The moment Minato's words fell, everyone present showed visible shock.
Inuzuka Gaku was the first to speak.
"Jin, this isn't something you can joke about. If someone uses it against you, it'll become a serious problem."
They were shinobi. Even leaving the village required official approval.
And this was wartime.
Security checks were stricter than ever.
Jin had acted without authorization. At best, it could be labeled desertion of post. At worst, it could be interpreted as betrayal.
And as a member of the Uchiha clan?
There was no chance it would be handled lightly.
If the Third Hokage discovered Jin's movements, the consequences would not be simple.
"Relax," Jin said with a faint smile. "The Mist frontline camp is practically staffed by Uchiha and Hyūga. I have cover. They won't notice."
He paused.
"Besides, I had no choice but to come."
The members of Minato's squad were trusted allies. That was the only reason Jin appeared so openly before them.
"No choice?"
Minato's gaze sharpened. He already sensed what this was about.
"Sit," Jin said calmly, scanning the group.
They found places on the ground and settled in.
Only after everyone was seated did Jin continue.
"This war has lasted nearly eight years. We're exhausted—body and mind."
"No matter how it ends, Konoha has paid dearly."
"And as Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi cannot escape responsibility for certain strategic failures."
Hiruzen Sarutobi
"His time is up."
He looked at them evenly.
"You've heard the rumors."
At the start of the war, when Sunagakure provoked conflict, Hiruzen's hesitation—his obsession with peace—delayed decisive action.
Instead of crushing the weakest of the Five Great Villages early—
He allowed the conflict to drag into stalemate.
That stalemate invited Iwagakure.
Then Kumogakure.
Then Kirigakure.
Had Konoha mobilized overwhelming force at the beginning and crippled Sunagakure immediately, the war may never have expanded.
It certainly wouldn't have lasted this long.
After defeating Suna, Hiruzen even refrained from demanding war reparations—making concessions instead, in hopes of preserving stability.
Many shinobi were dissatisfied.
Over the years, similar conciliatory decisions piled up.
Resentment grew.
To appease the village, rumors had begun circulating that Hiruzen would step down once the war ended.
Those rumors had not appeared by accident.
They were released deliberately.
Jin continued calmly,
"Even if I hadn't intervened today, this war was already winding down."
"Kumogakure and Iwagakure might not have signed peace immediately—but under mutual distrust, none of us would launch another full-scale assault."
"Only border skirmishes at most."
The Third Raikage had died at Iwa's hands.
Blood debt.
At the same time, both Iwa and Kumo had declared war on Konoha.
Now the situation was a three-way standoff.
If either Iwa or Kumo attempted to escalate against Konoha—
They risked the other striking from behind.
No one trusted anyone.
The war was effectively over.
Minato nodded.
"That's true. I've already received recall orders. I'll return to Konoha soon for rest."
He hesitated briefly.
"And in a private message… the Third hinted that once I return, he intends to support me as the Fourth Hokage."
Jin smiled slightly.
"Our Hokage-sama truly values you."
Minato gave a wry smile.
"It's not me he values. It's control."
"He wants a successor he can guide."
He met Jin's eyes.
"Like the phrase in your book—'control the emperor to command the lords.'"
Years ago, Minato might have accepted that letter with pure excitement.
But under Jin's subtle influence over time—through strategic discussions, political analysis, and the study of power structures—
Minato was no longer politically naïve.
He understood.
Jin nodded approvingly.
"You've grown."
Then his tone shifted.
"Logically speaking, the most suitable candidate for Fourth Hokage should be Orochimaru."
Orochimaru
"Calm. Far-sighted. Powerful. A veteran of both the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars."
"From any perspective, he's qualified."
He paused.
"And that's precisely the problem."
"He's too qualified."
"Too independent."
"Too difficult to control."
"So he had to be abandoned."
In pure combat strength, Minato did not fall behind Orochimaru.
But in terms of foundation?
Reputation?
Network?
Orochimaru stood on a completely different level.
During this war, Minato had acted as Konoha's rapid-response spear—deployed wherever crisis erupted.
Orochimaru, however, had commanded entire fronts.
First the Suna line.
Now the Kumo front.
He was Minato's direct superior.
If the two truly competed for the Hokage seat—
Minato would struggle.
Minato nodded seriously.
"Orochimaru-sensei… aside from his cold temperament, he is fit for the position."
"But that no longer matters," Jin said quietly. "His opportunity has already passed."
He leaned forward slightly.
"When you return, the Third will test you."
"Until everything is settled, you must keep your distance from the Uchiha."
"That's why I needed to speak with you here."
Minato's expression turned solemn.
"I'm listening."
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