"The Second Hokage was a true research fanatic. After discovering the unique properties of the First Hokage's cells, he attempted to recreate Wood Release while studying them."
"Since those were the First Hokage's cells, the most suitable test subjects were naturally members of the Senju Clan."
"However, the cells were far too invasive. Almost no one survived the experiments."
"In the end, the Second Hokage realized the danger and shut the project down."
Ren's voice turned colder.
"But later, for various reasons, Hiruzen and the others restarted the experiments—and expanded the subjects beyond just the Senju Clan."
This explained how they discovered the connection between the Sharingan and Hashirama's cells.
Minato's expression twisted with anger.
"…How could the Third Hokage do something like this?"
"Does this not betray the Will of Fire?!"
The kind, grandfatherly image of Hiruzen shattered in his mind.
For the first time, Minato realized—
he had underestimated the darkness of this world.
"The Will of Fire…" Ren sighed softly.
"Perhaps in the beginning, they truly upheld it. But people change."
"Once someone crosses the line in its name, it becomes easier to cross it again—and again."
"And eventually, they justify everything under the banner of 'for Konoha.'"
"By then… the Will of Fire itself has already been twisted."
He continued:
"'Where the leaves dance, the fire burns on. The fire will illuminate the village and cause new leaves to sprout.'"
"That was the Will of Fire passed down by Hashirama Senju."
"The village was created to protect children."
Ren's gaze sharpened.
"But look at what it has become."
"Experimenting on comrades and children…"
"Forcing academy students onto the battlefield…"
"All of this completely betrays its founding purpose."
"The leadership of Konoha—led by Hiruzen Sarutobi and his council—has already strayed onto a dark path."
Minato recalled the two students he had lost in the war.
His anger slowly solidified into resolve.
"We have to set things right."
"We must purge the corruption within the village."
Ren nodded firmly.
"That's exactly what we're doing."
Ren reflected inwardly.
At first, he only wanted to change his own fate—and that of the Uchiha Clan.
But after living in this world, his ambitions had grown.
Some things were unavoidable.
Others… he chose himself.
He had once thought the so-called villains of this world were simply madmen.
Now he understood—
they were people who failed to change reality.
Zabuza, shaped by Kirigakure's brutality, chose rebellion.
Orochimaru, in his own way, was one of the most rational—seeking truth after witnessing the futility of war.
Others followed similar paths:
Sasori, who sought eternal art out of lonelinessKakuzu, who turned to money after losing faith in peopleNagato, who inherited and distorted a dreamKabuto, who searched endlessly for identityMadara, who pursued peace and was ultimately deceived
"They're not simply villains," Ren thought.
"They're products of this world."
And now—
he, too, had been changed.
He would break the chains of fate.
He would create a new future.
And those unworthy of that future—
would be removed.
"There are no secrets that remain hidden forever," Ren continued.
"After losing members, even the Uchiha Clan noticed something was wrong—so how could the Senju not?"
"In the end, the Senju and the Third Hokage's faction parted on bad terms."
"And this also created a rift with the Fire Daimyō, who had long-standing ties with the Senju."
Minato nodded.
"So that's why the Uchiha—despite being marginalized in Konoha—have a chance to enter the Twelve Guardian Ninja?"
"Exactly," Ren said.
"The feud between the Uchiha and Senju ended long ago."
"When the Uchiha chose to remain in Konoha rather than follow Madara, they became truly part of the village."
"In a sense, the Uchiha now stand closer to the daimyō than to Konoha's current leadership."
"As long as the daimyō isn't foolish, he won't reject our goodwill."
(Though in truth, Ren had already prepared a contingency—Shisui Uchiha and his Mangekyō ability.)
Minato didn't press further.
Some things were better left unsaid.
"With funding secured and the daimyō's support," Minato said, "many external threats are removed."
"Once I become Hokage, I can begin reforms within Konoha."
Ren nodded.
"And the daimyō connection should remain hidden—for now. It may become our trump card."
Minato suddenly realized something.
"These messages are important—but not enough to bring you here personally."
"You have another objective, don't you?"
Ren smiled.
"As expected of you."
"My real destination is the Land of Rain. I'm just passing through the Land of Hot Water."
Minato frowned.
"The Land of Rain? Why?"
Ren replied:
"This involves you as well."
"Danzō Shimura has taken Root operatives to the Land of Rain."
Minato was confused.
"What does that have to do with me?"
Ren reminded him:
"Your teacher Jiraiya… took on three students there."
Minato's eyes widened.
"…Nagato, Yahiko, and Konan?"
Ren nodded.
"Yes."
"They founded the organization known as Akatsuki."
Minato was surprised—and impressed.
"They're trying to achieve peace without violence… just like Jiraiya-sensei taught."
But then realization struck him.
"…Wait."
"Is Danzō targeting them?"
Ren raised a hand.
"Not directly."
"They're simply in his way."
He explained:
"With the war winding down, Hiruzen is preparing to negotiate peace with Iwagakure—even if it means concessions."
"Danzō opposes this."
"He wants to escalate the conflict instead."
"So he's going to the Land of Rain…"
"To provoke further conflict between Konoha, Iwagakure, and Amegakure."
Minato's expression turned grim.