Danzo remained silent, but his gaze was piercing and sharp like a dagger.
As far as Danzo knew, even though he disliked the Uzumaki Clan, their strength and Fuinjutsu abilities were key to the village's survival.
Without them, Konoha would not be able to contain the Kyubi and would be shattered into pieces.
In Danzo's mind, he harbored a radical idea—imprisoning Kushina, turning her into a tool to pressure the Uzumaki Clan into submission.
However, Danzo realized that this plan was impossible.
Mito, the wife of the First Hokage, was a loyal guardian of Kushina.
There was no one in this village who could oppose that decision.
The atmosphere fell silent, only the ticking of a clock in the corner of the room and the sound of a long breath being exhaled could be heard.
Then Hiruzen broke the silence with a soft yet authoritative voice. "I will send Team Tsunade to the Village of Uzushio."
"We must try to provide an explanation, to seek a peaceful path so that our cooperation can be reestablished."
Koharu and Homura nodded, their faces showing a bit of relief but still clouded with concern.
However, Danzo continued to stare at Hiruzen with a face full of dissatisfaction and hidden plans behind his cold eyes.
What no one knew was that Reiji, the future leader of the Uzumaki Clan, held a secret card.
Reiji had the power to bring Kushina back whenever he wanted, and no one in Konoha could stop him.
This became a hidden threat that lurked in the shadows.
Koharu finally filled the air with a slightly lighter voice, yet still serious. "That's a good idea, Hiruzen."
Homura chimed in with a firm nod. "I agree. This is the only path we can take right now."
Hiruzen looked at all of them once more, pressing his right hand against his chest as a sign of determination.
Even though the burden on Hiruzen's shoulders felt incredibly heavy, he knew that a decision had to be made.
The road ahead was fraught with uncertainty, but their resolve had to be as strong as steel.
The atmosphere in the Hokage's office remained heavy as they all prepared to face the storm that might soon come.
Behind the thick walls of that office, conflict, betrayal, and the struggle to maintain the village's honor were brewing, ready to explode at any moment.
...
...
...
Time passed mercilessly, like thick black ink slowly seeping into white paper, leaving stains that could never be erased.
Fifteen days had passed since the war prisoners from the Three Great Villages—once valiant, seemingly invincible on the battlefield—were forced to settle in the Village of Uzushio.
The village, once known only as the land of Fuinjutsu experts, had now transformed into a living territory, full of tranquility yet whispering with ambition and hidden secrets.
On the first day, the sky was still covered with thin clouds as Reiji walked slowly in front of the line of captured ninjas.
Their faces were sour and weary, as if they had never experienced a good night's sleep.
Even though they were given a large building with a single shared sleeping space without bedding, the cold and discomfort kept their eyes scanning the surroundings with sharp vigilance.
Thus, they could not sleep soundly.
Now, as they were gathered, some swallowed nervously, while others remained silent with locked jaws, awaiting an uncertain fate.
Only then did they realize that what awaited them was not just ordinary suffering—but a deeper humiliation: to be used as guinea pigs.
They already knew the choice between being prisoners or returning to their respective villages, but that reality still struck them, making their hearts constrict.
Reiji divided them calmly, without emotion.
His voice was flat, yet it carried a sharp pressure that pierced like a cold knife beneath the skin.
________________________
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