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"Flying Thunder God was created by the Second Hokage," Minato said calmly.
"To my knowledge, the technique already existed even before Konoha was formally founded."
"As for Uzumaki Kong—this is the intelligence we've gathered over the past year. Third Hokage, Advisors, please take a look."
He placed the file on the desk.
Hiruzen and the two advisors leaned forward immediately, scanning through it.
"This is the second person after you, Minato, who can truly keep up with Flying Thunder God's speed," Hiruzen said slowly, his gaze growing heavy.
"His reaction speed… has already reached the theoretical limit of a ninja."
"…Resurrection after death?!"
The next page made all four of them gasp.
Minato nodded.
"Confirmed. Even after being definitively killed—heart pierced, head severed—Uzumaki Kong's corpse vanishes after a short period. Within days to half a month, he reappears."
Danzō's grip on the file tightened unconsciously.
No one wanted to face an enemy who couldn't be killed.
Especially not one who, like the Fourth Hokage himself, wielded space–time ninjutsu—Flying Thunder God.
So the conversation Kong had with the child at the orphanage entrance…
That had clearly been a warning.
To him. Or to ROOT.
"…Is that all?" Danzō asked coldly, lifting his gaze.
If Kong's location could be confirmed, then even at great cost, sealing techniques might be an option.
"For now, yes," Minato replied.
"He's left Flying Thunder God markers across multiple locations throughout the shinobi world. With his freedom of movement, the Intelligence Division can't determine his whereabouts."
Minato closed the file, then looked directly at Danzō.
"Uzumaki Kong can be set aside for now due to insufficient intelligence."
"But regarding the orphanage incident—I require a formal explanation from ROOT, as Hokage."
The room fell silent.
Minato didn't wait.
"Despite my explicit approval—through proper meetings—of funding for the orphanage, why did ROOT use both funding and children as leverage to force Yakushi Nono back into service?"
"Furthermore, ROOT appears to have shown great interest in the children themselves."
"What kind of experiment requires so many young children of unknown origin?"
"If the villagers were to learn of this…"
"I doubt anyone would agree."
That final sentence was directed at Hiruzen.
Since taking office, Minato had formed his own judgment of the Third Hokage.
Just as the shadow from before—or Uzumaki Kong—had said:
Old.
Decaying.
A man who could no longer make firm decisions.
"Iwa has been stirring," Danzō said heavily, tapping his cane twice against the floor.
"You understand the reason behind this, Fourth."
"You've repeatedly said you have a better solution regarding the Uchiha."
"I've done everything for Konoha. If you reject my methods—then when Iwagakure launches a large-scale offensive, I hope you're prepared to bear that responsibility."
Minato shook his head.
"Wherever leaves dance, fire burns."
"The shadow of fire illuminates the village—
and allows new leaves to sprout."
"The Will of Fire is Konoha's foundation.
The new leaves are still growing."
"Konoha has not reached the point where we must sacrifice an orphanage director and a child in exchange for peace."
His voice rose, echoing through the Hokage's office.
"Konoha still has the Third Hokage—and me."
"We still have ANBU, the jōnin corps, the clans, and countless civilian shinobi."
"If peace can only be bought with the lives of women and children—
then what meaning does our burning fire even have?"
The words rang through the tower.
Every ninja present felt them settle heavily in their chest.
Slowly, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward—
and stood beside Minato.
"Danzō," the Third Hokage said firmly,
"if this happens again, you will surrender control of ROOT."
That single sentence brought the incident to an end.
Minato opened his mouth as if to say more—
but seeing Hiruzen beside him, he understood the limit of what could be achieved today.
And that was enough.
With the Third Hokage's stance made clear, Koharu and Homura said nothing.
That, too, was part of Minato's objective.
"Bang!"
Danzō slammed his cane into the floor.
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen," he said coldly.
"Everything I've done—was for Konoha."
He turned and left without giving Minato the slightest courtesy.
The two advisors followed.
"Bang."
The office door shut.
Hiruzen turned to Minato and smiled apologetically.
"You're right, Fourth."
"The reason we exist—as fire that has already burned—
is to protect the new leaves."
"When the First Hokage founded Konoha, it was to ensure children would never again be forced onto the battlefield."
"But… Danzō, too, believes he is acting for Konoha."
Minato nodded.
"I understand, Third Hokage."
"As Konoha's darkness, ROOT has always dealt in darkness."
Hiruzen smiled faintly, then changed the subject.
"Have you asked Kushina about this Uzumaki Kong?"
"I asked long ago," Minato replied.
"Kushina came to the village early. She knows of no such clan member."
Hiruzen looked at the report again, thinking.
"If this intelligence is accurate, then Uzumaki Kong seems to have acquired new power recently."
"ROOT's report claims his physical strength has increased significantly—
and that he shows signs of something resembling Wood Release."
"But according to your information, his taijutsu was weak, and his use of Flying Thunder God limited. Chakra capacity was his weakness."
Minato nodded.
"It's been two months since the last confirmation. His growth rate is alarming."
"As for Wood Release…"
Hiruzen continued softly:
"If it's Wood Release like the First Hokage's—still in its infancy—
then this surviving Uzumaki may possess unparalleled potential."
"Immortality-like survival. Flying Thunder God."
"Minato… the Uzumaki have always been Konoha's most loyal allies."
"And he still has clansmen here."
"If persuasion fails…"
"…then we must determine his exact location."
"I believe you understand what I mean."
Minato nodded slowly.
He understood perfectly.
If someone gained power comparable to the First Hokage—
such power could never be allowed to fall into the hands of the other Four Great Nations.
If necessary—
They would have to eliminate him.
The current Minato Namikaze was no longer the naïve, sunny young man of the past.
As Hokage, he had already matured.
Yet Minato—who knew of the Information Exchange—also knew this:
Uzumaki Kong bore goodwill toward Konoha.
And the abilities he possessed… were certainly not limited to what the reports described.
For now… I'll look for a chance to meet him first.
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