Naruto: After Seclusion Becoming Naruto Grandfather

Danzo, startled by the sudden sound, straightened instinctively, a flicker of annoyance crossing his face.

"What were we talking about again? Oh, right, if it's over, I'll be taking my leave," Danzo said with an air of indifference. He dusted off his robes and stood, clearly eager to extricate himself from the conversation.

He had no interest in getting involved in any plans to confront Shin-Konoha. The growing power of Uzumaki Chito and the strength of Naruto Uzumaki had made it clear that direct conflict was a gamble he wasn't willing to take.

"Danzo, how about you personally handle Naruto Uzumaki?" Sarutobi's tone sharpened, refusing to let Danzo slip away so easily.

The elder's gaze bore into him. "When did you become so hesitant, Danzo? Since when have you avoided taking action?"

Danzo hesitated, his expression shifting to one of feigned regret. "Hiruzen, you know my old ailments are acting up again. My back pain has gotten unbearable."

Sarutobi's lips curled in a wry smile. "Shall I call for Konoha's medics, then?"

"No, no, no need!" Danzo quickly countered, waving his hands dismissively. "I'll just head home to rest. You all continue without me."

Without waiting for a response, Danzo turned and strode toward the door, his movements brisk and deliberate. He pushed the office door open and exited without a backward glance, leaving the others behind.

The audacity of his departure hung in the air, leaving Sarutobi visibly irritated.

The remaining attendees—Jiraiya, Nara Shikaku, and Inazuka Tsume—exchanged glances, their expressions a mix of disbelief and suppressed amusement. None dared to laugh outright, though the temptation was palpable.

Sarutobi exhaled heavily, shaking his head. "Coward," he muttered under his breath, turning his attention back to the matter at hand.

The room grew quiet once more, the weight of the conversation returning. Sarutobi's gaze lingered on Nara Shikaku, a hint of expectation in his eyes.

"Shikaku," Sarutobi began, his voice calm but firm, "do you have any alternative strategies?"

Shikaku furrowed his brow, his mind working quickly. "There is one other option," he admitted cautiously, "but it's… unconventional."

"Let's hear it," Sarutobi prompted, leaning forward slightly.

Shikaku hesitated before explaining. "If we can't stop Naruto directly, we could focus on the Daimyō. Without the Daimyō's approval, Shin-Konoha cannot gain official recognition. We could disrupt the Daimyō's involvement to delay or even prevent their legitimization."

Sarutobi shook his head almost immediately. "The agreement between Konoha and the Daimyō of the Land of Fire has stood since the founding of the village. We've always operated under a mutual non-interference policy. Tampering with the Daimyō could destabilize that delicate balance."

"What if no one knows it's Konoha's doing?" Shikaku countered, his tone measured but deliberate.

Sarutobi raised an eyebrow, intrigued despite himself.

Shikaku continued, "The Akatsuki organization has been operating prominently in recent years, particularly in the Land of Rain. If we were to contract them, it could create plausible deniability. They're known for taking on missions of all kinds, and their involvement would mask Konoha's hand in the matter."

Sarutobi's eyes lit up with recognition. "The Akatsuki…" he mused.

The mention of the organization seemed to spark an idea. Sarutobi recalled that Uchiha Itachi, one of Konoha's most skilled operatives, was embedded within the Akatsuki as a double agent. This connection made the plan even more appealing.

"That could work," Sarutobi agreed after a moment's consideration. "Shikaku, you'll handle the arrangements. Contact the Akatsuki and ensure the Daimyō is temporarily… indisposed."

The decision was made, and the weight of the directive hung heavily on Shikaku's shoulders. What Sarutobi didn't realize was that the Akatsuki had already formed an alliance with Shin-Konoha, rendering this plan far more complicated than he anticipated.

As the meeting concluded, Jiraiya lingered for a moment, his expression troubled.

"Shikaku," he said quietly, "why did you suggest that plan?"

Shikaku turned to him, a faint, tired smile on his lips. "Jiraiya, do you really think the Third Hokage would have let me leave this room without offering a solution? If I hadn't spoken up, we'd still be here debating, and I doubt any of us would have left unscathed."

==============================================

Support me at [email protected]/goldengaruda and check out more chapter of this or more early access chapter of my other fanfic translation.

==============================================