"Lin, please treat this girl. She's from Kushina-sister's clan."
After returning to the coastal camp of the Land of Fire, Kakashi immediately brought Uzumaki Kana to Rin, seeking her help. Though he had some medical skills himself, the injuries were in sensitive areas, and it was more appropriate for Rin to treat her.
"Leave it to me," Rin said gently.
When she saw the bite marks covering Kana's exposed skin, her heart ached with sorrow and rage. The thought that someone would do this to a member of Kushina's clan infuriated her.
She helped Kana lie down gently on the bed, then began examining her body carefully.
Outside, Kakashi and Obito quietly exited the tent, leaving Rin to work in peace and sparing everyone any embarrassment.
Half an hour later, Rin emerged—furious.
"Kakashi!" she snapped. "I examined her entire body. There isn't a single spot left untouched! Who did this?!"
Rin, usually gentle and composed, rarely showed anger. But the cruelty inflicted on Kana had pushed her over the edge.
"They were scum from Kusagakure. I've already dealt with the ones who were there," Kakashi replied coldly. "As for the rest... I'll leave them to her children. They'll take their revenge someday."
He reached for her hand, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
"Hey! What are you doing?! People are watching!"
Rin's anger melted into embarrassment. She blushed, looking around shyly, but didn't pull her hand away.
"Let them look," Kakashi said with a smirk. "It's normal to hold hands with my girlfriend. Who's going to complain?"
Rin's cheeks turned redder, but she didn't struggle. Deep down, she liked it. Kakashi's confidence and calmness—even in front of their teacher—made her heart race.
"Oh? So you two are together now?" a familiar voice teased warmly. "Kushina asked me about you last time. I guess I can report back with good news now."
Kakashi turned around quickly. "Wha—Minato-sensei?!"
Indeed, standing at the entrance were Minato Namikaze, Obito, and Shisui.
Minato smiled, amused. "Don't worry, I'm not here to ruin the moment."
Even as Rin tried to pull her hand back in embarrassment, Kakashi held firm. She eventually gave up, face still flushed but smiling slightly.
Obito chuckled. "Well, well. I guess I should be expecting an invitation to the wedding now. You better treat us to a big meal when we get back!"
He spoke with lightness, the sting of past feelings now long behind him. After everything they'd endured, Obito had found peace. Now, he could truly wish them happiness.
"Deal," Kakashi said, grinning. "We'll all go out when we're back in the village—Minato-sensei, Kushina-sister, Shisui too."
"Sounds good," Minato said cheerfully. "Kushina's going to be thrilled."
Then his tone shifted.
"On a more serious note… I came because we received a letter from the Hokage."
Everyone straightened up.
"Apparently, Kirigakure has requested peace talks. But in exchange, they want the return of the Three Tails—and the person who killed the Mizukage."
Minato's voice grew colder.
"The Hokage has ordered me to escort you back to the village. You'll need to report everything in person."
Kakashi narrowed his eyes. So the elders were finally showing their cards.
Still, Minato didn't look too concerned, so things couldn't be too dire… yet.
"Let's bring Kana too," Kakashi suggested. "Kushina will want to see her."
"Kana? Ah, the Uzumaki girl you rescued. Of course," Minato said.
Under normal circumstances, outsiders would need to be vetted before entering Konoha. But Kana was an Uzumaki—a former ally of Konoha. As long as she was safe and stable, there'd be no objections.
"All right," Minato said. "Let's not waste time. Obito—Kamui space. I'll use Flying Thunder God to get us back quickly."
"Yes, Sensei!"
---
Nighttime – Hokage Building Entrance
Two figures suddenly materialized at the gates of the Hokage's tower.
"Haaah... we're here," Minato panted. Sweat beaded down his brow from using the Flying Thunder God repeatedly.
"Obito, let them out."
Obito nodded and silently brought out the others from his Kamui space.
Swish!
In an instant, several Anbu operatives appeared around them.
"Minato-sama, you've returned," the leader said, bowing deeply.
The Yellow Flash of Konoha—his reputation preceded him, even among elite Anbu.
"No need for formalities. We're here on the Hokage's orders. Resume your patrols," Minato said kindly.
"Yes, sir!"
With that, the Anbu vanished into the night.
---
Inside the Hokage's Meeting Room
Minato approached the large doors and knocked softly.
"Come in," said the familiar, aged voice of Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Minato stepped into the brightly lit council chamber. Seated around the long wooden table were Konoha's key figures: the Third Hokage, the Council of Elders—Danzo, Homura, Koharu—as well as the Anbu Commander, the Head of Intelligence, and members of the Sealing Corps.
"Minato," Sarutobi greeted warmly, "you've worked hard. Please, have a seat."
He gestured kindly. Hiruzen had always favored Minato. His composure, talent, and loyalty made him the ideal shinobi.
But Danzo wasn't in the mood for pleasantries.
"Ahem," he coughed sharply, interrupting Sarutobi's warm welcome.
Danzo leaned forward, his lone visible eye fixed on Minato.
"Let's get to the point. I heard your student became the Three Tails Jinchūriki."
Minato's eyes narrowed slightly, but he remained silent.
"Hand her over to Root immediately," Danzo said coldly. "She's unfit. I'll assign a suitable replacement and train her into a proper weapon for Konoha."
There it was.
Danzo's ambition, never hidden for long.
He had once tried to take control of Kushina when she was young, but failed—thanks to Hiruzen and Mito's protection. But Rin? She was a civilian-born ninja. Easier to target.
Minato took a breath and replied calmly.
"Elder Danzo, I must refuse."
Danzo scowled.
"As the husband of the Nine Tails Jinchūriki, you should know better than anyone—tailed beasts are not toys. An unstable Jinchūriki could doom this village!"
Danzo's voice rose, brimming with self-righteous authority.
"This isn't about her feelings or your attachment. It's about Konoha's survival."
Minato stood firm.
"Rin is not unstable. And I've personally ensured that she is under full control."
"I believe Danzo is right," said Koharu from the side, chiming in. "A Jinchūriki going rogue could cause irreparable damage. Minato, do you want to see your student destroy the village one day?"
"Kirigakure sealed the Three Tails into her," Homura added grimly. "It may have been a trap from the beginning. Better to transfer the tailed beast now, before it's too late."
Minato's lips tightened.
Danzo, Koharu, Homura—all three pressing hard.
The Third Hokage sat silently, deep in thought.
It was a difficult decision. On one hand, Minato's student had proven trustworthy. On the other hand, Danzo had a point: Jinchūriki were dangerous, especially if manipulated by enemy villages.
But Hiruzen knew one thing—if Tsunade found out they'd forced Rin into Root, she'd raze the village herself.
"Minato…" he finally spoke. "You understand the position we're in. This involves the safety of the village."
Minato raised his head.
"I do, Lord Third. But I also know that sacrificing a loyal shinobi on the altar of fear is not the path Konoha should take."
His voice was calm, resolute.
"If there is any threat to the village, I will take full responsibility."
The room fell silent.
Danzo glared.
Hiruzen slowly nodded.
"Very well. But Minato, this is your burden now. Keep her under control—or the council will act."
"I understand," Minato said.
He bowed slightly, then turned and walked out, his expression unchanged—but inside, his heart was burning.
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