"So you're saying shinobi don't even make up one ten-thousandth of the world's population."
Through his own question and answer, Uchiha Ren revealed a perspective none of them had considered before.
"In the beginning, shinobi simply took on commissions and completed missions. But because of their overwhelming strength, hiring even one genin was more efficient than hiring ten samurai."
"Over time, shinobi came to be seen as tools—machines for completing tasks."
"And gradually, they became the primary source of conflict in this world."
"Throughout history, conflicts between shinobi are, at their core, extensions of disputes between their employers."
Ren's expression grew solemn.
"If we want to end war—truly change this world—focusing only on shinobi isn't enough."
"If the root cause remains, war will never end."
"I know this path is filled with thorns. Whether we can reach the end is uncertain."
"But in every era, there are always those who pursue peace and change."
"One lifetime determines all lifetimes."
"Rather than leaving every problem to future generations, I would rather one generation endure the hardship of three… fight the wars of three… and carve out a path forward for those who come after."
As he spoke, the others' confusion gradually turned into resolve.
Minato's eyes burned like twin flames.
Once influenced by Jiraiya's belief in fate and destiny, Minato had been willing to leave unsolved problems to the future.
But now—
he believed no problem was unsolvable.
Even failure would serve as a lesson for those who followed.
That was the responsibility of those who came before.
An Akimichi clan shinobi spoke in a low voice:
"Ren… you see further than all of us."
Minato added sincerely:
"Ren… you're more suited to be Hokage than either me or Orochimaru."
Ren shook his head with a smile.
"Suitability isn't determined by ability alone."
"And besides—the Hokage is only the beginning."
"Our path doesn't end with Konoha."
"Our journey lies among the stars and the vast seas beyond."
Ren's words ignited everyone's fighting spirit.
An Inuzuka clan shinobi stroked the large hound beside him and chuckled:
"Young people really are something… you've got me fired up too."
Ren smiled.
"You shouldn't sell yourself short. The world belongs to all of us."
"We are the rising generation—and you still have much to offer."
"Even a single ray of light can shine brightly."
The man laughed.
"You're trying to make this old man risk his life again."
Then, more seriously:
"My hands are already stained with blood… but my son is still clean."
"If possible, I want to fight for a clean future for him."
Silence fell.
Every jōnin present had walked through blood to get where they were.
Minato broke the silence, his voice warm and steady:
"The past is behind us."
"But now we have something worth dedicating our lives to."
"We won't live as tools anymore."
His natural warmth made him feel like a small sun—drawing others in effortlessly.
That alone made him worthy of becoming Hokage.
Ren shifted the topic:
"Kado and the Land of Waves will become our support."
"Also, there's something about Shisui going to the daimyō's residence."
Minato nodded.
"To meet the daimyō?"
"Yes," Ren replied.
"I had him join the Twelve Guardian Ninja—building a bridge between us and the daimyō."
Minato frowned.
"That group exists to guard against Konoha. Why would they accept one of our shinobi?"
Ren smiled.
"You're starting to see the bigger picture."
Minato scratched his head awkwardly.
"I didn't before… but after reading those books you gave me, I understand now."
Though Konoha and the daimyō shared interests, power was divided:
The Hokage controlled military forceThe daimyō controlled the economy
Conflict was inevitable.
Ren explained:
"The daimyō's distrust isn't toward Konoha—but toward Hiruzen and the elders."
Minato's eyes sharpened.
"There's more to this, isn't there?"
Ren nodded.
"It goes back to the death of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju…"
During the First Great Ninja War, Tobirama died while acting as a rearguard to allow his escort unit—Hiruzen included—to escape.
But doubts remained.
Tobirama, famed for his speed and mastery of the Flying Thunder God Technique, shouldn't have died so easily.
And then—
Hiruzen returned with Tobirama's supposed dying will, naming him as the Third Hokage.
But the Hokage position was meant to be decided by a vote among jōnin.
Instead, Hiruzen assumed power based on a single statement.
"At best, it was an emergency appointment," Ren said.
"But no matter how you frame it—his claim was never entirely legitimate."
Today, Hiruzen Sarutobi's position was secure.
But decades ago, things were very different.
Konoha had only just been established, and its strength still relied heavily on its great clans.
The Sarutobi clan could not compare to the Uchiha, Senju, or Hyūga.
Especially the Senju—
Founders of Konoha.
Producers of two Hokage.
Their influence was unmatched.
Under such circumstances, Tobirama's suspicious death and Hiruzen's sudden rise naturally drew heavy scrutiny.
Ren continued:
"Hiruzen's rise was anything but smooth. The clans—especially the Senju—strongly opposed him."
"But in the end, one person suppressed all dissent."
Minato's eyes widened.
"…Uzumaki Mito?"
Ren nodded.
"The first Nine-Tails jinchūriki. Her strength rivaled the greatest."
"She was also Hashirama Senju's wife—her authority was unquestionable."
"If she had ambition, she could have become Hokage herself."
Minato recalled the overwhelming presence she exuded.
Ren continued:
"After stabilizing his position, Hiruzen began implementing policies targeting the major clans."
"The first to suffer… was the Senju Clan."
Minato's heart grew heavy.
The once-great Senju had nearly vanished within decades.
Ren spoke gravely:
"Most of their young adults died in war."
"And many children… disappeared within the village."
Minato frowned.
"That's impossible. Wasn't it investigated?"
An Inuzuka shinobi replied:
"It wasn't just the Senju. Other clans lost children too."
"But nothing was ever proven."
An Akimichi shinobi added:
"I remember… they said enemy spies had infiltrated the village."
Ren shook his head slightly.
"There are no secrets that stay buried forever."
"I know part of the truth."
Everyone focused on him.
"After the First and Second Hokage died, Konoha's dominance declined."
"So Hiruzen and the elders decided to resume a forbidden project—"
"Human experimentation."
Minato's expression darkened.
"That's forbidden…"
Ren nodded.
"It was originally proposed by Tobirama Senju."
"Even after death, Hashirama's cells retained extraordinary vitality…"