As soon as Minato Namikaze finished speaking, shock spread across everyone's faces.
Inuzuka Gaku was the first to react. "Jin, this isn't something to joke about! If this gets out, it could be used against us!"
After all, they were shinobi. Even leaving the village required official clearance.
Especially now, during wartime, the village's surveillance was stricter than ever.
Uchiha Jin had acted without permission, and at best, it could be called dereliction of duty. At worst, it could be treated as treason against the village.
Given Jin's identity as an Uchiha, and the current political climate, it was almost impossible for this to be overlooked.
If the Third Hokage discovered Jin's movements, this incident would definitely not end quietly.
"Relax," Jin replied with a calm smile. "Most of the people at the Kirigakure frontline camp are from the Uchiha and Hyuga clans. I have people covering for me. They won't find out."
"And besides, I had no choice but to come."
The people present were all members of Minato's team—trusted allies. That's why Jin dared to appear so openly before them.
"No choice?" Minato narrowed his eyes, already sensing something. His gaze sharpened as he looked at Jin.
"Let's sit down and talk."
Jin glanced around and raised a hand, signaling everyone to calm down.
Minato and the others didn't object. Each of them found a spot and sat down on the ground.
Once they were all settled, Jin began.
"This war has gone on for nearly eight years. All of us are physically and mentally exhausted."
"No matter how this war ends, Konoha will be left in ruins."
"As for Hiruzen, the Hokage… he can't escape blame for several poor decisions. His time as Hokage has reached its limit."
"I'm sure you've heard the rumors going around."
In the early stages of the war, when Sunagakure first provoked them, Sarutobi—clinging to his ideal of peace—hesitated and failed to act decisively.
He allowed the enemy's arrogance to grow unchecked, resulting in the war dragging into a prolonged stalemate and eventually dragging in Iwagakure, Kumogakure, and Kirigakure as well.
Sunagakure, after all, was the weakest among the Five Great Nations, while Konoha was the acknowledged strongest.
If Sarutobi had immediately mobilized Konoha's superior forces to crush Sunagakure from the start, the war might never have escalated to this point.
At the very least, it wouldn't have lasted this long.
Even after Sunagakure was defeated, Sarutobi made no demands for reparations and even compromised on certain terms in the name of maintaining peace.
This caused widespread discontent among Konoha's shinobi.
Sarutobi's series of poor, peace-driven decisions during the war only fueled that dissatisfaction. The resentment within the village had been growing daily.
To placate the public, rumors had already begun to circulate that Sarutobi would step down after the war ended. And it was Sarutobi himself who had deliberately spread those rumors—to calm the unrest.
Jin continued, "Even if I hadn't come, this war is already approaching its end."
"Perhaps Iwa and Kumo won't declare peace so easily, but with all three sides entangled, there won't be any more large-scale offensives."
"Just some skirmishes along the borders."
Though Iwagakure and Kumogakure still had strength left, the death of the Third Raikage at the hands of Iwa made the two villages blood enemies.
Now, with both of them also at war with Konoha, the result was a chaotic three-way conflict. None of them trusted each other.
If either Iwa or Kumo wanted to launch a full-scale attack on Konoha, they'd have to consider whether the other would stab them in the back to gain an advantage.
That's why, realistically, the war was already over.
Minato nodded. "That makes sense. I've already received orders from the Third to return to Konoha for rest."
"In a private letter, he even hinted at grooming me to become the Fourth Hokage."
Jin chuckled. "Looks like our Hokage still thinks highly of you."
Minato gave a bitter smile and shook his head. "He doesn't value me. He values his power. He just wants to use me as a puppet."
"Just like in that book you wrote, Jin—'holding the Emperor hostage to command the nobles.'"
If it had been the original Minato from the canon timeline, he would've been overjoyed at the thought of becoming the Fourth Hokage.
But after years of Jin's deliberate guidance, Minato had grown far more astute. He was no longer politically naïve and could see through Sarutobi's intentions.
To that end, Jin had even copied political texts from his past life for Minato to study.
"Not bad. You've grown a lot, Minato," Jin praised sincerely, then added, "Strictly speaking, Orochimaru should've been the ideal candidate for Fourth Hokage."
"Orochimaru is calm, sharp, powerful, and has made outstanding contributions in both the Second and Third Ninja Wars."
"In every way, he's perfectly qualified to be Hokage."
"But that's exactly the problem. He's too qualified—so much so that Sarutobi can no longer control him. That's why Sarutobi had to abandon him."
In terms of strength, Minato was no weaker than Orochimaru now.
But in terms of prestige and foundation, Minato—who only rose to prominence during this war—couldn't compare.
Just look at their current roles.
Minato had been acting as a troubleshooter, rushed to wherever he was needed.
Orochimaru, on the other hand, had been commanding major fronts—first against Sunagakure, and now leading forces against Kumogakure. He was technically Minato's direct superior.
If the two were to compete for the Hokage position, Minato wouldn't stand a chance.
Minato didn't argue. He nodded seriously and said, "True. Apart from his cold demeanor, Orochimaru-senpai is perfectly suited to be Hokage."
"There's no need to talk about Orochimaru anymore. His time has passed," Jin said. "Minato, once you return to the village, the Third will definitely test your loyalty."
"Until everything is settled, don't get too close to the Uchiha."
"There are some things I can only say to you here and now."
Minato's expression turned solemn as he waited for Jin's next words.