With a light cough, the Third Hokage entered through the main door, flanked by his three advisors.
The previously noisy conference room fell silent.
At Nara Shikaku's signal, all present stood.
"Greetings, Hokage-sama," they chorused.
The Third Hokage walked slowly, eyes sweeping the room. His gaze briefly passed over Hayashi beside Tsunade, but lingered only for a moment before he spoke softly: "Please, be seated."
Hayashi observed him intently. This was not the friendly, smiling gatekeeper he had seen before. Years of wielding great power had honed his presence into an authority that did not need to be displayed—it enveloped him effortlessly.
Imposing without anger—that was the phrase that came to Hayashi's mind.
His gaze shifted to the three senior advisors. Koharu Utatane, once flustered around Hayashi, now emanated icy aloofness. Homura Mitokado wore his black-rimmed glasses with the calm poise of a scholar. And Danzō, low-pressure and unapproachable, radiated quiet menace. His right eye, still uncovered, hinted at the power he would later conceal.
All four were disciples of the Second Hokage. Their reputations reflected both political maneuvering and genuine ability, a reminder that in Konoha, talent alone was never enough—connections mattered.
Under the Third Hokage's announcement, the Jonin conference officially began. Homura Mitokado produced a document, and the room settled into focused silence. Tsunade, seated beside Hayashi, pouted slightly while maintaining her attention. Hayashi, wishing to appear respectful, lowered his gaze thoughtfully.
Minutes later, he realized the nature of the behavior. Mitokado's report praised Konoha's recent military successes, detailed enemy casualties, and outlined strategic objectives. It was long-winded, tedious, and utterly lacking in substantive intelligence.
Hayashi stifled a yawn. The presentation was like a lullaby, monotonous and soporific. He noted the Hidden Sand Village and Konoha were clashing in Akihabara, with the Third Kazekage appearing briefly and vanishing. Beyond that, there was little actionable information—top secrets were always withheld.
He glanced at Tsunade, whose approval and nodding demeanor made him silently admire her composure. Even she found Mitokado's dry report fascinating enough to stay attentive.
Hayashi's respect deepened, though he quietly felt shame for his wandering mind.
Suddenly, a name jolted him awake.
"Uchiha?"
A man in sunglasses stood, looking perturbed. Hayashi initially could not recall him; his presence was subtle, easily overlooked.
"Third Hokage-sama, who oversees Konoha's security now that the Uchiha clan head is absent?" Aburame Shigumo asked in a measured voice.
The Third Hokage paused and glanced at Danzō.
"I have entrusted security to Root," he replied.
Though unannounced, it was well-known in Konoha. The Aburame, always discreet, had no reason to challenge it—but Shigumo pressed on.
"Some younger members of our clan have been detained by enforcement personnel," he said, a hint of anger in his tone.
"Danzō, is this true?" the Hokage asked.
"For Konoha's safety, I issued a ban on entering the forest outside the village," Danzō replied evasively.
Shigumo raised his voice. "Many of our clan's king insects must be raised there! There isn't enough space in the village. This was the site designated by the First Hokage."
All eyes turned toward Danzō and Shigumo. Clearly, Danzō sought to assert authority by targeting the moderate Aburame clan—a demonstration of power.
Hayashi was unsurprised. Even the largest clan, the Uchiha, could be restrained at Danzō's discretion. What was notable now was Danzō's relatively diminished influence; later, such challenges would occur in private, not openly.
"I understand. Release them," the Third Hokage said decisively.
Danzō nodded, expression unchanged, but his gaze to Shigumo was sharp and assessing.
Hayashi sighed softly, noting the tension. The Aburame had been targeted, but justice—temporary though it might be—had prevailed.
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