Hiruzen Sarutobi truly had no fear of the Hidden Cloud Village at this point.
Although Konoha was at war with two nations, it had already won a major victory on the Hidden Rain front, where the two armies were now locked in a standoff.
On the Hidden Sand Village front, Hatake Sakumo had taken the heads of two enemy commanders, securing a considerable advantage.
In Konoha, the Sannin were just beginning to make a name for themselves, elites kept emerging from the major clans, none of the commanders on the front lines had fallen, and the Third Hokage was in his prime.
Even the younger generation had produced someone like Xuanhui, who possessed a kekkei tōta and could shoulder major responsibilities.
The Hidden Cloud Village and Iwagakure were constantly clashing. If the Hidden Cloud Village truly went to war with Konoha, its limited variety of land resources would leave it unable to sustain the fighting.
"Kushina, don't stay in that house for now. There are plenty of small detached houses for rent in Konoha's residential districts. Pick one out, and we'll cover the cost."
"Wait..."
Kushina interrupted Hiruzen Sarutobi somewhat awkwardly.
Everyone turned toward the little girl who had spoken, making Kushina blush.
"Minato..."
She tugged at Minato's sleeve.
"Isn't the house next to yours empty...?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi immediately exchanged a glance with Orochimaru, while Xuanhui and Fugaku did the same.
The ANBU ninja wore masks, so no one could see their priceless expressions.
This boy took down three Hidden Cloud Village ninja by himself. He's worth investing in!
And he's even hit it off with the little girl from the Uzumaki Clan!
Hiruzen Sarutobi coughed, putting on a solemn air.
"All right, understood.
Kushina, Minato, come with me and report what happened.
Everyone else, return to your posts at