At this moment, Mikawa beside him turned to Minato with an uneasy expression. After hesitating for a moment, he asked.
"But... what if their target of invasion really is the village...?"
Hearing this, everyone else quickly realized the same thing and turned to Minato, waiting for his answer.
Minato's gaze narrowed slightly, dimming for a moment before he spoke softly.
"Don't worry. If their true objective is the village... then even if I'm not there... someone will still lead the village's defensive battle..."
At Minato's words, everyone's pupils contracted slightly. Even the slower ones understood the meaning behind his words a moment later.
Mikawa anxiously cried out.
"But... but if that happens, even if no one says it aloud, everyone in the village will definitely resent Lord Minato in their hearts! Wouldn't that..."
"Enough, Mikawa!"
At that moment, Mujusuke looked at Mikawa with a grave expression and deep eyes, shouting sternly.
That rebuke seemed to make Mikawa understand at once. His face turned slightly pale as he looked at Minato, while the others also lowered their heads with dim expressions.
Only Minato seemed to have come to terms with something. A warm, tranquil smile appeared on his face once more as he looked at everyone and spoke softly.
"No matter what, everything we do is for the village. As long as the village can remain peaceful and safe, it makes no difference to everyone who succeeds as Hokage."
Upon hearing this, the others lowered their heads even further.
They all understood the course of events. Before this, the Hokage's proposal had only passed after overcoming the doubts of numerous elders.
If anything truly went wrong here, there was no doubt it would have a major impact on Lord Minato's position as Hokage.
Mikawa shook his head desperately, clenching his fists