Most people in the room were overjoyed to hear the fact, glad that one of their long-time allies had not been completely wiped out and would be given the opportunity to rebuild. The Uzumaki clan would help make Konoha stronger and happier. Even Hiruzen believed in this - in fact he had wanted the Uzumaki to become a part of Konoha before. But they had rejected, stating their ties to their village. Now this seemed like a perfect opportunity - he and Konoha would gain their expertise, knowledge and strength.
"Lord Katsuro, how many clan members did you manage to bring back?" Shikaku of the Nara clan asked. He was its new, young head, and Katsuro was already familiar with him from the war, having been introduced by his father.
"I managed to find just over 50 clan members, they were being hunted and were scattered after barely surviving."
The Hokage then took the opportunity to try and regain control over the conversation, "That's great Katsuro, I will have housing set up for them. And of course the village will be more than happy to grant them refuge, and they can… even help us out by taking a look at our barriers."
Katsuro laughed boisterously, seeing the Hokage's attempt to ignore what he said and frame the situation as if he was granting something. "You misunderstand, Hokage. The Uzumaki will stay with me - they are my people. I am responsible for them and they trust me. Not to mention we are sister clans. And no Hiruzen - you will not grant them refuge, you have no choice in the matter. You let their village be destroyed, so it is only right they live here. But even then, it's not your decision. The Uzumaki are staying at my clan's compounds, and there is no need for village involvement."
The temperature in the room dropped a few degrees and the tension was palpable. Katsuro was not being subtle anymore, he had dropped any honorifics and imposed his will.
Danzo was stuck between glee at seeing Hiruzen's power visibly deteriorate, and becoming angry seeing Katsuro and the Senju become stronger. In the end he decided to support the force he could somewhat control.
"Brat! How dare you! Do you think you are Hokage??!"
Katsuro replied calmly, "No, I am not, but neither are you, Danzo." Katsuro grinned at him, mocking Danzo and sending him into a spiral.
Hiruzen, meanwhile, was assessing the situation. I need to separate the Uzumaki from the Senju, they cannot get any stronger. They already have unified, and that Katsuro even personally taught them! It is not good for the village!
Hiruzen interrupted Homura and Koharu who were attempting to reason with Katsuro, saying nonsense about how the Uzumaki needed space and the village's support, trying to contain his fury, while also expressing his disappointment outwardly.
"Katsuro, the elders are right. The Uzumaki have suffered, and they should have space to get back on their feet with the village's support. We will make sure to take care of them!"
Katsuro smirked at how the conversation was unfolding. Sarutobi thinks I am stupid, he thinks he can use the Uzumaki's gratefulness to extract benefits. Probably more sealing techniques, Jutsu and help with the barrier as the 'cost' of their help and admission. But little does he know, he's dancing in the palm of my hands.
"Then let's do it like this. Let's leave it up to the Uzumaki clan, let them decide. But no matter what, they should be supported by the village, and the Senju will ensure any work they do is compensated fairly. Since I am conceding this without having to, I hope you can acknowledge my goodwill and grant these requests as well as extra compensation for my clan." Katsuro said, after some hesitation, acting as if he did not want to give up this much. He expected Hiruzen to take the opportunity, but Katsuro didn't know just how right he was.
How loyal to this brat can they be? I am the Hokage! They will definitely trust me more! Tsk, paying extra to the Senju will be a hassle, but once the Uzumaki are under my control I can forget all this other nonsense. Finally! This brat slipped up!
Hiruzen also took some time as if he was considering the proposal, and not jumping up and down inside. "Hmmm, then we will do that, Katsuro. At a later date, we will call upon the Uzumaki to decide for themselves."
The meeting continued as normal, but everyone was aware now that the return of the Senju Clan's Patriarch had completely changed the dynamic of the village. The power of the Hokage faction, which had seemed to be growing without stalling, was immediately dampened. Fugaku was happy to see it, considering the harsh stance they, particularly Danzo, took against the Uchiha, letting out a small smirk in a public setting before quickly correcting himself.
As the meeting concluded and people chatted with each other about random things, Katsuro approached Tsunade. Soon he put an arm around her waist before raising his voice slightly so everyone could hear him.
"Tsunade, remember," he said, turning to face and staring at Hiruzen and Danzo, "I can go anywhere, and reach anyone." He continued to stare at the two of them, not even glancing at the other elders, who were not even worth his time. After a moment, Katsuro and Tsunade disappeared from the room, showing proof of his claim, reminding everyone that Katsuro was someone who could use the Flying Raijin - the fastest Jutsu in the Shinobi World.
Eventually, everyone else trickled out, and those more familiar with Katsuro were amused at his display, like Fugaku shaking his head with a smile at the not-so-subtle warning. When everyone had left, a commotion occurred between the faction members.
Danzo immediately started shouting, "Hiruzen! He is openly disrespecting us! The power is leaving your hands! Soon, no one will respect you!"
Koharu also joined in, "He's right, Sarutobi, he's openly mocking you, and his disrespect will spread!"
Homura too, "Yes, he's already influencing the clans to threaten the village by not taking missions. Now, we are forced to pay them!"
They poured out their grievances, acting angry on behalf of Hiruzen, but realistically, they were more angry that Katsuro had disrespected them, and even cost them a lot of money. Unfortunately, despite their titles as advisors and elders, they had no real power, and could only try to use and sway the Hokage.
"Stop! There's nothing we can do now, he has no respect for the hierarchy, unlike Sakumo. And he has gotten terrifyingly strong, and you all know what happened against Hanzo! It wasn't a draw like everyone thinks - he forced him to take one! None of you can beat him, can you?" He said, eyeing the trio in front of him.
The two elders shrunk under his eyes, embarrassed, and Danzo was angry to hear a young brat was stronger than him, but even he had to admit he couldn't win. That brat being able to use Sensei's Jutsu makes it almost impossible to trap or kill him. Dammit. I knew I should have dealt with him ages ago!
"Hiruzen! I told you, we should have dealt with him ages ago. You should have listened to me! Or even handed him over to the Root - now look where it has left you!"
The Hokage rubbed his temples, feeling the stress lines only grow as he sighed. "Leave it, Danzo. We could not have known what would happen. But, at least, we can use Katsuro's efforts. He has delivered the Uzumaki to us, and I'll summon their representative for a meeting to explain the situation. They should be able to see reason."
Yes, Danzo thought, the Uzumaki, their bodies are similar to the Senju. Now that our supply of them is running out, replacements have come along nicely. And their sealing techniques will be perfect to strengthen the Root. Danzo smiled at the thought. Heh, that stupid brat, all that effort - just to help me.
AN: If you would like to view up to 20 chapters ahead, and would also like to support me, please visit my P@TR30N, at pa tr eon.com / GhidorahWriter (remove the spaces). Thanks for reading and make sure ADD to your COLLECTION and VOTE with POWER STONES! The target is 250 POWER STONES for the next BONUSCHAPTER!