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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

Naruto is owned by Masashi Kishimoto and Shueisha.

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Chapter 11: Brace for Worries

The park was quiet, both because it was quite late and because ROOT had definitely diverted any lingering civilians away as I sat by the bench with one of the most dangerous individuals in the village.

Shimura Danzou was... surprisingly chill. Even though I felt like I could die by saying the wrong word, I could also tell the man wasn't planning to lead this conversation in a bad outcome. So, I tackled this as a neutral interaction at best and hope that would stick to the very end.

"So, Shimura-san... how may I help you?"

"I have questions, but also some warnings for you to hear."

I nodded at this response and he continued.

"Konoha will soon have its Chuunin exams. While security will be as high as usual, we have reasons to assume that some unsavory groups will use this opportunity to slip through the cracks and... try to secure our most prized weapon."

My eyes narrowed at this, the warning was about Naruko. I knew there was a chance for Akatsuki to know the truth about who was the real Jinchuriki, but this wasn't just a request to tighten my protection over my daughter.

"ANBU are focused on the Hokage's firstborn. I suppose we can rely on ROOT to keep the peace in our district."

"Any attempt will fail, I can assure you that," Danzou confirmed with a nod, taking a sip from the cold tea I had the time to prepare for him before we left for the park. "Yet, I know you are clever enough to know this is not the issue that press on us both, Jonno-san. Once our enemies' plan is foiled, attention will be directed to you and your daughter."

"Couldn't it be-"

"Redirected?" The old man guessed and I nodded. "I am afraid that this isn't about being noticed or not. The situation in the Shinobi Council have grown far too tense and Minato has avoided addressing this for long enough for some displeasure to be mentioned. Your daughter may be used as a major topic to raise concerns over Minato's own flaws and condemn his work."

"...And?"

"There may be a chance he may be forced to retire. Which may or may not create issues in the long run."

"He will fight it back-"

"But perhaps back down. I am not referring to that particular scenario as... Konoha lacks a proper successor to him in that regard."

That actually surprised me as I would have thought the old man would have offered his name at that chance. It was... unusual considering the setting I was working with, and enough to raise some perplexity at this very detail.

"I would have thought you would have offered yourself as a candidate."

The elder... sighed tiredly. "Had the situation been more stable and with a less riotous council, I would have agreed. However, I am well aware that taking that hat would only stir more trouble and make my reign less relevant than I wish it to be. No, it will have to be someone else, and I have a name in that regard."

The stare he gave me made me confused.

"I hope it's not me-"

"The day that Konoha will claim a civilian Hokage is very far, Jonno-san," Danzou assured with a hum. "Jesting aside, I am referring to the prodigal 'daughter' of Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage."

"...Tsunade? Would she even take it?"

"Not without a proper incentive. Not without the best messanger we could provide."

...

I realized what he was implied and I growled. "I am not sending my daughter-"

"She will not be alone."

"ROOT may have an advantage at home, but Akatsuki can lay an ambush once they know where she is going."

"Which is why it will not be ROOT escorting your daughter. I wish for her to tag along with Sannin Orochisumi. Not only would her presence keep your daughter safe, but also mellow Tsunade to the proposal."

I was positively miffed by this idea, but as I contemplated this I also saw something else that left me unnerved. This was Danzou's way of 'protecting my daughter' from the political hell that was going to come our way by pulling her out of Konoha. Still, that didn't help me.

There was no way the Hokage was just going to let me be, and even though I could rely on the support of several strong clans, that didn't mean I was going to leave that skirmish without some 'bruises'. Also, nothing stopped any circumstances of the civilian mobs causing me some tangible threats so...

I sighed, and glanced Danzou once more. "Can I at least get a promise out of you, Danzou-san? A way to prevent any issues with Naruko in case I... I don't make it?"

Her raised his eyebrow at this but nodded.

"She will be more at ease with Teuchi-san. We already know him and his family, I am sure he will not mind taking care of her if something was to happen to me."

"I will make sure that Minato will not stop this desire of yours if that grim situation was to come," The old man confirmed with a serious tone. "However, will it stop the Kyuubi from rampaging over the Konoha by taking over your despairing child's mind?"

"The Kyuubi is not mindless," I flatly answered. "I had the chance to speak with her, and I learned some details about the attack that I am sure you are partly familiar with."

Danzou frowned at this. "You know of the Uchiha."

"One-eyed Uchiha," I corrected, causing the old man to pause. "The one that had staged the attack by mind-controlling the Kyuubi had a single Sharingan."

"...You have any potential leads?"

"Hatake Kakashi gained his Sharingan from his teammate, Obito. No one was able to confirm him KIA for sure, and the only one that could boast the feat of controlling the Kyuubi in the past was-"

"Uchiha Madara."

...

"You believe Madara lived long enough to bestow young Obito with the wisdom of such ability?"

I nodded, and Danzou stood up from his seat.

"This is... concerning. But also entertaining as it opens up some scenarios to prepare for."

The old man nodded at me and then started to leave. "Alas, it was a good talk. I hope you live long enough to see the beautiful growth of the Will, Jonno-san."

I merely nodded, saying nothing as I patiently waited for him and the ROOT agents to live the premises before truly walking away. I made my way back to the pizzeria, and I was surprised to find Naruko waiting by the counter. She looked absolutely tired, but perked up in delight as she spotted me.

As she came rushing to greet me, she tensed up in surprise as I pulled her in a big tight hug. Eyes still wide open, the words I gave her instantly sobered her up.

"Ruko, we need to talk about something really important. And I want you to be attentive about it."

The blonde nodded, appearing perplexed and uneasy as she helped her to one of the stools as I used this opportunity to give her the full truth of what was to come in the next few months. She didn't seem too pleased about some of the things she had to brace for, but I was at least glad she was aware that things were soon to get bumpy along the road and that she had to be tougher than usual to face those hurdles.

And I could tell things were only getting started...

AN

Next time, Naruko POV!