"The Flying Thunder God Technique was created by the Second Hokage. As far as I know, it existed even before Konoha was founded."
Minato calmly placed an intelligence report on the table. "This is our intelligence on Uzumaki Ku over the past year. Third Hokage, Elders, you may wish to take a look."
The Hiruzen and the others eagerly examined the document.
"He's only the second person after Minato to master the Flying Thunder God's speed," Hiruzen remarked gravely. "His reflexes have reached the pinnacle of shinobi capability."
"Death and resurrection?!"
The four of them exclaimed in unison as they read further.
Minato gave a slight nod. "Confirmed intelligence shows that even after being fatally wounded—heart pierced, head decapitated—Uzumaki Ku's corpse vanishes after a time. Within days or weeks, he reappears completely unharmed."
Danzo's grip on the folder tightened. No one wanted to face an enemy who couldn't die, especially one who, like the Fourth Hokage, wielded the space-time jutsu: Flying Thunder God.
The conversation between Ku and that orphan at the orphanage gate was clearly a warning. To Danzo, to Root.
"Hmph… Fourth Hokage, is this all the intelligence you have?" Danzo asked, staring at Minato. He was considering whether sealing techniques could be used if they could just pinpoint Ku's exact location.
"For now, yes," Minato replied. "He appears to have placed multiple Flying Thunder God markers across the shinobi world. With such mobility, our intel division can't accurately track his movements."
Minato then locked eyes with Danzo."Putting Ku aside for now due to lack of intel, I want Root to formally report to me, the Hokage, about the orphanage incident."
The room fell silent.
But Minato didn't wait. "Despite the Hokage Council approving funding for the orphanage, Root threatened Yakushi Nonō with cutting that funding and using the children to coerce her back into Root. Why?
"Moreover, Root seems awfully interested in those children. What kind of experiment needs so many unidentified, vulnerable kids?"
"If the villagers ever find out, I don't think anyone would stand for this." Minato aimed that last statement at Hiruzen.
Since becoming Hokage, Minato had seen what Uzumaki Ku and the mysterious figure from a year ago already understood: the Third was becoming a relic, unable to make firm decisions.
"The movement from Iwagakure should be known to you, as well as the tensions with the Uchiha. You've always claimed to have a better solution for the Uchiha issue."
Danzo slammed his cane on the floor. "Everything I've done is for Konoha's future. But if you disagree, Fourth Hokage, then I hope you're prepared to shoulder the consequences if Iwa launches a full-scale war!"
Minato shook his head. "Wherever leaves dance, fire will burn. The shadow of the flame will shine upon the village and allow new leaves to bud."
"The Will of Fire is Konoha's foundation. Our new leaves are still growing. Konoha has not yet reached a point where it must sacrifice a woman who runs an orphanage, or a single child, to preserve peace."
"We still have the Third Hokage, myself as the Fourth, the ANBU, jonin squads, every clan, and civilian shinobi. If we need to sacrifice women and children to achieve peace, then what's the point of us, the burning flames, existing at all?"
Minato's voice echoed through the Hokage office. For a moment, everyone present reflected deeply on his words.
Then, Hiruzen stepped away from Danzo's side and stood beside Minato. "Danzo, if this ever happens again, you will hand over control of Root."
The matter was settled with the Third's declaration.
Minato wanted to say more, but stopped upon seeing Hiruzen beside him. That was the most he could push for right now, and it had achieved his aim.
With Hiruzen's support, the Elders, Koharu, and Homura remained silent, which was exactly what Minato had hoped.
Bang!
Danzo's cane hit the ground again as he turned. "You'll regret this, Hiruzen. Everything I've done is for the sake of Konoha." He stormed out, followed by the two Elders.
Bang!
The doors slammed shut.
Hiruzen turned back to Minato with a faint, apologetic smile. "You're right, Fourth. Our existence as the burning flames of the village is to protect the budding leaves."
"The First Hokage created Konoha so that children would no longer have to go to war, so that there would be no more grief. But... Danzo, too, acts for Konoha's sake."
Minato nodded. "I understand, Hiruzen-sama. Root has always operated in the shadows, it is, by nature, a dark organization."
Hiruzen smiled and changed the topic."Have you asked Kushina about this Uzumaki Ku?"
"I have, long ago," Minato replied. "She came to the village early on and doesn't know of any such clansman."
Hiruzen looked over the report and thought aloud. "Assuming your intel is accurate, Ku seems to have gained new abilities recently. According to Danzo's report, his physical strength is now formidable, and he seems to show signs of Mokuton. But your file says he had weak taijutsu and limited chakra for Flying Thunder God."
Minato nodded. "It's been over two months since our last confirmation. His growth rate is rapid. As for Wood Release..."
Hiruzen picked up from there: "If it's anything like the First Hokage's Wood Release, even in a developmental stage, then this Uzumaki remnant holds immense potential."
"Coupled with immortality and mastery of Flying Thunder God… Minato, if the opportunity arises, remember, the Uzumaki have always been Konoha's strongest allies."
"And he still has kin here... But if things don't work out, if we can't bring him in, you know what must be done."
Minato gave a solemn nod. He understood perfectly.
If diplomacy failed, the power akin to the First Hokage could not be allowed to fall into enemy hands.
It must be eliminated.
Minato Namikaze was no longer the cheerful youth of the past. As Hokage, he had long since matured.
And knowing the intelligence network Ku controlled, Minato suspected this man's capabilities went far beyond what any document could describe.
"For now, I'll find a way to make contact…"