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."

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"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.

When Hiruzen was about to leave Danzo called out to him.

Turning around, he faced the man with a questioning look, waiting for an elaboration.

"The boy doesn't yet have a name..." Danzo explained himself.

"Well, we can't have that."

Walking back to the crib, Hiruzen regarded Eric's figure once again.

"Sure, you don't want the honour, friend?"

"Nah, I'm no good with these sort of things."

Both of them cast their attention towards the baby in question. In deep concentration, Hiruzen's face creased while actively puffing on his pipe as if it'd magically provide him with a suitable name. It didn't. With a need for extra creativity, he tried stroking his greying beard and then it came.

"Fuzen."

"And surname?" asked Danzo.

"I'm tired. He can choose one for himself when he gets older. Oh, and I'll let the nurses know the boys' name and make sure they know he's in your care. Goodnight..."

At with that he excused himself and left the room desperately in need of some sleep. He had an ominous feeling it wouldn't be too long until he'd be dealing with a small rascal causing trouble within his village.

After Hiruzen went home, it was only Fuzen and Danzo that remained in the hospital room.

During the time of their brief negotiation, Fuzen had attempted to inject his opinion on the matter. Sadly, he found that it only amounted to baby speech. Knowing this he quickly shut his mouth, wanting to avoid any further embarrassment to his manhood. He'd have to work on that. Speaking properly that is.

Fuzen didn't mind the deal too much, though. To be honest, it suited him just fine. By listening to their conversation, he knew the 'Second Great Shinobi War' wasn't too far away, just like he wanted. Joining Root would give him access to plenty of resources that would help him train faster and prepare for that event. Thankfully, the Hokage left sufficient room for him to get out of Root if he wanted. And he'd no plans to get stuck as one of Danzo's minions for longer than necessary either.

The day it was decided he could attend the academy he would. What followed after that, he wasn't too sure, time would tell. Wherever the fun was. He'd always been a man who liked to keep his options open and spread his wings to its fullest.

The only thing that annoyed him about the deal made on his behalf was the question of his remuneration because there was no way he wasn't going to be worth at least twice as much as any regular Anbu. His services shouldn't come cheap as it would set a bad precedent for any future negotiations.

Meanwhile, Danzo had called over one of the nurses to explain that he'd be discharging Fuzen effective immediately and bringing him with him. Furthermore, he needed them to prepare provisions that would last them for a couple of days.

With that order given, he returned, now holding a thick blanket which he wrapped around Fuzen. Taking Fuzen with him, he went to the nurses' station to grab the things they'd collected and left the hospital into the night.