Hiruzen Sarutobi did not press Minato Namikaze to take a stance again.
Since Minato was unwilling, there was no need to push him too hard right now. He could take his time plotting over Obito. What mattered most at the moment was putting Minato Namikaze in the position of Fourth Hokage.
He understood those priorities perfectly well.
Falling out with Minato completely over Obito and ultimately delaying his real plans would mean losing sight of the big picture over a minor issue. Hiruzen Sarutobi would never do something that foolish. He was not Danzo; he knew what to focus on and when.
First, he had to ensure Minato took office smoothly, then do his best to mend the rift between them. Once he retired behind the scenes, he could still control Konoha indirectly from the shadows. That was his foremost task right now.
Everything else would have to wait.
So he had only brought it up in passing. When Minato refused, he did not pursue it, merely offering a couple of discreet reminders to show how highly he valued the young man.
Of course, the underlying message was clear: Keep working hard, kid, and don't forget who helped you get where you are today.
Having said his piece, Hiruzen Sarutobi adjusted the Hokage Hat on his head, then lit himself a cigarette.
He lingered no longer. After saying goodbye to Minato Namikaze, he turned and hurried home.
He was not going home to rest.
Trouble had come one thing after another in the village these past two days. Exhausted as he was, he had no chance to take a break. The arrangements for Shisui and the other Uchiha were only halfway finished.
There was no helping it. Tonight's commotion had been far too great for him, the Hokage, to sit