Hiruzen rubbed his temples, glancing at the others.
"We can't afford Kasi going berserk…"
Koharu exchanged a wary look with Homura.
"Returning the Namikaze and Uzumaki property… it's not simple. How are we supposed to hand back all that wealth in a week?"
Homura nodded.
"The logistics alone — the estates, accounts, businesses… doing it fast will cause chaos."
Hiruzen sighed. "I know."
Danzo, still nursing his jaw, slammed a fist on the desk.
"And what about the jinchūriki? Naruto should be under the village's control — not left with some reckless brat. He struck me yesterday. Tomorrow? Maybe he'll aim for the Hokage."
Koharu frowned. "I… agree with Danzo, but going after Kasi is risky."
Homura added, "This isn't just paperwork. It affects the village's stability."
Hiruzen's gaze softened slightly.
"He's not asking for favors. He's reclaiming what was his. But we cannot let this escalate."
Koharu let out a slow breath.
"Then we give him something symbolic first. Enough to calm him, not enough to shake the village."
Hiruzen nodded.
"Stabilizing the situation comes first. The rest… we'll handle step by step."
Danzo's lips tightened, his single eye narrowing.
"Hiruzen… you're being weak. Kasi is a threat. Let me send Root. We eliminate him quietly, before he becomes a problem."
Hiruzen's jaw clenched.
"No, Danzo. That is not an option. You won't touch him — or Naruto."
Danzo stiffened. "You can't control him. One day he'll act, and you'll regret stopping me."
Hiruzen leaned back, voice firm.
"I won't risk the village for your ambitions. And while I'm Hokage, Naruto will not be harmed."
Danzo's fists tightened at his sides. His voice dropped to a cold whisper.
"You're too soft. You'll destroy this village with that weakness."
He turned sharply and stormed out, the door slamming behind him.
Danzo muttered under his breath as he walked down the corridor, anger burning behind his single eye.
"Hiruzen is weak… He always has been. Caution will ruin this village."
His steps echoed sharply.
"Kasi is unstable, dangerous — and he refuses to see it. Root would end this cleanly."
A pause. His voice dropped even lower.
"One day, the village will need someone who isn't afraid to make the necessary decisions."
His fingers brushed the bandages on his arm.
"…I should have been Hokage."