Upon hearing Tobirama's words, Namikaze Minato was momentarily confused. Even Hashirama on the side scratched his head in doubt. They couldn't understand why Minato's affairs were still being discussed.
Observing their expressions, Second Hokage Tobirama let out a helpless sigh. The situation was quite disheartening. Then his gaze fell upon Ryan.
"Group leader, please explain it to the two of them."
According to Second Hokage Tobirama, Ryan was the one he admired the most among the current Hokage in the group. Ryan's intelligence and skills made him shine brightly.
Ryan, who had been observing the play, nodded in agreement upon hearing Tobirama's request. Under the puzzled gazes of Hashirama and Minato, he began speaking.
"Minato, have you ever wondered why you've been targeted repeatedly?"
Upon hearing Ryan's words, Minato pondered for a moment and then shook his head. As someone who lacked authority, he believed he had no say in the matter.
"The truth is, you lack rights," Ryan explained. "Your attempts to establish contact with the Uchiha clan and Mikoto even foster friendships with their Hokage's wife, who happens to be the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki, have made you a target."
"As a strategic asset of the village, how could the Third Hokage and Danzo tolerate the Uchiha clan's involvement with the Nine-Tails?"
Furthermore, Ryan pointed out that Minato's lack of authority as Hokage was a critical factor in his predicament.
Upon realizing the implications, Minato's expression changed instantly. Ryan's words had struck a chord, and he finally understood.
"Do you understand now?" Ryan asked.
Minato's face displayed anger and frustration. "But isn't the Uchiha clan a part of the village?"
While Minato innocently expressed his thoughts, Ryan didn't deny that the Uchiha clan should indeed be treated as a part of the village.
"However, in your world, the Third Hokage is in power," Ryan clarified. "The Third Hokage and Danzo, being old men, intend to eradicate the Uchiha clan. And you, naively wanting to change the Uchiha clan, have become an obstacle to their plans."
"If Uchiha supports you then the entire Uchiha Police force will also support you. With Jinchukri as a wife and Sannin like Jiraya as a teacher. And lastly, you are a civilian orphan who has risen to the seat of Hokage your authority will be above the likes of the Elder group within Konoha."
Ryan didn't need to elaborate any further. At that moment, Minato understood that everything had happened because he had attempted to alter the Uchiha clan's status quo.
"Now do you think you can change the status quo of the Uchiha clan? And will the likes of Hiruzen and Danzo will let it happen." Ryan asked.
Minato fell silent. He realized that his previous self had been too naive. Regret was etched on his face.
Observing Minato's expression, Ryan nodded in satisfaction. The fact that Minato had recognized his mistake meant that there was still hope for him.
"Remember, Minato," Ryan said firmly. "After this meeting is over, go back and deal with the Third Hokage and Danzo as soon as possible. Claim your rights. Having a sword without using it is completely different from having no sword at all!"
Ryan's words struck a chord not only with Minato but also with the First Hokage, Second Hokage, and Tsunade. The statement resonated deeply within them, hitting their souls directly.
The Second Hokage stared at Ryan with fiery eyes, as if he had found a kindred spirit.
"I see!" he exclaimed. At that moment, Namikaze Minato felt as though a whole new world had opened up to him. Numerous plans flooded his mind, and he eagerly awaited the end of the chat group meeting to set them in motion.
"Fourth Hokage Namikaze Minato World"
The display of national power was complete.
[National strength evaluation: 333 points]
With the unveiling of Minato's world rating on the light curtain, everyone was astonished. Although Minato was merely a puppet Hokage, being rated at 333 points was already remarkable.
With Minato's world rating revealed, the national power of the five worlds had been fully showcased. Everyone's eyes were fixed on the light curtain, filled with anticipation for the rewards that awaited them.
The Top 5 Hokage World Ranking concluded.
[Highest national strength evaluation: 562 points]
[Prize pool level: first-level world prize pool]
The rewards are being calculated. Everyone's hearts raced with excitement. Several individuals were particularly eager to see the rewards this time, and among them, Ryan, who had claimed first place.
"I wonder what awaits us in the first-level world prize pool," Ryan pondered. "I hope it's something that can further strengthen me."
He yearned for rewards that would enhance his strength. Otherwise, as the later stages of his Hokage journey approached, he feared his peak Kage-level strength would be insufficient.
Soon, the words on the light curtain changed again, capturing Ryan's and others' attention.
[Reward settlement completed!]
First Place: Fourth Hokage Ryan World
[Optional rewards: choose three out of five]
.....
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