"What!"
"Elder Hiruzen, defected?!!"
"Impossible, absolutely impossible!!!"
"Kakashi, did you take this chance to kill the Third Hokage and now slander him?!"
The patriarchs exploded in disbelief, their eyes wide with shock.
Even the Anbu who had once served directly under Hiruzen glared, suspicion etched on their faces. To them, this smelled like conspiracy.
"Believe it or not, that's the truth."
Kakashi shrugged, expression flat, though his tone carried an edge of dry amusement.
Seriously? They thought he'd sneak around just to kill the Third? What did they think this was, a Genin graduation exam gone wrong?
If he had really wanted Hiruzen dead, he could've done it in front of everyone. No need for cloak-and-dagger when the man had already burned half his soul on Reaper Death Seal once before.
"Anyway, I'll be forming a hunting squad to go after him."
"If you don't believe me, feel free to join and ask him yourself when you catch up. For those unwilling to participate… you'll be dismissed on the spot and investigated."
Kakashi's tone was calm, but his eye gleamed sharply.
"I'll sign up!"
Xiang, who had once faced Kakashi during a test, immediately stepped forward.
"I'll go too!"
Others followed, unwilling to gamble on silence when their loyalty might be questioned.
"Good. Register with Uzuki Yugao, then."
"Xiang will lead your unit in pursuit of the Third Hokage. Dead or alive, he comes back to Konoha."
When Kakashi said this, his killing intent rolled across the room like a suffocating mist. Many stiffened under the weight of it.
"Y-yes!"
Xiang lowered his head, knowing full well he had just become Kakashi's subordinate. Yet in his heart, he swore he would find Hiruzen—and if possible, bring him back alive.
"Then move out."
Kakashi crossed his arms, surveying the former loyalists of Hiruzen with a sardonic tilt of his head. Really, sending them after their old master? Perfect. If they succeeded, the problem was solved. If they failed, it proved Hiruzen's betrayal. Like trapping a shinobi between a poisoned kunai and an exploding tag.
Two birds, one shuriken.
"Hokage-sama, with Danzo dead, Hiruzen defected, and both Koharu and Homura arrested… should we not take this chance to fill the vacant seats?"
Once the pursuit squad departed, Kakashi turned to Minato respectfully.
"Yes," Minato nodded. "The political structure must remain stable."
Kakashi's suggestion was obvious, but necessary. Rewards, positions—these were how you stitched loyalty back together after tearing out the old guard.
"Elder Chōza, you were of Hiruzen's generation. In both seniority and prestige, the role of Chief Elder should fall to you."
Minato turned to Akimichi Chōza with a warm smile. Respect mattered, even when Hokage outranked all.
"Hahaha! I'm just a rough man. But if the Hokage insists, I won't decline!"
Chōza laughed, though his chest swelled with pride.
"You've defended this village for years," Minato said gently. "This is only fitting."
He then turned his gaze to Uchiha Fugaku and Hyūga Hiashi.
"Chief Fugaku, Chief Hiashi—I would like you both to serve as Hokage's advisors. Will you accept?"
"Hahaha, no problem. Since Hokage-sama has spoken, I'll give my all."
Fugaku was the first to answer, exhilaration in his tone.
The gamble had paid off. For years, the Uchiha had been marginalized, buried under the weight of suspicion. Fugaku had placed all his faith in Minato—and Minato had not only toppled their oppressors in a single day, but offered Uchiha a seat at the core of Konoha's power.
For once, the clan's path wasn't blocked.
Hiashi, though less invested, quickly followed. "Yes, Hokage-sama. I will serve to the best of my ability."
He hadn't expected this boon, but refusing would have been lunacy. The village clearly belonged to Minato now. Only fools clung to neutrality.
"Excellent. I'll count on you both."
Minato's smile remained steady, but his eyes were sharp.
"And Chief Shikaku…" He turned toward Nara Shikaku. "I would ask you to serve as my right hand."
Of all the clans, the Nara were famed for intellect. A 'Resourceful General' was wasted unless put at the heart of strategy.
"Hokage-sama honors me. I'll serve with all I have."
Shikaku bowed, voice calm but firm. He had long resented being treated as an accessory under Hiruzen and Danzo. At last, a leader willing to trust his mind, not just his shadow jutsu.
"Good, good. With you at my side, I have no doubt Konoha will prosper."
Minato was truly pleased.
From there, roles fell quickly into place:
Finance to Shikaku.
Education to Fugaku.
Interrogation to Yamanaka Inoichi.
Defense to Akimichi Chōza.
Intelligence to Aburame Shibi.
Thus, the Fourth Hokage's new leadership core was born.
Finally, Minato's face hardened.
"Kakashi. Take the Anbu and Chief Fugaku's men. Seize all assets of the Sarutobi, Mitokado, Tateshina, and Shimura clans. Arrest every conspirator."
"If anyone resists… cut them down."
"Understood."
Kakashi bowed lightly, though his eye gleamed with sharp humor.
Confiscating four clans in one night? The paperwork alone would be a massacre.
But then again, better a massacre of ink and ledgers than one of blood in the streets.