Danzo urged Sarutobi Hiruzen to consider the matter of the Uchiha clan as soon as possible.
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained deep in thought.
The Uchiha clan's active participation in the war made their intentions clear—he knew exactly what they wanted.
However, there was no way he could allow the Uchiha to reclaim a central position in Konoha's leadership.
At present, the Uchiha were a clan viewed with suspicion by most of the village.
Not only did Danzo, who openly despised them, seek to control them, but Hiruzen himself needed to maintain a firm grip on their influence.
Yet, the Uchiha's power was immense—even as Hokage, he could not afford to act too aggressively against them.
Moreover, with the war still ongoing, Konoha's situation was precarious.
The Uchiha's strength was crucial on the battlefield.
What concerned Sarutobi Hiruzen the most was the aftermath of the war.
With their extensive participation, the Uchiha would undoubtedly be among the greatest contributors to victory.
But how would Konoha compensate them?
The Uchiha were already the most powerful clan in the village, and they held control over the Konoha Military Police Force.
There was no way they could be handed the position of Hokage.
Besides, the Uchiha were known for their arrogance, and if they were granted more power, it would create unrest among the other clans.
Tensions between the Uchiha and the rest of the village would only intensify.
If left unchecked, conflict would become inevitable.
Sarutobi Hiruzen considered Danzo's suggestion carefully, then frowned. "Danzo, are you suggesting we use Sora to suppress the Uchiha? But do you really think he's capable of it?"
Danzo's voice was cold. "In my opinion, only Sora is suitable. He carries Uchiha blood. If we push him forward, it will appear as an internal conflict within the Uchiha clan. And with our backing, wouldn't that be enough?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen frowned, taking a slow drag from his pipe. "Sora is just a Jōnin. We need an official title to justify placing him in such a position."
Danzo replied, "I believe Root can provide the necessary title."
Sarutobi Hiruzen remained silent for a long time, tapping the pipe in his hand. Finally, he said, "For now, we focus on the war.
These matters can be discussed afterwards.
Even if we intend to use Sora to manage the Uchiha, his reputation must first be built up.
Without that, it won't be effective."
Danzo's lips curled slightly.
He knew Sarutobi Hiruzen well.
The Hokage had already agreed to his proposal.
Meanwhile, at Uzumaki Mito's mansion…
Sora arrived at the Uzumaki estate, where Uzumaki Kushina happened to be home for the day, free from any missions.
Before Sora could even knock, the door swung open, and Kushina rushed out, throwing herself into Sora's arms.
She hugged him tightly, beaming with joy.
"Sora! You finally came to see me!"
Sora rubbed Uzumaki Kushina's head. "Yeah, how have you been lately? Everything going well?"
Uzumaki Kushina pouted. "Not really. I've been applying to go to the Land of Hot Water, but I keep getting rejected. Seriously, I'm strong now, you know!"
Sora chuckled. "Well, if they won't approve it, there's nothing I can do. Besides, I'm heading to the Land of Grass, so going to the Land of Hot Water wouldn't help you anyway."
Kushina's eyes widened in surprise. "Eh? Sora, you're going to the Land of Grass?"
Sora nodded. "Yeah, my transfer order just came through. I'll be leaving for the Land of Grass in a few days after spending some time in Konoha."
Kushina's eyes sparkled. "You're staying for a few days? That means you'll be leaving soon again, right?"
Every time Sora returned to Konoha, it was always brief—he would meet Kushina in a hurry and then depart again.
Excited, Kushina jumped up. "That's great! Let's go out and have some fun! And you have to tell me all about the Land of Hot Water!"
Sora took Kushina around Konoha, sharing stories of his time in the Land of Hot Water.
By evening, Kushina was exhausted from playing, and Sora carried her back to Uzumaki Mito's mansion.
After gently placing Kushina on her bed, Sora didn't leave immediately. Instead, he went to find Uzumaki Mito.
In the Living Room
Uzumaki Mito was seated when a knock came at the door.
Her hoarse yet steady voice called out, "Come in, Sora."
Sora entered, his gaze settling on Uzumaki Mito.
She looked older than the last time he had seen her.
Mito observed him for a moment before sighing. "You and Kushina have grown up. You can stand on your own now."
Then, she asked knowingly, "After all these years, this is the first time you've sought me out on your own.
So, what is it you want to ask me?"
Sora got straight to the point. "Lady Mito, I don't mean any offence, but I have a question.
How much time do you have left?"
Mito held his gaze, her expression kind and unwavering. "What you really want to ask is how much time Kushina has left before she takes my place, isn't it?"
She exhaled lightly. "I can hold on for at least three more years."
Sora's eyes flickered.
Three years. That meant Kushina would have only one year left after she became an adult.
Mito shook her head. "Sora, you still refuse to accept that Kushina will become the next Jinchūriki? Living in Konoha, there are some things we cannot change.
I don't have much time left, and Kushina is the most suitable candidate to inherit the Nine-Tails.
This is already an established fact."
Sora's voice was firm. "No, it's not. Some things may seem inevitable, but they can still be changed. That's why I have a request, Lady Mito."
Mito smiled gently. "If it's within my power, I will do my best to help you."
Sora met her gaze seriously. "If there is a way to prevent Kushina from becoming the Jinchūriki, I need you to stand with me."
Uzumaki Mito's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Sora was not someone who acted without a plan.
For him to say such a thing meant he had found a real possibility—an alternative to Kushina inheriting the Nine-Tails.
Mito asked, "Can you tell me what this 'turning point' is?"
Sora shook his head. "I haven't found them yet. But if I do, and I bring them back to Konoha, then the turning point will reveal itself."
Mito frowned slightly. Then, her eyes widened in shock. "Is this the reason you suddenly requested a transfer to the Land of Grass?"
Sora admitted, "Yes, my transfer to the Land of Grass is for this purpose."
Uzumaki Mito had been keeping track of Sora's assignments, so she had quickly learned of his recent transfer orders.
A turning point that could change Kushina's fate as the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki…
That meant the person Sora was searching for could only be one thing—
A surviving orphan from the Uzumaki clan.
----------------
You can read advanced chapters here: patreon.com/GregariousLion