Konoha: We, the Uchiha, are ready to give up!

There's no need to take Danzo's last words to heart.

"Lin is my disciple, so I can naturally protect her as my teacher."

"Don't put too much pressure on yourself, just leave everything to the teacher."

"Kushina, I'll have to trouble you again."

"Keep an eye on the children. With such a major event happening here, the Anbu and the Hokage are probably on their way."

"Leave these matters to me; you and the children should not show your faces."

Yes.

Such a major event occurred in the village that even the Jinchūriki (human jinchūriki) sprouted six tails.

It would be strange if Hiruzen Sarutobi, as the Hokage, could still sit still.

There's no need to even think about it.

This place is definitely under surveillance by the Anbu now, but they haven't shown themselves yet because Hiruzen Sarutobi hasn't arrived.

"Okay, I understand." Kushina said wearily, "Minato, watch out!"

Obviously.

Even though she is a member of the Uzumaki clan, the Nine-Tails is not easy to control.

Having unleashed six tails, she was exhausted, though not injured.

There's nothing we can do about it!

Not everyone is Naruto Uzumaki. Even Kushina, as his mother, doesn't possess her son's talk-no-jutsu!

As soon as Kushina uses her primary chakra, Kurama (the Nine-Tails) will naturally try to cause trouble for her.

Once you break down, it will be free.

"Okay, I will!"

Minato Namikaze nodded.

Looking at the exhausted Kushina, Minato spoke gently.

Subsequently.

Without saying a word, Kushina immediately took the three children and headed back to her home.

Kakashi and the other two kids are now very obedient.

This includes Obito!

Kushina understood him just now and didn't stop him; instead, she risked her life to save Rin.

He saw all of this.

That's why.

He truly regarded Kushina as his most important elder.

Yes.

Obito's thoughts were that simple.

Whoever saves Lin is one of us!

……

Konoha, commercial street.

late at night!

The full moon hangs high in the sky, casting a brilliant, cold light.

Minato Namikaze sat crouched on the ruins, playing with the Flying Thunder God kunai in his hand, waiting for Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Hokage, to arrive.

Time slowly passed.

Minato Namikaze didn't have to wait long. In just over ten minutes, Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in his combat suit, walked over surrounded by members of the Anbu.

Looking at the ruins before him, his heart sank.

It's numb and tingling.

Is this just deliberately making things difficult for oneself?

Recall.

How many things have happened from yesterday to today?

I had just dealt with the Uchiha's mess, and before I could even rest, this huge mess had gotten into the shopping district.

No matter how much reputation one has, it can't withstand such a tarnishing!

Not to mention that, due to many things, Hiruzen Sarutobi's reputation was already bad enough.

this moment.

He was truly determined to end this battle as soon as possible, and then step down to support Minato's rise to power.

otherwise.

If this continues, his reputation will truly be ruined.

"Hokage-sama!" Minato stepped forward and said respectfully, "This matter..."

He was about to speak and explain.

after all.

For now, Hiruzen Sarutobi is still nominally the Hokage.

Given the magnitude of this incident, he, as the person involved, must provide an explanation.

But before he could speak...

He was immediately stopped by Hiruzen Sarutobi, who then spoke in a very serious tone.

"Watergate, no explanation needed."

"The Anbu already told me this on the way here."

"I don't want you to have any resentment towards me, so I'm telling you this now in a serious manner."

"I was completely unaware of Danzo's actions."

"Regarding the matter of Nohara Rin, I still prefer to make an exchange with Kirigakure."

"After all, the life and death of a ninja is of no importance compared to the life and death of the entire village, but since you have chosen to protect Nohara Rin, I will choose to postpone this matter."

"Once the war is truly over and Kirigakure comes knocking, we can hold a Jonin meeting and discuss it together."

"I never intended to resort to underhanded tactics or such despicable methods!"

"I'll handle Danzo's situation."

"I'm here for two things: to clean up this mess and to give the villagers the compensation they deserve."

"And then, I just wanted to let you know."

I don't want any misunderstandings between us!

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke solemnly.

Yes.

If it were anyone else, then as the Hokage, he naturally wouldn't need to explain to anyone.

But Minato Namikaze was different!

Although some misunderstandings had arisen between the two because of Rin Nohara's affair.

But, same thing.

Minato Namikaze was his only choice!

Apart from Minato Namikaze, no one else was qualified to compete with Orochimaru for the Fourth Hokage position.

Orochimaru, he would never choose that.

This guy is too strong. If Orochimaru were to take over, he would truly have no choice but to retire, and he wouldn't be able to touch even the slightest bit of power in the village.

and so.

Although he was prepared to treat this future Fourth Hokage as a puppet, he was unwilling to openly oppose Minato Namikaze.

Otherwise, in the future.

If things escalate to the point of no return, Minato Namikaze will only interfere with what I want to do.

By the time.

How can he remain hidden behind the scenes?

What's the difference between that and standing on the stage?

So, there's no other way!