Sarutobi Hiruzen suggested everyone come up with a plan for what to do before Uzumaki Miyuki was found.
Koharu Utatane thought for a moment, then spoke, "We must conceal the fact that Uzumaki Miyuki has defected. Most importantly, there's the matter of her being a jinchuriki — someone who holds a tailed beast within them. If another ninja village captures her, it could spell disaster."
Homura Mitokado nodded in agreement. "That's right. Furthermore, Miyuki is the Fourth Hokage's wife. If word of her disappearance spreads, it will shake the morale of Konoha's villagers. However, we cannot completely abandon the pursuit either — chasing after her might expose this secret..."
At this point, Danzo proposed an idea: "Here's how I see it — very few people actually know Konoha has two jinchuriki.
Given that, we can reframe Miyuki's defection as a kidnapping. Since only a handful of people are aware she's a jinchuriki, other villages definitely won't know. And Miyuki herself will likely do everything she can to keep her identity hidden after running away.
Once we've concealed that fact, we can leak just enough information about Naruto being a jinchuriki. This way, people will believe the Nine-Tails host is still in Konoha, which naturally takes attention away from Miyuki.
This way, we can keep the fallout from this incident to an absolute minimum.
Hiruzen can claim the Fourth Hokage's wife was taken by unknown shinobi, allowing him to deploy agents under the guise of a rescue mission that's actually a pursuit of Miyuki."
Danzo's suggestion caused Koharu, Homura, and Sarutobi to turn and look at him in surprise.
He hadn't opposed the idea outright and had even offered what seemed like a reasonable suggestion at first glance.
The three carefully considered Danzo's proposal.
Upon further thought, they agreed it was indeed feasible.
Not only could they openly pursue Miyuki, but they could also reduce the event's impact to the smallest possible level.
Sarutobi glanced at Koharu and Homura, who both gave a simultaneous nod.
Sarutobi nodded. "Then we'll go with Danzo's plan."
Then Danzo added darkly, "Hiruzen, there seems to be something unusual about Miyuki's defection. First, your Anbu were guarding her twenty-four hours a day. How did she manage to communicate with outsiders?
Also, although Miyuki is skilled in sealing techniques and sensing abilities, her combat capabilities aren't strong. How did she silently knock out those Anbu?"
Sarutobi frowned deeply. "What exactly are you implying, Danzo?"
Danzo stated firmly, "I believe Miyuki couldn't have left Konoha without inside help. Alone, she wouldn't have been able to pull this off. Considering how rarely Miyuki socializes, there happens to be someone within her circle who had both the ability and opportunity to assist her."
Sarutobi narrowed his eyes. He clearly understood who Danzo was hinting at.
Chinya.
Chinya, who had been eavesdropping, raised his eyebrows.
Even though he had anticipated it, Chinya still felt somewhat surprised. To pin the blame on him like this—and so convincingly—truly admirable. No wonder it's Danzo.
If I were Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo had said such things, Chinya might even start doubting himself.
Besides, this operation of Chinya's had been too rushed, leaving certain loopholes indeed.
But they were only loopholes—Hiruzen might suspect him, but without solid evidence pointing directly at him, nothing conclusive could be drawn.
After hearing Danzo's words, Hiruzen Sarutobi fell into deep thought.
Just over a week ago, Uzumaki Miyuki had brought Naruto to visit Chinya and Kushina Uzumaki.
Kushina Uzumaki and Uzumaki Miyuki not only belonged to the same clan, but were also close friends. And Chinya was also friends with Uzumaki Miyuki.
If someone truly helped Uzumaki Miyuki flee Konoha, then Chinya would be the prime suspect.
However, if it really were Chinya, why didn't he just use the Sharingan's Genjutsu instead of knocking out the Anbu agents?
Was it because he feared being discovered, so he chose to knock them unconscious instead?
Still, without concrete evidence, Hiruzen Sarutobi couldn't recklessly act against Chinya.
Hiruzen shook his head slightly: "We still don't have any proof that anyone helped Uzumaki Miyuki flee Konoha. Let's get back on track. After this meeting concludes, I will immediately announce that Uzumaki Miyuki has been abducted by an unknown ninja. Then we'll dispatch pursuit teams immediately to chase after her. If there are no further objections…"
Before he could finish, Danzo interrupted: "I have an objection. My question is specifically about this Jinchuriki—what exactly are your plans for him?"
Hiruzen replied, puffing on his pipe while giving Danzo a profound glance. He already instantly figured out Danzo's intentions. "From now on, Naruto will officially be regarded as an orphan, while we discreetly leak bits of information about his connection to the Nine-Tails. This way, other ninja villages will know of Konoha's Jinchuriki's existence yet won't easily link Uzumaki Miyuki with the tailed beast. Later, after some time has passed, I will issue another decree strictly forbidding anyone within the village from speaking of Naruto's relationship with the fox demon, thus concealing his status as a Jinchuriki."
Danzo stared sharply at Sarutobi: "Hiruzen, what I want to ask is specifically about this Jinchuriki—what exactly are your plans for him?"
Hiruzen puffed on his pipe again and gave Danzo a penetrating look. He already knew exactly what Danzo was aiming for. "I will adopt Naruto myself."
Danzo coldly responded: "You adopting the Jinchuriki? Adopting him equates to declaring to everyone that Naruto Uzumaki is indeed the Jinchuriki. So many people died during the Nine-Tails' rampage, and Naruto isn't the only orphan left behind. Soon enough, everyone will know Naruto has ties to the demon fox. How appropriate is it for the Hokage to personally adopt this cursed child? This is just burying your head in the sand."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado both added: "What Danzo says makes sense. Hiding Naruto's identity as the Jinchuriki may help protect him from being targeted. However, if you personally adopt Naruto, hiding his Jinchuriki status becomes impossible."
At this moment, Danzo unveiled his true intention: "Therefore, to prevent a situation like Uzumaki Miyuki's betrayal from occurring again, I suggest handing over Uzumaki Naruto to Root Division for management and cultivation under my direct supervision!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi was about to refuse when Danzo continued, "Hiruzen, don't reject this too quickly. Think carefully—even if you hide Naruto Uzumaki's identity perfectly, with Chinya and Kushina Uzumaki still alive, his origins could be exposed at any moment.
What if once Naruto grows up, Chinya and Kushina reveal certain things that cause him to develop the same mindset as Uzumaki Miyuki, even wanting to defect from Konoha?
Jinchuriki are tools of war—tools shouldn't have emotions. Therefore, to prevent a recurrence of what happened with Uzumaki Miyuki, handing over the jinchuriki to me is the only right choice!
This is no time for sentimentality! Everything must serve the greater good! You know full well what would happen if Konoha were to lose all its jinchuriki!"
Hiruzen frowned deeply, puffing slowly on his pipe.
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