Enough is Enough
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in his office, the weight of his years pressing down on his shoulders. A chill ran down his spine, though it wasn’t from the breeze that occasionally slipped through the cracked window. No, it came from the sharp memory of Inuzuka Tsume's voice.
“Enough is enough, Sandaime-sama.”
The words echoed in his mind, low and guttural like a growl of warning. Inuzuka didn’t speak to alphas like that unless they were challenging their leadership or calling them out for a grievous mistake. He doubted Tsume intended to usurp his authority, which left only one conclusion.
He had done something wrong.
His gaze shifted to the corner of his office, where a blood-stained photograph lay atop his desk. The image showed a lifeless dog sprawled across a cold vet clinic table—Keiji, Naruko's stray companion. A dog that had stood by her side through thick and thin, cut down by cowards who hid behind fear and ignorance.
The fragile tower of Tsume's patience had toppled with Keiji's death. And if he knew anything about the Inuzuka matriarch, her retaliation would be swift and merciless.
Maybe it was for the best, he thought grimly. Perhaps the Inuzuka tearing into the guilty parties would finally send a message: the abuse of Uzumaki Naruko would no longer be tolerated. Quiet arrests hadn’t worked. Maybe bloodied noses and the wrath of a clan would.
A knock at the door broke through his musings. "Enter."
His secretary, Midori, stepped in, bowing slightly. "Hokage-sama, the council meeting is ready to begin."
"Thank you, Midori-san." He stood, adjusting his robes and placing his hat on his head. His footsteps were heavy as he made his way toward the council chambers. What to do about Naruko? The question circled endlessly in his mind. The child needed safety, stability—but how to provide that when the very village that should have protected her had become her enemy?
When he entered the council room, his eyes swept over the gathered figures. The clan heads sat in their usual positions, wary and observant. The civilians clustered together like nervous hens. His gaze settled on Tsume. Her usual sharp grin was gone, replaced by a predatory snarl barely hidden beneath a thin veneer of civility.
He took his seat. "Let us begin."
The meeting proceeded as usual—budget concerns, public works, the latest proposal for more funding for the village police force. Hiruzen listened with half an ear until the moment arrived to open the floor.
"That concludes the formal docket. Are there any additional matters to address?"
Councilman Aoka stood abruptly. "Yes, Hokage-sama, I have a matter of grave concern."
Hiruzen exhaled through his nose, already dreading whatever nonsense was about to spew from the man’s mouth. He rubbed his temples, feigning a headache. "Go ahead, Councilman Aoka."
"I'd like to file formal charges of attempted murder against the Kyuubi brat!" Aoka's voice was self-righteous and loud. "She and her stray dog viciously assaulted a good friend of mine—an upstanding member of the community—leaving him severely injured and maimed!"
A heavy silence settled over the room.
Hiruzen's lips twitched into a mirthless smile as his gaze slid toward Tsume. Her expression was no longer just angry; it was wolfish. Her sharp canines peeked past her lips, eyes gleaming with the promise of violence. Ah, he thought. So this is the game they want to play.
"These are serious charges," Hiruzen said, his tone deceptively mild. "Tell us, Aoka-san, what exactly happened?"
The man launched into a tale about his friend—an innocent civilian, minding his own business when the demon child and her mutt attacked unprovoked. His story painted Naruko as a feral creature lashing out without cause, all while omitting the mob, the pursuit, and the brutal beating that left her hospitalized.
Danzo Shimura seized the moment. "This only underscores what I have said for years, Hiruzen. The girl is unstable. She needs to be disciplined, trained properly—preferably under my supervision. With the right guidance, she could become an invaluable asset instead of a liability."
Hiruzen's jaw tightened. "Hokage-sama?" he repeated coldly.
Danzo's single visible eye narrowed. "Yes, Hokage-sama," he amended.
"Good. Now sit down and stay silent."
The killing intent that poured from Hiruzen suffocated the room. Even the battle-hardened shinobi shifted uncomfortably in their seats. Danzo froze, his knuckles whitening as he gripped the cane beside him.
Hiruzen turned back to Aoka. "Is that all?"
"It's the truth! That brat's dangerous! She should be locked away before she—"
"Before she what?" Tsume cut in, voice low and growling. Her fingers drummed on the table, nails leaving faint scratches. "Before she lashes out after bein’ hunted' through the streets by a buncha drunk bastards? Before she fights back when someone beats on her and her friend until they are both within an inch of their life!?"
"You lie!" Aoka sputtered.
Tsume surged to her feet, slamming her fists on the table with enough force to crack the wood. "You wanna see the corpse? Huh? You wanna smell the dried blood, Aoka? We’ve got the bastard’s stench on Keiji's corpse and Naruko-chan's clothes.” Her lips peeled back in a snarl. “Now sit the fuck down before I decide to take this to the kennels and let my clan handle it the old-fashioned way."
Silence.
Nara Shikaku sighed from his seat. "Troublesome. She's right, you know. That kid's mischievous, but she’s never malicious. This attack has all the hallmarks of those idiots who keep thinking hurting her will fix something."
Hiruzen nodded. "Agreed. Aoka-san, your friend will be arrested and charged with treason."
Aoka paled. "T-treason?!"
"Yes." Hiruzen leaned forward, eyes sharp. "For endangering a village asset, deliberately provoking the Jinchuriki of the Kyuubi, and putting Konoha at risk. Now, but before we adjourn, Tsume-san, you have something to add?"
Tsume's lips curled into a predatory grin. "Damn right I do. As head of the Inuzuka clan, I declare our compound a safe haven for Uzumaki Naruko. If she sets foot on Inuzuka grounds seeking refuge, she'll be protected. And if any dumbass tries to get past my ninken or clansmen to hurt her?" She cracked her knuckles.
"They'll be treated like spies trying to steal clan secrets."
"You can't do that!" Elder Homura snapped. "The council forbade any clan from adopting her!"
"I ain't adopting her, you senile fossil. I'm protecting her. And unless you wanna challenge me to a clan duel, you’ve got no damn say in it!"
"Enough!" Hiruzen barked, rising from his chair. His gaze swept the room. "Let me make myself clear. From this day forward, anyone who attacks Uzumaki Naruko out of malice because of her special status, will be charged with treason. That includes those who assist or conspire to do so. The penalty is death. There will be no exceptions and no leniency. Inform your people."
He held their gazes, one by one, until even Danzo inclined his head slightly.
"The meeting is adjourned."
Hiruzen left the room with Tsume following behind. They had much to discuss—and Naruko's safety was only the beginning.
“Yes!”
“Inuzuka Tsume to see you Hokage-sama.”
“Thank you Midori-san, after you let her in, you may leave for the day.”
The door opened, and Tsume strode in like a storm rolling through the mountains. Midori gave a polite nod. "Thank you, Hokage-sama. See you tomorrow."
The moment the door clicked shut, Tsume dropped into the chair opposite the Hokage, legs spread, shoulders tense, and eyes sharp with barely restrained fury. Her fingers tapped against the armrest, nails leaving faint grooves.
Hiruzen steepled his hands and leaned forward. "I have a feeling there's something you wish to get off your chest."
"You better believe it." Tsume's voice was low, dangerous. "I'm done with this bullshit. The hands-off approach to Naruko stops. Now."
Hiruzen opened his mouth. "Tsume-chan, you know that—"
"Kami help me, Sandaime-sama!" Tsume slammed her hands on the desk, rattling the ink pots. "You and Minato-sama were some of the smartest people I know, but sometimes you brainiacs are fuckin' stupid! YOU don't have to train her, but WE can. I know that Genma and Yuugao would jump at the chance to spend time with Naruko-chan."
The Hokage froze, mind stalling at the obvious solution he'd overlooked for years. Minato's little girl... He rubbed his temples and let out a bitter chuckle. "I really can miss the forest for the trees sometimes, can't I?"
Tsume huffed and relaxed slightly. "Yeah, well, you ain't alone there." Her expression hardened. "But let me ask you somethin'. Do you even know if Naruko can read or write?"
Hiruzen’s breath caught. He sifted through his memories but came up empty. The girl had never been assigned a tutor. Never been given extra help. He'd simply assumed…
The guilt hit him like a kunai to the chest.Tsume’s eyes narrowed. "See? THAT'S what I'm talkin’ about! How's she supposed to survive in this village, let alone thrive, if she can't even write her damn name?"
Hiruzen sighed and leaned back. "Thank you for bringing this to my attention. It seems I've been... harebrained when it comes to Naruko’s safety and well-being." He closed his eyes briefly. "But allowing her sanctuary at your compound... it's a step away from letting her choose her own path. I wanted her to have a normal childhood."
“What childhood, Hokage-sama?”
His eyes opened, mouth half-formed around a protest. "Excuse me?"
"I said," she ground out, "what childhood? That girl’s been beaten within an inch of her life more times than I have. What the hell kind of childhood is that? And lyin’ to her about her parents? You think that's helpin’?" Her knuckles whitened against the wood. "You better start thinkin’ real hard about how you're gonna face Kushina-chan in the Pure Lands if you keep on like this. And don't be surprised if Naruko spits on your grave when you pass. Food for thought."
Hiruzen flinched. That hit deeper than she could know. The idea of facing Kushina haunted him more than his failures as Hokage ever could. And Kushina... she wouldn’t scream or yell. No, she'd just stand there, arms crossed and eyes full of betrayal.He swallowed hard. "Thank you, Tsume-chan... for confronting me about this. I... I've been incredibly remiss."
"Damn right, you have." Tsume slouched back in the chair. "Look, I'm not tryin’ to twist the knife here. I'm just tellin' ya how it is. You don't wanna be the next leader dealin’ with a jinchūriki ready to tear the village apart, do ya?"
Hiruzen grimaced. "No. No, I don't."
"Then teach her. Give her the tools she needs to survive. I think she should know about her Uzumaki heritage, at least. Kushina would've made sure Naruko knew at least that no matter what path she chose."
“Hmm, if what you say is true, it may be difficult for her with her Uzumaki heritage. But, with her being so much like her mother, she’s too stubborn to let that stop her.” The old Hokage tapped his pipe against the ashtray. "You mentioned she was interested in Hana's medical ninjutsu tonight?"
"Yeah. Kid was starin’ like it was magic." Tsume's lips twitched into a faint smile. "Reminded me of how Kushina-chan looked whenever someone brought up seals. If she’s got even a sliver of Hana’s knack for healing, we need to get her started on chakra control exercises. And stealth training too. If she learns to hide better, she can avoid the mobs until we deal with 'em."
“Indeed, but you have given me much to ponder Tsume-chan… why was I so negligent? Something isn’t adding up. Also, Danzo has been trying to bring Naruko-chan into his fold since she was born. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you, his actions in the meeting were rather odd.”
“That man is playing with fire if that is his way of tryin’ to get to her.”
“I agree, but he is doing it in such a way that things can’t be traced back on him. He could be responsible for tonight’s events but I doubt he left any loose ends. If you are certain of what you plan on doing with Naruko-chan, you are going to have to watch for things that can be used to bring you down politically. Your veterinary clinic chief among them. I also think he hasn’t dismantled his ROOT organization like he was ordered to, so keep that in mind.”
“Gotcha Hokage-sama. If it’s ok I’m gonna go see how Naruko-chan is doing. I won’t tell her anything about her parents, but you need to give her something . Sometimes kids can surprise you with how mature they can be and unfortunately Naruko-chan had to grow up fast.”
“I don’t see a problem with that, but wait to tell her about the new law concerning those attacking her. I will tell her that myself when she is ok to leave the hospital. It will also give me some time to consider how much I tell her, get any material ready for her and make arrangements.”
Tsume nodded at this, “Sure thing, just don’t take too long.” Tsume grinned and left the office.
Hiruzen was left exhausted. He grabbed his trusty pipe, stuffed some tobacco into it, lit it and started puffing away. “What a day?” he said in exasperation. Tsume was right to call him out. What the hell had he been doing all this time with Naruko? Could she read? Why hadn’t he gotten someone to make sure she could do some of the most basic of things? Was it negligence? Indifference? Or something more sinister? Danzo’s actions had stuck with him, and how he had always been trying to get her in his clutches. Maybe he should go ahead and get things rolling before Danzo tries something. Danzo is definitely playing with fire if this is the way he is aiming for his goal.
‘ A child that is not embraced by the village, will burn it down to feel its warmth. ’
That is certainly true when it comes to the jinchuriki in the Suna village that Jiraiya's recent intel report had informed him about.
Teaching Naruko the ways of the Ninja would certainly make it easier to keep her safe. Also if she does decide to become a medic, the sooner we start her on chakra control exercises the better. If she really does take after Kushina, she’s definitely gonna need the help. Even just the Henge alone would be a massive boon for her... if she is taught how to use in such a manner. Although... teaching it to someone that was as mischievous as her was like giving a kid a poison senbon launcher.
“So much to consider-- so little time to do so.”
The scent of antiseptic hung thick in the hospital’s air as Tsume strode toward the front reception desk, Hana walking beside her and Kuromaru padding along at her other side. The fluorescent lighting cast a sterile glow over everything, from the polished floors to the sharp, alert eyes of the woman behind the desk.
Tsume leaned against the counter. “We’re here to see Uzumaki Naruko. What room’s she in?”
The receptionist’s eyes narrowed as she looked at them, her lips pressing into a thin line. “Why?” she asked, voice guarded. “We've had a lot of… unwanted visitors trying to get to her.”
Tsume’s brows rose, but she couldn’t help the grin that tugged at her lips. She turned toward Hana. “Hear that? Got a good one here.”
Hana smiled in agreement. “Yeah, Chie-chan’s always been great when it comes to her patients—especially Naruko-chan.”
The receptionist, Chie, flushed and ducked her head. “I just… she’s just a kid, you know? She’s been through enough already.”
“And she’ll remember who had her back.” Tsume gave her an approving nod. “We came to check in on her—and share some good news. Mind letting us through?”
Chie hesitated, then gave a small, determined nod. “Room 308.”
“Thanks. We’ll put in a good word for ya.”
“You don’t have to—”
“Yeah, we do. Kid needs more people like you around her.” Tsume smirked, turned on her heel, and led Hana and Kuromaru toward the stairs.
The hospital was quiet this late at night, save for the occasional squeak of shoes or the low murmur of distant conversations. As they neared Naruko’s room, Tsume caught the familiar scent of dog and metal—Kakashi. She rapped her knuckles against the door.
“Inuzuka Tsume and Hana. Here to visit the pup.”
The door opened a crack, revealing an ANBU mask shaped like a dog. “She’s asleep,” Kakashi said softly. “But you can come in and wait.”
They slipped into the room. Naruko lay curled on the bed, blankets bunched around her tiny frame. Her breathing was even, but Tsume didn’t miss the faint scent of dried tears. Hana quietly took the seat closest to the bed while Tsume leaned against the wall, arms crossed.
“How’s she doin’?” Tsume asked Kakashi.
“She’s healing.” Kakashi’s eye flicked to the sleeping girl. “Physically, at least. But she’s… downcast. She lost her best friend today.”
Tsume gave a low hum of understanding. “That pup woulda made a hell of a ninken.”
Silence settled in again. Time passed in comfortable quiet until a knock sounded on the door.
“Nurse Ichika to check on vitals,” came a soft voice.
“Come in,” Kakashi answered, stepping aside.
“Naruko-chan, time to wake up. Nurse’s here.”
Naruko stirred, blinking groggily. Her gaze landed on Tsume and Hana, widening with recognition. “You guys!”
“Hey there, pup.” Tsume grinned. “Nurse first. We’ve got somethin’ for you after.”
Naruko nodded and let Nurse Ichika get to work. The nurse checked her pulse, peeked under the bandages, and made notes on her chart. “You're healing like always, Naruko-chan. The ribs should be good by tomorrow afternoon.”
“That fast?” Hana asked. “Those types of injuries usually take weeks to heal that.”
“Huh? This isn’t normal? I thought everyone healed like that.”
“It does for most people.” Ichika smiled faintly. “Not this one.”
Naruko frowned. “I thought everyone healed like this.”
“’Fraid not, pup,” Tsume said. “If I cracked a rib, I’d be on light duty for a while. You’re somethin’ special.”
Naruko didn’t quite know what to do with that, so she shifted awkwardly under the covers. Ichika gave her a reassuring pat before heading for the door. “I’ll check in again later. Rest up.”
“Thanks, Ichika-san,” Naruko mumbled.
“It’s my pleasure,” said Nurse Ichika, she bowed in goodbye and left the room.
Once the door clicked shut, Tsume leaned forward. “So, here’s the deal, kid. There was a council meeting tonight.”
Naruko wrinkled her nose. “Sounds boring.”
“It was. But it got interesting when the idiots who attacked you tried to claim you attacked them.”
“WHAT?!” Naruko shot up, then winced as her ribs protested. “Damn jerks!”
Tsume’s grin returned. “Yeah. Don’t worry, the Hokage wasn’t buyin’ it. He’s got somethin’ to tell ya later. But we’ve got good news too. We declared the Inuzuka compound a safe haven for you.”
Naruko tilted her head. “Safe haven?”
“Means you’ve got a place with us. If you need food, a hot shower, or just a break from all the crap people throw your way, you come to us. No questions asked. You can even stay with us if you want to.”
Naruko's eyes went wide. “You mean it?”
“Yeah, pup, I mean it.”
“You're not trying to pull a prank on me are you? I’ve had people try to get me into places with food and attack me, dattebayo.”
“No pup, knowing who you really are, I would never do that. You’ll learn it one day too, when you’re old enough.”
“Tsume-san, tha-” said “Inu”.
“Shut up Inu! I’m surprised you of all people are not more angry about that little fact than I am.” said Tsume. Inu(Kakashi) looked like he was going to say something a few times but he just couldn’t. She was right.
Hana gave her a lopsided grin. “You were super interested in what I was doing earlier. Were you thinkin’ of learning it?”
“Yeah,” Naruko whispered. “It was so cool when you helped my friend. I wanna do that too.”
“Well, medical ninjutsu takes a lot of work.” Hana crossed her arms and pretended to scowl. “It means studyin’ boring books, learnin’ anatomy, and practicing a ton.”
Naruko deflated a little. “Even if I just wanna help animals?”
“Yep,” Tsume confirmed. “But if you’re up for the challenge, we’ll teach ya.”
“Even if…. I can’t… read?”
“Absolutely, pup.”
Tears spilled from Naruko’s eyes as she scrambled out of bed and launched herself into Tsume’s arms. “I’ll work hard! Promise!”
Tsume wrapped her arms around the little girl, stroking her hair. “We know ya will, pup. We know.”
“Let’s hope the Hokage at least teaches her, her heritage. Maybe, she’ll be able to protect herself if he does.”
Naruko’s sobs slowed until she drifted off again, exhausted from the emotional rollercoaster. Tsume tucked her back in, then turned to Kakashi.
“Maa, Maa, you’re not trying to put me out of a job are you, Tsume-san?” said Kakashi.
“Nah, just trying to make it a little easier. Kushina would have been teaching her about it by now if she was still here. Whether she wanted to be a shinobi or not.”
“Yeah. Can’t argue with you there.” said Kakashi
“Well we can only hope for the best. Cya round.” said Tsume Kakashi gave his signature two-fingered wave, and Tsume and Hana left the hospital.
They didn’t know what the future held for little Naruko but it was starting to look brighter and brighter by the moment. Clouds that had finally cleared after a stormy season of life that she had been leading up until this point, threatening to drown her if she had stopped fighting. But now, she had somewhere to get out of the rain.
A place to stay safe, warm and recharge until she was ready to go back out and take on the world.