Moreover, they had no choice but to carefully handle these powerful clans.
After all, the Uchiha clan's attempted rebellion still seemed like only yesterday.
In their eyes, the Nine-Tails' attack ten years ago seemed linked to the Uchiha clan in some way.
A powerful clan could indeed ensure a village's strength and prosperity. However, without proper checks and balances, such influential clans could also become the biggest threat to the village's safety.
Of course, what they didn't know was that the Uchiha clan had nothing to do with the Nine-Tails attack that took the Fourth's life. If there was any connection at all, it would be with Obito Uchiha, whom everyone believed had long been dead.
Therefore, the most favorable move for Konoha would likely be turning Shiki Uzumaki over to Danzo.
So Koharu was the first to speak out in support of Danzo: "Hiruzen, let Danzo handle this matter. I believe he'll manage it well."
Hiruzen gave no reply. He simply walked forward, picked up Shiki Uzumaki onto his back, and completely ignored everyone else's opinions.
Konoha could have its darkness.
It could even harbor dark forces supporting the village's very foundation.
But that certainly did not mean Hiruzen would ever allow dark deeds to be done to innocent children.
Danzo quickly stepped forward, blocking Hiruzen's path. "Hiruzen, even as Hokage, you must still respect our opinions."
Just as tensions were about to explode, someone suddenly burst forward and stepped between Hiruzen and Danzo.
"Lord Third! Shiki Uzumaki will absolutely never betray Konoha!"
Might Guy anxiously declared, as if saying nothing meant Shiki would immediately be branded a traitor.
Hiruzen nodded slightly, then cast his gaze toward Danzo.
Someone actually took his side—that was proof enough he wasn't standing alone anymore.
P.S.: The reason this chapter spends so much time explaining Hiruzen is because many other works tend to blacken his image. Thus, people might not understand certain facts: the entire affair with the Uchiha was completely orchestrated behind Hiruzen's back by Danzo.
This needs clarification, or else someone will start cursing me...
Also, Konoha isn't merely another ninja village. The Will of Fire carries deep meaning.
Chapter 52 – Is He No Longer Useful?
Sometimes, although you must hold your ground alone, having someone share and support your views at least keeps you steady against outside criticism.
Right now, at least, Hiruzen faced Danzo with an even firmer stance in his eyes.
"Might Guy, you shouldn't get involved in matters like this," Danzo said angrily.
Why did this guy have to step in and ruin everything?
After scolding Guy, Danzo defended his position: "Shiki Uzumaki's background has always been suspicious. Besides, he was already six years old when he arrived in Konoha, which means he could very possibly be a spy sent from another hidden village. With this recent event, those suspicions are now obvious to see."
"What exactly could a six-year-old possibly understand?"
"Guy!" he roared. At least when it came to matters he firmly believed in, he would never back down from anyone.
However, Danzo frowned with obvious displeasure.
This untalented fool actually dares to argue with me?
Just a jonin, yet so arrogant?
Danzo then said, "Kakashi had already become an independent chunin by the age of six. For a genius from the Uzumaki clan, this isn't difficult at all. Don't measure those prodigies using your own pathetically low standards."
This...
Was already an outright personal attack. Except toward the Third, Danzo was always this dismissive and conceited toward everyone else.
But Might Guy fell silent. He had inherited his father Might Duy's resilient and forbearing nature.
Even if someone called him talentless, he couldn't really object—it was essentially the truth. But talent didn't necessarily equal true strength.
At that moment, a lazy voice suddenly came over, "Looks like I heard someone mention my name—was it just my imagination? Anyway, what are you all doing?"
Might Guy turned his head and saw a man covering most of his face with a mask, standing there lazily. The man appeared reluctant to waste even a second, as his eyes remained glued to Make Out Paradise in his hands.
"Kakashi! You're here just in time," Might Guy, seeing who had arrived, immediately shouted excitedly, "Quick, help me prove that Shiki would never betray Konoha. Do you remember that incredibly talented kid I used to tell you about—the one who worked tirelessly not just in spite of his talent, but because he truly embraced *the spirit of youth*? That's Shiki."
Might Guy spoke anxiously, his words coming out in a rush.
Danzo only glanced at Kakashi indifferently and said, "Kakashi, I hope you can give the most rational judgment."
Kakashi nodded and said, "To be honest, I don't really agree with Guy—he has such a stubborn mind and gets easily deceived."
Might Guy stared at Kakashi in utter shock, while Danzo gave a satisfied nod.
But suddenly, Kakashi lifted his head and stared at Danzo, saying, "However, this time is an exception—I choose to trust Might Guy's judgment."
"You!" Danzo was left momentarily speechless by Kakashi's remark. His expression became even darker.
"No matter what, let's get this boy and the injured ninjas to the hospital first."
The Third swiftly made the decision, carrying Uzumaki Shiki toward the hospital.
Might Guy hurriedly followed closely behind. Kakashi took one look and said,
"Looks like my work here is done."
With that, Kakashi turned and walked away.
Leaving only Danzo, Koharu, and Homura behind.
"No way—if we allow that child to continue growing stronger, it will certainly pose a tremendous threat to Konoha."
Homura hesitated slightly before answering, "Still, he's just a child after all. And right now, he doesn't show any sign of opposing Konoha."
"You really don't need to debate further," Koharu suddenly spoke up calmly, "That child has already exhausted all of his natural talent."
"What?"
Both Danzo and Homura found it hard to believe, and thus asked again together.
"That child's injuries are critical, and he forced open the [Eight Gates]. [Meridian system] in his body has suffered extreme damage. Soon enough, he'll be nothing more than just a regular Chunin."
Had those words come from anyone else, Danzo and Homura might've raised some doubts. But since it was Koharu, there was absolutely no argument.
That wasn't surprising—Koharu Utatane was not only one of Konoha's top decision-makers but also an exceptionally skilled medical ninja.
"So Shiki Uzumaki is no longer a threat?" Danzo murmured with emotion.
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