The Third Hokage's Decision

After dropping these threats, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu turned and walked out of the Hokage office.

The murderous glares they cast upon leaving suggested they wished they could swallow Uchiha Qin Yu whole.

"Alright, Minato, close the door." Third Hokage did not take their words to heart.

As the Hokage of Konoha, Third Hokage still commanded immense prestige.

If he were easily intimidated by Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, he would never have accomplished anything of significance.

"Lord Hokage, the way you handled that seems likely to drive the two advisors straight into Danzo's camp," Uchiha Qin Yu spoke up first.

Minato Namikaze felt a headache coming on the moment he shut the door.

He had long anticipated that Uchiha Qin Yu's unruly nature would inevitably complicate matters.

He never expected that the moment they arrived at the Hokage office, Uchiha Qin Yu would start a direct confrontation with Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura.

What surprised Minato Namikaze even more was the sheer power of the Mangekyo Sharingan's hypnotic effect.

Even two high-ranking advisors of Konoha had been caught off guard and fallen victim to it.

"Uchiha Qin Yu, you truly hide your depths well. Given your intellect and audacity, I honestly don't know how to describe you," Third Hokage said with a shake of his head and a smile.

"To possess such formidable strength yet keep your edge hidden for over a decade—I might even call your intellect demonic."

Uchiha Qin Yu merely smiled at this assessment, offering no reply.

After all, he could hardly tell Third Hokage that he was a transmigrator who had seized the body of this short-lived man, only to unlock a cheat and become powerful in an instant.

Besides, since Third Hokage was already busy crafting excuses for him in his own mind, why should Uchiha Qin Yu object?

Seeing Uchiha Qin Yu smile in silence, Third Hokage furrowed his brows and shifted his tone.

"Uchiha Qin Yu, I want to know why you did this. And after hiding for so long, why did you suddenly strike? Was it because you couldn't bear to see the pass lost, or because you didn't want to see others die?"

"Or perhaps there are others you value, and you didn't want them to perish."

At this, Minato Namikaze could not help but look at Uchiha Qin Yu as well.

He secretly nodded at Third Hokage's straightforward questioning.

At the very least, during the time he had spent interacting with Uchiha Qin Yu, Minato Namikaze had gained a clear understanding of his personality.

"Uchiha Qin Yu, remember, any answer you give will determine whether you can remain in Konoha. Of course, I hope you, like Minato Namikaze, will become a powerful new force for our Konoha," Third Hokage could not help but add.

Facing the solemn expression of Third Hokage, Uchiha Qin Yu offered a warm smile.

"I have no interest in the position of Hokage, nor do I feel any sense of belonging to your factional struggles."

"However, I don't like people acting behind my back. If you're unhappy with me, feel free to bring it on. Or, for those who aren't afraid of death, I don't mind killing them one by one, or even in pairs."

Uchiha Qin Yu's smile grew even brighter. After a brief pause, he added, "I just want to live my life as a Salted Fish Theory."

Salted Fish Theory?

Minato Namikaze and Third Hokage were both taken aback.

They clearly could not fathom such a fresh and unconventional term.

"Uchiha Qin Yu, what is a Salted Fish Theory?" Minato Namikaze could not help but ask.

Upon hearing this, even the Anbu hidden in the shadows revealed a hint of curiosity.

After all, Uchiha Qin Yu's attitude would shake the very safety of Konoha.

"A Salted Fish Theory is a life where you have time to bask in the sun—sunbathe the front, then sunbathe the back," Uchiha Qin Yu explained, tapping his nose.

In his previous life, this kind of existence was the ultimate symbol of a successful person.

Imagine, while others were busy working.

You were lying on a sunny beach, soaking up the rays.

Every now and then, a beautiful woman in skimpy clothing would help you turn over or apply tanning oil.

Isn't that the life of a salted fish?

Minato Namikaze was stunned!

No!

It should be said that even Third Hokage and the Anbu hidden in the shadows had their expressions stiffen.

This "salted fish" lifestyle was simply too absurd.

"Uchiha Qin Yu, is your request really that simple?" Third Hokage could no longer hold his composure.

"If you are willing, I can promote you to Elite Jonin and make your battle achievements public, granting you the same authority as Minato Namikaze."

Even the Anbu ninjas were shocked by the golden opportunity Third Hokage had tossed out.

Minato Namikaze had long been viewed as the successor to the next Hokage, and the status and position he held were entirely unique.

For Third Hokage to make such an offer immediately meant he was likely acknowledging that Uchiha Qin Yu possessed the qualifications to compete for the position of Hokage.

"No need. Being Hokage is such a troublesome affair. I don't want to age prematurely, lose my hair, or go gray. And if I'm not careful, I might have to sacrifice myself for the village. That kind of selfless spirit is better left to Minato Namikaze," Uchiha Qin Yu said, completely unconcerned.

"If there is nothing else, I will head back to rest now."

Leaving these words behind, Uchiha Qin Yu turned and walked away on his own.

Seeing this, Minato Namikaze froze, and just as he was about to speak up to dissuade him, he saw the Third Hokage shake his head to stop him.

As the office door closed once more, the Third Hokage pondered for a moment before saying, "Minato, what are your thoughts? Is what Uchiha Qin Yu just said about the Salted Fish Theory true?"

Thinking back on Uchiha Qin Yu's Salted Fish Theory, the Third Hokage felt a headache coming on.

It was simply too absurd.

"Lord Hokage, I believe Uchiha Qin Yu is trustworthy," Minato Namikaze said, his expression flickering. "From the very beginning, he has been clearly aware of the Uchiha Clan's predicament."

"Not only does he harbor no resentment, but when the Cloud Ninja launched their surprise attack, he faced hundreds of Cloud Ninja and the AB Duo, going so far as to sacrifice a secret he had hidden for over a decade to intervene and save us. This proves that Uchiha Qin Yu's heart still lies with Konoha."

"After repelling the Cloud Ninja, he knew full well that Danzo would inevitably vent his anger on him because of the incident involving Yamanaka Fu and Aburame Torune."

"Not only did he not flee, but he also thwarted the Mist Ninja's sneak attack. Now, he has even followed me back to Konoha. Given the strength he just displayed, if he had chosen to slip away mid-journey, who could have stopped him?"

Having said this, Minato Namikaze looked toward the Third Hokage.

He knew clearly that no matter how much he said, the one who could truly make the decision was the Third Hokage.

"Minato, I understand your thoughts very well," the Third Hokage said after a moment of contemplation. "I will leave the matter of Uchiha Qin Yu entirely in your hands."

"I hope you can make him a sharp spear in Konoha's grasp, shining and burning just like you. The departure of the Legendary Sannin was, in fact, a major catalyst for the Third Shinobi World War."