"What exactly is the nature of time and space?" Minato mused as he lingered on recent events, letting his mind drift. He hadn't erased his own memories of Naruto's arrival, unable to shake certain questions from his thoughts.
Why was the Nine-Tails still sealed within Naruto? History had clearly changed, yet Naruto carried the same burden Minato had hoped to spare him. And while Naruto bore the role of Jinchūriki, Kushina was safe and unscathed—a stark contrast to the tragic events Minato remembered. There was also the unsettling question of Mukade. Did he alone know enough to suspect Minato's return, or would others in the future discern the truth?
But most intriguing of all was the nature of time and space itself. As the Fourth Hokage, Minato had long mastered the Flying Thunder God Technique, one of the rare S-ranked space-time ninjutsu. Perhaps witnessing this temporal distortion first-hand would inspire him to reach new heights, to understand the mysteries he'd glimpsed in Rōran.
"Minato?" Kushina's voice brought him back to the present as she blinked at him, her gaze slightly dazed from the memory seal Minato had placed on her. She retained memories of their mission but not of Naruto or Mukade's origin.
"Feeling tired?" Minato asked gently. She had just undergone a memory seal, and even as a resilient member of the Uzumaki clan, she would likely feel the strain. But Kushina shook her head, brushing off his concern.
"It's fine. I'd like to walk for a bit," she replied, a slight frown on her face, as if something nagged at her memory. Minato offered her a soft smile, watching as she turned and left the courtyard, moving quietly down Konoha's streets.
As she disappeared from sight, Minato felt a pang of affection mixed with longing. Then, steeling himself, he made his way to the Hokage's office.
In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen Sarutobi awaited him with a thoughtful expression. Minato completed his report, describing the events in Rōran but omitting Naruto and Mukade's true origins. Hiruzen listened, his face softening with approval.
"Well done," Hiruzen praised, a small smile breaking his usually stern expression. The choice to eliminate Anrokuzan and seal the dragon vein had been prudent, sparing Rōran from potential exploitation by other villages. "With the dragon vein sealed, even if Sunagakure covets it, they won't easily bypass your seal."
Minato nodded respectfully, feeling the weight of the mission lift from his shoulders. "If there's nothing else, I'll take my leave," he said.
"Wait," Hiruzen interjected, his tone more serious. "There's something you should know, Minato."
"What is it?" Minato asked, sensing the gravity in Hiruzen's words.
"The Uchiha clan's patriarch, Uchiha Kai, was diagnosed with a terminal illness yesterday. Even Tsunade couldn't find a cure," Hiruzen explained, his brow creased.
"A terminal illness… could it be related to the Sharingan?" Minato speculated. In his study of Konoha's history, he had learned of the rare but lethal complications some Uchiha faced due to prolonged use of the Sharingan. Though uncommon, it had claimed the lives of two prominent Uchiha before. Uchiha Kai was the third—a shocking development, as he had been one of the clan's strongest members.
With Uchiha Kai's health failing, the Uchiha would soon need to elect a new leader, an event that could have significant implications for Konoha. Minato's thoughts turned to Uchiha Fugaku, the clan's likely choice for its next patriarch.
"Fugaku is the most probable successor," Minato remarked. "He's more than capable, both in strength and in leadership."
Hiruzen raised an eyebrow, his expression unreadable. "Yes, that would be the natural conclusion—unless, of course, another contender steps forward."
Minato caught the subtle hint in Hiruzen's tone and nodded thoughtfully. If there was anyone with the strength and influence to rival Fugaku, it would be Yoruki, an Uchiha with formidable skill. His talents had grown markedly in recent years, and though he wasn't as well-known as Fugaku, Minato was well aware of his abilities.
"What are the chances that Yoruki will challenge Fugaku for the position?" Hiruzen asked, studying Minato's reaction.
"Not likely," Minato replied, considering Yoruki's personality. "Yoruki is intensely focused on his training, always striving to grow stronger. For him, becoming the clan leader would only be a distraction. He'd likely view it as an unnecessary responsibility."
Hiruzen leaned back, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Minato's response. "You're certain?"
Minato's expression softened, his gaze steady. "Yoruki knows his own priorities, and he's not one to be swayed. If he sees something as a hindrance to his growth, he won't pursue it."
Hiruzen nodded slowly, appearing satisfied with the answer. "Indeed… But there's one more person who might influence the decision—Uchiha Yoruki's father, an elder within the clan," he said, a slight frown crossing his face. "He has high hopes for his son to become the next leader, given the status it would bring."
Minato listened, understanding the political dynamics at play. Though Yoruki possessed talent and ambition, his aggressive and often reckless behavior could lead to friction with Konoha's leadership. In contrast, Fugaku was more tempered, a quality that had won Minato's respect.
Minato's gaze met Hiruzen's. "Yoruki won't let anyone sway him into a role he doesn't want. He has a clear sense of self, and in this case, I believe Fugaku's experience and composure make him the better choice for the clan—and for Konoha."
Hiruzen's lips curled into a faint smile, nodding in agreement. He seemed pleased by Minato's insight. Uchiha Mikoto, a close friend of Kushina and Minato from their academy days, will married to Fugaku. Known for her kind heart and gentle nature, Mikoto would bring a balancing presence to the Uchiha leadership—another potential asset in Konoha's favor.
"Yes… Mikoto is a stabilizing influence. And when the time comes, having allies within the Uchiha may prove beneficial," Hiruzen said, a note of pride in his voice. He regarded Minato with approval, clearly recognizing the significance of their discussion.
As Minato prepared to leave, he paused, the memory of Naruto still vivid in his mind. If history continues as it should, he thought, then perhaps the Uchiha and Konoha will find a future where they coexist in peace.
With a respectful nod, he turned and made his way out of the Hokage's office, the future already taking shape in his mind.
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