4 Amends (1/2)

Both Hiruzen and Eric turned to face the newcomer standing by the doorway.

”Danzo... Why would in the world you do that? You don't strike me as the parenting type,” Hiruzen commented as he sat back in his chair.

”No, I'm afraid not. However, that not truly the issue now, is it? I read the report of what happened Hiruzen. Such a tragic event, indeed.”

With a couple of long steps, he approached the crip and studied Eric. Danzo might come across as indifferent and uncaring, but in truth, he had great ambition and this child might well be the key to his reign.

Bending down he placed the palm of his hand on Eric's stomach to confirm his suspicion.

When he bent down, Eric noticed he'd yet to have any weird modifications made and still appeared quite normal. He might be several years younger compared to the anime, but he still had the same characteristically uncaring facade. It left little Eric with little doubt that wouldn't want to face the guy in a poker tournament.

Even though it was as Danzo suspected, his eyes still widened in surprise and looked questioning to Hiruzen seeking further proof of what he'd already confirmed himself.

”I know. Startled me as well.”

Standing upright again Danzo glanced at the three Anbu members still stationed inside the room.

Getting the hint, Hiruzen ordered them to wait outside and guard the door so the two of them could speak in private. A few seconds after they'd left, Danzo asked, even though he already knew the answer as they'd had long debates about it.

”Do you remember the Anbu proposal I submitted about half a year ago?”

”I do! You want to make a secret subdivision for the Anbu under your own command. A place where you'd handpick and train young shinobi to carry out missions that would benefit the village.”

Hiruzen hadn't yet been fully convinced that this was was a necessary step to protect the village, but he did see the merit it could have considering the increased instability they'd experienced the last couple of years. If war were to break out once again after more than 10 years of peace they'd need all the manpower they could assemble, and Root, as he would have it called, would no doubt help in the war effort.

”That's right! And that boy –” Danzo pointed at Eric ” – is the perfect starting point. I mean, where else can you put him?”

Hiruzen considered his words. He did have a point, but he wouldn't want to give the kid a life too sheltered and secretive. Forever hidden and forced to remain in the shadows was no life for a child this young. However, if he could make a compromise with Danzo, it might just work.

”Fine. You can have the subdivision of Anbu, though if you want the kid as well has to be certain conditions attached –” Hiruzen pointed towards with the crib using his pipe ” – First, I want personal updates from both you and him, separately. Of course, I get to know his general whereabouts at all times. Second, when he's old enough I want you to make sure he receives his own place away from Root inside the city and receives earned pay like any other shinobi. Third, when judged capable I want him to attend the academy and graduate like everyone else. For however brief of a period that is and after which he's allowed to freely choose whether to stay in Root, join the main force of Anbu or a regular 3-man team.”

”Yes, I agree.”

Danzo held out his hand seeking to finalize the deal with a handshake. He'd gotten everything he wanted and more. In truth, everything was ready and laid out. The only missing piece had been the Hokage's permission. Since the proposal was presented at the Konoha Council, he'd been working hard on building the basic infrastructure necessary establish his Root.

He'd already scouted several people from within the Anbu who had a similar philosophy as him and would do anything to protect the village. People that could be trusted and help him set up a scouting platform from where future recruits could be found, create a reliable information network and train future members among their ranks.

Hiruzen grasped Danzo's battle-scarred hand and shook on it. He'd decided to indulge him this once knowing of Danzo's struggle with coming to terms with his appointment as Hokage. This would hopefully help make some amends.