Hiruzen Sarutobi had a headache.
Even with firsthand reports from Anbu, even with Hidden Stone's negotiation team arriving yesterday—he still didn't want to admit it.
Because the consequences were something the Konoha leadership couldn't afford.
One strong Uchiha was already enough trouble. But Uchiha Kai? A man with a Nara's brain, and political instincts no weaker than his own?
Too powerful, too cunning.
How could they play against that?
Thinking about it left Hiruzen with only bitterness. He knew he had to be more careful than ever.
Nara Shikaku had to be recalled quickly. Against someone like Uchiha Kai, he felt he was already out of his depth.
But enough of that—his head hurt just dwelling on it.
Lighting a long pipe, he puffed away in silence before changing the subject.
"By the way, Minato.
I've heard about Nohara Rin. I know the Three-Tails was forcibly sealed inside her by the enemy.
But we can't ignore the fact—Sanbi belongs to Hidden Blood Mist Village. And Hidden Blood Mist Village will never give it up.
Especially now, during wartime. Even if we've signed peace with Hidden Stone, we still face threats from Hidden Cloud Village and Hidden Sand Village.
If we were to push Hidden Blood Mist Village into the enemy camp now, the consequences for Konoha would be dire.
I know this is hard on Rin, but for the sake of the village, we have no choice.
Minato… can you understand?"
Hiruzen spoke lightly, almost casually.
To him, the choice was simple.
Hidden Blood Mist Village was an ally.
Yes, Rin was Minato's student, but she was just a commoner girl in the end. A disciple of the Hokage's line, yes—but ultimately expendable.
He'd looked after her in small matters before, sure. But when it came to grand strategy, sacrificing a single kunoichi wasn't even worth hesitation.
He knew Minato would be in pain. But Minato was the heir to the Will of Fire. As long as he wrapped it in the rhetoric of duty and peace, convincing him shouldn't be hard.
…Or so he thought.
But he was wrong.
Because the Minato before him didn't even pause to think. He refused immediately:
"No. I don't agree.
Lord Hokage, this doesn't align with the Will of Fire!
A shinobi can die on the battlefield, but they must never be treated like a bargaining chip to be traded away.
If we allow this once, who will still give their life for the village?
Rin is a victim in all this. At most, I'll promise that after her natural death—or if she dies in battle—we can return the Three-Tails.
But to tear it out of her while she still lives? I will never allow it.
Hidden Blood Mist Village failed to guard their own beast. They let some mysterious figure steal it, and almost drag Konoha into ruin with it.
We are victims too!
If Hidden Blood Mist Village wants someone to blame, they should find the one who stole the tailed beast. Why should Konoha bear the cost? Why should one of our kunoichi pay with her life?
There are many ways a shinobi may die—but not like this!"
Minato's words rang out, firm and unyielding.
Truth be told, when Kai first warned him about this, Minato hadn't believed it.
Surely the Hokage would never throw away Rin, his student, just to curry favor with Hidden Blood Mist Village.
Wouldn't that shame the very name of Konoha?
But now—Kai was right. Hiruzen not only intended to do it, but was impatient to push it through.
If not for Kai's warning, Minato would have been caught completely off guard.
And if he couldn't even protect his own disciple—what a joke he would be.
When faced with injustice in the past, he might have followed Jiraiya's example: close his eyes, stay out of it, let things slide.
But Rin?
She was his student.
This was non-negotiable.
"I know it's hard to accept," Hiruzen tried again, sighing. "But sacrifice is for the village. For peace. Can't you understand?
Rin will become a hero. Her name will be engraved on the memorial stone."
His voice was calm, almost soothing.
He still hadn't realized that things had changed—that Kai had already begun prying Minato away from him.
If it were the old Minato, perhaps those words might have worked.
But now?
Not a chance.
Without hesitation, Minato shot back:
"No. That's wrong!
For the village, for peace—shinobi must never fear sacrifice.
But sacrifice should come on the battlefield, not at the village's own hands.
And besides…
Even if Rin did sacrifice herself, would that truly bring lasting peace?
Would Hidden Blood Mist Village never again raise arms against Konoha?
Of course not!
At best, it would buy a fragile pause, nothing more. A temporary lull because they're unable to fight.
Once they recover, once the opportunity comes, they will attack again.
So what would Rin's death have accomplished?
If Hidden Blood Mist Village dares to demand it and threaten war, then I—Minato Namikaze—will personally lead the charge and drown them in blood.
Rin is my disciple. As her teacher, I will shoulder her burden.
But to let her throw her life away for such a hollow peace? As her sensei, I will never accept it.
Lord Hokage, there is nothing more to discuss!"
Minato's tone was sharp and final, brooking no argument.
Hiruzen: "..."
He was stunned.
Staring at Minato, his mind went blank.
Since when has Minato spoken like this?
Just a few days apart—and he had changed so much?
Completely unprepared for this resistance, Hiruzen found himself tongue-tied, unable to respond.
Time after time, he opened his mouth—only to find no words coming out.
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