"Wait!"
Danzo could no longer remain silent. His scheme to control the Three Tails was on the verge of falling apart right in front of him. If he didn't act now, he would lose everything.
"Words alone aren't enough. How do I know you're not making all this up just to protect your students?"
His cold gaze locked onto Minato, probing for any sign of hesitation or deceit.
"Yes, how can we be sure you're telling the truth?" Utatane Koharu echoed, stepping forward.
"Indeed. Becoming a perfect Jinchūriki isn't something that happens so easily," Mitokado Homura chimed in, nodding in agreement.
Kakashi watched the scene unfold and inwardly rolled his eyes.
Damn it, you two old fossils really are Danzo's lapdogs. Just wait… I'll settle the score with both of you eventually.
He mentally jotted down their names on his personal "list."
Before, Kakashi had only intended to handle Danzo discreetly. But now it was becoming increasingly clear—there were more snakes in the grass than expected. Some people in Konoha really didn't know when to stop courting death.
Minato, however, remained unfazed.
"Rin," he called, his voice calm and composed, "Please show the three elders the truth."
"Yes, Minato-sensei," Rin replied obediently, stepping forward.
Her tone was cool and emotionless as she faced the elders. She'd been silent up until now, listening carefully. But she had finally confirmed it—these three elders were dangerous. Not just in terms of status, but in the quiet malice behind their actions.
So these are the so-called village leaders that Kakashi warned me about back in the Academy, she thought grimly. Now I get it. He was right all along.
Her gaze naturally drifted toward Kakashi, a flash of warmth rising in her chest. His earlier taunt against the elders hadn't just been reckless bravado—it was for her sake. He always looked out for her.
She couldn't help but smile at him sweetly.
From above Rin's head, a deep, resonant voice sounded.
"Lin, I sense three malicious forces targeting you. Want me to eliminate them now?"
Isobu's voice was calm, but laced with a protective tone as he stared Danzo and the elders down with visible wariness.
"No, no, Isobu. They're… high-ranking members of the village," Rin replied, her tone light but sarcastic. "Why would anyone be hostile toward a mere medical ninja like me?"
Then, with a slight tilt of her head and a mocking smile, she added, "Please don't speak carelessly. If the doctors and nurses at Konoha Hospital overheard you, it could lead to a misunderstanding."
"You know… these adults have their own special VIP ward at the hospital," she continued, her voice honey-sweet. "If the medical team isn't careful, their health might suffer. That wouldn't be good, would it?"
Kakashi nearly burst out laughing.
Whoa, Rin's sarcasm is on point! I love this side of her. She's really my girl!
He couldn't help but smirk, clearly proud. Rin, catching his gaze, gave him a mischievous wink.
ξ(✿＞◡❛)
He responded with a sparkling wink of his own.
(ゝ∀･)⌒☆
"Ahem."
Minato cleared his throat, casting a disapproving glance at the two lovebirds.
We're in the middle of a serious discussion, not a dating session. Please, be aware of the setting.
He shook his head internally. Since when did Rin get so bold? She used to turn red whenever Kakashi got within arm's reach. She's starting to act more and more like Kushina.
The thought made him pause.
When Kushina first married me… Ouch. My back still aches from all that "training."
On the other side of the room, Koharu and Homura's expressions froze.
Damn it, Danzo! they cursed silently. Why didn't you warn us?!
Now not only had they offended a Kage-level Jinchūriki, they'd unknowingly antagonized the future director of Konoha Hospital.
In terms of strength, they weren't worried. Even the famed White Fang had been politically crushed by them and Danzo, despite his near-Kage-level strength. But Rin? She was different.
Konoha Hospital was sacred ground. Every elder, including them, had been treated in the VIP ward more than once. Rin, a disciple of Tsunade, was beloved by all hospital staff. Despite her talent, Kakashi barely visited the place. Rin, on the other hand, volunteered regularly and was adored by everyone—from nurses to senior surgeons.
Koharu and Homura weren't fools. They quickly saw the potential danger. If Rin held a grudge and "accidentally" removed a life-support tube or administered the wrong medicine…
Koharu stepped forward, putting on her most grandmotherly smile.
"Xiao Lin, right? Such a sweet girl. So diligent and caring, with excellent medical skills. How could we ever be hostile to someone like you?"
"Haha, just a misunderstanding, dear. All for the good of Konoha!"
"Yes, yes," Homura added quickly, donning a kindly grandfather facade. "You should come visit grandpa sometime. Don't be a stranger."
Rin gave a polite but icy nod.
"Thank you, elders. I'm flattered—but I don't dare."
She smiled, but her tone made it clear she wasn't buying their sudden kindness.
Kakashi stared at them in disgust. Ugh, these two really deserve each other. Same fake smiles, same scheming eyes. Just move in together already.
Then, as if struck by a thought, he squinted.
Wait… didn't Koharu used to have a crush on the Third Hokage back in the day? Wasn't she rejected?
Does Biwako know? Better yet—does Danzo?
Danzo, meanwhile, was seething.
Useless! These two cowards switched sides the moment things got tough. Now I'm on the defensive.
But if controlling the Three Tails was out of reach for now, Danzo would just pivot.
"I've heard that Uchiha Obito awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan on the battlefield," he said abruptly, his voice calm but heavy with implication.
All eyes turned to him.
"According to records, the Uchiha only awaken Mangekyō under extreme emotional trauma. And once it happens… their personalities almost always change. They become unstable."
Danzo's expression hardened.
"That's why I suggest turning Obito over to the Root. I will personally train him into a loyal warrior who will never betray Konoha!"
Before Hiruzen could respond with his usual talk of unity and trust, Danzo cut him off.
"Hiruzen—don't forget Uchiha Madara."
A heavy silence descended.
The name hit like a thunderclap.
Uchiha Madara—once the co-founder of Konoha, later its greatest traitor. A man whose strength rivaled a god and who led to the death of the First Hokage. Even Tobirama Senju had viewed Madara with deep fear and resentment.
If Obito were to become another Madara…
Minato's gaze darkened.
Kakashi clenched his fists.
Rin looked at Obito worriedly.
Danzo's lips curled in satisfaction.
Yes, keep trembling in fear. As long as I control that fear, I control the outcome.
If Obito was placed in the Root, Danzo would have complete authority. He wouldn't need to do anything overt. Just give Obito a dangerous solo mission… then ambush him and claim his eyes.
A pair of Mangekyō Sharingan—infinitely more valuable than the three-tomoe Sharingan he currently bore from Uchiha Kagami.
Power. Real power.
Soon, they'll all see.
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