IN NARUTO AS KURAMA

Sarutobi Hiruzen stood silently in the Hokage's office, his gaze fixed on the empty space where Shiro had been moments ago. His fists clenched tightly at his sides, his expression a mixture of frustration and determination. A flicker of fire appeared in his aging eyes, reminiscent of the Will of Fire he had sworn to uphold.

Breaking the stillness, he strode to the door, his steps heavy but purposeful.

---

Root Headquarters.

"Hokage-sama," two Root operatives greeted in unison as Sarutobi walked past.

He responded with a faint nod, his face grim and unreadable. As he made his way through the dimly lit corridors of Root's base, no one dared to question his presence.

Reaching the door to Shimura Danzo's office, he paused briefly before pushing it open.

Danzo glanced up from his desk, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "Well, this is unexpected. What brings the great Hokage to my humble corner of the village today?"

Hiruzen ignored the sarcasm. His voice was steady and direct. "Konoha is going to change."

Danzo raised an eyebrow. "Come again?"

"The current Nine-Tails Jinchuriki is no longer within our control."

Danzo's smirk disappeared instantly. Rising from his chair, he slammed his hand on the desk, his voice a roar. "Sarutobi Hiruzen! What did you just say? Is this your idea of leadership? Is this how you repay the trust of our teacher, the Second Hokage?!"

In a flash, Danzo seized Hiruzen by the collar, slamming him against the wall.

Hiruzen's expression remained calm, even as Danzo's fury blazed in his one visible eye. "This isn't about betrayal, Danzo," Hiruzen said quietly. "It's about adapting to the reality in front of us. We have no choice but to change our strategy. And for that, I need your cooperation."

Danzo released him with a growl, stepping back. His voice was quieter but no less angry. "What exactly are you proposing?"

Hiruzen straightened his robes and looked Danzo directly in the eye. "The First Hokage's cells. How far has your research progressed?"

Danzo's face froze, shocked by the directness of the question.

"You knew I'd find out eventually," Hiruzen added. His voice had regained its strength, the authority of a Hokage resonating in every word.

After a tense moment, Danzo sighed and motioned for Hiruzen to follow. The two walked in silence until they reached a heavily secured chamber deep within Root's headquarters.

Inside, rows of petrified children floated in glass tanks, their bodies altered by experiments with the First Hokage's cells. At the center of the room was a single, large container, glowing faintly with chakra.

"These," Danzo began, "are the results of our work. The First Hokage's cells are fused into these subjects, but the success rate is dismal. Only one viable candidate has survived thus far. Without Orochimaru's expertise, progress is agonizingly slow."

Hiruzen's eyes scanned the room, landing on the central container. His expression remained impassive, but his voice was sharp. "Only one success? That's far too inefficient."

Danzo's grip on his cane tightened. "It's all we've managed. What do you plan to do?"

Hiruzen turned to face him, his gaze unwavering. "We need an army of Wood Release users."

---

Training Ground.

Back at the training ground, Haruno Sakura and Uchiha Sasuke stood over the unconscious forms of Naruto and Kakashi. The destruction left behind from their battle was evident—shredded bamboo and scorched earth surrounded them.

Sakura glanced nervously at Sasuke. "What should we do now?"

Sasuke hesitated before responding, his voice firm. "Let's get them out of the dirt first. Help me move them."

Sakura nodded, following Sasuke as they carefully positioned Naruto and Kakashi under the shade of a tree.

After a few moments, Naruto stirred, his eyelids fluttering open. His bleary eyes landed on Sasuke's face, which was alarmingly close.

"AHH!" Naruto screamed, instinctively punching Sasuke square in the face.

The punch sent Sasuke sprawling to the ground, unconscious.

Sakura gasped. "Naruto! What are you doing?!"

Naruto blinked, suddenly realizing what had happened. "Oops… uh… my bad?" He scratched the back of his head awkwardly, staring at Sasuke's prone figure. "I didn't mean to hit him that hard..."

Sakura placed her hands on her hips, clearly unimpressed. "You're unbelievable, Naruto."

She handed Naruto a bottle of water from her bag, sitting down next to him. "While you were out cold, a man in a fox mask showed up. He healed both you and Kakashi-sensei, and then... he vanished."

Naruto frowned, setting the bottle aside. "A fox mask? Who was he?"

Sakura shrugged. "I don't know. But there's something strange about him."

Naruto's expression darkened, his tone serious. "Sakura... this water you gave me—what's in it?"

"Huh? What are you talking about? It's just water!"

Naruto narrowed his eyes. "I don't trust it." He set the bottle on the ground without drinking.

Sakura sighed, exasperated, but before she could respond, a faint groan came from nearby.

"Kakashi-sensei!" Sakura exclaimed, rushing to his side as Kakashi stirred awake.

Kakashi's first instinct was to check for his sword, which he found safely strapped to his side. He let out a sigh of relief.

Sakura helped him sit up. "Are you okay, sensei?"

Kakashi nodded slowly. "I'll live. What about Naruto?"

"He's fine, but... Sasuke's not."

Kakashi glanced at Sasuke's unconscious form and then at Naruto, whose sheepish expression said everything. Kakashi sighed. "Let me guess... you punched him."

Naruto grinned nervously. "He startled me!"

Kakashi shook his head, muttering under his breath. "Kids these days..."

Suddenly, Naruto perked up, a mischievous glint in his eye. "Wait! I have the perfect way to wake him up!"

Kakashi raised an eyebrow. "Naruto... what are you planning now?"

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