Inside the Laboratory.
As Minato Namikaze's words faded, a brief silence fell once more.
Shinji looked over everyone and shook his head. Then he turned to Minato Namikaze. "There's nothing inconvenient about it. The Fourth Hokage is a hero of the village, and so is the Third. His funeral will be kept simple and should end quickly. It'll be just in time for Naruto's birthday, which is worth celebrating together."
The corners of Orochimaru's mouth lifted.
Hiruzen Sarutobi opened his mouth to say something, but his lips twitched, and no words came out.
Minato Namikaze frowned slightly. He had sensed something was off from the start, and now that feeling had only grown stronger. He stole a glance at the old Third.
The smile gradually vanished from his face.
Shinji's eyes remained narrowed.
He was all smiles.
"Don't worry. I'm quite fond of Naruto. If you'd like, your wife can return to the Land of the Living too, and your family can enjoy some time together."
Minato Namikaze considered it for a moment, then shook his head. "...Forget it. Let's not disturb Kushina again."
Shinji nodded. "As you wish."
Once Minato Namikaze, Itachi, and the others had left,
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat on pins and needles.
After a long struggle, he finally made up his mind. "Now that you have the power to protect Konoha, Shinji, there's no need for these old bones of mine to linger in the Land of the Living... The future of the Shinobi World belongs to you young people."
"I'll just..."
As he spoke, he raised both hands to form Hand Seals and "kill himself."
Smack!
Shinji seized his arm, smiling. "We can't have that, Third. You need to witness the future of the Shinobi World!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi froze.
Cold sweat broke out on his forehead.