Satisfied for now, Hiruzen leaned back. "Let's move on. We must also discuss Naruto. As you know, Minato sealed part of the Kyūbi into his newborn son. We must ensure the boy's safety above all else."
Danzo seized the opportunity instantly. "Then give him to me. Root will raise him carefully, in secret. Trained from the shadows, he will grow into a weapon the village can rely on."
Hiruzen slammed his hand on the desk, his voice firm. "No. Don't even think about it. Minato entrusted him to me. I will raise him myself. As a Jinchūriki, subjecting him to Root's methods would only twist him further—and put the entire village at risk."
Danzo's cane struck the floor in anger as he rose sharply. He turned, his voice low and venomous. "You'll regret this, Hiruzen!"
"I am the acting Hokage now, Danzo!" Hiruzen's words rang like iron.
With a sharp bang, the door slammed shut behind Danzo's retreating figure.
Homura and Koharu exchanged a look. The scene was all too familiar, a memory of countless past clashes between the two men. Yet they quickly straightened, focusing once again on the matters at hand.
Koharu's voice broke the lingering silence. "Hiruzen, Danzo isn't wrong about one thing—Naruto must remain a secret. If you raise him personally, suspicion will follow. Whether as a Jinchūriki or as Minato's son, he will be seen as a threat to remove. And with the village weakened by the Kyūbi's attack, other nations will leap at the opportunity."
Homura gave a slow nod, his tone calm but persuasive. "She's right, Hiruzen. Rather than place a target on the boy, why not put him in the orphanage? As long as his parentage is concealed, we can keep an eye on him discreetly."
Hiruzen drew deeply from his pipe, exhaling smoke that drifted toward the ceiling. His eyes lowered in thought. In truth, he had been considering the same options. Naruto's safety depended on secrecy, and the orphanage… might be the most pragmatic choice.
'Minato, Kushina… forgive me. This is the best I can do for him right now.'
At last, he looked to the advisors. "Very well. We'll place him in the orphanage. Ensure that no one learns of his true heritage. From this day forward, he will be known as Naruto Uzumaki. It's the least we can do… to let him carry his mother's name."
Both Homura and Koharu inclined their heads in agreement. The decision was made.
The three of them discussed other matters while waiting for Fugaku to show up.
After a while, a firm knock came at the door.
"Enter," Hiruzen called.
The door slid open and Fugaku Uchiha stepped inside, his posture straight, his face a mask of calm. He bowed respectfully. "Lord Hokage. Advisors."
Hiruzen motioned toward the empty seat. "Sit down, Fugaku."
As Fugaku complied, Hiruzen's voice carried weight, "You know why I called you here."
Fugaku inclined his head. "Yes, Lord Hokage. It is about the Sharingan that appeared in the Kyūbi's eyes."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly. "That's right. Tell me, Fugaku—who was controlling the Kyūbi?"
Fugaku drew in a deep breath, his eyes steady. "Lord Hokage, ever since I heard the report, I have been investigating everyone in my clan, including those who died in the attack. As far as I know, every single member is accounted for. It can't be one of us."
Homura leaned forward, voice measured. "We want to believe you, Fugaku. The Uchiha are part of this village. But you must understand—this is no small matter. Words alone are not enough. We need solid proof."
Fugaku's shoulders sagged faintly, resignation in his eyes. "I understand. Please… tell me what we can do to regain your trust."
Koharu's sharp gaze met his. "Then how about this—we move the Uchiha further from the village center. At least until the investigation yields tangible results."
Fugaku froze, stunned. His pride as Uchiha clan head battled with his loyalty to the village. His breath came heavier, and at last he turned his eyes to the Hokage.
Hiruzen's tone was calm, but firm. "I understand how you feel, Fugaku. Even if I believe you, you know as well as I do there have been hardliners in your clan in the past. It could be that this disaster was caused by them."
He leaned forward slightly, his gaze unwavering. "We must uncover the true culprit—or at the very least, clear the suspicion hanging over the Uchiha in Konoha."
Fugaku's eyes dimmed. He understood the necessity, of course. But it stung all the same.
At last, he nodded. "I understand. We, the Uchiha, are prepared to prove our innocence."
Hiruzen, Homura, and Koharu exchanged glances. For the first time that night, a sliver of relief flickered in their eyes. At the very least, suspicion over the entire clan had eased, if only slightly.
All four of them leaned in once more, discussing the details of relocation and surveillance late into the evening.