Naruto: Not a Ninja, the System

"Danzo is right," Hiruzen Sarutobi finally said, his expression serious, a trace of emotion softening his otherwise stoic demeanor. To an outsider, it seemed like he was genuinely siding with Danzo.

He turned slightly toward the window, his gaze distant as he spoke. "After all, Konoha Village and the Uzumaki Clan have always been close allies."

His tone was heavy with nostalgia, as if reliving the past—those war-torn days of unity, when Konoha and Uzushiogakure stood side by side, fighting with mutual trust and loyalty.

"A few years ago, when the Uzumaki Clan faced that terrible catastrophe, it broke all of our hearts," Hiruzen continued, his voice dipping into sorrow.

He painted the scene with careful words—Konoha trying desperately to aid their brethren, mourning their failure when the effort fell short.

But beneath that sorrowful exterior, another truth festered.

Hiruzen knew exactly how important the Uzumaki Clan was to Konoha. Their sealing techniques were not only unmatched—they were essential for maintaining control over weapons like the Tailed Beasts.

While the Hokage wore an expression of regret, inside, he was calculating. He wasn't merely remembering lost friends or broken alliances.

He was thinking: How can I use this to strengthen Konoha? How can I make sure the Uzumaki bloodline serves this village again?

"Though we don't know why these two Uzumaki are traveling with you, since they're connected to you, Jaxon, it's our responsibility to take them in," Hiruzen said at last, shifting his attention back to his guest.

His voice was warm, his face calm, every movement carefully orchestrated to project benevolence.

And yet, if you looked closely—really closely—you could see the subtle tension in his facial muscles.

A microexpression here. A twitch there.

Signs that his internal thoughts didn't quite match the performance on the outside.

Truth be told, Hiruzen Sarutobi could've taken home an Oscar. His ability to blend sincerity with deception was practically an art form.

If he hadn't become Hokage, he might've had a thriving career in film.

Jaxon, however, was not buying it.

With a polite but resolute tone, he replied, "Then I'm truly sorry, Third Hokage-sama. That's not something I can allow."

He met Hiruzen's gaze with steady eyes. "Those two are my personal guards. They've followed me loyally for years. While they may carry the Uzumaki name, they're no longer tied to the past conflicts between the clans. The tragedies of the old world don't concern them."

There was neither arrogance nor submission in his voice—just cold truth.

He then turned toward Danzo, who was staring at him like a predator assessing prey.

Jaxon narrowed his eyes slightly and offered a faint smile. "Elder Danzo, anything else you'd like to add?"

To be honest, Jaxon had been uncomfortable from the moment Danzo laid eyes on him. The old man's gaze was sharp and evaluating—like he was inspecting a prized possession rather than addressing another human being.

It was repulsive. Goosebumps crawled up Jaxon's arms, but he didn't let it show.

Danzo, still trying to press the issue, took a step forward. "I agree with the Hokage. The Uzumaki Clan has always been Konoha's ally. We should be the ones to care for them—not leave them drifting with outsiders."

Jaxon knew exactly what this was about.

Konoha had grown anxious. Kushina Uzumaki, their current Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, might not be able to contain the beast forever. She was young, impulsive, and unstable at times. If something went wrong with her seal, they'd need a backup plan—and fast.

That's what this was all about.

They weren't protecting the Uzumaki out of kindness. They were preparing insurance in case Kushina failed.

Jaxon's smile faded.

"I refuse."

His voice was calm, but final.

"You—" Danzo began, anger flashing across his face.

But before he could lash out, Hiruzen raised a hand.

"Danzo," he said sharply. "Let it go. He has made his decision."

Danzo bit back his retort, but his jaw clenched with barely suppressed fury.

Everyone in the room understood what was at stake.

The Second Shinobi World War was still ongoing. Konoha couldn't afford to lose the financial support of the Land of Fire. If they pushed too hard, and Jaxon returned to the capital with complaints, the consequences could be devastating.

That was the leverage Jaxon held—and he wielded it flawlessly.

"Since we're done here, I'll take my leave," Jaxon said, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeves. "I won't be staying in Konoha for long. But while I'm here, if there's anything that requires your cooperation, I trust the Hokage's office will accommodate?"

His demeanor returned to that of a graceful noble, the proud young master of one of the most powerful families in the Land of Fire.

He gave a courteous bow.

Hiruzen responded with a practiced smile.

"Of course, Young Master Jaxon. If there's anything you need while in the village, we'll do everything in our power to assist you."

Standing beside him, Danzo's face remained cold. His narrowed eyes tracked Jaxon like a hawk waiting to strike.

The moment the doors closed behind Jaxon, Danzo spun toward Hiruzen.

"Sarutobi, do you realize what those two Uzumaki mean to us?" he growled, voice dripping with frustration. "That was our opportunity!"

Hiruzen didn't answer immediately. He took a slow, deep breath and exhaled a plume of smoke from his pipe.

Danzo continued, growing more agitated. "Back then—when their clan was falling—I told you to bring more of them in. But you didn't listen. And now you act as if you care? Now that we have a chance to reclaim what we lost, you're going soft?"

Sarutobi slammed his pipe down onto the desk with a sharp crack, scattering ash across the wood.

His face darkened.

"What did you say?" he asked coldly. "You want Root to make a move? Here? Now?"

Danzo stiffened slightly.

"Do you have any idea what that would cause?" Hiruzen demanded, his voice rising. "The Land of Fire would pull all their funding from us. The people would riot. Our military strength would crumble from within."

For a moment, Danzo was speechless.

He knew the truth, just like Hiruzen did. They both knew what had happened to the Uzumaki Clan. They both knew how little had actually been done to save them.

But still, Danzo clung to his obsession like a drowning man to driftwood.

"We can't afford to let this slip," he said, more subdued now. "The Nine-Tails is too important. If something happens to Kushina, we'll be defenseless."

Danzo's eyes gleamed with cold purpose. "Those two Uzumaki—young, healthy, brimming with chakra—are perfect candidates. Bring them in. Train them in Root. Let them become shadows. And if Kushina fails, we'll have replacements ready."

Hiruzen stared at him in silence.

Danzo's vision for the future was as brutal as ever. Efficient. Ruthless. Dangerous.

And as he spoke, the faintest smile began to form on his face—small, but unmistakable.

The kind of smile that sent a chill down your spine.

Øóffer going on for diamond tier

pàtreøn (Gk31)