A/N
Thank you all that have been patient while I've been out sick and having to deal with that and adulting. I hope everyone had wonderful holidays and a great start of the new year!
To those new to the story, welcome and thank you for your reviews!
As a reminder: I own nothing but Minashi-chan and any non-canon plot lines.
Chapter 23
Minashi crouched as Kitsune in the window of the Hokage's office bright and early the following morning. The first touches of the sun were breaking over the horizon. Hiruzen was already at his desk smoking his pipe. Minashi didn't move from her perch, only let her sharp eyes wash over the room and her Hokage. She was already dressed in full ANBU gear, Kitsune mask in place. She focused on the chakra signature that was second most important today. She felt it when Minato's team arrived at his cell deep in ANBU HQ. He would be moved to the Trial room holding cell until the trial began.
"Kitsune-san." Hiruzen called out softly. Minashi broke from her concentration and tilted her head to her Hokage to let him know she was listening. Yet, she didn't stop tracking her secondary target and the ANBU escort team.
The Hokage's Guard were already present in their respective hiding spots, and knew she wasn't a threat. Didn't mean they liked her any more with the confusing relationship she had with their Hokage. But it also meant she was still in full Kitsune mode. There was no room for Minashi's personality. The events were too important. Too Formal.
"I need a successor." He sighed into the quiet room.
Minashi felt a growl of displeasure rise up. He chuckled in response.
"I know you aren't a candidate."
Minashi relaxed the fraction that she had stiffened up.
"Any recommendations? The current Shinobi I had originally thought of is still a bit too young. I will put him forward as the Godaime Candidate, but until then, we need a good Yondaime."
Minashi's fingers tapped on the sill she was gripping. "Hatake." She said after a moment.
Hiruzen paused in his next inhale puff of his pipe. His brown wise eyes slid to her and a brow raised.
"Why Him? Why not one of my students?"
"Orochimaru doesn't have the drive, he'd quit in a month when he realized he couldn't research as much as he wants. Tsunade is just beginning to heal. No need to run her off, no matter the fact that if she did, she would make a good Hokage. Keeping her in charge of the Hospital will have to do. She's the best at it anyways. Jiraiya would have the female population revolting in a week." She deadpanned.
Hiruzen sweat-dropped. "Ah. Those are good points. What of Sakumo though? What makes you point him out, out of every other strong shinobi I have under my command?"
"Hatake-san is already feared among the other nations. He's also from a strong but dying clan. Bringing the strength of the clan to the front will be a political play. While few, they are still strong."
"True." Hiruzen hummed.
"Hatake-san is also very skilled. He is also strong minded. A good leader. He has the heart of a Kage. I would bet my life that he would rather save his comrades than take them to their death if a mission goes astray. Missions can be completed later. Lives cannot be replaced. He also thinks this. He will not send teams out with insurance that as many will return as possible. He is a Logical, but passionate leader." She paused and brought a hand up to her hidden necklace. "He knows who the true King is."
Hiruzen hummed as he stared at Minashi before letting out a cloud of smoke. "I will take your suggestion into consideration. I would also like to speak with you after all this mess on other possible candidates if you have the time."
She bowed her head slightly at him. "As you wish Hokage-sama." she answered formally.
Hiruzen looked at her closely and sighed. "You are being more formal with me than normal Kitsune-san."
"My priorities are different today." She remarked. Hiruzen hummed understandingly.
She was on guard. There was no time to be messing around or familiarity. The matters going down today would be too serious.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Sannin." Minashi said absently.
Hiruzen nodded and the door was opened after a flare of his chakra. The Legendary Sannin walked in. Tsunade leading with Orochimaru on her right and Jiraiya on her left. Minashi felt her eyes widen behind her mask. They weren't in their normal attires. They looked ready for war.
"Whoah." she whispered under her breath. No wonder they were feared and marked as Legendary. In full black Jounin uniforms, hitai-ates, weapon pouches, and battle faces; they were a sight to be seen. Even Orochimaru had pulled his hair back into a high tail. Bangs framing his pale face around his Konoha Hitai-ate. Even more surprising was the lack of Sake smell on Tsunade and Jiraiya. They were completely sober. They were a team.
A soft smile lifted Minashi's lips behind her mask. Hiruzen was even smiling as he looked at them. Though his held a grimness to it than hers didn't.
"I never thought I'd see this sight again while wearing this hat." Hiruzen said into the silent room. He stood up and rounded his desk to look at his students. He gave him a proud look. "You three have grown past my expectations. Now here you are again after years apart, ready to take on the man that separated you. Together you are stronger. Always remember that."
"Hai Sensei." They replied in Unison.
The smile dropped from Hiruzen's face. "Now, shall we?" He glanced to Minashi. "Kitsune?"
She disappeared from the window and was at his right side. "You will not leave my side. Your students have your back. I will watch everything else."
Hiruzen nodded and the group was off. The Hokage ANBU guard dropping down from the shadows as they neared the courtroom. The doors were opened and the voices from the room silenced. Their group made their way through up the aisle.
The courtroom was packed. Summons had been sent out to Clan heads with the lists of families affected by Danzo. Civilian families with Shinobi members had been notified as well. So their audience was nearing a thousand. It was a good thing that the courtroom was large enough to accommodate. Balconies were filled with clans. Civilians and other council members were seated on the lower floors. Civilian Council Members sitting towards the front with their higher positions in society. Koharu and Homura had been removed from their advisor seats and were waiting in their own cells for a lesser punishment for their involvement. So now all that was left at the main Council seats were those for the Clan heads, Major and Minor clans.
She wasn't surprised to Find Kushina and Sakumo in their own seats. The only seat not taken was Tsunade's Senju seat beside the Hokage's seat. The Shimaru Clan chair already removed.
Aburame, Akimichi, Hatake, Hyuuga, Inuzuka, Kurama, Nara, Sarutobi, Senju, Uchiha, Uzumaki, Yamanaka.
Clans brought together in the face of one that wronged so many. It reminded Minashi of when the Shinobi Nations came together because of one man that was bent on putting them in an eternal Genjutsu or killed off everyone while trying.
Their procession moved down the aisle until they reached the Hokage's seat. Minashi pulled it out for him and he took it. Once seated, everyone else sat as well. Tsunade taking her seat beside her Hokage. Jiraiya standing behind her. Orochimaru standing behind the Hokage. Minashi stood to the Hokage's left with sharp blue eyes roaming the crowd. She absently noted that her Blood Clone was sitting with Kakashi and Mikoto in one of the Clan Balconies.
The javelin knocked against the table and the room once again went silent. All eyes moved to the Hokage who stood to address the room.
"Good Morning Citizens and Shinobi of Konoha." He greeted solemnly. "Today you have been gathered to witness a trial for one of the Citizens of Konoha."
Murmurs broke out before silenced with a flare of chakra. "As Hokage it is my duty to inform those affected by this citizen's actions, what has been done to them and theirs." he took a deep breath before releasing it. "It has come to my attention that in the Shadows of Konoha where the ANBU work, someone has taken advantage of my kindness and turned the shadows into a cancer instead. I cannot allow this to continue any further. So it is my duty to inform all present that ex-councilman Danzo Shimaru has been arrested and will stand trial today."
The whispers broke out before Minashi saw Team Cheetah bring in the slightly struggling form of Danzo. His face was in a deadly glare as it latched onto Minashi. They got the man into the sealed prisoner box but the glower didn't leave his face.
"Danzo Shimaru, you stand trial today against the many charges against you. Please read the Charges."
A Jounin stepped forward from just in front of the Clan head dais.
"Charges are summarized as follows: Aiding in the destruction of an Allied village. Murder in Allied shinobis sent for Aide. Planning, ordering and execution of Massacring of a Konoha Founding Clan. Kidnapping, torture, and brainwashing of civilian children, clan children. Planning, ordering, and execution of Assassination of Konoha Citizens. Planning, ordering, and execution of Assassinations of Konoha Shinobi. Planning and attempt at the assassination of the Hokage. Planning Clan theft."
The silence was deafening before roars of outrage and confusion boomed the hall.
"SILENCE!" The Hokage ordered with a flare of Chakra. Ordered was returned and Hiruzen looked down at his once friend.
"How do you plead?" He asked the bound Danzo.
"Not Guilty!" He snapped. "Those are false charges! Anything I have ever done was to protect Konoha!"
Minashi saw the Hokage's fists clench on the table.
"Hokage-sama?" She called softly for his ears only. She felt Kazou's eyes flick to her curiously. All of the Clans head had been. Well, minus Tsunade and Inojiro.
The Hokage's eye twitched and she continued. "Would you like me to continue since I led the team that infiltrated ROOT?"
His eyes finally slid off Danzo and met her blue eyes behind her mask. "You will be able to handle anything you face?"
Minashi just hummed. "Do you trust me?"
"With my life." He said clearly and neither noticed the other Clan heads sharing shocked looks.
She rested a hand on his shoulder. "Then allow me to share some of your burden."
The tenses left his shoulders and they both turned back to address the room.
"You believe you protect Konoha with your actions?" Hiruzen asked.
"HAI!" Danzo shouted furious.
"Let's see then. I believe you met her when she arrested you. Let me formally introduce her then since she will continue the questioning and details concerning the charges."
Minashi Shunshined to stand front and center before the Clan Head dais back on the floor before Danzo.
"This is my personal ANBU, My most trusted ANBU. Kept secret for many years. This is Kitsune. She led the team that arrested and found evidence that proves your guilt Danzo. The proceedings will continue with her led."
Minashi turned her back to Danzo and gave the Hokage a deep bow and fist over her chest.
"You Honor me Hokage-sama."
"Please begin Kitsune-san."
Minashi nodded before lifting her hand up to her mask. "With your permission Hokage-sama?"
"You may remove your mask." he nodded.
Minashi removed it and let a new henge take over her previous black hair and facial markings. Black bled Red, and Blue Bled Red. Skin turned a similar shade to Kushina's. Her sharp red eyes landed on Danzo. She had the pleasure to watch him pale.
She felt the spike from Kushina's chakra, but ignored it.
"I am Kitsune. I no longer go by my original name as there are none left to remember it. But what I do remember is the stink of traitor. What I remember is escaping from blank Masked ANBU that reeked of Konoha and the blood of my comrades." She hooked her mask to her hip as her eyes narrowed on the shocked Danzo. "What I remember is that as soon as I was able to heal in secret, I was too late. My Home was gone, Konoha never learned until days later that we needed help. By then it was too late. The traitor had already won. So I disappeared into the shadows. And I Hunted. Do you want to know how much control I have over my own emotions? I'm controlled enough that when I learned that is was you who had one of your ROOT soldiers leak out Uzushio secrets to our enemies, instead of killing you outright, I plotted."
She waved a hand around to the silenced audience. "I get to watch you burn by your own actions. But I had to be patient. Especially since you are a crafty old bastard. You were able to get away with much. In addition, I could only act out against you if I was careful. This led to many deaths that I couldn't prevent. Kami I wish I could, but that is not on me. That is on you and your greed for power."
"I seek no power! I see the safety of Konoha!" Danzo snarled.
"Why attack Uzushio?" Minashi narrowed red eyes on him. "Why kill an allied clan?"
"I did no such-"
Minashi held a hand out and the massive scroll holding the evidence appeared. She remained silent as Danzo watched on with trepidation sliding down his spine.
Minashi reached for the correct seal and a file popped out. Danzo's shade went pale. She smirked at him.
"I see you recognize your own files."
"That's not possible-"
"Never" Minashi began as she looked at him through her bangs. She saw him shiver in fear as her Killer intent skyrocketed. "Piss off a Seal Mistress." She handed the file over to the Jounin that had read the Charges. He swallowed at the thick air before reading the report aloud.
The Report was incriminating. It didn't get better as it was signed and ordered by Danzo. Clan heads confirmed his signature. The report stopped at Kushina who was holding back tears.
"Why?" Kushina asked.
"Well Danzo?" Minashi asked still facing the doomed man. "Why kill off an entire village whether indirectly or not?"
Danzo just narrowed his eyes. "The Uzumaki were too strong. Who knows how long they would have stayed our allies. It didn't help when that Blasted Mito Uzumaki gave that Child the power of the Kyuubi. A powerful weapon that needed to be trained and used against-" He choked off when Minashi was suddenly in front of him and lifting him off the ground by his throat. He scratched at her gloved hands, but Minashi only met his fear-filled eyes with cold red ones.
"You will not speak of one of Konoha Clan Heads in such a manner you piece of trash." She said evenly, but the threat was there in the coldness of her voice, and the ice in her eyes.
She dropped the man and he choked as he tried to get back to his feet.
"This is not the place to discuss my views on Jinchuriki." she spoke evenly.
Danzo just chuckled. "But you don't disagree that they are Weap-" he gagged when Minashi's fist met his stomach. He fell to his knees while Minashi hummed and rotated her wrists.
"Do not put words in my mouth. You know nothing of jinchuriki you power hungry old fool. Now, back onto your charges. Obviously, other than my eyewitness to your little soldiers killing my comrades, not to mention your own admittance towards your actions, there isn't much else you can say against the fact that you gave away Allied Village secrets to enemies. The Clan heads have seen the multiple reports of your spies getting the information you desired. Of your orders to kill my squad. Of your spies passing off the information to Kiri, Kumo, and Iwa."
She gave him a Cheshire grin. "Shall we continue with the next charge? Massacring a Founding Clan."
"Not Guilty!" he growled out as he stood. "I've done no such thing!" he shouted. Murmurs whispered around as everyone tried to figure out which clan Minashi spoke of.
Minashi didn't even twitch. Instead, she walked back to the scroll and pulled up all the Senju clan files.
"Pass these for review of the Clan Head Council please." She requested of the Jounin. He nodded and the files were handed out.
Tsunade ignored them as her steely gaze settled onto Danzo. She would enjoy his slow death.
Minashi glanced at Tsunade's steely glance before looking back at the twitching Danzo.
"You claim not guilty, yet you stand here guilty for already killing one of the Founding Clans. Uzumaki was just as much of a founding clan as the Senju and Uchiha. You are now here to stand trial for the slow massacre of the Senju Clan."
Gasps of shock and whispers filled the room. Danzo's skin was still sickly pale as he finally looked up and met the cold gaze of Tsunade Senju.
"Be glad that I stand between you and the last Senju Danzo." Minashi said clearly. "Or you would already be dead."
Danzo twitched but remained silent. Minashi then began listening as the poor Jounin read out report after report involving ROOT and Senju. Falsely labeled Missions, False information, Planned ambushes, trapped meeting points, and so much more. Finishing with the report of Senju Nawaki.
The Killer intent leaking off Tsunade at the report of her brother was suffocating. Jiraiya and Orochimaru moved and placed a hand each on her shoulders. The Killer Intent eased off, but simmered in the air.
Minashi was about to turn back to Danzo to antagonize him some more when she saw Tsunade stand. She glared down at Danzo.
"Grand Uncle was your Sensei. How dare you step on his name by killing off his family! I am a healer, but I will enjoy your death." She growled.
Danzo just glowered back. He subconsciously knew there was no way to get out of this. His loyal ROOT had been killed, his control taken away from the ROOT seals. His Allies imprisoned. His orders on display. His mind scrambled to find something to turn the crowd against the blasted Uzumaki ANBU before him.
Tsunade and Minashi locked gazes. Both gave each other respectful nods before Tsunade sat back down.
"Next Charges are similar in Nature to each other. So let's cover them together." Minashi grinned at Danzo, but there was no warmth there. Only cold hunger of a predator toying with its prey.
"I was authorized to run ROOT as the darker shadows of the ANBU. I have do nothing Wrong. What the ANBU were not skilled enough to do, my ROOT were able to do without fail." Danzo protested firmly.
Minashi shrugged. "I will honestly say that ROOT is a very strong bunch of soldiers. But that is all they are. You have conditioned the Humanity out of them. If I'm not mistaking with my discussions with the Hokage, they were only supposed to be the elite of the elite. The ones already too far gone from ANBU to return back to normal society." The air darkened with the return of Minashi's Killer Intent. "Not Children."
Danzo stayed silent but she could see his fists clenching. Minashi motioned to the scroll again and more files and separate files were pulled out.
"These here are the reports of your ROOTs returning from outside Konoha with the children of orphanages. Children of war. Bastard children of enemy nations." She held up the other file. "This here are the reports of your ROOT sent to kidnap civilian children from Konoha orphanages, bastard children of clans, kidnap wounded and thought dead clan Genin from the field."
The files slapped onto the Clan heads' dais for their reviews. Minashi turned back to Danzo.
"You reorganized ROOT to where you took these children in, slapped on a control seal to take away their ability to expose you, and then trained and conditioned their emotions away. Their graduation test? Killing the child they had been paired with since their arrival. People they saw as best friends or siblings." She tilted her head at him. "The survival of the fittest at its finest. Yet some were still able to regain their emotions when working outside on your missions. If put with the right person, they would realize that you were wrong."
Minashi gestured to Boar and he stepped forward to tell his story. Minashi only held Danzo's furious glare with her own calm gaze. He would and could not phase her.
More and more rehabilitated ex-ROOTs walked in and told their stories. They explained their missions, their orders, and what they heard from Danzo himself on future plans.
Minashi saw the clans stiffen when the first Clan ROOT removed his Mask. It was a teen Aburame. She saw him glance at the clan head before looking up to the rest of the clan head's family.
Torune told his story.
Fu from the Yamanaka came next. He told his story.
The Hyuuga cried out when a non-branded branch member was revealed next.
When the ex-ROOTs were finally gone Minashi turn to the Clan heads and addressed Kazou.
"I will congratulate you Uchiha-dono. While your clan can be prideful and arrogant, your keen eyes have kept your people safe." Kazou could only give a shallow nod. The events of the day keeping even the Clan heads in a numb state.
Minashi looked away from Kazou Uchiha and gazed between the rest of the Clan heads making up the Shinobi Council.
"During the infiltration of ROOT headquarters and after Danzo had been arrested, the ROOT agents were apprehended. With my skills in Fuuinjutsu I was able to hack into the network of the control seal Danzo had and modify it. Using it temporarily, I removed all Will that would be used against me and my team. The only actions the Control Seal ordered was to obey my orders without fight and to speak the truth when spoke to." A few nodded their understanding and she continued. "With this, I was able to gather the ROOT agents and get the truth of their loyalty from them. None could lie, the seal would not allow it. This led to the deaths of thirty percent of the ROOT agents. All Adults." she said solemnly. "I know my actions were hasty, but their loyalty was to Danzo, not to Konoha. No reconditioning would have changed that."
"While rash, your actions are within your mission parameters." Hiruzen sighed. "The families will still be notified as well."
Minashi nodded before looking back to the two most powerful Clan heads. Kazou Uchiha and Hitoshi Hyuuga.
"I would like to address both you Uchiha-dono, Hyuuga-dono. While Danzo was able to secure a half-blooded Hyuuga from the branch family, that was the only Hyuuga. Yet there were no Uchiha. I commend you both for protecting you clansmen. It shows the strength of your clan. I do not say this to gain favor, it is only truth. Yet that strength was also a threat to Danzo. I fear what his prejudice thoughts would have led to. Especially if he wasn't fearful of clan theft." She said leaving it for them to make their own assumptions. Kazou was first to lose a little color before his eyes spun to their full Mature Sharingan and glared at Danzo.
Minashi turned back to Danzo and the crowd. There was nothing Danzo could do. He'd been caught. His precious ROOT agents turned against him.
Minashi continued with the trial. The individual assassinations came up next. Whether be parents of the orphaned ROOT agents, or those of great importance now. When Orochimaru's parents were brought up, she spotted the Sannin grabbing a hold of the Snake Sannin as he shook when their names were read out.
More whispers went around the younger generation when Minato's name was brought up. Minashi spoke of how Danzo feared Minato's leadership potential. How he had the dream to be Hokage. How he had the potential to be a great Hokage when he was older. Danzo feared a great man like him taking the seat that he so desired. Danzo only snarled and glared at her with pure hatred. His hatred was nothing compared to that which she has faced before.
Name after name, shouts of outrage from the crowds when families realized what had happened to their loved ones.
Tsume Inuzuka even had to be restrained by her clan members, when it was learned her elder brother and clan heir had also been assassinated and not just killed on a mission. Her Mother Kambi Inuzuka, had to be retrained by the Hitoshi Hyuuga and Shirou Aburame.
Order was barely held as the names went on. More ANBU flooded the room to keep Civilians and Shinobi alike in their seats.
Finally, Minashi neared the end. The assassination against their own Hokage. The multiple attempts. Danzo only stayed silent and glowered up at Minashi and Hiruzen.
The last Charge had Jiraiya and Orochimaru holding Tsunade back. The reports on Danzo's funding Orochimaru's research. Wanting to get him into researching the Shodaime's cells. But it was two parts. His ROOT were already spying on the Uchiha. They had been planted within Konoha to begin turning the Village against the last Founding Clan. The physical and verbal reports from ex-ROOT that he desired to have the Sharingan.
Kazou Uchiha's eyes never left their red state as he glared at Danzo.
Minashi knew that now it was time to bring it to an end. She knew Danzo's death so early on would change so much, but she was prepared to roll with the punches.
Hiruzen flashed his chakra and the Hall silenced once more. The Uchiha settled down. The Clan Council quieted.
"With evidence provided, witness reports given, and your own admittance to your crimes, it is time for your final Judgement. I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Sandaime Hokage, find you Danzo Shimaru Guilty of all charges. The council will take a short intermission to discuss how your last days shall be spent. ANBU team Cheetah, please escort Danzo back to his Cell. Captain, please return once complete." Minato nodded behind his mask and his team walked the once Elder out. The Citizens and Clan members began filing out for their own break.
Minashi flashed back to Hiruzen's side after all the evidence had been stored back away into a seal on her person. She stayed at the Hokage's side as they disappeared into a room behind the Council dais. She followed the Hokage until he collapsed down into the head chair. No one blamed their Hokage when he rested his head into his arms. The other Clan heads weren't fairing any better. Heads were buried in hands or shadowed by hair.
Minashi stepped back and leaned against the nearest window. The Sannin leaned against the wall huddled together. Soaking in their own support.
Minashi released her Uzumaki henge and put her mask on the side of her head. Her Uzumaki refugee mask was needed no more.
The Council room was bathed in silence. No one wanted to break it. They all had their own emotions to work through before they even decided how they would punish the man responsible.
Minashi felt when Minato returned. He shot her a glance before removing his mask and walking to Kushina. She was curled into a ball in her chair. At his touch, she uncurled and then looked to Minashi. Violet eyes looked at her but Minashi looked away first.
She knew the moment that Kushina approached her. She let her mind slip back into her Kitsune mask and looked at Kushina with a blank face.
"Yes Uzumaki-hime?" Kitsune asked when Kushina just stood before her. She felt curious eyes on her from the rest of the council. Minato stood only a few paces away from Kushina. Ready if she needed him.
"A-are you really a survivor from Uzushio?" she whispered.
Kitsune turned to her fully. "I am a survivor, but not of Uzushio. I apologize for using the Uzumaki Clan in such ways, but it was the best way I knew to get under Danzo's skin." She gave Kushina a bow. "Please accept my apologies for using your Clan name without permission."
Kushina touched her shoulder and paused to look into her sharp blue eyes. They held gazes for a few moments before Kushina gave a sad smile.
"Apology accepted. You used our name to get justice for our people."
"i am not Uzumaki." Kitsune said.
Kushina just smiled. "I am aware. You said you gave up your name. That was truth right?"
"Hai." She turned and bowed to the rest of the clan heads. "I apologize to you all as well. I have just recently been working on leaving the darkest parts of the shadows. I have been unable to properly introduce myself. I am Kitsune. I am the Personal ANBU to the Hokage. I am also a protector of Konoha. I look forward to getting to know everyone now that my presence is known."
After meeting each of their gazes and giving shallow bows to each she looked back to her Hokage and found him trying to lite his pipe. Letting go of her Formal air, she moved to Hiruzen and took the pipe from his trembling hands. She looked Biwako, Hiruzen's wife that sat in the Sarutobi Clan seat until her eldest son was ready. She took the pipe from Minashi while Minashi took her Hokage's chilled hands into her own. He looked up at her with tired brown eyes.
"Share your burdens." She whispered but the room was quiet enough her voice echoed. "You are our Hokage, but we are your people, your support. We follow you, but you must also be able to lean on us."
Hiruzen swallowed and nodded. "I am tired Kitsune. I don't know how you could live through everything you have and still be here and handle all this."
Minashi just gave him an understanding smile. "The Will of Fire burns with the passion to protect. The people of the Land of Fire will always be able to Endure as long as one flame burns bright."
Hiruzen hummed before pulling a hand away and patting hers. "Thank you Kitsune-chan."
Minashi grunted annoyed at the –chan- and walked back to her wall to lean against. Kushina had returned to her seat and Minato had taken a position with the other ANBU around the room. Tsunade too, took her seat, her teammates standing behind her in silent support.
Hiruzen straightened, took his pipe back from his wife with a kind smile, and slipped back into his Hokage Mode.
"We will now begin discussing the fate of Danzo Shimaru." He spoke firm and clear. There was no doubt that the moment of compassion of their Hokage was gone. The God of shinobi was back.
Minashi only closed her eyes and listened as the Clans most affected demanded Danzo tortured to death. The level headed ones just asked for a swift death to get it over with. They argued over slow or quick. Painful or silent.
Minashi let it go on for an hour before she stepped forward. They had spoken their minds. They had let the darkness of hatred consume them long enough.
The room paused when she moved back to stand near Hiruzen.
He glanced at her with tired eyes. "You have a suggestion?"
"Revenge has clouded their judgement." She spoke evenly.
"You seek revenge as well." he pointed out.
Minashi hummed not denying it.
"What do you suggest?"
"While I sough revenge, I have gotten it through justice. Blind revenge will do nothing but darken a person's heart and cloud their mind. Extending Danzo's sentence will do nothing but give the darkness of hatred more power over your council. I suggest a private execution. All of Danzo's assets will then be given out to the families most in need and to the Orphanages of Konoha."
Hiruzen nodded and the room broke out in murmurs of reluctant agreeance.
"You also forget Hokage-sama, there are your other two ex-advisors and councilmen. They have already been stripped of their titles and will spend time in jail. You can also split their assets amongst the affected families and put funds into a trust for Orphans that need help getting on their feet between living at the orphanage and making a place in society."
"What do you mean?" Hitoshi Hyuuga frowned.
Minashi glanced at him. "When an Orphan is made a genin after graduation they are told to move out. Now this is just a brand new genin. They may not even have a team yet. How are they supposed to pay rent? Even if they have a team, what if their sensei focuses more on training and not doing D-ranks? How is that orphan supposed to support themselves? Not to mention Civilian Orphans. They struggle to find work after completing their schooling. There isn't any sort of funding to assist them on getting on their feet." She shrugged her shoulders when she got skeptical looks. "I'm not saying we hold their hands all the way, but having funding set aside to aide them for a certain amount of time would ensure that less children and young teens will be living on the streets or working in the red-light district."
Hiruzen nodded and approving eyes went around the room. "that is a good point. We will have to discuss your idea more at length at the next formal council meeting. For now we will go with your suggestion. I will not let the Cancer spread in Konoha any further. Danzo will be put to death tomorrow at noon. Only essential people will stand witness. All in Favor?"
The air was silent before the first clan heads starting raising their hands in agreeance with the Hokage. He nodded his head.
"Then it is decided. We shall stay here for another thirty minutes to allow the audience to resume their seats." He waved Minato off to spread the orders. He bowed and was gone in a flash.
Minashi felt herself zone out a bit as the time passed and the Courtroom was back in session. She listened, as Danzo was sentence to death the following afternoon. How notices would go out to a small party to stand witness. Minashi came back into awareness when Danzo finally snapped and began shouted and snapping at Hiruzen. He screamed about being the one that should have been Sandaime. Konoha was the strongest. He was going to make it so.
His furious black eyes then landed on her.
"YOU! This is ALL your FAULT! If it wasn't for you, Konoha would have been mine!"
Minashi just raises a brow behind her mask that was firmly back in place. She is suddenly standing before Danzo's prisoner box as she removed the Mask to show off her Kitsune henge.
"You are correct." She replies evenly. Danzo freezes and his ANBU detail tense in preparation. "If it wasn't for me, you would have been able to continue to fly under the radar. Maybe even turn Orochimaru towards your dark plans and against Konoha. Turned Konoha against is last founding clan. Gotten your wish to have the Mokuton for yourself. Gotten your wish to have the power of the Sharingan. Maybe even attempted to get your hands on the Kyuubi no Kitsune. The thing you see as the greatest weapon of Konoha. But I am here. I am here to protect Konoha."
Danzo chuckled low. "The Kyuubi?" Minashi narrowed her eyes as his chuckle turned dark. "What do you know about the Kyuubi?"
Cold blue met cold black.
"Nothing." He snarled. "You know nothing! The Kyuubi no Kitsune is a war weapon for Konoha. If that damned Mito hadn't just handed it over to that sniveling little bitch Uzumaki brat, then I could have used it to make Konoha the greatest nation of the Elemental countries!" He laughed. He then smirked at Minashi. "But it's gone. Did you know that? It's been missing. I saw the health reports. Kushina no longer holds the Kyuubi. Our enemies hold the Kyuubi. It will be used against Konoha and you will not be able to protect it." he laughed loud and long.
Minashi just stared at him with a blank face. When his gaze finally landed back on her, Minashi let a terrifyingly arrogant smirk lift the corner of her lip and triumph spun in her eyes. Danzo's laughter cut off abruptly at her look.
Minashi's smirk just turned into a grin as she tilted her head at him.
"Do you honestly think I didn't know that?" Danzo only swallowed as her eyes sharpened on him. Pinning him in place. "I know exactly how and why the Kyuubi was moved. I know who hold him safe from people who wish to use him for evil like you."
Danzo began to tremble before her with rage.
"Best part is? You will never know who holds him. Konoha's enemies will never know who holds him. My enemies will never know who holds him. Him and his container are safe."
"Only for as long as you are alive." Danzo snarled.
Minashi just smirked. "I'm pretty hard to kill."
"You bitch." he snarled before it turned into shouting with more expletives shouting at her, cursing her to hell. The ANBU finally dragged the struggling man away to be detained until his execution.
The screams and shouts continued until his detail slammed the door behind the struggling man. Silence filled the tense air before Hiruzen dismissed the Trial.
Minashi stayed near the Hokage as he shook hands with the Clan heads. She too shook their hands for a proper greeting. When there was finally a moment to breathe, a worn hand gripped her forearm. She met her Hokage's tired gaze with a calm one of her own.
"Please take me somewhere quiet." he whispered to her.
"Place this on first Hokage-sama." She said offering him one of her Healing seals. Tsunade perked up at it but they were gone before she could say anything. Hiruzen stumbled when they arrived at their destination but the seal did its job and soothed the side-effects of the jump.
Minashi lowered the Hokage to the ground before taking the seat beside him. Together they breathed in the clean air blowing up the mountain face.
Hiruzen shut his eyes and took in the quiet even as he pulled his legs in to sit more comfortably.
Minashi just kept her legs out stretched and arms behind her. Her finger absently drew a barrier seal around them. It was more a 'don't look here, there's nothing here' seal than a protective one. So knowing they wouldn't be disturbed, she dropped her ANBU henge and allowed her golden locks to blow into the wind. Calling up more of her chakra, one last henge slipped over her ANBU clothes. Her Hokage robe and hat appeared over her skin so she sat matching the Sandaime. Only the title of their seats scrawled on the back and Minashi's flames separate their looks.
Hiruzen glanced at her when he felt the chakra surround her. He then gave her a sad smile.
"Rokudaime." he greeted.
"Sandaime." she mumbled back as she tilted her head into the Konoha breeze.
"You still won't take this hat back?" he asked into the wind.
"Nope." Minashi hummed. Not yet. Maybe not ever.
"So Sakumo?"
Minashi smiled into the slowly descending sun light casting an array of colors blanketing Konoha.
"He is one of your best Shinobi next to the Sannin. I already told you why they wouldn't work. Even if Tsunade made a good Godaime, she is still too fresh off her pain of Nawaki and Dan. Being back with her team will help her heal this time around, but she is also needed more in the hospital. Especially with the upcoming war. That, is also why Sakumo would make a great Hokage. The Upcoming war. He is a skilled strategist. Rivals the Nara's in that aspect. He will also not be afraid to push back. Yet he will not sacrifice the young to fight in the war made by the adults. Hatake's have pack mentality. Put him in charge and all of Konoha becomes part of his Pack. He will strive to protect, provide, and make sure his pack is happy."
Hiruzen chuckled into the wind. "You make a good argument. I am having a hard time finding anyone else that would be able to do what you say he could."
"I actually don't know of anyone else. Most of the powerful Shinobi like him were either lost in the Second or Third war." She paused before sighing and pulling her hat off. "Actually, Kakashi had almost ended up being Rokudaime." she said softly. Hiruzen looked at her surprised. She smiled down at the Hokage hat in her lap as she traced the Fire symbol.
"He had the skills, the experience, the knowledge; he only lacked some of the people skills. Nevertheless, he had been improving. Both him and Naruto were Hokage Candidates. Naruto, Kakashi and I promised each other that it didn't matter who the people chose. I knew both would make good Hokages." Minashi's face darkened. "Then the war broke out. There was no time for that. Then-Naruto." She swallowed thickly. "Kakashi couldn't bare to take it then. It was supposed to be his student's seat. Not his. So him and Tsunade offered it to me. I took it and promised to fulfil my brother's dreams and protect Konoha for him."
A war torn hand gripped hers that were tight on her hat. She looked up to find understanding brown eyes gazing at her softly.
"He would be proud." Hiruzen whispered. "I am proud. Your guidance has already saved so many lives."
"I've taken almost just as many." she whispered.
He patted her hand. "It's all part of the duty of Hokage. There are some that must be sacrificed for the greater good. Danzo twisted that to his own means. You have done nothing like that. You have only sacrificed those that wished Konoha harm. There is nothing wrong in that. It is part of being a Hokage."
Minashi nodded and leaned her head on his shoulder. "He'll be gone soon." she said after a few beats of silence.
"He will." Hiruzen replied sadly.
"I'm sorry Jiji." She whispered.
He patted her knee. "Do not apologize. He was no longer my friend. I will only mourn the man that once was. Not the monster that he became."
Minashi hummed as she closed her eyes. "The future will change now. The Uchiha aren't in as much danger anymore. At least not internal threats." She swallowed thickly. "A few precious people will never be who they used to be."
"Who?" Hiruzen asked softly.
"Yamato-sensei. He was an experimentation of Orochimaru's. He was the only one to survive the Shodaime cell integration. He could use a variation of the Mokuton. Then there is Sai. He was a ROOT with his brother." She swallowed thickly as the tears built in her eyes. "They'll be able to live normal lives. But so many of Orochimaru's experiments will also be left alone. While he had horrible motives, he still took them in."
"Then bring them to Konoha." hiruzen smiled at her. She whipped her head up to him.
"What?"
"When you are able to as Minashi, bring them here."
Minashi face softened as she relaxed back on his shoulder. She felt the gentle pressure of him rested his own head against hers.
"I will. One of them was my Cousin. Karin Uzumaki." She paused and thought about it. "Actually if i can work it out, i might be able to actually save her whole family."
"Uzumaki will always be welcomed in Konoha." Hiruzen hummed as he pulled out his pipe and lit it.
Minashi hummed happily into the silence that descended them once again. Closing her eyes, she enjoyed the feel of the breeze, the scent of tobacco and monkey, and the warm Konoha sun on her skin. Her senses hummed softly with the feeling of all the Chakra signatures in Konoha. Each one soothing the ache in her chest.
She didn't have Naruto yet, but she had Konoha. She would protect it until it was his turn.
