Something big has happened!
Watching the scene in the crystal ball, Hiruzen Sarutobi's forehead was drenched in sweat.
The Jinchuriki learned Space-Time Ninjutsu?
He could already imagine Naruto flashing around the Village, a Rasengan here, a Tailed Beast Ball there.
As for what kind of Space-Time Ninjutsu it was…
Does he even need to ask?
Minato's son, what other Ninjutsu could it be?
This child… has he even mastered Flying Thunder God?
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not doubt the truthfulness of Naruto's words; from a Chakra control perspective, being able to control Rasengan with one hand already meant he possessed the ability to use Flying Thunder God.
It's not surprising for Minato's son to inherit a Space-Time talent.
What shocked him most was if, as he suspected, the Four Generation Couple had left Chakra within Naruto.
Then, did this mean that the Fourth also became dissatisfied with his actions and thus taught Flying Thunder God to Naruto? Was it to awe the Village?
"Someone!"
"Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen Sarutobi put away the crystal ball, his voice low: "Inform Jiraiya that there's been a change with the Jinchuriki. Tell him to return to the Village immediately."
"Yes!"
The Anbu vanished instantly. In the office, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed heavily, completely abandoning the idea of interacting with Naruto.
Having observed Naruto for so long, he wouldn't be so foolish as to treat him as an ordinary five-year-old.
Now that Naruto had mastered Flying Thunder God, anything he said would seem pale and powerless, appearing to anyone as nothing more than a hypocritical attempt to make amends after making a mistake.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was basically certain that the Minato Couple had left Chakra within Naruto to teach him as he grew.
Now he only hoped that Minato would consider Jiraiya's feelings and persuade Naruto again…
Just as Hiruzen Sarutobi was at a loss, the office door suddenly opened, and a gloomy figure appeared at the entrance.
Seeing the newcomer, Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned.
"Danzo? What are you doing here?"
"This old man heard there was a change with the Jinchuriki."
"What does that have to do with you?"
Danzo, unfazed by the lukewarm retort, limped over to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
The Root leader, Danzo Shimura, also known as the Darkness of the Ninja World.
As the Village's black glove, he had done many despicable things over the years, so being snubbed was nothing to him.
"The Jinchuriki is of great importance. As a member of the Elder Council, this old man naturally has the right…"
"You don't."
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly raised his head, and his eyes, usually appearing somewhat indecisive, gleamed with sharp light: "Danzo, have your hands… stretched too far?"
"Hiruzen, you…"
Noticing Hiruzen Sarutobi's intimidating gaze, Danzo's heart immediately sank.
He hadn't seen that look from Hiruzen in many years, not since a decade or two ago, when Hiruzen was so strong that he couldn't entertain any improper thoughts.
And now, seeing that familiar look again, he couldn't help but feel his mind tremble.
"I'll warn you one last time, Danzo, don't touch what you shouldn't."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze was cold. As old friends for many years, Danzo couldn't even twitch his butt without Hiruzen knowing what he was up to! Always thinking about unrealistic things…
A Hokage's aide who tried to assassinate a Hokage, now trying to control the Jinchuriki by bypassing the Hokage.
And asking the wielder of the blade for the blade in his hand?
Was this guy a bit too naive?
"Also, Naruto inherited the Fourth's Flying Thunder God."
"Flying Thunder God?"
Danzo's expression changed again: "How could such a Ninjutsu be taught to the Jinchuriki…?"
"The Fourth left Chakra within Naruto."
Hiruzen Sarutobi raised his eyelids: "You should know who that was meant to guard against, shouldn't you?"
Skillfully pushing the blame onto Danzo, Hiruzen Sarutobi suddenly felt much better, for some reason.
Hearing this, Danzo's face turned as ugly as if he'd eaten a dead fly: "How could Naruto do such a thing?"
"Does he need to ask you how to do it?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression suddenly darkened: "Danzo, are you criticizing a Kage who sacrificed himself to protect the Village?"
After so many years as old friends, he knew Danzo's little schemes perfectly well.
He knew Danzo wanted to be Hokage, that he dreamed of having the position under his own butt.
The two were rivals, but also close friends, so when the Second gave him the position, Hiruzen Sarutobi inexplicably felt a sense of guilt for personally shattering his dear friend's dream.
Therefore, out of emotional factors, even if Danzo offended him, he wouldn't take it too seriously, and instead granted him some authority unique to a Kage.
But Danzo clearly didn't appreciate it, even daring to speak out in the Hokage's office, criticizing a deceased Kage!
Does this guy even understand the political implications of this?
Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a burst of anger. Having been a high-ranking official for so many years, didn't he know what could and couldn't be said?
"This old man didn't mean that!"
Danzo, realizing his slip of the tongue, quickly tried to explain.
The Hokage's office might seem empty, but in reality, the area around it was full of Anbu, many of whom were former subordinates of the Fourth during his tenure.
Once word got out and caused public resentment, let alone the Hokage position, his elder position might even be revoked.
You can question a living Hokage, but you can never question a hero who died protecting the Village!
This is true in any political system, and even more so for Ninja, a profession that places great emphasis on belief.
"This is a crucial moment for establishing the bond between Naruto and the Village. I've warned you, Danzo."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression was calm, but anyone could hear the underlying firmness in his voice.
Danzo was still unwilling: "What if it fails?"
"Then you don't need to worry about it. I've already informed Jiraiya to return to the Village."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said faintly: "Also, about the Uchiha… stop your little tricks. Don't try to escalate the conflict anymore. My patience is limited."
"You…"
Danzo's face darkened again: "The Uchiha are ambitious. The Nine-Tailed's Night incident…"
"I said, without evidence, don't casually question your comrades in the Village."
Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head slightly. He also suspected the Uchiha, but he wouldn't actually say it aloud.
Moreover, this suspicion was only temporary; judging by the Uchiha's reaction at this stage, while a bit extreme, the Nine-Tailed's Night probably had nothing to do with them.
What he wanted was to remove the Uchiha's hawkish faction and truly integrate the Uchiha into the Village, rather than completely annihilate them.
Danzo's methods, in his opinion, were still too extreme.
If it could be resolved peacefully, he was unwilling to pressure the Uchiha too much.
Seeing his plans completely rejected and being given two loud slaps as a warning, Danzo finally couldn't hold back.
"Hiruzen, you will regret this!"
"Perhaps."
Hiruzen Sarutobi puffed on his pipe, his eyes sharp: "But before that, Danzo, remember, I am the Hokage!"
Danzo's face twitched for a moment. These words truly hit a sore spot for him. He snorted coldly and slammed the door shut as he left.
Outside the office, an Anbu in the tree canopy picked his ears, realizing they had become calloused…