Bringing Be Feng Shuimen and his family back to Konoha, as soon as he stepped through Konoha's gates, Shimura Danzo was stopped in front of everyone with a gloomy expression.
"Hisaki, this child is the new Jinchūriki of the Kurama! Now hand him over to me Root will raise him properly!" Shimura Danzo said lightly.
The Third Hokage was truly one of the top two power players. The Kurama incident had just been resolved, and before the village could even recover, Shimura Danzo jumped out.
To any shinobi, a Tailed Beast is like a 'nuclear weapon' a last resort in war, not used lightly.
Beyond their power, Tailed Beasts can easily influence the emotions and character of their jinchūriki. If not properly handled, it could lead to instability or even disaster. All major shinobi villages had experienced Tailed Beast rampages before. If the beast went out of control, the consequences would be catastrophic.
Especially now that Naruto was just a baby his future unpredictable if he were handed over to a brainwashing organization like Root, it would be easy to cultivate a weapon loyal only to Konoha, but at the cost of his humanity.
But the Third Hokage had just promised Be Feng Shuimen that Naruto would be cared for. If Naruto were sent to Root, he wouldn't even have the chance at a happy childhood he might lose the potential for future happiness entirely.
"I will raise this child!" the Third Hokage said firmly.
"Hisaki! Do you even know what you're doing anymore?" Shimura Danzo shouted. "A Jinchūriki is emotionally unstable, especially as an infant. If the Kurama loses control again, there will be another disaster. Entrust the boy to me for the sake of Konoha, I'll take full responsibility."
"What!?"
Hearing Danzo openly challenge his decision, the Third Hokage's heart sank slightly. Although the departure of Be Feng Shuimen had weakened the authority of the Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi was not someone to be easily pushed aside.
Danzo had grown far too bold over the years...
"I said: I will raise this boy! Do you have a problem with that?" the Third Hokage declared, his voice cold and unyielding. As soon as he finished speaking, a powerful and oppressive aura burst from him, forcing Shimura Danzo to retreat two steps.
Seeing Danzo's arrogant stance and feeling the Hokage's anger, the surrounding Konoha shinobi glared at Danzo fiercely. At a single command from the Third Hokage, they would take him down without hesitation.
Danzo's face twisted with fury. He glared bitterly at Hiruzen and gave a cold snort. "I hope you don't regret this decision."
Watching Danzo's retreating back, Chao Yanqian couldn't help but shake his head. This man always fell short. If Danzo's Root had actually contributed to the Kurama battle, perhaps he could have earned some recognition.
But during the Kurama's attack, the Third Hokage had been fighting on the front lines, and Be Feng Shuimen had sacrificed his life to seal the beast. Though Hiruzen hadn't stood out in every battle, he still appeared before the people, embodying the dignity of the Hokage.
When danger struck, Danzo's only instinct was self-preservation. When things went well, he came forward to take credit. That kind of person was despicable especially when compared to the highly respected Hokage.
If, during the Kurama's rampage, Danzo had led the Root to fight, even a small contribution would have gained him recognition. He might even have been seen as an elder and contender for the Fifth Hokage.
But now?
After today's events, the Third Hokage's prestige had risen once more. Even the criticism of his leadership during the Third Shinobi War was beginning to fade. With his current standing, Hiruzen could resume power as Hokage without objection.
After all, this was a Hokage who fought with his people easy to follow and easy to trust.
The clash between the Third Hokage and Danzo proved what Uchiha Itachi once said: "You don't become Hokage to be acknowledged by everyone. The one who is acknowledged by everyone becomes Hokage."
"Lord Hokage! There must be many wounded at the Konoha Hospital right now. I'll head over and assist. If you need me, just send word!" Chao Yanqian stated firmly. Though he didn't openly express support, his tone and timing clearly showed where he stood.
"Mm! Go on," the Third Hokage replied, pleased with Yanqian's attitude. At least Chao Yanqian wasn't, like Danzo, jumping in at a critical time to seek power. Otherwise, with his current reputation, he could have swayed the situation against the Hokage.
"If any other shinobi act rashly, I'm ready to respond," Chao Yanqian added before vanishing.
Although his association with Danzo meant he couldn't publicly declare support for Sarutobi, Chao Yanqian knew that the Third Hokage would continue to lead Konoha for years to come. Strengthening that relationship would benefit the Qianren clan.
Upon returning to the hospital, Chao Yanqian immediately got to work treating the wounded.
"Lord Yanqian, you just fought the Kurama you should rest! Leave this to us," ninja said with concern.
"Yes, please rest!"
"Don't push yourself too hard!"
"It's fine. Saving lives is more important. Let's all do our part," Chao Yanqian replied.
Though he had used large-scale ninjutsu repeatedly during the battle with the Nine Tails, he had mostly drawn on the senjutsu chakra stored in his Yin Seal. His own chakra reserves weren't severely depleted.
Moreover, the battle had given him a deeper understanding of Sage Mode.
With the power of senjutsu chakra, his regular ninjutsu had become far more potent. His physical abilities and sensory perception were greatly enhanced as well.
But the greatest gain for Chao Yanqian was his renewed self-confidence.
Whether facing the Third Hokage, Be Feng Shuimen, or the Kurama itself, he felt no fear only a faint excitement. He wanted to challenge them in earnest.
And now, with Konoha reeling from the Kurama attack and the Fourth Hokage gone, Chao Yanqian hoped that another enemy village would try to strike so he could fully unleash his Sage Mode and test its true power.
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