Minato spoke quietly.
Now that he understood Hiruzen Sarutobi's bottom line, he also knew exactly how to phrase his words.
So the Third wanted him to be Hokage?
Didn't want enmity between them?
Well then—why not push a little further?
At first, Minato had only intended to smooth things over tonight.
After all, Kushina had gone berserk, destroyed many villagers' homes, and even killed a number of Root operatives.
That crime was no small matter.
If Hiruzen pressed it, Minato would have no defense.
But now?
Hiruzen hadn't even brought it up.
As if a few destroyed houses, as if the lives of Root shinobi—were nothing at all.
In that instant, Minato realized how much deeper the darkness of the higher-ups ran than he had imagined.
The lives of Danzo's men were nothing more than numbers on a ledger.
A bitter smile tugged at his lips.
But he also knew—he lacked the power to change this.
So if Hiruzen didn't care, Minato wouldn't mention it either.
Kushina's rampage would be swept under the rug.
And since that was the case—
Why not take the chance to heap more dirt on Danzo, and force Hiruzen to sweat a little?
As for truly punishing Danzo?
No. Minato already saw through the game.
He knew how crucial Danzo was to Hiruzen.
At most, Danzo might be rebuked, his pride wounded.
Real consequences? Unthinkable.
After all—
If Danzo were truly removed, who would do Hiruzen's dirty work in the shadows?
And indeed—Hiruzen's head immediately began to ache.
How should he deal with Danzo?
If he let it go, he would lose face with Minato.
After all, tonight Minato's student had nearly been kidnapped, his wife had lost control and sprouted six tails.
If Danzo walked away unscathed, resentment was inevitable.
But to punish him seriously?
If he stripped Danzo entirely, who would handle the filth no one else dared touch?
Hiruzen's heart seethed with fury.
Just last night he'd warned Danzo—nearly shoved a staff through his chest!
And yet the fool still hadn't learned.
After a long silence, he drew in a deep breath, then said coldly:
"Strip him of his position as elder.
Remove him as head of Root.
But… Considering his service to Konoha, he will retain his Jounin rank.
Minato, do you find this acceptable?"
Yes—after careful thought, Hiruzen had decided to make Danzo taste discipline.
Otherwise, he truly would grow lawless.
And truth be told—Hiruzen had been irritated with him anyway.
This was the perfect chance to knock him down a peg, reminding him who the Hokage truly was.
And at the same time, soothe Minato.
Two birds with one stone.
Besides—if Hiruzen ever needed Danzo again, reinstating him would be child's play.
With that reassurance, the Third allowed himself a satisfied smile.
But Minato froze.
Good heavens!
He had only spoken casually.
And yet Hiruzen had outright announced the removal of an elder.
At such a critical moment, shouldn't this go to a Jounin council vote?
Yet Hiruzen spoke as if the matter were already settled, without the slightest concern for procedure.
Damn it.
So this was the true power of the Third Hokage?
Terrifying!
The Jounin council had been created to restrain the Hokage.
But clearly, it couldn't restrain him at all.
On the contrary—it obeyed him.
Then what was the council even for?
Minato's heart sank further into gloom.
He looked at the kindly old man before him—the man he had once idolized.
And now… he could only laugh bitterly.
So this was his hero?
No wonder Jiraiya-sensei, and even Tsunade, had both chosen to leave the village and wander.
They must have seen the same rot.
Unable to change it, they had simply chosen not to look.
Thinking of this, Minato's chest filled with weary resignation.
But outwardly—he kept his composure.
He even forced a cheerful tone.
"Lord Hokage is wise!
Elder Danzo's reckless behavior truly does deserve discipline.
I'm satisfied."
Though his heart was chilled, his face betrayed nothing.
Kushina and Rin were safe—that was enough for tonight.
The rest… he would plan slowly.
"Good. I'm glad you're satisfied." Hiruzen chuckled.
"Danzo was too presumptuous. He needed to be taught a lesson.
At least no civilians died tonight—that's a blessing amid the misfortune.
Each household will be compensated one or two million.
Tomorrow, the village will help rebuild the homes.
Oh, Minato—
I heard from the Anbu that Obito has awakened Mangekyo?"
At last, with matters settled, Hiruzen's mood began to lift.
He had never cared for civilians; that matter he dismissed with a wave.
What truly worried him was this.
On the way here, he'd nearly been shaken.
What was with the Uchiha lately?
Since Madara's departure and Kagami's death, not a single Mangekyo had appeared for years.
And now—suddenly, they sprouted like bamboo shoots after rain.
Uchiha Kai had already had a headache.
Then Shisui appeared yesterday.
And tonight—Obito.
His heart was in turmoil.
Thank heavens Shisui carried the Will of Fire, and Obito was Minato's disciple—aligned with the Hokage's faction.
If all three Mangekyo bearers sought to revive the Uchiha…
it would be a nightmare.
But even so, he could not feel at ease.
"Oh, Obito," Minato narrowed his eyes slightly.
"I don't know the details myself—he never told me.
When we return, I'll ask him carefully.
But rest assured, Lord Hokage.
I know Obito's heart well. He is a kind soul.
You don't need to worry."
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