Chapter 176: Midnight Council

Disclaimer: Naruto and all of its characters belong to Shueisha and Masashi Kishimoto. I own nothing but the original characters I create.

"Dialogue"

'Thoughts'

-Author notes-

Chapter 176: Midnight Council

Council Room, around midnight

"Urgg… this is terrible sake," Tsunade muttered, setting her glass down on the table with a grimace.

"That's because it isn't sake," Danzo replied, narrowing his eyes. "It's a new liquor made with wheat that I ordered from a distant country. If you don't like it, then stop drinking it!. It's very expensive."

"No no...I think I'm getting used to it," Tsunade said, pouring herself another glass and earning a glare of displeasure from Danzo.

Elder Homura's stern voice cut through the exchange. "Lady Tsunade, please focus. We have much to discuss, and we need you clear-minded."

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, exhaling slowly. "Pff… I already know what you want to say and it would take many more glasses of this thing to numb my mind..." Her eyes moved to Danzo. "By the way, you have more, right?"

"Then let us get to the first matter," Koharu interjected, adjusting her glasses. "The Sand Jinchūriki and his repeated attempts to escape. We could start with that."

Danzo's voice was sharp and accusatory. "You've been too lenient with that boy. He's a prisoner and not an honored guest. He should never have had the chance to escape once, let alone three times!."

"I thought treating him with some kindness might prevent this sort of thing," Homura admitted with a sigh. He had obviously been wrong on that one.

Koharu's expression darkened. "The Sand Village is aware of these incidents, and the new Kazekage has already begun to demand his release."

Tsunade swirled her drink absentmindedly. "That's not surprising. Gaara is her brother. Of course, she will want him back, even if no incidents had occurred."

"Hmph," Danzo huffed. "If those fools think they're in any position to make any demands…"

Homura's tone was calm but firm. " What are your plans for the boy, Lady Tsunade? If you agree, I'm sure the Sand Village would be willing to offer generous compensation for his release."

Danzo's cane thudded against the floor as he leaned forward. "You can't release him! He's too valuable. The Sand Village has nothing worth offering us in exchange."

"Danzo!" Koharu snapped, her sharp tone cutting through the tension. "Our role as advisors is to guide the Hokage, but ultimately, it is the Hokage's decision...not ours. "

A heavy silence settled over the room.

Tsunade broke it with a decisive tone. "I need more time to think about this. But for now, he stays."

Koharu nodded. "If you're not going to release him, then we must secure him better. Another incident like today cannot happen."

"Exactly," Homura agreed. "We've already had significant damage to buildings and a civilian girl who nearly lost her life."

Danzo's gaze bore into Tsunade. "I have the perfect facility to keep the Jinchūriki secure. I guarantee he'll never escape again."

Tsunade's frown deepened. The thought of leaving the boy in Danzo's hands made her uneasy. She didn't trust him at all, but after everything that had happened, she couldn't reject his offer without providing a better alternative. And she didn't have one.

Her amber eyes met Danzo's. "As long as the boy remains within the village boundaries and I can visit him regularly to check on his condition, you may take him."

Danzo inclined his head slightly. "That can be arranged."

"Fine," Tsunade said, taking another sip. The warmth spreading through her was welcome after such a draining day. "Tomorrow morning, you can transfer him to your facility."

Danzo's expression remained stoic, but the faintest glimmer of satisfaction flickered in his eyes. "Excellent." The Elder rarely shows any emotions but he could barely conceal his elation.

"Now," Koharu interjected quickly, sensing Tsunade's waning patience, "let's move on to the next critical topic: Naruto Uzumaki's return and the conflict with the Cloud Village."

Tsunade retrieved a scroll from her desk and handed it to Koharu. "That contains their version of events."

The three elders took turns reading it in silence. When they were done, Homura was the first to speak.

"So… that organization is moving again. They've been laying low for the past year."

Koharu's lips pressed into a thin line. "They were waiting for the right moment. Attacking the Cloud Jinchūriki while those two were nearby… this can't be a coincidence."

Danzo's voice was stern. "Have they secured the Bijū?" He had little trust in Jiraya.

Tsunade's response was curt. "Yes."

Homura's brow furrowed. "Do we have it, then?"

"No," Tsunade said. "Naruto stated that we will need to wait for Jiraiya's return."

"So it's with Lord Jiraya then" Homura spoke. "...wait, where is he?, I thought th-"

Danzo's tone turned harsh. "Why didn't they return together? What is that man doing at such a crucial time?!"

Tsunade sighed, her irritation showing. "He'll be here soon. You know how he is."

"In any case," Koharu said, "this could be an opportunity. We should negotiate with the Cloud Village and avoid further conflict."

Danzo's eyes flashed with anger. "Negotiate? You want to give up the Bijū? This is absurd!."

Koharu's voice rose. "Danzo, we already have two Jinchūriki in our village. Keeping a third one will destabilize the balance of power and invite war. You know this!"

Homura nodded gravely. "If the Raikage and the Tsuchikage ally against us…"

Danzo slammed his cane against the floor. "A Fourth Ninja War may be inevitable no matter what. Giving up our strongest weapons right before a conflict would be madness!"

"Enough!" Tsunade's voice cut through the argument as her hand slammed down on the table, shattering her glass. "We'll wait for Jiraiya's return before making any decisions. No one sends any messages outside the village until I can make a decision."

After a long silence, Homura spoke cautiously. "Have you informed Uzumaki about the Tsuchikage's demands?"

"Not yet," Tsunade admitted.

Homura opened his mouth to protest, but Tsunade cut him off. "I did, however, promote him to Jōnin."

The room erupted into stunned silence.

"You… what?!" Danzo finally exclaimed.

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