Naruto:Senju With Nano Machine.

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Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his dimly lit office, the faint aroma of tobacco hanging in the air as he drew a deep breath from his pipe. The crystal ball on his desk shimmered faintly, reflecting the late afternoon light. Outside, Konoha bustled with the usual activities of a winter's day, but within the Hokage's office, tension brewed.

The latest report from the ANBU team stationed near the Kumo delegation had arrived, and its contents left no room for peace of mind. Hiruzen's hands clenched slightly as he read it.

"They know," he muttered under his breath, his voice laced with frustration. "They know about Naruto."

His mind raced, piecing together how this information could have leaked. His eyes narrowed as a single name crossed his thoughts: Danzo Shimura. If anyone had meddled in the shadows, it was Danzo.

"Call Danzo," Hiruzen barked to the ANBU stationed outside his office. "And ensure no harm comes to him on the way."

The ANBU operative nodded and vanished, leaving Hiruzen alone with his thoughts. He leaned back in his chair, taking another puff from his pipe, his gaze drifting to the crystal ball. With a flick of his fingers, the surface of the ball rippled, revealing the familiar sight of the women's outdoor bath. He sighed softly, the image a fleeting distraction from the chaos in his mind.

"I hope this mess doesn't spiral further," he murmured.

It didn't take long for Danzo to arrive. The sound of measured footsteps echoed through the hall before the door opened, revealing the elder shinobi clad in his usual bandages, his right eye covered. Danzo's presence carried an air of authority mixed with danger, his expression unreadable.

"What is it, Hiruzen?" Danzo asked, his voice as calm as ever. "I'm busy ensuring the peace talks don't collapse."

Hiruzen set his pipe down, his gaze sharp. "Busy, are you? Let me tell you what I've been dealing with. Kumo knows about Naruto."

Danzo's remaining eye narrowed slightly. "How sure are you?"

Hiruzen gestured to the report on his desk. "They used a clone transformed into a mosquito to infiltrate a store. The ANBU destroyed the clone, but before that, it placed a subtle genjutsu on the store owner. Under its influence, the owner wrote a note claiming the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki is a child with orange hair. There are only a handful of children in Konoha that fit that description."

"Which has been identified by the Yamanaka Anbu using his clan's jutsu".

Danzo absorbed the information without a visible reaction, though the slight twitch of his fingers betrayed his thoughts. "If they spread this information to other villages, it could destabilize everything."

"Exactly," Hiruzen replied, his tone cold. "And I can't help but wonder, Danzo, if this wouldn't have happened if you hadn't been spreading rumors to 'secure Konoha's position.'"

Danzo's lips pressed into a thin line. "Rumors are a necessary tool, Hiruzen. Keeping other villages off balance ensures our survival."

"This time, your tool might have backfired," Hiruzen snapped, his voice rising. "If this gets out, do you have any idea what the consequences could be? Kumo isn't the only village that would act on such information."

Danzo's expression remained stoic, but his next words were chilling. "If you're so worried, I can ensure the information goes nowhere. The delegation can disappear before the talks resume."

Hiruzen's fist slammed onto the desk. "No, Danzo. The Raikage already knows. Any harm to the delegation now would spark a war we can't afford. We need a different approach."

Danzo's calm demeanor didn't waver, but the weight of Hiruzen's refusal hung in the air. "Then what do you propose, Hiruzen?"

Hiruzen leaned back, rubbing his temples. "Naruto will be placed under strict ANBU surveillance. He'll be moved discreetly and kept out of sight until the peace talks conclude. Furthermore, we'll expedite the negotiations. I want this matter resolved before the New Year."

Danzo nodded slowly, though the faintest flicker of disapproval crossed his face. "And the peace terms?"

"We hold firm," Hiruzen replied. "If Kumo tries to use this information as leverage, we remind them of what they stand to lose. Shikaku and I will ensure they don't gain the upper hand."

Danzo tapped his fingers against the arm of his chair, a habit he only displayed when deep in thought. "Very well, Hiruzen. I'll ensure my Root operatives remain on standby, should the situation escalate."

Hiruzen's eyes hardened. "Danzo, remember—Naruto's safety is important. No moves without my direct approval. Am I clear?"

"Crystal," Danzo replied, rising from his seat. "You're cutting this close, Hiruzen. The talks need to end before this information gains traction."

"They will," Hiruzen said firmly. "Now go."

Danzo inclined his head slightly and left the office, his bandages disappearing into the corridor.

End of the Chapter.

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