him than her.

Wasn't Danzo supposed to be shrewd? Why was he acting so short-sighted now?

Chi Yu exhaled sharply and said, "Lord Danzo, whether a matter is great or small, I will judge for myself. If you wish for an explanation, I will visit Root tomorrow. But for now—I'm leaving."

Ignoring Danzo's darkened expression, Chi Yu walked straight out of the Hokage Building.

Minato and Hiruzen, who had overheard the exchange, exchanged sharp glances.

Chi Yu and Danzo were openly at odds. That was useful.

Hiruzen thought quietly to himself—perhaps Chi Yu could be drawn to his and Minato's side.

Minato, however, knew better. Chi Yu would never truly serve under anyone. Still, if Chi Yu refused to aid Danzo, that alone deprived Root of a powerful ally. For the Fourth Hokage, that was already a victory.

Because Root itself… would one day have to be dealt with.

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