Minato Namikaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and Yakushi Nonou were discussing the details of the charity event.
Since this was the first time they had organized such an event, none of them had much experience with it.
Therefore, Hiruzen applied the same methods used during wartime mobilization.
And it actually worked pretty well.
After all, Konoha's wartime mobilization was based on the Will of Fire—the idea that everyone in the village was family. So if the orphans were also considered family, wasn't it natural for people to donate to them?
After Yakushi Nonou left, Hiruzen turned to Minato and said, "The Fourth said, 'The entire plan was originally conceived by Shindai.' He might have better ideas. When you go home later, why don't you ask him about it?"
Minato nodded. "Yes, Shindai has been staying at Orochimaru-sama's research base lately, so we still often meet up in the evenings. I'll ask him then."
Hiruzen continued, "Minato, next we should focus on the Uchiha clan."
Minato replied, "I'm planning to visit Fugaku at the Uchiha clan compound tomorrow."
Hiruzen asked, "Should I accompany you?"
Minato shook his head slightly. "No. Kushina and Mikoto are very close friends, so I'd prefer to approach Fugaku based on that connection and have a good conversation with him."
Hiruzen agreed, "That works too. Let's see what kind of attitude Fugaku shows first."
...
Nighttime.
Shindai, wearing a smile on his face, walked down the road toward home.
"Tch, genius? What's a genius anyway? I'm the only one who deserves that title—Shindai! Thanks to Orochimaru-sama's equipment, progress has been incredibly fast. Though one downside is that even during breaks, you can't just chat around casually. Why does everyone have to be so serious?"
As Shindai was thinking about the experiments planned for tomorrow, Minato suddenly appeared before him.
Shindai said in surprise, "Huh? Minister Minato, you're off work too, huh?"
Minato smiled. "Yeah, you've been working pretty hard lately, Shindai."
Shindai subconsciously puffed out his chest proudly. "Of course! I've always worked hard. If I didn't, I'd end up completely alone."
"Huh?"
Minato looked at Shindai confusedly—how would he end up alone just because he wasn't working hard?
Shindai waved his hand dismissively. "Never mind that. You must have something to tell me, Minister Minato. After all, we usually don't run into each other on our way home."
Minato said, "Actually, there is something. It's about the charity event. Today, the Third, Nonou, and I discussed some details. Since the original idea came from you, I wanted to hear your opinion."
Minato proceeded to walk Shindai through all the details they had discussed in the office.
Shindai replied after listening carefully: "That sounds reasonable. Actually, how you hold the charity event isn't important. After all, both Lord Minato and The Third—Konoha's current and former Hokage—will be attending. The villagers will show you respect; most of them will definitely come.
What matters is the content of the speech. Just make Sister Nonou sound tragic enough. There are many war orphans in the orphanage, right? Then focus on telling their stories—their parents gave their lives for Konoha. Say things that can evoke empathy, like not letting these heroes bleed and suffer twice. But those empathetic lines should come from Lord Minato himself. It wouldn't be appropriate coming from Sister Nonou."
Minato Namikaze nodded thoughtfully upon hearing Shindai's words: "I understand now."
Suddenly recalling his own ambitions, Shindai asked, "Lord Minato, since you know I plan to open a shop, could you arrange me a good location?"
Minato agreed: "Sure, but we must follow proper procedures. Unfortunately, I can't offer it to you for free."
"No problem! Money is the easiest thing for me to solve—I'll just find some investors!"
Shindai grinned greedily. His current experiment would have to be put on hold while he focused on creating sample puppets—prototypes to attract investors.
What a busy life—so packed indeed!
...
The next day.
Minato Namikaze arrived at the Uchiha clan district and met Fugaku Uchiha.
"Chief Fugaku," Minato began, "Ever since the succession ceremony, I'd wanted to meet with you, but got caught up in affairs and didn't manage to come sooner until today."
Since Kushina Uzumaki and Mikoto Uchiha were friends, although Minato Namikaze and Fugaku Uchiha weren't exactly friends, their relationship was still quite good.
Fugaku slightly bowed: "I haven't had the chance to congratulate The Fourth on becoming Hokage yet."
At this moment, Mikoto Uchiha entered carrying two cups of tea, placing one cup in front of Minato Namikaze and another before Fugaku Uchiha.
Smiling at Mikoto, Minato said: "Kushina always speaks highly of you, Mikoto. I'm planning to marry Kushina soon—it'll be an intimate gathering of close family and dear friends. I hope you and Chief Fugaku will attend my wedding."
Mikoto replied joyfully: "Really? I'll definitely attend The Fourth's and Kushina's wedding."
Fugaku looked at Minato Namikaze in mild surprise. He could understand why Minato had invited Mikoto—since she and Kushina were close friends—but hadn't expected him to include himself as well.
Fugaku gave Mikoto a meaningful look and said, "Mikoto, I need to discuss something privately with The Fourth. Why don't you go keep Itachi company? I'll take care of hosting Lord Namikaze."
"Okay."
Mikoto left the room, gently closing the door behind her.
Minato Namikaze expressed his gratitude to Fugaku Uchiha, saying, "Clan Head Fugaku, the Uchiha clan's valor during this war has made a great contribution to Konoha. I'm here to thank you sincerely."
Fugaku Uchiha shook his head and replied, "There's no need to thank us. Konoha is our home. When Konoha faces difficulties, of course we must do our utmost."
After a short pause, Fugaku asked, "The Fourth Hokage, the reason you're here today should be more than just inviting Mikoto and me to your wedding, right?"
Minato's expression grew serious when he asked, "I'd like to ask, Clan Head Fugaku, what's your view on the relationship between the Uchiha and Konoha?"
Fugaku, who had just picked up his teacup, paused slightly.
But soon, Fugaku acted as if nothing had happened and calmly took a sip of tea.
After setting his teacup down, Fugaku had already decided how to respond to Minato's question: "The Uchiha clan is one of many ninja clans in Konoha. We are part of the Hidden Leaf Village."
Minato sighed in frustration, "Clan Head Fugaku, I asked about your perspective on our relationship. You didn't really answer my question directly. The reason I'm here today is hoping that we can have an open and honest conversation."
Minato finally revealed the real purpose of his visit today. Otherwise, he feared Fugaku would dodge the issue the entire time.
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