The storm had eased, leaving the village slick with rain and mist. Inside the Hokage building, tension hung thick in the air. At the center sat Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, calm but calculating, his mind racing through the political fallout, the clan's anger, and the safety of Miyako and her child. Surrounding him were Danzo Shimura, Fugaku Uchiha, the senior advisors Homura Mitokado, Koharu Utatane, and Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang.
Fugaku's voice broke the silence first. "The clan's orders were ignored. That child is an abomination. Miyako should have been punished—or eliminated. How can you allow this?"
Danzo added sharply, "The child's existence is a threat. Eliminating both would preserve the clan's honor and prevent unrest."
Hiruzen remained silent for a moment, weighing every word, imagining the consequences of each decision.
"No. Miyako acted to protect her child. Murdering them would be unjust. The village is safer if we preserve their lives," Hiruzen said, his voice calm yet deliberate.
Sakumo Hatake leaned forward. "I stand with the Hokage. Killing the mother and child solves nothing—it will only stain our hands and the village's conscience."
Homura Mitokado spoke carefully, "The law must be observed. The village must weigh both honor and protection, without rushing to action."
Koharu Utatane added, "We should remain cautious. The child is innocent. But the clan's concerns cannot be ignored entirely."
Fugaku slammed his fist on the table, eyes blazing. "This is not about law! It is about honor! You cannot let this continue!"
Miyako stood quietly in the corner, newborn secured in her arms. Exhaustion lined her features, but her gaze was steady.
Suddenly, the doors burst open. Tsunade strode in, fierce and unrestrained. "I heard what's happening here! Anyone who comes for their blood—I will kill them myself!"
Fugaku's glare sharpened, and even Danzo stiffened.
"Tsunade, your passion is noted, but this matter is being resolved within the bounds of law. Your presence is timely, but the discussion is underway," Hiruzen said, raising a hand calmly, his mind calculating every angle.
"The child is innocent! Miyako is innocent! Honor doesn't justify bloodshed," Tsunade snapped, her eyes blazing as she scanned the room.
Hiruzen raised his hand again, his tone measured, every word carefully chosen. "Enough. Fugaku, the anger is understood, but we cannot allow it to dictate murder. Miyako and the child are innocent. Justice must prevail over pride and vengeance."
"So you side with them?" Fugaku spat, gesturing toward Miyako.
"Not sides," Hiruzen replied evenly. "We are preventing needless bloodshed. The child is innocent. Miyako acted to protect him."
Danzo pressed further, "Then what is the resolution? She cannot remain within the clan proper—it will incite unrest."
Hiruzen paused, calculating every consequence before responding. "Miyako will live, but she will be exiled from the Uchiha clan proper. She and the child will reside on the outskirts of the Uchiha district, still within the village, but removed from official clan affairs. Fugaku will retain oversight to preserve clan honor while minimizing further conflict."
Fugaku's jaw tightened. "Exiled… yet alive. Very well. This will not be forgotten."
Relief surged quietly in Miyako's chest. She had survived, and so had her child.
Though her life would now be one of secrecy and vigilance, she could raise her son safely, away from the deadly politics of the clan.
The meeting concluded, leaving Miyako and the newborn to move toward their new home on the fringes of the Uchiha district, where she would teach him survival, stealth, and awareness—preparing him to grow strong in a world that would always scrutinize his very existence.