Konoha.
Hokage Office.
Minato had returned to his own appearance and sat behind the Hokage's desk.
Quite a few people stood before him, all of them influential figures in Konoha.
With everyone crammed into the office and so many questions in their hearts, they did not know where to begin.
They stared at one another in silence.
Minato gave an awkward laugh. "Ask whatever you want."
Everyone turned their eyes toward Shikaku.
After all, Shikaku was the smarter one.
Some of the others were still completely dazed.
Shikaku cleared his throat.
"Lord Fourth Hokage, may I ask where the Fifth Hokage is now?"
Without a second thought, Minato replied,
"Lord Orochimaru is busy with a very important experiment right now. He should be in the laboratory."
Shikaku nodded. Noticing that Minato had called him Lord Orochimaru, he felt somewhat relieved.
The resurrection of the Fourth Hokage was certainly good news, but if the Fourth and Fifth Hokage fought over power,
that would not be good for Konoha.
Thinking this, Shikaku asked again,
"Lord Fourth Hokage, was it your idea or the Fifth Hokage's idea for you to impersonate the Fifth Hokage before?"
Minato said helplessly,
"Lord Orochimaru did not want to handle official duties, so he had me take care of them."
Shikaku was completely reassured now. That was indeed very much in line with Orochimaru's style.
After all, Orochimaru had needed others to urge him even to deal with official matters before.
The Fourth Hokage was far more proactive about handling such matters.
Having asked this much, Shikaku put the subject aside.
Orochimaru was not here, after all. They would need both of them present to discuss anything else.
"Lord Fourth Hokage, how should we handle this Chunin Exams?"
"What about the spies from other forces?"
"How should we