Naruto:Dark Return

An old and cold voice echoed through the Hokage's office.

Shimura Danzo entered the room, followed by Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, both of whom carried an air of authority. Their presence immediately shifted the atmosphere in the room.

Danzo didn't waste time. "Hiruzen, I believe allowing the current Jinchūriki to remain under Kakashi's supervision is a mistake."

His sharp gaze scanned the room. "Naruto Uzumaki's situation is far too dangerous. He should be placed under the control of my Root division. This is the only way to ensure the safety of Konoha."

Turning toward Koharu and Homura, Danzo added, "Advisors, perhaps you are unaware of recent developments. If it weren't for my Root operatives, I wouldn't have known either."

Koharu and Homura exchanged puzzled glances. They had been unaware of any significant issues involving Naruto beyond the recent theft of the Sealed Book.

Koharu spoke first, her voice carrying concern. "Hiruzen, does this have to do with the theft of the Sealed Book?"

Homura followed, his tone grave. "Has something happened to the Nine Tails' seal? If so, why were we not informed immediately?"

Their questions caused Kakashi, Asuma, and Kurenai, who were present in the office, to tense up. The thought of a potential breach in the Nine Tails' seal sent shivers down their spines.

Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent for a moment, his expression unreadable. He knew Danzo was trying to exploit the situation, but the truth was complicated.

Danzo seized the moment, his voice colder now. "Perhaps you should tell them, Hiruzen. Or should I?"

When Sarutobi still did not answer, Danzo turned to the others in the room. "Two nights ago, during the theft of the Sealed Book, something unprecedented happened. The seal on Naruto Uzumaki did not fail, but something far more dangerous occurred. It is believed that the Nine Tails' consciousness temporarily took over Naruto's body. He used this to torture and kill a Chūnin—Mizuki."

The revelation landed like a bombshell. Koharu and Homura gasped, and the three Jōnin looked visibly alarmed.

Homura's voice trembled. "Hiruzen, is this true? Was there an incident with the Nine Tails' consciousness?"

Koharu added, her tone rising. "You must address this immediately! We cannot risk another disaster like twelve years ago."

Sarutobi sighed deeply. He had hoped to handle this matter more delicately, but now he had no choice but to explain.

"Enough!" Sarutobi's voice cut through the rising tension. "I will explain everything. But let me make one thing clear: the Nine Tails' seal is intact. Naruto is not in danger of losing control."

His firm tone silenced the room, though Danzo's sneer showed he wasn't convinced.

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The Truth About Fengxu

After gathering his thoughts, Sarutobi continued. "Naruto has developed what appears to be a sub-personality. This personality, which calls itself Ichiro, emerged from the emotional burden Naruto has endured throughout his life. It is not the Nine Tails."

His words caused a stir, but he pressed on. "This personality has, however, managed to tap into the Nine Tails' chakra in a limited capacity. I witnessed this myself. Despite this, Ichiro is under Naruto's control, and Naruto can take back his body at will."

Koharu and Homura exchanged uneasy looks, while Danzo's lips curled into a scowl.

"A sub-personality that can wield the Nine Tails' power? Do you not see how dangerous this is, Hiruzen?" Danzo argued. "This Ichiro could be a manifestation of the Nine Tails' malice, biding its time before taking over completely."

Kurenai, who had remained silent until now, spoke up. "If the sub-personality is under Naruto's control, then there is no immediate threat. This could even be a chance for Naruto to master the Nine Tails' chakra safely."

Danzo scoffed. "Naive. Such a being cannot be trusted. It must be placed under Root's control. I can ensure its obedience through proper conditioning."

Sarutobi's eyes narrowed. "Danzo, you speak of obedience as if Naruto is a tool. He is not. He is a shinobi of this village, a child who deserves to be nurtured, not manipulated."

Danzo stepped closer to Sarutobi's desk, his voice hard and unyielding. "Your sentimentality will be Konoha's downfall. Give me control of Naruto, and I will ensure that his power serves the village without fail."

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Sarutobi's Final Decision

Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice turned icy. "You overstep your bounds, Danzo. Naruto is my responsibility as the Hokage. He will remain under the supervision of Kakashi, not Root."

Danzo's single visible eye burned with frustration. "This is a mistake, Hiruzen. Ichiro's methods are cruel and calculated. He will not remain content to be controlled by a child. You're endangering Konoha by letting this continue unchecked."

Sarutobi leaned forward, his gaze unwavering. "Naruto's sub-personality may be ruthless, but it is no more dangerous than you, Danzo. I have made my decision. You will not interfere."

The room fell silent as the tension between the two leaders became palpable.

Finally, Danzo turned on his heel, his cane tapping sharply against the floor. "Hiruzen, you will regret this decision," he spat before storming out of the room.

Koharu and Homura looked at each other, still uneasy, but they chose not to challenge Sarutobi further. After exchanging a few more words with Hiruzen, they too left the office.

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Kakashi's Question

After the others had gone, Kakashi spoke, his tone thoughtful. "Hokage-sama, are you sure about this? If Ichiro truly wields the Nine Tails' chakra, it could make Naruto a target—not just for other villages, but for factions within Konoha."

Sarutobi sighed, his weariness evident. "I am aware of the risks, Kakashi. But Naruto needs guidance, not control. You are the only one I trust to protect and nurture him. Keep a close eye on Ichiro, and make sure Naruto understands the weight of his power."

Kakashi nodded, his usual nonchalance replaced by a rare seriousness. "Understood. I'll do everything I can."

As Kakashi left the office, Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, staring at the crystal ball on his desk. His mind replayed Danzo's parting words.

"You will regret this decision."

Sarutobi Hiruzen clenched his fists. "If I do, it will not be because I failed to trust Naruto."

End of Chapter

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