"As we expected, it failed."
Minato returned to the village and went straight to the Hokage Building.
That same day, he summoned Kazan, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the others.
"Old-school shinobi traditions run deep. They won't change overnight."
"I just hope there's still time when it matters."
Someone like Madara Uchiha had stayed hidden for decades. Once he made his move, it would be swift and devastating.
"What do we do next?"
"I plan to have ANBU gather intelligence long-term. It would be best if we could find the enemy first."
Minato had considered many ways to respond on his way back.
The enemy had invaded Konoha directly. Their primary target at the time had likely been the Nine-Tails.
They had probably meant to deal with the hardest target first, then collect the remaining Tailed Beasts one by one.
Whether they had changed their plans was impossible to say.
The best approach was to take the initiative.
Back then, they hadn't known Madara Uchiha was still alive. Believing him dead had let him remain in the shadows. Now it was their turn to act.
"That's all we can do. We may not have formed an alliance with the Four Great Shinobi Villages, but I'm sure Ōnoki and the others will strengthen their defenses. We've achieved our goal in that respect."
"Besides that, I intend to strengthen the village's fighting force." Minato Namikaze turned to Kazan. "Kazan, have you thought about finding new owners for those Ninja Blades you have?"
He meant, of course, the seven Demon Swords Kazan had collected from the Mist Ninja.
He had given Nuibari to Itachi and the Thunder Sword to the newborn Sasuke. That left five.
Kazan shook his head. "No. The others are still sitting in my house as decorations."
The Mist Ninja's