Who was Hatake Sakumo?
He was the war hero who turned the tide of the Second Ninja World War. With his miraculous swordsmanship, he charged in and out of Sunagakure's army seven times, and for a time, his fame even eclipsed the Three Ninja whom Hiruzen had deliberately built up.
A rare talent like that would be a precious treasure in any village, with strategic value second only to a village's Kage.
As for Hatake Sakumo committing suicide to atone, as long as the daimyo's brain was even a little bigger than a walnut, he would never agree to that request.
He had already lost a beloved consort. If he also lost a powerful ninja on top of that, wouldn't this deal be a loss all the way to his grandmother's house?
So not only would the daimyo refuse, he would also step forward to offer a few words of comfort to this war hero of the Fire Country, to show his own benevolence and open-mindedness.
"Didn't expect you to know your stuff, kid."
After listening to Minato's analysis, Uchiha Gin nodded with an approving look. As expected of the future Fourth. He picked up on these twists and turns quickly.
"I could learn from you my whole life and still not learn everything, Senior Gin."
"You're pretty modest. But what you just said can only let little brother Sakumo temporarily escape the persecution of public opinion."
Looking at Minato, who scratched his head and laughed guilelessly, Uchiha Gin chuckled and held out his empty teacup toward Hatake Sakumo, who was brewing tea across from him.
"Little brother Sakumo, do you want to make progress?"
"Huh?"
Hatake Sakumo, who had been about to raise his hand and pour tea, froze at those words. The confusion in his eyes was plain