Political Maneuvering in the Deputy Representative Nomination and Namikaze Minato's Entry into the Game

The air in the office froze because of that final sentence.

Namikaze Minato.

The name was like a kunai long forgotten, carrying the sharpness and dust of a bygone era as it was thrown back into Konoha's center of power.

Shikaku Nara's hand, which had been reaching for the office door, stopped in midair. He slowly turned around, his gaze falling on the kneeling ANBU before shifting to Baishi behind the desk. His brows furrowed into a tight knot.

The ANBU bearing the news kept his head lowered, minimizing his presence as much as possible. He could feel that the Hokage's gaze was not on him, yet the invisible pressure still seemed to lower the temperature in the office by several degrees.

Baishi said nothing.

He merely held the cup of tea that had long since gone cold, gently rubbing the side of the cup with his fingertips as though feeling the fine texture of the porcelain.

This was an open scheme.

Shikaku understood immediately. An open scheme laid bare before him, one he had no way to refuse.

The three-party talks were of immense importance. As the initiator and leader, it was only natural for Konoha to send its strongest lineup. Namikaze Minato, the former Yellow Flash and a hero of the Third Shinobi World War, was beyond reproach in reputation, strength, and military merit.

Proposing that he serve as Deputy Representative under the banner of "demonstrating Konoha's heritage and sincerity" was a lofty, impeccable reason.

If Baishi rejected it, he would be accused of suppressing a decorated hero and being narrow-minded. It would be tantamount to telling everyone that the Fifth Hokage could not tolerate a hero from the old era.

It was an old yet vicious move.

Mitokado Homura intended to force a nail into Baishi's delegation.