By then, the Third Hokage would never be able to stop him.
Minato's current achievements were still insufficient.
Orochimaru had no interest in the position of Hokage.
Even if he did, Uchiha Yan had ways to make him give it up.
He had plenty of good stuff on hand. If he casually tossed some research materials to Orochimaru, the man would definitely agree.
As for Danzo?
Uchiha Yan had never taken him seriously, nor did he plan to let him live much longer.
After hearing Uchiha Yan's answer, the Third Hokage narrowed his eyes slightly and stared at him, feeling that the person before him was a stranger.
In the past, Uchiha Yan had never been particularly respectful toward him, but at least he had been gentle and mild-mannered.
Now, however, he was sharp-edged and slippery as an eel, the very picture of an old fox.
"Then let's take it as that."
The Third Hokage helplessly nodded and stopped bringing up the subject. Instead, he said, "The Hidden Mist has made a demand. They say they won't truly cease hostilities and negotiate peace unless the Seven Ninja Swords are returned. Otherwise, the negotiations can't continue."
"The Seven Ninja Swords are indeed your personal spoils of war. Technically, the village shouldn't ask for them."
"However, I still ask you to put the bigger picture first. Konoha can't afford to keep dragging things out with the Hidden Mist."
"You don't want to see the shinobi on the Hidden Mist front, including the Uchiha, continue fighting them to the death, do you?"
"As long as you're willing to hand over the Seven Ninja Swords, the village will give you suitable compensation."
The Third Hokage's usual moral coercion.
He made it sound perfectly reasonable, as though refusing to hand them over meant Uchiha Yan