Kiyosuke opened his eyes, saying nothing.
After a mont of silence, Koharu Utatane said,
"Kiyosuke’s strength and reputation truly are enough."
Homura Mitokado nodded.
"Indeed. And he’s also Orochimaru’s disciple."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke.
"Kiyosuke, are you willing to beco the Fifth Hokage?"
Danzo’s face darkened as he stood up.
"I object. Asakawa Kiyosuke is too young and inexperienced to shoulder such a heavy responsibility! I personally recomnd his teacher, Orochimaru!"
"Orochimaru lacks the disposition to be Hokage," Hiruzen replied, rejecting Danzo’s suggestion.
He turned to Kiyosuke.
"Kiyosuke, the village is facing a ti of crisis. We need your help."
Kiyosuke smiled slightly and shook his head.
"I’m not going to beco Hokage. I told you that from the beginning. Besides, you’re still here, aren’t you, Third? There’s no harm in continuing as Hokage."
Then he turned toward Danzo.
"I’m not like certain people who obsess over that position day in and day out. It’s just a title. What does it even matter? As long as the village stays safe, it doesn’t matter who the Hokage is. And besides—if you weren’t Hokage yesterday, you never will be. You missed your chance, and you’ll always be one step behind."
Danzo’s face turned purple with rage.
"What did you say?! I’m thinking of the village!"
Back then, it was because of his slow reaction that he lost his shot. If he’d just spoken up a second earlier, the position of Third Hokage would’ve been his. Konoha wouldn’t be in such a ss now. It’s all because of Hiruzen’s indecisiveness—he shouldn’t be allowed to keep leading!
Kiyosuke leaned forward, resting his elbow on his knee and his chin in his palm, grinning.
"Oh really? This isn’t about your own ambition? If you were so concerned about the village, then where were you last night?!"
"I..."
"Shut up!"
Kiyosuke shouted, then stood up and jabbed a finger at Danzo’s nose.
"You cowardly old bastard. Always playing dirty since you were young. No wonder Second-sama looked down on you. Always claiming you act in the village’s best interest—yet whenever sothing really happens, you hide! You hope the Hokage dies so you can scramble into the seat yourself. Pathetic!"
Danzo’s face was livid, his fury boiling over. He slamd the table.
"Impudent brat! Just because you protected the village doesn’t an you can act so arrogantly! Show so respect to your elders! Who gave you the guts to cause such a scene?!"
"Bullshit! You? An elder? You’re just older than , that’s it. If we were the sa age, I’d have beaten you to death already!"
Kiyosuke didn’t hold back at all. With his current strength and renown, even Hiruzen didn’t dare offend him easily. And Danzo? Heh.
"Danzo! Kiyosuke! That’s enough—both of you!"
Hiruzen finally spoke up, putting a stop to the quarrel.
"Since Kiyosuke has nominated this old man, I’ll serve temporarily. When a suitable successor appears, I’ll step down."
Mitokado Homura smiled.
"If it’s you, then there’s no problem."
Koharu Utatane nodded as well.
"Yes. You’re more than capable."
Hiruzen turned to Kiyosuke again.
"I know you had a close bond with the Fourth. But Danzo is also preserving his strength for the sake of the village. He’s a village elder—you should show so respect."
Kiyosuke raised an eyebrow and looked at Hiruzen in silence. Just stared at him, saying nothing.
The atmosphere grew awkward.
Eventually, it was Nara Shikaku who stepped in to smooth things over.
"Kiyosuke-san, please—sit down. This isn’t the ti or place."
"Arrogant brat!"
Danzo’s single eye glead with murderous intent. Everyone present—top-tier shinobi—could sense it clearly.
The temperature in the room suddenly spiked.
Akimichi Chōza, broad as a bear, waved his fan-sized hand.
"So hot... I could really go for sothing cold to drink."
Aside from him, no one spoke.
Danzo stared at Kiyosuke.
"What exactly do you intend to do? Don’t forget where you are."
"Hmph."
...
The atmosphere grew increasingly tense.
Koharu Utatane coughed lightly.
"Next topic—the matter of the Jinchūriki."
Danzo replied coldly.
"The Jinchūriki is a vital strategic asset. It should remain in the village’s care. I don’t trust handing him over to so kid."
Hiruzen responded.
"Before Minato and Kushina died, they entrusted Naruto to Kiyosuke. I believe we should respect their wishes."
"Hiruzen, you of all people should understand what a Jinchūriki ans to the village. That child is too young to distinguish right from wrong. If soone with ill intentions manipulates him, it could be catastrophic. Don’t you see? The Jinchūriki must be raised by the village. The Jinchūriki—"
Boom!
Everyone heard the sound of the wall being smashed.
Danzo’s seat had been kicked from behind—Kiyosuke stood atop it, withdrawing his foot.
"So noisy. The Third taking back command is none of your business. Show so respect—call him Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen coughed awkwardly.
This was a tricky position—Kiyosuke was technically acting on his behalf, attacking Danzo in his na.
Still, soone had to maintain order.
"Kiyosuke, that wasn’t right. Danzo and I are comrades-in-arms. Even your teacher, Orochimaru-sensei, would call uncle. I’m used to it—it’s no big deal."
"You bastard! I’ll kill you!"
Danzo had taken a minor injury. The boy had struck from his blind spot—Danzo hadn’t seen it coming. Getting hit like that made him furious.
"Kill ?"
Kiyosuke nonchalantly picked at his ear.
"Go ahead and try—if you have the guts. I’ve got people lining up from the Land of Fire to the Land of Water trying to kill . One more won’t make a difference."
"Let ask—if the Tailed Beast rampages, who here can suppress it?"
"Uh..."
Koharu and Homura fell silent. They had personally witnessed Kiyosuke suppressing the Nine-Tails last night. When it ca to sheer power, there were few in Konoha who could rival him.
"I can subdue the Nine-Tails in an instant. I could even kill it, if necessary. Can any of you say the sa?"
He glanced at Danzo, who was slowly climbing to his feet, and let out a cold, disdainful laugh.
"Taking everything into account, and honoring the Fourth’s last wish... Kiyosuke, I’m entrusting Naruto’s upbringing to you. Make sure to enroll him in the Ninja Academy when the ti cos," Hiruzen said.
"Of course."
"Then... what about the child’s surna?"
"Naturally, he’ll take his father’s."
If he’s nad Uzumaki, he’s just a Jinchūriki—a weapon of the village.
But if he’s nad Namikaze, he’s the son of the Fourth Hokage, a hero’s child.
While naming him Uzumaki had its rits, Kiyosuke had considered it from every angle.
Naruto would live as the son of a hero, not as a hated demon fox.
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