I make my way to the Hokage Tower before the sun rises. Today's the day of graduation, but I need to sort some things out. Sitting outside the building, I confirm I can feel the thrum of chakra from the old man before making my way in. The receptionist didn't seem to be in yet, so I made my way up the stairs and knocked on his office door. "Enter." Opening the door, I noticed he was unusually groggy, the tiredness showing under his eyes. "It's awfully early for a visit, Yuuki. What is this about?" He said tiredly, before lighting up his pipe. I made my way in front of him before taking out papers and placing them on his desk.
"I know how much you hate paperwork, but you may want to take a look." I took a step back while he reached out and started reading them. His face went through many different expressions, before settling on confusion. "How has nobody noticed this? Thank you for bringing this to my attention, Yuuki, I will have an investigation started as soon as possible." He said before turning my way. Noticing my reaction…
"You… this was you?" He asked. Bewilderment present.
"I have taken control of many businesses with high output of vital products needed to sustain all major villages. Also, eliminated smaller competition as a precaution. I doubt anyone will be able to trace it back to me, except a select few that know me personally." I took a breath. "Every major village, except Iwa and a select few daimyo, are at my mercy now, and I am far from done. Iwa has closed off most major trade, so I will have to find another way in."
"You're sending me to an early grave, Yuuki. What's the explanation for this? Do you wish for me to groom you for Hokage? I don't have a reason to object. I believe you would be the best person for the job. There was no reason to go to such lengths." I grinned in response.
"This is no longer solely about Konoha. I'm thinking bigger than that. Higher." Recognition flashed on his face to what I meant.
"Jiraiya has trained you well." He said before bellowing out a rather deep laugh. I've never seen him laugh like it before. "Very well! Let's see it, Yuuki! This grand world you envision!" He calmed himself from the outburst. His expression serious. "I don't wish to, but if you endanger this village, I will stop you." I nodded in response.
"I'm aware." He seemed to accept my answer, nodding to himself he placed his pipe down.
"Well, let's hear what you need." I gained his approval, perfect.
"First, I need a thorn that has been stuck in both of our sides removed. I am sure he is the only other person aware of who is behind these moves other than you. He has ran many counter operations to disrupt my own."
"Danzo… I have not known what to do with him." I nodded, aware of that fact. If he didn't hold any attachment to the man, he would of been dead a long time ago. "If I can have permission, I will remove him." The old man held up his hand to stop me.
"I… will take care of it." I was surprised by the response and almost immediately rejected him. Remembering my place, I took a deep breath.
"I have some information that may be vital to his capture. I need to make sure you're prepared beforehand."
A sad laugh escaped his lips. "I very much doubt you'll be able to surprise me further. I have been aware of his methods for as long as I've been a shinobi. While, I disagree with them, I recognized the need for them... I will no longer."
"I need you to be careful of what is under his bandages. I have information that he has been in contact with Orochimaru on multiple occasions. Those bandages stay awfully clean for such severe wounds."
"What is it you think is under them?"
"Orochimaru has been experimenting with the transfer of bloodlines. The only bodies missing would be those from the Uchiha massacre and…" He stood abruptly, rage visible.
"Can you confirm this information?" The anger wasn't directed my way, but I could feel it filling the room. I gave a nod. "I'll send you the proof later today." He sat back down with a deep breath.
"What else do you need?"
"As I'm sure you've already concluded, but I will be declining the ANBU position. I appreciate the opportunity, but I have other obligations now. Besides, I'm more valuable elsewhere."
"Very well, a seat on the council, I'm guessing?" I gave a nod in response.
"That, and also it may be fun to be a Jounin-sensei."
"Fun, you say? Still acceptable, but coming close to pushing it. Unless, you want to use your leverage?" The smile never left my face. I love this old man.
"That won't be necessary, that was the last of my demands. This last one is just a hope." Rummaging through my bag, I took out a pamphlet. Placing it on his desk, I bowed. "While, it is still a ways away. I wish for you to attend my wedding." He read through the pamphlet, a smile forming.
"To the Daimyo's granddaughter, huh." He gave a hearty laugh. "This is two years away… Hinting at your wish to see me live longer?"
"Of course, you're family now." The atmosphere was light, and I couldn't help the smile stuck to my face. I now get it. What having a family is like. If I never got close to him, my plans and operations would of had me dragged off to T&I by now. But I allowed myself to get close, to show him who I actually am. I used to think I was evil, and maybe to some degree I am. But I feel accepted, people actually knowing me allowed me to concrete my own identity. To feel like I hold some form of value. The last life was a confusing mess of never figuring out how I fit. Who I am.
'I will protect this.'
