The next day, invisible undercurrents swept through Konoha.
Jonin moved through the village with grim expressions, quietly making contact after contact. Anbu figures appeared and vanished across rooftops, their masked silhouettes flickering like uneasy ghosts.
The Uchiha security force mobilized in silence. Without fanfare, they sealed all major routes, occupied strategic chokepoints, and established layered response positions that could reinforce any district within moments.
Even civilians sensed something was wrong.
Shops closed early. Streets emptied faster than usual. The air itself felt heavy.
Minato ate lunch at home with Kushina and Jiraiya.
Compared to the tension gripping the village, Kushina remained blissfully unaware. She chatted animatedly, complaining about the price of vegetables and tugging at Minato's sleeve, insisting he go shopping with her later.
Minato declined gently, citing an important meeting with Shikaku and the others.
"Then tomorrow!" Kushina declared, pointing at him. "You have to go tomorrow!"
Minato smiled and agreed without hesitation.
As he stood to leave, he subtly winked at Jiraiya.
Jiraiya caught the signal and nodded once.
At Minato's request, Jiraiya had already secretly returned to the village—not to take sides, but to protect Kushina. At this moment, guarding her had become his unspoken responsibility.
Without lingering on personal feelings, Minato adjusted his mindset and headed straight for the Nara clan compound.
When Minato entered the Nara council hall, he paused slightly.
Not only were the allies agreed upon yesterday present—many more Jonin had arrived overnight, having made their choice in silence.
The hall was deathly quiet.
Although the current clan heads of the Ino–Shika–Chō families were present, they had already handed operational authority to their successors.
Shikaku stood at the center and inclined his head faintly.
After Minato finished recounting everything he had learned—including Fugaku's intelligence—unease spread across the room.
Had the Sandaime truly lost his mind?
Facing an unknown enemy with strange methods and terrifying strength, lacking complete intelligence—yet choosing to charge forward head-on?
How long had it been since the Third Hokage personally fought on the battlefield? Had he forgotten the most basic principles of ninja warfare?
"The Third Hokage plans to execute all of us tomorrow," Minato said calmly.
The room stirred instantly.
"He wants to eliminate everyone here?" Aburame Ryūsuke said coldly. "Then there's no need to wait for the Jonin Council. We end this tomorrow."
No one objected.
Root's long history of plunder and suppression had left deep resentment among the clans present. Under such circumstances, even words of open rebellion met no resistance.
Shikaku quickly laid out his predictions and countermeasures. Minato listened carefully, nodding in approval.
"Jiraiya-sensei will remain neutral," Minato added. "He will not participate."
Shikaku let out a quiet breath of relief. "Many Sarutobi clan members have also stated they will stand aside. Tomorrow, our main opponents will be Anbu and Root."
"And the other Four Great Villages?" Hyuga Hiashi asked.
"Ryūsuke reached an understanding with them this morning," Shikaku replied. "They only want the Third Hokage and the four elders executed. They have no intention of further conflict with Konoha."
As long as their bounty collection wasn't hindered, they were willing to support this outcome.
Everyone understood why.
The Sacrificial Shop's rise was inevitable. Tsunade was almost certainly Konoha's next Hokage. Antagonizing her now would mean endless danger for any ninja who later went to the Land of Whirlpools for missions.
"Then prepare," Minato said quietly, his gaze lifting toward Hokage Rock. "We will not let Konoha die from rot at its roots."
Inside the Hokage Building, the atmosphere was just as oppressive.
"More than thirty Jonin entered the Nara compound today," Homura Mitokado said darkly. "We can't delay any longer."
Utatane Koharu's voice was sharp. "Round them up immediately."
"There are too many," Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned. "Only 136 registered Jonin exist in Konoha. Eliminating over thirty at once—"
"They've already endangered the village's existence!" Koharu snapped. "Delay only worsens the situation!"
Hiruzen puffed on his pipe in silence.
"What about Jiraiya?" Homura asked, changing the subject.
"Anbu reported he refuses to return and will not participate," Danzo sneered. "Hiruzen, you raised excellent disciples. All three of them wish you dead."
Hiruzen's eyes dimmed.
For the first time, doubt pierced his heart.
Danzo watched coldly, hiding the truth: he had never sent anyone after Jiraiya. Root had merely circled outside the village before returning via secret routes.
"We can't hesitate," Koharu urged again.
Seeing Hiruzen still silent, Homura spoke decisively. "Summon Minato Namikaze, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Akimichi Chōza, and Hyuga Hiashi under the pretext of classified intelligence."
"The others will have their ninja status revoked and be imprisoned."
"…There's no need to summon the Hyuga," Hiruzen finally murmured. "Keep them. They can restrain the Uchiha."
Danzo's impatience flared. "If Jiraiya wants the Hokage seat secure, he must remove these obstacles!"
Memories surged—returning to the village with his teacher's dying wish, being ostracized by clans, power slipping from the Hokage's grasp like spilled water.
Hiruzen's eyes hardened.
"Summon the clan heads of Aburame, Inuzuka, Hyuga—and the Ino–Shika–Chō families."
"Hokage-sama."
Minato stood at the front, nine Jonin behind him.
The conference room felt suffocating, walls buried behind stacks of classified documents.
Hiruzen sat alone at the far end.
"I have always valued you, Minato," he said slowly. "You were destined to support this village."
"Konoha has never been supported by one person alone," Minato replied evenly.
"Human hearts are unpredictable," Hiruzen said sharply. "When I returned to succeed my sensei, rumors called me a coward. Those rumors were spread by the clans behind you!"
"They seized power, formed factions, obstructed policy—parasites feeding on Konoha!"
"For twenty years," Hiruzen roared, slamming the table, "I alone have supported this village!"
Silence.
Minato bowed slightly. "I lack governance experience. But I ask one thing."
"Ask."
"During the First and Second Ninja Wars—did these clans hide their elites… or did they die on the front lines?"
Hiruzen froze.
Names on the Memorial Stone filled his mind.
No rebuttal came.
The negotiation ended there.
Danzo sensed hesitation—and snapped.
"Begin the operation!"
A dark-red barrier slammed down over the Hokage Building.
Anbu erupted, wind and fire techniques obliterating Minato's position in a thunderous explosion.
Outside, Anbu and Root formed a perfect encirclement.
Homura stood grimly before the barrier.
Danzo vanished into shadow.
Utatane Koharu's voice echoed across Konoha:
"Jonin Namikaze Minato has rebelled!
He intends to assassinate the Third Hokage!"
Again and again, the cry rang out.
And the rebellion began.
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