"Hokage-sama, there's something you don't know…"
Minato's expression darkened slightly.
With his sharp instincts, he could clearly see that Danzo, Koharu, and Homura had coordinated their lines before this meeting. They weren't here for discussion—they were here to take.
He was about to speak, but was preempted by Kakashi, who stepped forward with a grin that didn't reach his eyes.
"Hah. That's a fantastic speech, Danzo-sama. 'All for the village,' right?"
He gave a slow clap that made the room colder than an Ice Style jutsu.
"But just one thing—where were you all when a bunch of us pre-teens were being tossed onto the front lines like we were playing ninja dodgeball with actual kunai?"
"The Third Raikage personally fought off 7,000 shinobi to protect his village."
"The Fourth Kazekage led from the front during Sunagakure's darkest hours."
"Oh, and the Fourth Mizukage? He charged after Tobi—yes, that Tobi—alone, just to retrieve the Three Tails. Spoiler alert: it didn't end well for him."
Kakashi turned to the table with his trademark disinterested gaze, hands in his pockets.
"But hey, don't worry, I'm not throwing shade at our beloved Hokage. You're the immovable rock behind the scenes. The great professor. Managing the village logistics and… not dying on the battlefield."
He tilted his head toward Danzo, Homura, and Koharu.
"But I am curious—did the three of you have some ultra-secret S-rank mission hiding behind your desks while children fought wars?"
"If you're going to say it's because you're 'too old'—well, were you older than Chiyo? Older than the Third Raikage who died on his feet protecting his men?"
The sarcasm cut like a wind blade, and the room fell into silence.
Kakashi's voice dropped slightly.
"I remember the Will of Fire you taught us, Hokage-sama. About how the leaves burn to nourish the next generation. That the older shinobi should protect the young... even sacrifice themselves if necessary."
"But I look around, and what I see is the opposite."
"You burn the young to keep yourselves warm. Is that your version of the Will of Fire?"
"Presumptuous!"
Utatane Koharu slammed her hand on the table.
"Minato! Control your student! This is a high-level meeting. Who allowed this disrespect?"
Mitokado Homura snorted beside her, crossing his arms like an annoyed academy proctor.
They sat like relics of a forgotten era, draped in entitlement, clearly outraged that a mere Jonin would challenge their authority.
And yet… Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent, deep in thought.
Kakashi's words had struck a chord.
He remembered. He remembered how the Second Hokage had shielded them with his life so they could live. If Tobirama hadn't sacrificed himself, there would be no "Elder Council." No "F4 of Konoha." No Hokage Hiruzen.
But these old comrades beside him… they hadn't raised a blade in years.
Could he really keep turning a blind eye?
Kakashi had simply voiced what many thought—but dared not say.
Minato finally stepped forward, bowing slightly.
"Forgive my student. Rin is his close friend. He acted out of concern. Please don't take it as disrespect."
Danzo, unfazed, calmly pressed on.
"Well then, if emotions are now settled—hand over Nohara Rin."
"She will be placed in Root. We'll find a new Jinchūriki, one with no attachments. It's the only way to ensure the Three Tails becomes a true weapon of Konoha."
He folded his hands, already imagining a compliant tool under his control.
To him, Kakashi was just a noisy prodigy. One Root recruitment away from "seeing the truth."
But the next moment shattered that illusion.
"I refuse."
Minato's voice was steady. Unyielding.
Danzo's smile cracked slightly.
"Minato, this is not your decision alone."
Homura interjected.
"Danzo's right. The Three Tails was sealed into her by Kirigakure. Who knows what kind of genjutsu or seals they planted in her? For the village's safety, she must be contained—if not replaced."
Utatane Koharu followed suit.
"Are you really going to risk Konoha's future for one child?"
Minato remained unfazed.
"Hokage-sama, I have a reason for refusing."
He took a breath and looked straight into Hiruzen's eyes.
"Because Rin has already become a perfect Jinchūriki."
A beat of silence passed.
Then—
"What?!"
Homura nearly choked.
"That's impossible!"
Koharu's voice was shrill. "You realize what you're saying, right?! Perfect Jinchūriki? Just like Killer Bee?"
Hiruzen straightened in his seat, his face suddenly serious.
He looked at Minato.
"Minato… are you certain?"
Minato nodded without hesitation.
"She's formed a true bond with Isobu. Mutual respect. No control, no suppression—just harmony."
The room erupted into stunned murmurs.
Danzo's one eye narrowed.
No. This wasn't part of the plan. Rin wasn't supposed to be this valuable.
A perfect Jinchūriki was a living treasure. A Kage-level force in time. Not someone you could just… replace.
Hiruzen let out a slow breath and closed his eyes.
When he opened them, they were filled with light again.
"Well then. If that is true…"
Kakashi raised an eyebrow behind his mask.
"Oh? Are we doing that thing where logic wins over paranoia? For once, color me impressed."
Danzo's jaw tightened.
Rin wasn't just protected now. She was untouchable.
And worse—Kakashi was smirking.