"What's the worst-case scenario?" Naruto Uzumaki gasped under his breath. He had expected the situation to be grim, but he had never imagined it had reached this point.
He naturally knew what the so-called worst-case scenario meant. In his previous life, he had witnessed that outcome with his own eyes.
"Looks like we have to act immediately."
Looking at Minato Namikaze, Naruto said, "Dad, what's the bottom line Konoha can accept right now? If we show goodwill and are willing to let them return to the core of Konoha's power structure, could there still be a chance to turn this around?"
Minato gave a bitter smile. "That will be even harder. There are some things you don't understand yet, Naruto. Let me explain Konoha's power structure and where the Uchiha Clan stands within it. Once you understand, you'll know just how difficult it would be for them to return to the upper ranks."
"First of all, Konoha has two groups at the very top of its power structure. Of course, there are more detailed divisions within those groups, and even open and secret struggles between them, but you don't need to worry about that. You only need to understand the overall situation.
The group that previously held the greatest power was the group of four led by the Third Hokage. Besides the Third Hokage, there were Shimura Danzō, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura.
The four of them were all disciples of the Second Hokage. They rose to prominence during the First Shinobi World War, controlled the village for many years, and their influence reached every corner of it. Recently, though, with the Third Hokage stepping down, their overall power has contracted somewhat. Even so, they are still the four most powerful people in the village.
The other side consists of