Minato was deeply shocked. Many things are like this; even when you anticipate them, the occurrence still stirs emotions. He had considered that the Third Hokage might be a hypocritical person, but the Third Hokage he saw was still that brilliantly warm individual.
Deep down, he wasn't particularly convinced that the Third Hokage was such a person, even though he felt the Third Hokage had shown various faces as he neared the position of Hokage. But without solid evidence, his heart was reluctant to believe it.
Even if it was self-deception, he hoped the Third Hokage remained the figure he respected, representing not just the man but what the Hokage stood for.
Like other ordinary ninjas who grew up in the village, Minato had seen the Hokage as his idol and goal from a young age. He hoped to one day become the village's Hokage himself to illuminate the path forward with his life.
To a certain extent, the Third Hokage was a role model for many in the village, symbolising spiritual significance. Anyone else having issues might be acceptable, but if the Third Hokage had problems, it would signify the collapse of the Will of Fire.
Minato couldn't accept this!
It felt like a stain was being smeared on the image he had admired since childhood, and the beauty he yearned for in his heart was deteriorating.
This caused an indescribable blockage in his heart, not the kind of good mood one might expect after uncovering a secret. His expression turned complex. He hoped this wasn't happening to the Third Hokage and that the one scheming against him wasn't the Third Hokage.
"Is what you're saying true?"
Minato couldn't help but ask again, needing to emphasise this not because he didn't trust Juzo but because he wanted to confirm again, representing his heart's allegiance to the dream of being Hokage.
As he spoke, Minato's azure eyes were fixed on Juzo's face, seeking any tiny expression that might indicate lying. He didn't want his misjudgment to allow others to influence the Konoha internally.
He was extremely cautious about handling the Third Hokage's matter, as it involved the Hokage himself. If the Third Hokage were found to have issues, it would mean Konoha itself had problems.
"Sigh..."
Kushina sighed slowly. She had deactivated her Nine-Tails Chakra Mode, as there was no longer any need for battle, and maintaining it would only add to her fatigue. After all, no one understood better than her what they were about to face; a large group of Konoha ninja was on their way, and she needed to be in her best condition.
She had not only refrained from mentioning the matter about the Konoha ninja she had just sensed, but she also hadn't discussed it with Minato. Such tentative information, she dared not speak lightly, knowing that if she were wrong, it would implicate major issues for Konoha.
Moreover, she understood that Minato had deep feelings for Konoha, unlike her, who joined later. Although she loved the village, she wasn't born and raised there.
Now, realising the extent of the situation, Kushina knew those people were coming for them, as she could feel it when both sides crossed paths.
Everything was within her perceptual range.
Yet, she hadn't told Minato because it would be too cruel for him, who would face a desecration and shattering of his love for Konoha.
"I'm telling the truth."
Juzo stated coldly, his impatience evident as he repeated these words, like continuously stabbing his own heart with a knife.
As a ninja, betraying the client was against basic principles, which he had violated.
Juzo was reluctant to discuss these matters now.
But he had no choice; he had reached a consensus with Minato for the sake of Kirigakure.
"I have no reason to lie to you."
"If I didn't intend to tell the truth, I wouldn't have stayed here."
"Everything I do is for Kirigakure."
"You will become Hokage in the future."
"If I were to deceive you about such matters now, wouldn't that make Kirigakure and Konohagakure enemies?"
"Our village cannot afford more enemies!"
Juzo explained relentlessly, as if swallowing his teeth, knowing the bitterness only he could understand. Since he had embarked on this path, he had to make himself clear, or it would be better not to have acted at all.
Now, he needed to ensure Minato had no doubts before he could leave.
Otherwise, if Minato later recalled this incident and thought it might have been fabricated, it would be very disadvantageous for Kirigakure.
Juzo now only thought of Kirigakure!
As a ninja of Kirigakure, he wouldn't let the village face problems. Even if he couldn't resolve the issues himself, he wouldn't let them fall on him.
He was one of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist, and his existence was meant to protect Kirigakure; no matter how unbearable it might be internally, this was his duty!
"I have a question."
However, at this moment, Kushina, who had been silent since Minato's arrival, handing over control to him, suddenly spoke up.
Swish! Swish!
Almost instantly, Kushina drew the attention of both Minato and Juzo.
"Since you just said that Kirigakure can no longer afford more enemies, why did you come to attack Minato? Isn't that making an enemy of Konoha?" Kushina asked seriously.
She posed this question mainly because she felt Minato would care and wanted to help him clarify the situation.
Whether true or false.
A definitive result was ultimately a form of relief for Minato.
And it would let him know how to respond and face what was coming.
"We didn't originally plan to come..."
Juzo recalled the scene, regretting it a bit. If it hadn't been for Satsuma Rentaro's overly tempting words and their ignorance of Minato's actual strength, this battle would have been too rash—so rash it ended before it began.
"I was on the front lines fighting Kumogakure with no intention of getting involved with your village's affairs, but we received a cooperation signal from Shimura Danzo. He proposed a deal: if we successfully assassinated you before you returned to Konoha, then we would receive Konoha's aid. Konoha would help us against Kumogakure, so we entertained the idea."
Juzo laid out the events of what had happened, his eyes flickering with memories. If he had known then that Minato could use space-time jutsu, he would never have gotten involved.
For a moment.
He silently blamed Satsuma Rentaro for not gathering clear enough intelligence before making decisions for them.
After all, Satsuma Rentaro's encouragement played a decisive role in their coming here, which was now the main reason for their very awkward situation.
"Danzo..."
Minato became much quieter after hearing about the Third Hokage, his demeanour becoming more reserved as the sunny life he aspired to was tainted by this sudden darkness.
"This isn't what a Hokage should be like, nor is it what the Anbu should be like. I trained hard for months, risking my life in the Third Ninja World War, and they didn't want me to live to return. How ironic!"
Minato's lips curled into a bitter smile, his inner turmoil profound, visibly affected.
Of course, he wasn't a Uchiha and wouldn't develop a nihilistic attitude due to these changes; it was just momentarily hard to accept.
No matter what, the Third Hokage had not dampened his passion for the Hokage title. He was still the person willing to give everything to Konoha.
He still wanted to become the Hokage, the strongest one at that. His heart hadn't changed, nor had his goals. Knowing the Third Hokage's dark history only strengthened his resolve to be honourable.
When he aspired to be Hokage, some small scheming thoughts in his heart could make his path smoother, but he never intended to harm anyone, not his competitors nor the current Third Hokage.
However, the conspiracy of the Third Hokage and Danzo, aiming to prevent his return to Konoha, had planted a sharp thorn in his heart that was hard to dissipate.
"I understand."
Minato nodded, even though his heart resisted acknowledging it, but when Juzo spoke so candidly, he had to face the truth.
"You can go back."
"I've heard everything you've said."
"I understand what's going on."
"But of course..."
"I can't just take your word for it."
"I will thoroughly investigate this matter."
"If what you say is correct, then I won't take any action against Kirigakure, and today's events will be as if they never happened."
"But if I find out you're intentionally stirring up internal strife within Konoha, then I won't let you go. You understand my determination!"
Minato spoke firmly, his mood heavy. He understood why he felt this way and was clearer about Juzo's words' accuracy, but he just didn't want to accept or believe it. He would rather hold on a bit longer, only partially confronting the Third Hokage until necessary, still regarding him as the revered figure he had always seen.
"No!"
Juzo shook his head immediately upon hearing Minato's words, not satisfied with the response.
"You must believe me, then I can leave!"
"I'm not someone who fears death!"
"Even if you kill me now, my answer remains the same!"
"But I cannot allow you to leave with doubts about Kirigakure!"
"That would be disrespectful to our village!"
Juzo's expression turned grim. Having spoken so openly, he was determined to clarify everything completely.
It was unthinkable that he had betrayed his ninja beliefs and exposed his client, disclosed the mission's details, yet still faced disbelief and potential trouble for Kirigakure.
"We must clarify everything today, or I won't leave. I'll return to Konoha with you to confront Danzo!"
Juzo was resolute; having already betrayed Danzo, he was not afraid to confront him directly if it could benefit Kirigakure. Even if he couldn't return today, it made no difference.
Above in the trees.
Aoba, hearing Juzo's words, smiled even more brightly.
Very well done! The more resolute Juzo appeared the more likely Minato believed him. Of course, Juzo was not acting; he had truly experienced these events, so he spoke confidently because he was not lying.
And even if it came to a confrontation with Danzo, he wasn't afraid because he had been playing Danzo's role for a while now. If it came to that, it would be very beneficial for him.
In fact...
Aoba felt it was no longer necessary to go that far because he sensed the presence of many people; the Root ninja he had ordered was already here.
Swish, swish, swish...
Suddenly, the sound of cutting air arose as masked Root ninjas appeared not far behind Minato, each set of eyes peering through mask holes, staring at the exhausted Minato.
Buzz, buzz, buzz...
The atmosphere teemed with murderous intent. Every ninja seemed poised, looking at Minato as prey, each person there a hunter.
"Hmm?!"
By looking at them, Minato also became aware of the Root ninja's presence. He couldn't distinguish anyone at a glance because they all wore masks and nearly identical clothing, and their movements and emitted aura were incredibly similar.
Root Ninja!
These were the Root Ninja!
Minato knew of the Root Ninja's existence, and from their aura, he could feel that their target was him, not Juzo in front of him.
"What are you doing here?"
Minato asked solemnly, his heart already guessing the answer, but he still chose to ask, needing a real response.
However.
The Root ninja on the scene didn't provide him that answer.
Instead, they drew out kunai, the blades glinting coldly, and aimed them at him, instantly hurling a barrage of kunai his way.
Through their actions, these Root ninja gave Minato their answer!