Sora left home and followed Namikaze Minato to the Hokage building.
They didn't have much to say to each other, so they walked in silence all the way to their destination.
Upon arriving at the meeting room, they found Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura already waiting.
As soon as Sora entered the room, he felt someone watching him.
The source of the gaze was, of course, Danzo.
After Sora had returned to Konoha the previous night, a Root shinobi had informed Danzo of his arrival.
Danzo had waited in his office all day, but Sora never came to report in.
Now seeing Sora accompany Namikaze Minato into the meeting room, Danzo was clearly displeased.
Sora looked at Danzo and could almost see the words "I'm not happy" written across his face, which nearly made him laugh out loud.
Sora merely nodded to Danzo as a greeting, then acknowledged no one else as he found an empty seat and sat down.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura were also quite displeased with Sora's rebellious attitude.
Although Sora had indeed become very renowned, they were the senior officials who governed Konoha. For him to ignore them completely and only greet Danzo was extremely disrespectful.
However, Danzo's dissatisfaction with Sora had reached its limit.
In the past, Sora would bow respectfully when greeting him, but now he offered just a casual nod. It was obvious that Sora had begun to disregard his authority.
Danzo now truly realized that Sora was completely beyond his control.
After Namikaze Minato took his seat, he announced, "Let's begin the meeting."
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke first. "Minato's wife, Uzumaki Miyuki, will give birth in approximately three months.
During a female Jinchūriki's pregnancy, the energy of the seal suppressing the tailed beast is diverted to nurture the fetus, causing the seal to weaken.
The seal nearly broke when Mito-sama gave birth previously, so we must be properly prepared this time.
Does anyone have suggestions?"
Danzo said, "The defenses at Root headquarters are extremely secure. Uzumaki Miyuki could give birth there."
This time, Danzo genuinely wasn't trying to cause trouble.
Regardless of the fact that Uzumaki Miyuki was the current Hokage's wife, even if she weren't married to Namikaze Minato, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never allow Danzo to interfere with the Jinchūriki.
Danzo's proposal was truly based on Konoha's best interests.
After all, Root headquarters was not only distant from Konoha's central district but also featured some of the village's most formidable defenses.
However, Danzo still harbored a hidden motive.
He hoped to collect some of the Kyuubi's chakra during Miyuki's delivery.
But Danzo's reputation with both Namikaze Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen was too poor.
Minato rejected Danzo's proposal without hesitation. "While Danzo's suggestion has merit, I believe there might be a better approach."
Minato phrased it diplomatically, but everyone present understood that he was clearly rejecting Danzo's idea.
Danzo snorted and said nothing more.
He had anticipated this outcome and wasn't surprised.
He had only attended this meeting as a formality.
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura also offered several suggestions, but none reduced the potential risks.
Then Sarutobi Hiruzen proposed a plan: "I suggest establishing the delivery room outside the village, protected by a strong barrier jutsu and guarded by Anbu shinobi. My wife, Sarutobi Biwako, and the female Anbu medic Taji will assist with the birth.
Throughout the delivery, Minato will stay with Miyuki to maintain the seal, and Sora will serve as backup. Should any problems arise and the Kyuubi show signs of breaking free, Sora can use his Mangekyō Sharingan to control it."
Minato considered this and nodded in agreement. "I believe this plan is viable and won't endanger the village. With both Sora and myself present, we can ensure the Kyuubi doesn't cause trouble during Miyuki's childbirth."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura also supported Sarutobi Hiruzen's proposal.
The plan was settled.
Sora sat in his chair with a furrowed brow.
So... what did this meeting have to do with him?
Was he a doctor?
The meeting continued as they discussed the details of Hiruzen's plan.
What barrier jutsu to use, how many Anbu to deploy...
Sora was growing restless. He wanted to go home. Couldn't these old people finish talking? He needed to leave!
Just as Sora's patience was about to run out, the meeting finally concluded.
He stood up, preparing to head home.
Danzo intercepted him, fixing him with an expressionless stare. "Sora, come with me to Root headquarters. I need to discuss the Konoha Defense Force with you."
Sora frowned at Danzo. This old man truly had no sense of timing.
"Danzo, I don't wish to deal with the Konoha Defense Force matters right now. Kakashi is handling things well as acting captain. Let him continue. I have other business to attend to, so I'll be going."
Danzo scolded him, "Sora! Would you neglect your duties over some trivial personal matters?!"
Sora gave Danzo a strange look.
He understood that the "trivial matter" Danzo referred to was Uzumaki Kushina's pregnancy.
But Danzo must have lost his mind. From the beginning, Sora had been willing to join Root for Kushina's sake and had even accepted the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal. It should be obvious that no matter what important duties he had, nothing was more important than Kushina's wellbeing.
Wasn't Danzo usually intelligent? He seemed rather dense at the moment. Couldn't he see that?
Sora responded coolly, "Danzo-sama, whether something is trivial or significant is for me to judge.
If you want an explanation, I'll come to Root tomorrow to provide one. But right now, I must return home."
Ignoring Danzo's extremely displeased expression, Sora left the Hokage building.
Namikaze Minato and Sarutobi Hiruzen had overheard Sora's exchange with Danzo.
Both men looked thoughtful.
Conflict between Sora and Danzo? This could be good news! Sarutobi Hiruzen wondered if Sora might be swayed to their side.
Minato, however, was more realistic.
It would be impossible to make Sora work for him, but as long as Sora didn't support Danzo, and Danzo lost a powerful ally, that was already beneficial.
After all, dealing with Root would be one of Minato's responsibilities as Hokage in the future.
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