The Resolve of a Shadow

"The Flying Thunder God Jutsu was created by the Second Hokage. As far as I know, this technique existed even before the founding of Konoha."

"This is the intelligence gathered on Uzumaki Sora over the past year. The Third and the Advisors may take a look."

Namikaze Minato said as he handed over the documents in his hand, and the Third and the others began to read them impatiently.

"This is the second person after Minato capable of adapting to the speed of the Flying Thunder God. His reaction speed has already reached the limit of what a ninja can achieve." The Third's gaze grew slightly grave.

"Resurrection from the dead?!"

Following this, the four of them exclaimed at the abilities that appeared later in the intelligence report.

Namikaze Minato nodded slightly: "The intelligence is confirmed. In cases where Uzumaki Sora is confirmed killed—that is, his heart pierced or his head severed—his corpse will vanish into thin air after a period of time. But within a few days to half a month, Uzumaki Sora will reappear."

Danzo's grip on the file tightened; no one would ever want to encounter an opponent who cannot be killed.

Especially when this opponent, like the Fourth, has mastered space-time ninjutsu... the Flying Thunder God!

It seems that the conversation between Uzumaki Sora and the child at the entrance of the Orphanage was clearly a threat directed at himself or the Root Division.

"Hmph... Fourth, is that all there is?"

Danzo said, looking at Namikaze Minato. If they could pinpoint the target's location, it would be worth paying a price to use Sealing Jutsu.

"That is all for now. The target seems to have placed several Flying Thunder God markers all over the ninja world. With the ability to come and go as he pleases, the Intelligence Division cannot determine his whereabouts."

Minato put down the file after speaking, then stared at Danzo: "We will set aside the matter of Uzumaki Sora for now due to limited intelligence. Right now, I require the Root Division to report to me, the Hokage, regarding the Orphanage incident."

As his voice fell, the Administrative Office of the Hokage fell into a deathly silence.

But Minato would not wait: "When I, as Hokage, explicitly agreed through a meeting to distribute funds to the Orphanage, why did the Root Division use funds and the children as leverage to force Yakushi Nonō to return to the Root Division?"

"Not only that, but the Root Division also seems very interested in the children of the Orphanage. What kind of experiment requires so many young children, even if their identities are unknown?"

"If this kind of thing were to become known to the villagers, I don't think anyone would agree to it..."

The last sentence was directed at the Third.

Since taking over as Hokage, Minato had developed his own perspective on the Third. It was exactly as that shadow—or perhaps as Uzumaki Sora—had described. The old and decaying Third was already like a man in his twilight years, unable to make firm decisions on many matters.

"The Fourth should be aware of the movements in Iwagakure, and the Fourth is also aware of the reasons that triggered this incident. Regarding the Uchiha Clan, the Fourth has always said there is a better way."

Danzo lowered his head and struck the ground twice heavily with his cane: "Everything this old man does is for the sake of Konoha. If the Fourth does not agree, then when Iwagakure launches a large-scale operation, I hope the Fourth will be able to take responsibility."

Namikaze Minato shook his head slightly: "Wherever the leaves dance, the fire will burn. The shadow of the fire will illuminate the village and allow new leaves to sprout."

"The Will of Fire is the pillar of Konoha, and the new leaves are still growing. Konoha! It has not yet reached the point where it needs to sacrifice a woman who serves as an orphanage director and a child to trade for peace!"

"Konoha still has the Third, it has me as the Fourth, and it also has the Anbu, the Jonin Squad, the various clans, and the civilian ninjas. If we need women and children to trade for peace, what meaning is there in the existence of us, the burning fire?"

The voice of the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, echoed throughout the Hokage Building, and for a moment, all the ninjas present reflected on these words from the bottom of their hearts.

And the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had been standing opposite him just a moment ago, now moved his feet to stand beside Namikaze Minato.

"Danzo, if there is a next time, you will hand over the management of the Root Division."

The Third's voice rang out, putting an end to this incident of coercing the Orphanage.

Namikaze Minato, standing to the side, wanted to say more but stopped; seeing the Third standing beside him, he understood that the limit of those words could only go this far.

However, with the Third backing him, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura did not say another word, which was exactly Minato's goal.

"Bang!"

The cane slammed heavily against the floor, and Danzo replied with a dark face: "You will regret this, Hiruzen. Everything I do is for the sake of Konoha."

Danzo turned and left without showing Minato any face, followed by the two Advisors.

"Bang."

The door to the Administrative Office was closed, and the Third turned his head to offer Namikaze Minato an apologetic smile.

"Actually, Fourth, you are right. The meaning of our existence as the fire that is already burning is to protect the newborn leaves..."

"When the First Hokage founded Konoha, it was so that no more children would be forced onto the battlefield, and there would be no more pain of loss. But... Danzo, he is also doing it for Konoha."

Minato nodded slightly: "I know, Third. As the darkness of Konoha, the things the Root Division has done have always been dark by nature."

The Third smiled, moved past the topic, and asked: "Regarding this Uzumaki Sora, have you asked Kushina?"

Minato replied: "I asked a long time ago. Kushina came to the village very early and does not know of the existence of such a clansman."

Hiruzen looked at the intelligence in his hand, pondered for a moment, and said: "If your intelligence, Minato, is correct, this Uzumaki Sora seems to have recently obtained new power."

"The report from Danzo's side states that this person's physical strength is very high and he possesses what seems to be the prototype of Wood Release. But according to this, his taijutsu is weak, and he cannot use the Flying Thunder God Jutsu many times; it seems his chakra volume is a weakness."

Namikaze Minato nodded: "It has been two months since the last intelligence confirmation. The target's growth rate over these two months has been very fast. As for the Wood Release..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen took over: "If it is Wood Release like that of the First Hokage, and it is still in the growth stage... this survivor of the Uzumaki Clan will have unparalleled potential."

"He also possesses something akin to immortality, and with his mastery of the Flying Thunder God... Minato, if there is an opportunity, the Uzumaki have always been Konoha's most steadfast allies."

"Besides, his clansmen are here... If it really comes to it, we will need to grasp his exact whereabouts. I think you understand what I mean, Minato."

Minato nodded slightly; he understood the meaning behind the Third's words very clearly.

If he cannot be won over, the power of the First, which can decide everything, must absolutely not fall into the hands of the other four great nations.

He must be eliminated!

The Namikaze Minato of today is no longer the sunny youth he once was. As the shadow of a village, he has long since matured.

But Minato, who knows about the Information Exchange, also knows very well that Uzumaki Sora holds goodwill toward Konoha, and the abilities he possesses are certainly more than just what is in the intelligence report.

For now, let's find an opportunity to make contact...