Konoha's Ice Dragon continuation

Chapter 34

HOKAGE TOWER - HIRUZEN'S OFFICE

As one of the most stressful days for the Hokage has come, meaning the Chunin Exams, Hiruzen was surprisingly sitting on his couch, relaxing, with a cup of tea in his hand.

As he relaxed, he couldn't help but smirk at his Four Shadow Clones, who are currently slaving away the piles of piles of Paperwork on his desk. They even gave him a few glares everytime he chuckles at their pain.

"I can't believe I haven't thought of this before. You should be the next 'Professor', Naruto-kun. I wonder if Tobirama Sensei had the same idea as well, when he created this Jutsu. If so, shame on you, Sensei, for not telling me. My back has been killing me, for sitting on that damn chair all day." Hiruzen said to himself, as he took a sip of his tea and laid back with an overdue relaxation.

But his moment of peace was halted, when he heard a firm knock coming from the door.

"Come in" Hiruzen called out, as he sits up a little straighter.

But the person who walked in, immediately made the old Hokage leaned back down on his seat, and narrowed his eyes.

"What do you want, Danzo? I'm very busy." Hiruzen said, as he turned away from his 'old friend', and took another sip of his tea.

Danzo then saw the Four Shadow Clones of Hiruzen, and could only smirk with amusement.

"I see you made an ingenious use with Lord Tobirama's Jutsu. Very impressive. But I didn't take you're the type to slack-off on your duties, Hiruzen." Danzo said.

"Did you come here to tell me something, or criticize me? If it's the latter, you know where the door is" Hiruzen said with annoyance.

"Neither. I am merely here, to ask a question." Danzo stated.

"And what question is that?" Hiruzen asked with narrowed eyes.

"Why did you invite Kumogakure to the Chunin Exams?" Danzo asked.

"......Are you asking me, as one the village elders, or an old friend?" Hiruzen asked back.

"I was hoping...."

"Trick question, Shimura. You will always ask me as a village elder, because that is what you only are. And you'll address me, as Lord Hokage. Do I make myself clear?" Hiruzen stated firmly.

Danzo said nothing, as he simply glared at Hiruzen.

"That wasn't a rhetorical question, answer me." Hiruzen pushed, much to Danzo's annoyance.

".......Yes.....Lord Hokage." Danzo said bitterly.

"Good. And to answer your previous question; For almost a year now, I have been in talks with the Fourth Raikage. We were discussing the possibility of an Alliance between our hidden villages. But given our history, it was obviously not an easy process. So far, we only agreed on a 'None-Aggression-Pact', but we both know, that will not last forever, nor benefit our village's growth. So as a show of good faith, and the spirit of moving forward, I sincerely invited Kumo to participate, and guarantee their Shinobi's safety, before and after the duration of the exams." Hiruzen explained.

".....Permission to speak.....Lord Hokage?" Danzo asked, with a slight venom in his voice.

"You may, Danzo" Hiruzen answered.

"While I understand your diplomatic reason, do you really believe, it is wise to allied ourselves with a hidden village that has harmed ours, as much as Iwagakure. The kidnapping attempt of Kushina Uzumaki and the Hyuga Heiress have not been forgotten. Nor the sacrifice of Lord Tobirama, who gave his life for ours, during the First Great Shinobi World War. There are some in the council, who will not stand for their presence here." Danzo informed.