Chapter 4: A new council

Hokage Tower

A meeting was held between Konoha's council and the Court of Fire after the funeral. Minato and the Daimyo presided over the meeting. As always, the civilian members of the council couldn't stop praising the Daimyo steadily. The Daimyo and his court granted Konoha an extra budget for the reconstruction of the village and compensation for the families whose members died in the Kyubi's attack. – Konoha is grateful for your generosity, Daimyo-sama – Homura said politely while bowing to the Daimyo – It is my pleasure, Homura-san. We in the capital can have a peaceful life thanks to all of you. This is the least we can do for you – the Daimyo replied, hiding a vast smile behind his folding fan. The man loved being adulated.

As Homura-san just said, we are grateful Daimyo-sama. Now that all this has been settled, I would like to give some announcements – the Yondaime Hokage started – I have decided to make some changes in the council – this took by surprise everyone in the room, except for the former Hokage, Fugaku, Hiashi, and Tsunade, who were already aware of this – What do you mean by this, Yondaime-sama? –one of the court members questioned, interrupting Minato – Koharu-san and Homura-san have served Konoha for over 30 years alongside the Sandaime-sama and will continue to do so. However, I have decided to expand the council, which will now be formed into two divisions. One of them will be led by the Sandaime-sama. Koharu-san and Homura-san will join the Sandaime in this council of elders. Their leadership in the previous years has made Konoha the strongest village among the five great nations, and their experience is invaluable. They will be responsible for the liaison between Konoha and the Court of Fire. As for the main council, Fugaku Uchiha and Hiashi Hyuga will take over the positions as my new advisors.

Everyone seemed to take the news with excitement. The Daimyo and members of his court seemed pleased by the changes made by the Yondaime. Koharu and Homura were relieved they were not being kicked out of Konoha's leadership and would continue to serve Konoha's welfare. However, one man was not happy at all, Danzo Shimura. Despite not showing any expression, he cursed Minato in his mind. Without Koharu and Homura as active council members, his influence will be reduced. Fugaku hated him, and Hiashi wouldn't be easy to manipulate. The old war hawk was immersed in his thoughts, trying to find a way to submit Hiashi to his will, when the Yondaime started to talk again.

The second announcement I need to make is related to Danzo-san and the ANBU forces – everyone in the room then turned their look and stared at the old man, who was now more upset than ever – Shibi-san is the new leader of the ANBU corps, as you are well aware. However, we have decided to create a secondary ANBU corps. This new team will be led and trained by Danzo-san, they will operate independently from Shibi's-san team, but they WILL respond to me and my council – Minato emphasized the last statement. All the shinobis in the room already knew about the existence of this "new" ANBU team. However, it was unknown to the civilians, the Daimyo and his court. Minato intended to make public knowledge of the existence of the ROOT so Danzo couldn't act so freely. Danzo couldn't argue in front of everyone. He knew it would mean political suicide. He had no option but to thank the Yondaime for his new position – We can discuss further your new team, Danzo-san, later today. I want to make sure you get to know every member of your new ANBU corps team – this was just a subtle warning to the old war hawk. Minato intended to figure out exactly how many members the ROOT had and who they were. Unknown to Danzo, Minato had already deployed a group of shinobis loyal to him and Konoha to watch over the ROOT headquarters. The team was led by Jiraiya and formed by Hizashi Hyuga, Mikoto Uchiha, Kazan Sarutobi, Kana Suzumeno, Kakashi, Genma, Raido, Iwashi, Byakuya Hyuga (Hizashi's wife) and Yugao Uzuki.

Wonderful news, Minato. Wonderful news, indeed. I'm glad to see an Uchiha involved in Konoha's leadership. It was about time. I'm sure you'll do a great job, Fugaku-san, and you too, Hiashi-san. Konoha and the Land of Fire are in good hands. Congratulations to you, too, Danzo-san – The daimyo avoided looking at the old war hawk. He had always been afraid of him. He honestly didn't think giving a small army to that man was a good idea, but he was too scared to say something against it.

After some deliberation with other minor topics, the meeting was concluded. The Daimyo and his court left the Hokage Tower to the Kikyo Castle, which served as a dwelling for the Daimyo. He, his court, and his twelve guardian ninjas would leave Konoha the following day, escorted by Shibi Aburame and a group of ANBU to the capital.

The clan's head congratulated the new council members as they left the meeting room. Eventually, only the Yondaime, council members, elders, and Tsunade were left – Now that we're alone, I'd like to make something clear, Danzo-san. The root will no longer have the authority to act on its own. You will present to me and the council a list with all the members of the root, their active missions and the location of all shinobis you have infiltrated in the other villages by the end of the day. You can't keep forcing the clans to provide children for your corps. I also need a summary of all the missions the root has had since I took the position of Hokage. Is that clear? – Minato's coldness disturbed Koharu and Homura. They disagreed with Minato's actions. In their minds, despite how awful Danzo's actions had been, he had always acted for Konoha's safety and survival. Danzo was furious and frustrated, but he wouldn't give Minato, nor the Fugaku, the satisfaction to show it – It is crystal clear, Yondaime-sama. Now, if you'll excuse me, I need to prepare all the documents you asked for – He bowed to Minato and left. Koharu and Homura stared at Minato for a few moments. They were pondering if it was wise to say something. They had just been stripped of power in the Village. Going against Minato's decisions was not wise for the moment. They decided not to speak, so they bowed and left as well.

After the elders were gone.

Sensei, I know you want to talk to me today. I first need to go to the hospital for a deeper checkup on Itachi-kun. I hope you don't mind – Tsunade had spent the entire night reading medical books from the Uzumaki and Nara clans, trying to find an explanation for Itachi's condition – I didn't know Itachi-kun was ill. I'm sorry to hear that, Fugaku. I'll see you later today at the Senju compoundHai, sensei. Meet me there in three hours. Minato, you can also bring Kushina and Naruto to the Senju compound. We can discuss with sensei about Naruto's chakra there – the former Hokage had an idea of what they needed to discuss but said nothing and proceeded to leave as well – Hiashi, could you please join the surveillance team and replace Mikoto-san? I'm sure she'll want to be there for Itachi's-kun examination – Hiashi bowed to Minato and left.

Minato and the others knew Danzo would not surrender all the information from the root, and if Fugaku's suspicions were correct, he had committed several crimes against Konoha. Danzo would not come down easily. The surveillance team had to guarantee Danzo wouldn't empty his headquarters. With the Hyugas working on the mission, they could plot the whole building in case they needed to infiltrate, count all the shinobi inside and track anyone who left the building.

I'll leave for the hospital now. Shizune must be already there getting everything ready with Nono. Bring Itachi-kun to me as soon as Mikoto returns from the surveillance – Tsunade left and was followed by Fugaku, who left for his home to meet with his wife and children. Minato was left alone in the tower. He went to his office to work and waited until it was time to take Kushina and Naruto to Tsunade and Hiruzen.

Konoha's Hospital

All the medical staff cheered as Tsunade walked into the Hospital. Having her back busted their morale. She blushed and waved at them while walking, trying to ignore them and avoiding all the injured patients in the waiting room, as they were unaware of her hemophobia. She walked straight to the room Shizune had booked to examine Itachi. Shizune, Nono and two other medical shinobis were waiting for her there. As she entered the room, Nono and the other two shinobis bowed to her – Tsunade-sama! It's so good to have you back! We need your leadership in the hospital. It's been chaotic since the Kyubi incident. With you back in Konoha and taking over the Hospital, we'll do way better – Tsunade was taken aback. People thought she had returned to run the hospital for some reason. But she couldn't. She wouldn't. She was unable to operate. Shizune noticed Tsunade was overthinking the situation and processing what was happening. So, she decided to speak up to change the subject.

Tsunade-sama. This is Natsu Hyuga-san – said Shizune while signaling a young woman with short dark green hair, wearing a full-length kimono with a white apron on top – she is Kagura's-san personal medic – Natsu bowed again to Tsunade. (Kagura Hyuga is Hiashi's wife who is currently pregnant with Hinata) – and this is Santa Yamanaka. He is a member of the barrier team and a medical shinobi trained by Nono-san herself – he was a slim, fair-skinned man with slanted, dark eyes and very long, auburn hair which reached well into his back. He ties it into a high ponytail – they will support us during Itachi's kun checkup – Tsunade greeted both – Very well. Tell me, Santa, do you know how to use the vision share technic from your clan? – Tsunade asked the Yamanaka shinobi – Hai, Tsunade-sama. I doExcellent. Let me explain to you what we'll be doing today. Itachi Uchiha, Fugaku's son is ill. I'm not entirely sure what his illness is, but I know it is attacking his chakra network. It seems dormant, but I could sense a disturbance in his chakra flow and erratic behavior. The only way to confirm this is by looking into his chakra network. That's why I need you, Natsu. Your medical knowledge is helpful, so I need you to look into his chakra network and walk me through it. If you notice any weirdness, I need you to point it out to me. However, I would like to see it myself. And that's why you're here, Santa. I want you to use your vision share technic to link Natsu's vision to mine. So I can see everything she sees.

What will happen if you confirm that the chakra network is compromised? As far as my knowledge, there is no way to heal it – Nono asked with a shade of sadness on her face. She was now the caretaker at the orphanage. She loved children, and knowing a little boy was sick made her sad. She wondered now if her little boy, Kabuto, was OK. Kabuto was not her real son, but for her, all the orphans were her children. Danzo had taken him apart from her years ago. With Tsunade-sama back in Konoha and taking over the hospital, she could bargain with Danzo to go back to the root if he returned Kabuto to Konoha to have a normal life. For the first time in years, she was hopeful. She was returned to reality when Tsunade spoke again – It could be cured. It is not something anyone can do, of course. I have done it successfully only once before. However, the symptoms and effects I saw on Itachi-kun are different from that case. After the assessment, I can decide whether we can operate or not. If the surgery is viable, I would need your assistance again to perform it – They nodded in agreement, surprised by Tsunade's statement. Being able to fix and heal the chakra network was beyond imagination. No wonder she was renowned as the best medical shinobi. Tsunade hoped Itachi's sickness was limited to the chakra network. It would mean she needed not to open and be exposed to blood. The surgery could be performed with a chakra blade to fix the network. Not long after, Fugaku and Mikoto arrived with their children. Mikoto had Sasuke in her arms, and Itachi stood behind Fugaku.

Nice to see you again, Tsunade-sama. We are deeply grateful for what you're doing – Mikoto said, lowering her head. She was unable to bow since she had Sasuke in her arms. Fugaku, on the other hand, did a full bow, and Itachi followed his fathers' example – There is no need for that. Itachi-kun, would you mind getting on the bed, please – Itachi nodded, climbed the bed and sat on the edge – Tell me, Itachi-kun. Do you know how to mold chakra? – before Itachi could answer, Fugaku spoke – He is a very talented boy. He can already climb trees and walls, Tsunade-sama – Fugaku could not hide a proud smile when talking about his son. Tsunade and the others were indeed surprised. It was an impressive achievement for a young boy who was not even in the academy yet – My, my! You are full of surprises, kiddo. Very well, then. I'll need you to lie on the bed. When I tell you, I need you to mold chakra. I'll ask you to increase it or decrease it. Just follow my instructions, and you don't have to worry. It won't hurt – the Uchiha boy did as he was told and laid on the bed. Natsu and Tsunade stood next to his bed while Santa stood behind them, placing his hands on Natsu's and Tsunade's heads. Nono and Shizune stayed apart, on the opposite side of the room where Fugaku, Mikoto and Sasuke stood.

Ninpo: Kyōyū bijon (Shared Vision Technic) – Santa activated his jutsu while simultaneously Natsu activated her byakugan. Tsunade could now see everything Natsu saw – Natsu, I'm not used to the byakugan. I know you have an almost 360° vision, but I need you to focus on Itachi-kun. I'll get dizzy with this craziness otherwiseHai, Tsunade-sama – Natsu focused her sight on Itachi's body and reduced her vision to a normal range for a human – That's better! Now, guide me through, Natsu. Explain what you notice – Tsunade could now see Itachi's chakra network. She could see in plain sight an irregular behavior on the chakra flow near the lungs and heart.

Itachi's-kun chakra flow is being dispersed erratically as it passes through the fourth internal gate, gets back to normal after going through the fifth gate, and is erratic again as it gets closer to the eighth gate. It seems that somehow the Gates of Pain and Death got damaged – Tsunade could see the erratic behavior in located areas. However, she was unable to identify the "gates." She knew the first two gates were in the head and the last one in the heart. That's why she had the Byakugo seal on her forehead because it was close to two gates, making it possible to store such a massive amount of chakra – Natsu. Could you point me out the exact location of the gates and what they look like? – Natsu was a shy woman and stuttered for a bit before finding the courage to speak again. She was blushing for being with too many important people in the room – The gates themselves are invisible, Tsunade-sama. However, we know their locations based on the amount of chakra stored on specific tanketsus (chakra points). If you look at the tanketsu located at the trachea base, where it connects with bronchial tubes, you'll see how the chakra seems to be stored in this tanketsu. That's the fourth gate, the gate of pain. Located right below the lingula, you'll find the fifth gate, the gate of limit. The eighth gate, the gate of death, is located at the heart's aortic valve – Tsunade could now see what they would call "Gates." These tanketsus were more significant than the others, and as Natsu had said, they seemed to store the chakra and regulate the chakra flow. However, the pathways emanating from the fourth gate had an erratic flow. These pathways ran around the lungs, and as the chakra went through the fifth gate, the flow returned to normal. The same happened with the eighth gate. This is why she sensed an illness in Itachi's lungs and heart. The erratic flow of the chakra was making them malfunction. Itachi was not an active shinobi, so he didn't use a large amount of chakra in his daily life. That's why no severe symptoms have manifested. However, if he wanted to pursue a life as a shinobi, he needed to eradicate this problem. Or he'd be doomed to die young.

Itachi-kun. I need you to mold as much chakra as possible – Itachi looked at the blonde medic shinobi for a second, then at his mother. She gave him a nod of approval and a poor intent of a smile. He could see his mother was worried. He smiled back at her mother and held his hands together to mold chakra. Tsunade and the others were impressed by how much chakra Itachi could mold. He was too young to be able to mold chakra with such ease. Tsunade was sure the amount of chakra Itachi could mold was already paired with a Chunnin level. This kid was talented, for sure. She hadn't been so impressed since Minato.

As for Itachi's chakra flow, Tsunade and Natsu saw how the more chakra he molded, the more erratic the flow was. Not only that, but the fourth and eighth gate were not serving their purpose. The eight gates regulate the chakra flow, limiting the amount of chakra within the body. Opening the eight gates is possible through intense training to gain more power. However, these gates need to be opened in a specific order. Not doing it in the correct order could cause a collapse in the chakra network and eventually lead to death. Itachi's fourth and eighth gates were not limiting the chakra flow appropriately. It was as if they were "leaking" more chakra than they should. In other words, he had the fourth and eighth gates semi-opened, and since the chakra pathways connected to the lungs and heart were compromised, these organs were being affected.

That's enough, Itachi-kun. You can stop molding chakra and get down from the bed. You can break your jutsu, Santa – Santa Yamanaka broke his jutsu. Tsunade was glad to get her vision back. Looking through the byakugan was hard for someone who is not used to that. Natsu deactivated her byakugan. Itachi leaped down from the bed and went to his mother's side. Both Fugaku and Mikoto placed their hands on Itachi's head and rubbed his hair – and so? What is it, Tsunade-sama? Is Itachi going to be Okay? – asked Mikoto, anguished. Fugaku was as scared as his wife, but he had to stay calm for her and his son. Tsunade sighed and finally spoke – Itachi's-kun lungs and heart are not in danger, for now. I thought his chakra network was damaged. That's something I can deal with. However, after seeing through the byakugan, I see it is not the chakra network itself that's damaged. Two of his internal gates are damaged. I have never fixed a tanketsu, let alone one of the eight gates. At this moment, I'm unable to perform surgery on Itachi-kun – before Tsunade could continue, Mikoto started crying. Fugaku's face softened, and for the first time in his life, he could not hide his feelings. He was scared. Tsunade had never seen Fugaku like this. Everyone else in the room was distressed by Tsunade's words and Mikoto's cry – Everyone, please leave the room. We'll give you some privacy so you can discuss with Tsunade-sama – Nono ordered Natsu, Santa and Shizune to leave the room. However, Tsunade asked Shizune to stay. Nono was the last one to leave. She closed the door as she left. Itachi didn't understand exactly what it meant. Was he dying? Wouldn't he be able to be a shinobi? How could he fix the shinobi world if he was sick? He wanted to be Hokage. How could he achieve this if he was sick? Were all his dreams destroyed now? – Calm down, all of you. I said that I couldn't perform surgery on Itachi-kun AT THIS MOMENT. It doesn't mean I'm giving up. I'll resume my studies on the chakra network. I'll find a way to heal him. His condition will not prevent him from being a shinobi, but it will have side effects as he increases the use of his chakra more often. Until I find a way to heal his tanketsus, I'll need Itachi-kun to come for regular checkups at least once a month. That way, I can prevent his lungs and heart from getting sick. Although, I'm going to be honest. I'm not sure how long it will take me to find a way to fix his tanketsus, but you have my word that I will find a way – somehow, Tsunade felt excited again about practicing medicine. She wouldn't let this kid die if she could stop it. His talent was beyond comparison, and she was sure he would become a strong shinobi. Knowing that their son was out of danger relieved Fugaku and Mikoto. Mikoto hugged Tsunade, squishing Sasuke in Tsunade's large breast. Fugaku kneeled and bowed before Tsunade – Tsunade-sama, I'll always be in debt to you. Nothing is more precious to me than my sons – Tsunade felt awkward. She was never close to Mikoto. Being hugged by her was odd. Not to mention seeing Fugaku kneel and bow to her. Leaving pride aside is not an easy thing to do, especially for that man. He was the proudest man she had ever met – What the heck are you doing, Fugaku? Stand up! There is no need for this. I'm a medical shinobi. It is my duty. Besides, your son is quite strong. He can handle this – Itachi smiled, blushing. Fugaku stood up, and Mikato finally let go of Tsunade – Shizune and I will prepare some pills for Itachi-kun. We'll have them ready the day after tomorrow. Come to the Senju compound to pick them up then. I'm sorry to leave in such a rush, but Sarutobi-sensei must be waiting for me now – as Tsunade left the room, Mikoto continued thanking her. The Uchiha family went back to their home, while Shizune and Tsunade went to the Senju Compound.

Konoha's streets. Close to Senju Compound

Tsunade and Shizune were heading to the Senju Compound. Tsunade hadn't said a single word on the way. – Tsunade-sama? Are you all right? – Tsunade just sighed – I don't know, Shizune. I didn't expect Itachi's situation to be this severe. I need to get back to training with my chakra blade and get better. Fixing chakra pathways is one thing, but the eight gates are on another level – Shizune smiled. Tsunade was trying to get back to medicine by her own choice – Does this mean we'll stay at Konoha? – asked Shizune looking at Tsunade by her eye's corner – Tsunade didn't answer. This is why she never came back to Konoha after she left. Not even once. She still loved the village. She knew that if she returned, she wouldn't be able to leave again. Kushina and Naruto were not making things easier for her. They were the last family she had left, along with Shizune. Even Sarutobi-sensei surprised her. She was expecting to find her home abandoned. She cried when she arrived and saw the Senju Compound full of life as if her clan was still there. Kushina told her that the Sandaime had ordered to keep the maintenance of the Senju Compound. So that when she decided to return, she would find her home as she remembered. She was moved by her sensei. He never lost hope that she would return one day. However, the memories of her loved ones she lost still haunted her and still hurt her. She wasn't sure she'd be able to deal with it. Before she could notice, they were in front of the Senju Compound. As a coincidence, her sensei, Kushina, Naruto and Minato were arriving at the same time as them.

Once inside, the sandaime was the first to talk – Tsunade mentioned you two wanted to talk about Naruto with me, and I think I know what you'll ask. To be honest, I'm glad you're here too, Tsunade. I think it's about time I told you a secret about your father – Tsunade was intrigued. What kind of secret could her sensei refer to? – If I'm correct, you two want to know about the presence of the Kyubi's chakra in Naruto. Am I correct? – Kushina and Minato nodded. They explained to the former Hokage what Tsunade had told them about Naruto's chakra being merged with a portion of the Kyubi's chakra. The sandaime felt the urge to light up his pipe but stopped before Kushina's threat to smoke in her baby's presence – Morimaru-san had the same condition when he was born. His chakra was one with the Kyubi's. In the beginning, Hashirama-sama and Mito-sama believed the traces from the Kyubi's chakra would disappear. However, it never did – Kushina and Minato were concerned, but Tsunade couldn't understand what her sensei was saying. She never felt any trace of the Kyubi in his father. This made no sense at all – it wasn't until Morimaru-san turned five years old that Ashina-dono and Mito-sama placed a seal on him to suppress the Kyubi's chakra in him – the sandaime was interrupted by Kushina – so, there is a way to suppress it? Do you know how to do it? – the sandaime nodded. Made a couple of seals, and a scroll appeared before him – Mito-sama wrote the seal in this scroll for you, Kushina. Before I give it to you, I must tell you everything. The first thing you need to know is that Mito-sama regretted placing that seal on Morimaru-san ever since he died. She blamed herself for her death – Kushina had already extended her arm to reach the scroll. She froze suddenly after listening to Hiruzen's words.

What do you mean by that, sensei? – Tsunade stood up. She was furious. Why would her grandmother blame herself for her father's death? – Explain yourself, jiji – Tsunade demanded. Hiruzen sighed, took a deep breath and continued – The seal didn't just suppress the Kyubi's chakra. It suppressed Morimaru's-san chakra as well. His condition, and Naruto's condition, is different from a jinchuriki. He didn't have a Biju sealed inside him. The Biju's chakra nourished him. His chakra and the Kyubi's were one single chakra. They were connected and merged. It was part of him. Not even Ashina-dono was able to separate them. To suppress the Kyubi's chakra, Ashina-dono and Mito-sama had to suppress basically half of Morimaru's-san reserve of chakra – everyone was aghast. Tsunade admired her father. He was a strong man, although he was never as strong as her or Sarutobi-sensei. Her father never admitted it, but she knew he considered himself a failure for not being as strong as his father or uncle. Even she was stronger than her father. He was always trying to prove himself worthy of his legacy as the son of the Shodaime Hokage. In the end, that's what got him killed. He alone tried to face a group of shinobis from Iwa during the second great war. Her sensei and Jiraiya then haunted down these shinobis to retrieve his body. They had taken it believing they could get his DNA and find the secrets of the wood style. Complete nonsense since her father couldn't use wood style. How could her grandmother do that to him? How did her grandfather allow it? Was her father aware of this? Before Tsunade could storm up to her sensei, Kushina spoke – Sandaime-sama, why did Mito-sama and Shodaime-sama do that? What reason is behind all this?

Biwako and I were supposed to talk with you two about all this after Naruto's birth. But after everything that's happened, I completely forgot. Mito-sama decided to suppress his son's chakra due to the connection that he developed with the Kyubi. His chakra was in resonance with the Kyubi's. He could enter Mito-sama's subconscious, where the Kyubi was held, without Mito-sama noticing it. He could talk with the Kyubi. He did it since he was three years old, maybe even before. Mito-sama discovered it when he was five– Kushina yelled – No way! Are you telling me Naruto will share a bond with the Kyubi? He will be able to talk to him. And that my only option to prevent it is suppressing half of my son's chakra. This is nonsense! Why didn't you tell us that long before I got pregnant? You doomed my son! He will either share a connection with an evil beast or live unable to reach his full potential. This is completely unfair! And you! Don't you have anything to say? This is your son as well! – Kushina looked at Minato, tears on her face. Minato was indeed furious at the sandaime. But he knew the man; he trusted the man. He needed to hear the whole story before unleashing his anger. It took all his will not to explode and yell at the old man – Kushina, let us hear the whole story. I'm sure the sandaime has a really good explanation.

The sandaime smiled, which made Kushina even angrier – Hashirama-sama and Tobirama-sensei, even Ashina-dono believed that Mito's-sama decision was wrong. Hashirama-sama, especially, believed the best thing they could do was to allow Morimaru-san to spend time with the Kyubi. However, you must know by now, Kushina, that a mother would do everything for her son. Fearing that Mito-sama would perform a dangerous sealing jutsu on her son, Ashina-dono agreed to help her develop a sealing jutsu. Hashirama-sama had no choice but to agree with this – Minato was now intrigued. Why would all these men consider it wise to let a little boy interact with the Kyubi? But before he could ask, the sandaime spoke again – I know what you're thinking, Minato, and I'll explain why Hashirama-sama wanted his son to interact with the kyubi, but first, let me tell you something about the Bijus. Shizune-chan, would you mind preparing me a cup of tea, please? This will be a long conversation – Shizune nodded and left the room to prepare tea for everyone.

Centuries ago, maybe even millennia, the Bijus were not feared by humans, and the Bijus didn't hate humans. They are creatures that have been on Earth longer than human history can remember. In ancient times they were revered as a source of knowledge and wisdom. Humans learned techniques from them. You fought the Yonbi time ago. Do you remember what kind of creature he is? – The sandaime questioned – it is a colossal ape, a monkeyindeed! He is a monkey. He is the reason my clan's name is Sarutobi. His real name is Son Goku. Yes, the bijus have names. But humankind has forgotten them, at least most of them. He taught the Water Screen Cave monkeys how to talk and use chakra. He trained them to be shinobis. They revere him as the Sage God of the Monkeys. He named Enma king of the monkeys. Later, Enma and Son Goku-sama taught a clan of humans their fighting style and jutsus. That clan took the name of Sarutobi to honor them – the sandaime was interrupted by Kushina, who was perplexed by how the sandaime talked about the yonbi – Sama? Why on earth would you, especially you, refer to a Biju as sama? – Hiruzen shook his head in disapproval of Kushina's comment – You're not listening to me, Kushina. You are biased against the bijus due to your experience with the Kyubi. It has been said that the Kyubi is a mass of evil and destruction. That's just a lie. Bijus were not like that in ancient times. They turned against humans because humans turned against them first. In the seek for power, humans started to haunt the bijus. They were trying to control their power to be superior. Humankind betrayed them first. We are the reason they became a synonym for destruction and despair. Anshina-dono and Hashirama-sama knew this. When Hashirama-sama captured all the bijus and distributed them among the other nations, my father volunteered to become Son Goku's-sama Jinchuriki. However, Konoha kept the kyubi and delivered the Yonbi to Iwa. The Sarutobi clan considered leaving Konoha to join Iwagakure to ensure that Son Goku-sama would be treated with respect and a Sarutobi would always be his Jinchuriki – Kushina, Minato and Tsunade were speechless. Tsunade couldn't believe Sasuke-san had considered leaving Konoha just for the Yonbi. At that moment, Shizune came back with cups of tea for everyone. The sandaime took his cup of tea and took some sips before continuing with his story – It is evident that in the end, Hashirama-sama convinced my father to stay in Konoha. My clan is not the only one with techniques learned from a Biju. The Aburame clan and the Kamizuru clan from Iwagakure use insects as weapons. They learned those techniques from the Nanabi. No Aburame or Kamizuru clan member would ever attempt to attack the nanabi's jinchuriki because they respect the Biju. Similarly, no member of the Sarutobi clan would ever attack the Yonbi. Son Goku-sama and Enma are users of the senjutsu. It was a tradition that only the head of the Sarutobi clan would be taught the senjutsu of the monkeys. When Son Goku-sama was given to Iwagakure, he forbade Enma to continue teaching the senjutsu to the Sarutobi clan. My father was the last member of my clan to learn it. However, he never used it again after that, out of respect for Son Goku-sama – before Hiruzen could continue, he was interrupted again by Kushina, who was running out of patience – That's really awesome, sandaime-sama. But I don't see how that's relevant here – Hiruzen retook a sip of tea, cleared his throat and continued.

You totally missed my point here, Kushina. I take by Minato's and Tsunade's silence that they get it. But let me continue Morimaru's-san story, so you can fully understand. Mito-sama found out her son had been interacting with the Kyubi because he told her he had a new friend, a giant orange fox, trapped in a huge cage. He said he didn't have control to decide when he could visit his foxy friend. Most of the time, it was during his sleep. He said the fox used to tell him stories about the creator of Ninshu – Ninshu? That word sounded familiar to Minato. He was sure Jiraiya-sensei had discussed the difference between Ninshu and Ninjustu, but he was not paying attention back then. All of them were surprised to hear that the Kyubi was friendly with Morimaru as a child. The sandaime continued – He, of course, referred to the Sage of the Six Paths. Mito-sama asked the leader of the Yamanaka clan at the time to read her son's mind. It only proved that the boy was telling the truth. In his sleep, he had been visiting the Kyubi's cage for at least two years. The kyubi never tried to attack or intimidate the little boy. Hashirama-sama suspected that since Morimaru-san knew nothing about the kyubi, he treated the beast just as a talking animal. He didn't hate the kyubi. He didn't fear the kyubi. He was friendly and kind to him, and in response, the Kyubi treated him similarly. Mito-sama thought it was just a trick, that the kyubi wanted to use him as a tool against her. Despite all the efforts from Hashirama-sama, he couldn't convince her. Hashirama-sama hoped that Morimaru-san could be the one to regain the trust of the Kyubi. He believed his son would be the one to bring peace between humankind and the bijus. But Mito-sama wouldn't take that risk, and things turned out as I already told you. Mito-sama also asked the Yamanaka clan's head to block all the memories of the kyubi in Morimaru's-san mind. He had no recollection of it. Now that you know everything and have the scroll with the seal, you can choose what to do – Hiruzen continued drinking his tea, waiting for Minato or Kushina to speak up. However, the young couple had no words. Both were analyzing the implications of it in their mind. Kushina was afraid, but perhaps the sandaime was right. Morimaru had been robbed of the opportunity to bring bijus and humans together by his mother. Would she do the same to Naruto? Would she deprive him of his power and strength because of her fears? Being his mother gave her the right to do so? Was it her choice to make? Hiruzen figured it would take a long time for the couple to come to a decision. It was better to leave them alone. He stood up – Tsunade, why don't we give them privacy? I think we can go to your underground lab. We can discuss what I need to tell you – Tsunade and Shizune also stood up. The three of them left the living room. Kushina and Minato were so immersed in their thoughts that they didn't even notice when they left.

Tsunade's underground medical lab

The lab had been built by Mito Uzumaki for Tsunade so that she could practice and develop her medical ninjutsu. It was well-equipped. It was basically a small underground hospital – Before you say anything, sensei, I must apologize for how I talked to you before. I'm sure my grandmother made you promise that you wouldn't say anything about my father. I also want to thank you. It means a lot to me that you kept the Senju Compound so full of life in my years of absence – Tsunade smiled at her sensei, and a single tear dropped from both of her eyes. Hiruzen was touched. He was a sentimentalist, after all. Not to mention that he thought of his students as his own children. After an emotional moment. Hiruzen decided it was time to talk about his cancer – I'm afraid I need to kill the mood. It is not good news what I'm going to tell you. You and Jiraiya always said to me that smoking would kill me. It seems you two were right. I have cancer – Tsunade and Shizune were shocked. Shizune covered her mouth as a scream of surprise came out. Tsunade rushed to her sensei and asked him to lie on the bed so she could examine him. As he was doing so, he said – Biwako had been keeping the cancer from spreading for the last few yearswhat do you mean with the last few years? For how long have you been sick, sensei? – the old man lay now on the bed. Tsunade started examining him – I discovered I had cancer after my fight against the sandaime and yondaime Mizukage in the last war. I felt overwhelmed after we defeated Kiri's and Kumo's armies that had invaded Uzushiogakure. I could barely catch my breath. It was unusual. I thought it was due to the intense battle against the sandaime mizukage and a fully transformed sanbi. I had fought other bijus before and never felt like that. I ignored it and continued the siege. When I returned to Konoha two months later, I asked Biwako to examine me. She confirmed my suspicions. My lungs were failing because I had cancer. She said it was at an early stage and that she could prevent it from spreading. She said she was not skilled enough to operate me and remove it. So, I continued the war with my cancer, I might be sick, but I'm still one of the strongest shinobis alive. I needed to end the war. When the war ended, I decided to step down as Hokage. Konoha needed someone healthy to look after her. I had made up my mind. I was just waiting for the cancer to kill me. But now that's changed. Madara is alive and threatening Konoha. If I must die, I'll do it defending Konoha. That's why I need you to heal me. This cancer is making me weaker. If you can heal me, I can regain my strength – Tsunade listened carefully to her sensei as she examined him. She was relieved that the cancer hadn't spread so much yet – Biwako-san did a great job keeping it at bay. I will continue to prevent it from spreading for the time being. You'll have to come to see me every other day. And sensei, you need to stop smoking. I want to monitor it for a while before any surgery, sensei. You know I can't operate on you myself, but Shizune is an excellent medical shinobi. Besides me, she is the best medical shinobi. She already surpassed Nono a long time ago. Thanks to Biwako-san, Shizune will suffice to remove it – Hiruzen smiled at her student. He stood up and looked at Shizune – I place my life in your hands, Shizune-chan – Shizune blushed and nodded to the former Hokage. The old man turned back to Tsunade – Tsunade, one more thing. I've kept it a secret. Only the Daimyo, Minato, Kushina Jiraiya and you two know about it – Tsunade crossed her arms, and her forehead's vein was pulsing so much – How come your sons do not know about it, sensei? You better tell them today! If you don't tell them, I'll do it myself! – Hiruzen just nodded.

The three of them went back to the living room to meet with Minato, Kushina and Naruto. As they entered the living room, Minato and Kushina, with Naruto in her arms, stood up – So, have you decided yet? – questioned the former Hokage to the young couple. Minato and Kushina looked at each other, then at Naruto. They raised their heads to look at the former Hokage. Kushina took Mito's scroll with the sealing jutsu and destroyed it. Hiruzen smiled. He hoped Minato and Kushina wouldn't follow Mito's steps. Perhaps now, Naruto would bring the peace Hashirama-sama had dreamed of. Maybe Naruto was meant to be Jiraiya's student and become the Child of the Prophecy. When Jiraiya told him about Gamamaru's-sama prophecy, he thought it referred to Minato. But now, this child had a better chance of achieving true peace. He believed peace would only come true when bijus and humans could live together – Well, we all better get going.

Main Gate of Senju Compound

They all stood before the compound's main gate, ready to depart. The former Hokage spoke before leaving – Oh! I forgot to say one more thing about Morimaru-san. He said that the name of his orange fox friend was Kurama – he smiled at Minato, Kushina and Naruto and disappeared in a cloud of smoke before anyone could react and say anything.