Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

"You're all here, sit down!" Sarutobi Hiruzen commanded, his tone authoritative despite his spectral form.

His actions bordered on overstepping his bounds, a fact that didn't escape Nara Shikaku. The strategist sighed inwardly, already anticipating this turn of events.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's continued influence as a former Hokage, especially in his current resurrected state, had become a growing issue in Konoha. His presence represented an unspoken struggle for power, a lingering shadow over Jiraiya's nominal leadership as the Fifth Hokage.

Yet Jiraiya, loyal to his teacher, continued to tolerate Sarutobi's interference. Without this deference, the fragile balance within Konoha might have unraveled long ago.

Jiraiya cast a brief glance at the two clan leaders, nodding and gesturing for them to take their seats.

Sarutobi, however, paid no heed to Jiraiya's gesture. Floating toward Inazuka Tsume and Nara Shikaku, he handed them a document.

"This village, built by traitors, is planning to apply to the Daimyō of the Land of Fire for official recognition," Sarutobi announced coldly. "I want to know your thoughts on this matter."

The document detailed Shin-Konoha's motives, actions, and ultimate goals.

Shikaku's brow furrowed as he skimmed the report. His worst fears were materializing sooner than expected.

He had known that, eventually, Shin-Konoha would seek legitimacy. Yet the speed with which the village had developed was astonishing. In just a year, its infrastructure was not only completed but already rivaled that of Konoha itself.

"Shikaku, what's your take on this?" Sarutobi asked, his gaze sharp and piercing.

Shikaku smiled bitterly, feeling the weight of responsibility pressing down on him. He knew that whenever complex issues arose, the village would look to him for answers. But with Shin-Konoha and Uzumaki Chito involved, even his intellect struggled to find a solution.

"Third Hokage-sama," Shikaku began cautiously, "as long as Uzumaki Chito is backing Shin-Konoha, any attempts to obstruct them will likely be futile."

Sarutobi's expression darkened, and his tone turned harsh. "Forget about Uzumaki Chito! For now, pretend his name doesn't exist."

Shikaku hesitated before continuing. "Even if we set Uzumaki Chito aside, Naruto's strength alone is formidable. Ordinary ninjas won't stand a chance against him. Frankly, Hokage-sama, it might require your personal intervention to handle him."

He paused, his voice growing more somber. "Judging by Naruto's recent record, his abilities are already approaching Kage level. If he takes one more step forward, he could very well attain the strength to lead a village as its Kage."

Shikaku's assessment wasn't exaggerated. In truth, Naruto's rapid growth over the past year suggested he might already possess shadow-level combat capabilities.

Jiraiya, who had fought Naruto firsthand, silently nodded in agreement.

"So, you're saying there's no way to deal with him?" Sarutobi demanded, his eyes narrowing like a hawk's. His tone carried an edge of frustration, clearly unwilling to accept defeat.

"It's not impossible," Shikaku admitted cautiously, "but our options are limited. Hyuga Hiashi, Hokage-sama, and Danzo-sama might stand a chance. Additionally, the combined efforts of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio could offer a viable strategy."

Shikaku paused for a moment before adding, "But the odds are slim, even with our best efforts."

At this, Inazuka Tsume's temper flared. She slammed her palm onto the table, glaring at Shikaku. "Shikaku, are you saying the Inuzuka clan isn't capable of handling this?"

Shikaku sighed, choosing his words carefully. "Tsume, you know as well as I do that the Inuzuka clan's strengths lie in tracking, reconnaissance, and vigilance, not direct combat. This isn't about undermining your clan's value; it's about assessing our resources realistically."

Tsume growled under her breath but said no more, recognizing the truth in Shikaku's statement, even if it stung her pride.

Sarutobi's gaze shifted to Danzo, who had remained silent throughout the meeting.

"Danzo?" Sarutobi called, his voice sharp and commanding.

Danzo sat slumped in his chair, his eyes half-closed as if he were on the verge of dozing off. He barely acknowledged the question, his lack of urgency only adding to the tension in the room.

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