Hiruzen's move was nothing short of brilliant.
He had done two things at once.
He handed Uchiha Jin tangible benefits in advance…
And at the same time prevented Jin from taking the reward without fulfilling his part.
Because the Hokage signature on the appointment letter belonged to Minato Namikaze.
If Danzo became the Fourth Hokage instead, the letter would instantly become void.
Which meant—
If Jin wanted that document to take effect, he would have to ensure Minato ascended.
And if he wanted it to be legitimate, Minato would have to stabilize his position quickly.
A perfectly designed leash.
"Furthermore," Hiruzen added smoothly, "the resources I previously promised will still be provided. The conditions you proposed earlier… I can accept them as well."
He applied pressure while the iron was hot.
Jin smiled faintly and placed the appointment letter on the table.
"Third Hokage… you've left me no room to refuse."
The change in address did not go unnoticed.
Earlier, Jin had called him "Sarutobi jōnin"—a deliberate slight after today's humiliation.
Now he said "Third Hokage."
Respect had returned.
Hiruzen allowed himself a thin smile.
"I cannot imagine what reason you would have to object."
"From your personal interests… and from the Uchiha clan's interests… cooperation with us is superior to cooperation with Danzo."
Jin nodded.
"You are not wrong."
"If Danzo hadn't offered terms so… tempting, we would never have considered him."
Hiruzen's eyes sharpened slightly.
"Oh? And what exactly did he offer?"
It was curiosity—
And a probe.
In negotiation, once one side reveals the rival's price, the outcome is almost settled.
If Jin disclosed Danzo's terms openly, it meant the alliance was effectively secured.
Jin thought briefly.
"There's nothing that cannot be said."
"The largest offer… you likely already know."
He lifted the appointment letter lightly.
"Except his was merely a promise. Not this."
Hiruzen snorted.
"Danzo can only issue blank checks."
"He lacks the authority to produce something like that."
The mockery carried another meaning:
Danzo has nothing better left to give.
Jin continued calmly.
"Besides that… money and jutsu."
"Money being thirty-five percent of the Daimyō's subsidy."
"And jutsu…"
He paused meaningfully.
"The techniques recorded in the Sealing Scroll."
Hiruzen's composure cracked.
"What?!"
His eyes widened in disbelief.
"The techniques within the Sealing Scroll are foundational assets of the village! He dared use them as bargaining chips?!"
This was no trivial matter.
The Sealing Scroll contained forbidden techniques capable of shaping Kage-level shinobi.
Minato's signature technique, Flying Thunder God.
Naruto's future Multi Shadow Clone Technique.
Even the least flashy jutsu in that scroll could redefine a prodigy's growth curve.
Hiruzen guarded those techniques tightly. He distributed them only to exceptional talents—carefully, selectively.
And Danzo had simply handed three of them over?
Was he insane?
Or desperate?
Jin chuckled lightly.
"At this stage… is there anything Danzo would not do?"
Hiruzen's expression darkened.
Jin continued evenly.
"Please rest assured. Unless absolutely necessary, we have no desire to see Danzo ascend."
"Since you have shown sincerity, the Uchiha will stand with you."
That was the answer Hiruzen had come for.
He rose immediately.
Minato exchanged a subtle glance with Jin, then placed a hand on Hiruzen's shoulder.
Flying Thunder God activated.
In an instant—
They vanished.
They reappeared inside Hiruzen's residence.
"Third Hokage," Minato said quietly, stepping aside, "this went more smoothly than we expected."
Hiruzen frowned.
"That is precisely why we must be cautious."
"I feel… uneasy."
Minato blinked.
"You suspect Jin was merely humoring us?"
"No."
Hiruzen shook his head slowly.
"His attitude did not feel false."
"But one thing he said… unsettled me."
He lowered his voice.
"There is nothing Danzo would not do now."
"If becoming Fourth Hokage required him to sell even his own dignity… he would."
"A man like that is the most dangerous."
Hiruzen's eyes flickered in the dim light.
Murmuring almost to himself—
"We must prepare two plans."
"…It seems we have no choice."
"We'll have to call them back."
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