Obito looked a little embarrassed.
When it came to Rin, he just couldn't act naturally.
Especially when she thanked him so earnestly—he suddenly felt clumsy, not knowing where to put his hands.
As for Danzo? He was already forgotten.
If Rin said "don't be reckless," then reckless he would not be.
"Alright, everyone," Minato said with a gentle smile.
"The danger has passed. Let's head home.
As for Danzo, leave that matter to me.
And don't let his last words trouble you.
Rin is my student. As her Sensei, I'll protect her.
You don't need to carry this burden yourselves—leave everything to me.
Kushina, I'll trouble you.
Take the children home. This incident was too big—especially with the Nine-Tails' cloak erupting to six tails.
The Anbu—and the Hokage himself—must already be on their way here.
Let me handle this. None of you should show yourselves again."
Yes—an incident of this scale in the middle of the village? With the jinchuriki losing control?
If Hiruzen Sarutobi could still sit calmly in his office, then pigs could fly.
No doubt, the Anbu were already observing, only waiting for Hiruzen's arrival before appearing openly.
"Alright, I understand," Kushina answered tiredly.
"Minato—be careful."
Even with her Uzumaki bloodline, controlling the Nine-Tails was never easy.
Unleashing six tails at once left her utterly drained.
What could she do?
She wasn't Naruto, blessed with bottomless optimism and miraculous "Talk-no-Jutsu."
Whenever she drew on Kurama's chakra, the fox immediately sought to exploit it, eager for her to slip and lose control.
"I will." Minato nodded softly.
Looking at her weary face, his expression grew tender.
Without further words, Kushina gathered the three children and led them away.
The three of them—Kakashi, Rin, and Obito—were utterly obedient now.
Even Obito.
She had understood him, hadn't tried to stop him, and had even fought desperately for Rin.
He had seen it all.
And because of that—
He now saw Kushina as his most important elder.
That was Obito.
His heart was simple.
Whoever protected Rin—was family.
Konoha – Commercial Street.
Late at night.
The full moon hung overhead, casting down silver light.
Minato crouched amidst the rubble, turning a Flying Thunder God kunai in his hand, waiting for the Hokage to arrive.
Time trickled by.
It wasn't long—barely ten minutes—before Hiruzen Sarutobi appeared, clad in combat gear, Anbu clustered at his sides.
When his eyes swept across the wreckage, his heart plummeted.
Damn it.
Was the world conspiring against him?
Think about it—
How many disasters had struck from yesterday to today alone?
First the Uchiha mess, which he had just finished handling.
Now, before he even had time to rest, the commercial district was in ruins.
No matter how good a reputation he once had, it couldn't survive being trampled like this.
And his reputation was already in tatters.
At that moment, he swore to himself: he would wrap this war up quickly, abdicate, and push Minato into the Hokage's chair.
If this continued, his name would be mud.
"Lord Hokage," Minato rose respectfully.
"About what happened here…"
He was ready to explain.
After all—Hiruzen was still the Hokage in name.
Something this grave had occurred. As a direct participant, Minato had to give an account.
But before he could speak, Hiruzen cut him off with a raised hand.
His expression was grave.
"Minato, no need to explain.
On my way here, the Anbu already told me everything.
I don't want any misunderstanding between us, so let me state this clearly.
I knew nothing of Danzo's actions.
Yes—when it comes to Rin, I still lean toward exchanging her with Hidden Blood Mist Village.
Compared to the village, the life of one ninja is insignificant.
But since you've chosen to protect her, I will delay the matter.
When the war ends, and Hidden Blood Mist Village makes its demands, we'll call a Jounin council and decide together.
But I have never intended to use such vile tricks.
Danzo will be dealt with.
I came here tonight for two things:
to handle the aftermath, ensuring the villagers are compensated,
and to tell you this personally—
I do not want any rift between us."
Hiruzen's voice was solemn.
Yes—had it been anyone else, the Hokage would never bother explaining.
But Minato was different.
Yes, Rin's case had already sown discord between them.
But Minato was also Hiruzen's only viable choice.
Aside from Minato, no one had the qualifications to rival Orochimaru for the seat of Fourth Hokage.
And Orochimaru? He was unthinkable.
Too strong.
Too dangerous.
If Orochimaru became Hokage, Hiruzen could no longer meddle behind the scenes. He'd be forced into true retirement, stripped of influence.
So Minato was the only option.
And since Hiruzen intended to mold him into a puppet, he couldn't afford open hostility.
If they tore their faces now, Minato would become an obstacle instead of a proxy.
And then Hiruzen would lose everything.
So he swallowed his pride.
For the sake of long-term power, he bent his head.
Minato, no longer naïve, only froze for a moment before piecing together the truth.
He sighed inwardly.
Kai had been right—Hiruzen already saw him as the Fourth Hokage.
Otherwise, why would a sitting Hokage personally explain away such a small matter to an ordinary Jounin?
But damn it…
Even knowing this, even realizing his childhood dream was within reach—
Minato couldn't feel joy.
Because the Hokage's seat he was being offered… was not the Hokage he had dreamed of.
Drawing a steady breath, he looked Hiruzen straight in the eye.
And said, slowly:
"Lord Hokage, I believe you.
But Elder Danzo's actions went far too far.
To strike at an innocent comrade within our own village—
that is unacceptable.
He must be punished, so he understands that even an elder must abide by the village's rules.
Otherwise… the consequences will be unthinkable."
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