Minato flew back into the conference room.
Danzo and the others were still arguing, discussing how to push the blame onto Minato and how to seize more of his authority.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, feeling a mixture of emotions, had his eyes closed in meditation, unwilling to waste his energy arguing with Danzo.
Seeing Minato return, Sarutobi opened his eyes and asked:
"Minato, what happened?"
Minato frowned deliberately. "Kushina's condition is very bad."
"What exactly is going on?"
"You all know that when a tailed beast is extracted from its Jinchūriki, the Jinchūriki dies immediately. Kushina, having the strong vitality of the Uzumaki clan, has been able to hold on a little longer.
"However, even though the Nine Tails was resealed, the vitality she lost cannot be restored."
"Wouldn't that be dangerous?" Sarutobi was alarmed, fearing the Nine Tails might riot again.
The other three advisors exchanged worried looks.
"What about the seal of the Nine Tails?" one of them asked.
"I can maintain the seal," Minato replied, "but Kushina probably won't last much longer…"
"This… In that case, we should find a new Jinchūriki as soon as possible…"
"Before anything happens to Kushina, I will not seek another Jinchūriki. If the worst comes to pass, I will personally seal the Nine Tails within myself and become the next Jinchūriki!" Minato declared solemnly.
"What?! No! You're the Hokage—how can you let yourself become a Jinchūriki?" Mito Monomangi immediately objected.
To the village elders, a Jinchūriki was nothing more than a weapon—essential, yet a burden. Turning the Hokage, the village's leader, into such a weapon was inconceivable. If a Hokage-Jinchūriki were to lose control, who could possibly stop them?
"I've already made my decision," Minato said firmly.
"I don't agree!" Danzo stood up, his voice brimming with confidence. "The current Jinchūriki is unstable. We must find a replacement immediately! Fourth Hokage, are you really prioritizing protecting your wife over the village?!"
Danzo hadn't even finished speaking when Minato turned to him, his gaze sharp and filled with killing intent. The pressure of Minato's chakra surged, suffocating Danzo.
"Lord Danzo," Minato said coldly, "are you suggesting that I should personally kill my wife?"
Danzo faltered, swallowing the words he'd been ready to speak. The memory of Minato's ferocity on the battlefield—his yellow flash of destruction—flashed in Danzo's mind. If he pushed too hard and provoked Minato into such a desperate act, their relationship would be shattered irreparably.
Danzo realized his own frailty compared to Minato's unrelenting power and chose to stay silent.
"Minato," Sarutobi finally spoke, exhaling a long drag from his pipe, "if you dedicate yourself to maintaining Kushina's seal, who will handle the village's affairs?"
Minato bowed slightly. "Third Hokage, I must apologize. During this period, I will remain with Kushina to stabilize the Nine Tails' seal. In the meantime, I must trouble you, the two advisors, and Lord Danzo to temporarily take over the Hokage's responsibilities."
This deliberate concession lit up Danzo's eyes with excitement. He could barely contain himself.
Good… Good!
How long had he waited for this day? Even if it was only a temporary replacement for the Hokage, it was a dream come true. Perhaps, with the right maneuvering, he could turn this into a permanent arrangement.
"How long will you need?" asked Koharu, her tone cautious.
"If everything goes smoothly, three months. At most, half a year."
"Half a year is too long… You're the Hokage. How can you step away from your duties for so long?" Koharu objected.
"Kushina has always stood by me," Minato replied, his voice heavy with emotion. "I owe her this time… this chance to be by her side for what may be her final days."
"This…"
Sensing the opportunity, Danzo interjected enthusiastically, "I agree! Minato, you should focus on supporting your wife and maintaining the seal. During this period, we will manage the village for you."
The other advisors exchanged glances, clearly aware of Danzo's ulterior motives. But none of them objected—power was power, after all.
Sarutobi hesitated, sensing that something was off. Yet, looking at Danzo's fervent expression, he realized there was no use in arguing further.
Besides, he couldn't begrudge Minato this chance to accompany his wife during her final days.
"But how will we explain the Fourth Hokage's absence to the village?" Sarutobi asked.
Minato had already prepared his response. "Announce that the Nine Tails riot resulted in the Fourth Hokage being severely injured, and that he requires an extended period to recover. It's better than admitting the instability of the Jinchūriki seal, which might incite fear of another tailed beast riot."
"And if necessary," Minato added with resolve, "blame the damage caused during the Nine Tails' riot on me."
This unexpected concession thrilled Danzo and the others.
What a naive young man!
For the sake of his wife and child, he was willing to abandon something as precious as power. They couldn't believe their good fortune. In half a year, did he really think he could reclaim the Hokage's authority?
Danzo smirked inwardly. As far as he was concerned, this was the beginning of his ascension.
"Very well," Danzo said smoothly, "we'll do everything we can to pacify the public and shield you and Kushina from excessive criticism."
"I deeply appreciate your understanding," Minato said. With his objective achieved, he disappeared in a flash.
Once Minato had left the Hokage Building, fierce arguments broke out in the conference room as Danzo and the others began wrangling over who would wield Hokage's authority during his absence.
Outside, Minato did not return home immediately. Instead, he teleported to the Uchiha compound on the village's outskirts and quietly sought out Uchiha Fugaku.
Fugaku was delighted to see Minato at his door. For the Uchiha clan, Minato's survival was a blessing. As long as he remained Hokage, the senior officials of Konoha would hesitate to act against the clan.
"Minato! How is Kushina? Is she okay?" Fugaku asked, his concern genuine.
Minato did not answer immediately. Instead, he closed the door behind them and erected a protective barrier, ensuring their conversation remained private.
"…You…" Fugaku's heart raced as he realized the gravity of the situation.
"It's complicated," Minato said. "But before I explain further, I need to ask: Fugaku, as the leader of your clan, are you willing to support me unconditionally?"
"I—" Fugaku began, but Minato cut him off.
"Fugaku, think carefully before you answer. This choice may determine the future of the Uchiha clan."
Fugaku froze, realizing the weight of Minato's words.
Could it be? Is Minato finally planning to act against Konoha's leadership?
It couldn't be a matter of external conflict; if it were, Minato wouldn't be so secretive.
The possibility electrified Fugaku. He had been waiting for this moment for so long. It seemed Minato, too, had finally been pushed to his limit, perhaps by the Nine Tails Rebellion or some deeper betrayal.
Regardless of the reason, Fugaku's course was clear. The Uchiha clan's options had run dry. The rebellion's aftermath had left them vulnerable, isolated, and scapegoated. Rumors were already spreading in the village: why hadn't the Uchiha helped subdue the Nine Tails? Wasn't the beast controlled by a Sharingan?
These accusations, absurd as they were, would soon become weapons against the Uchiha.
There was no turning back now.
"Fourth Hokage," Fugaku said solemnly, "as the head of the Uchiha clan, I swear to stand by your side. I will serve you faithfully and never abandon you."
This was his choice—and the future of the Uchiha clan.