The Hokage's office was unusually quiet.
Minato stood by the desk, fingers resting lightly on the wood as he listened to Nara Shikaku's report. The calm on his face masked a growing pressure beneath.
"The Uchiha Clan has been… restless," Shikaku said, voice low and controlled. "Several members have begun openly spreading rumors. They're using the Third Hokage's past decisions as justification, claiming Konoha has wronged the Uchiha. It's already causing friction inside the Village."
Minato looked up. "Fugaku hasn't stepped in?"
Shikaku didn't answer immediately. His silence was enough.
Minato exhaled, rubbing the back of his neck. "So he's still secluded… leaving matters to Yatsushiro."
"At least for now," Shikaku confirmed.
Since that incident, Fugaku's authority had eroded from both sides. The clan had seen through his hesitation, and the Village leadership had lost confidence in his ability to command. As for the elder who once held the clan together—his prestige remained, but age and injury had stripped him of the strength to intervene decisively.
"Shisui," Minato called.
A masked ANBU appeared in an instant, kneeling. "Advisor-sama."
Since the unrest began, the Uchiha had entrusted both Shisui and Itachi to Minato's guidance. Minato valued Shisui's temperament and judgment, formally accepting him as a disciple, while personally overseeing Itachi's early training. Outside duty hours, he often took the two to the orphanage or to visit retired ninja—quiet lessons in responsibility rather than technique.
"Go see the Elder and Fugaku," Minato said. "Explain everything clearly."
He paused, then continued, tone precise. "The clan may identify the agitators themselves. I will dispatch those individuals to the Sacrificial Shop under Konoha's name."
Shikaku's eyes flicked toward him.
"The Uchiha have contributed greatly to the Village," Minato went on. "We cannot punish them outright. But we can keep them busy. I'll have Jiraiya-sensei arrange missions. When people are exhausted, they stop stirring trouble."
"Yes, Advisor-sama," Shisui replied, then vanished.
Afterward, Shikaku shifted topics without preamble. "The Hyuga Clan."
Minato's posture stiffened slightly.
"Some branch family members were secretly consulting the Sacrificial Shop," Shikaku said. "They were seeking a way to remove the Caged Bird Seal. The main family elders discovered it. The branch members—and their relatives—were executed for treason."
The air in the room dropped several degrees.
"What is Hiashi's stance?" Minato asked.
"He called it an internal matter," Shikaku replied evenly. "He claims he will handle it personally."
Minato's gaze hardened. "Tell Hiashi this: Konoha will give him one chance to resolve it. We will not pursue this incident."
He leaned forward, voice sharpening. "But if it happens again—if Konoha ninja are executed without Village authority—I will personally execute the responsible Hyuga elders for murdering comrades."
Shikaku hesitated. "Directly interfering with clan traditions may provoke backlash. Not just from the Hyuga, but from other clans watching closely."
"I know," Minato said calmly. "But they are still Konoha ninja. Their service to the Village matters."
He met Shikaku's eyes. "As Hokage Advisor, it's my duty to protect their legitimate rights—as long as they haven't betrayed Konoha."
Shikaku thought for a moment. "There may be a way to dismantle the Caged Bird system without tearing the clan apart. But Konoha would have to bear immense pressure."
Minato didn't hesitate. "The final decision is mine. I'll take responsibility."
"If Konoha orders its abolition outright, the Hyuga main family will resist fiercely," Shikaku said. "But Hiashi isn't just a main family member—he's the clan head."
He continued, measured and precise. "Compared to other elders, he values succession. The Hyuga's future rests with his children. If sacrificing certain privileges strengthens the clan as a whole, he will be the first to act."
Minato followed the logic.
"We can work with Kushina," Shikaku proposed. "Have the Sealing Jutsu Corps and the Hyuga jointly develop a new seal—one that protects the Byakugan without enslaving the branch family."
Minato frowned. "Developing a seal is one thing. Convincing Hiashi is another."
"The real reason Hiashi clings to the Caged Bird isn't tradition—it's fear," Shikaku said bluntly. "Fear of losing control. Fear that the branch family might surpass the main family."
He let that settle. "If the main family can retain overwhelming strength without suppression, Hiashi will abandon the system himself."
Minato's eyes narrowed thoughtfully.
"The First Hokage never feared internal rebellion," Shikaku added quietly. "Even when Madara rebelled, he didn't persecute the Uchiha. Why? Because he knew he could suppress them alone."
"You're saying…" Minato murmured.
"That we should strengthen the main family first."
Shikaku nodded. "Lady Tsunade once consulted Orochimaru about the Hyuga problem. He suggested the Star Brilliance Focusing Pill from the Sacrificial Shop."
Minato froze.
"That pill…" He recalled its description. "The one that evolves dōjutsu bloodlines."
Byakugan—could it evolve?
"The Sharingan evolves into the Mangekyō," Shikaku said. "The Byakugan likely has similar potential. But the branch family's seal cripples it, while the main family lacks real combat pressure."
He continued, voice steady. "Our clan records mention a Hyuga known as the Heavenly Ninja during the Warring States era. At his peak, even the Senju and Uchiha bowed."
Minato nodded slowly. "I've seen similar texts."
"Future promises won't move Hiashi," Shikaku warned. "He needs proof."
He exhaled. "We cooperate with Hidden Mist. They sell us the pill at original price. In return, Konoha opens border trade—food, supplies, civilian caravans."
"As an island nation, the Land of Water suffers chronic shortages," he added. "They'll agree."
"And once Hiashi's Byakugan truly evolves…" Minato finished.
"The Village publicly commits to securing more pills for his lineage," Shikaku said. "At that point, abolishing the Caged Bird becomes his decision."
Minato smiled faintly. "A true win-win."
"The nobles won't like it," Shikaku cautioned. "They profit from trade monopolies."
"Then they can come complain to me in person," Minato said flatly. "I approve the plan."
He straightened. "Draft the treaty. I'll take Hiashi to Hidden Mist myself."
Shikaku hesitated. "If the Hyuga's power rises sharply, it may affect Konoha's political balance."
Minato answered without hesitation. "If Hiashi earns the people's support, I would gladly back him as Fifth Hokage."
Shikaku blinked.
"As long as Orochimaru remains in Konoha," Minato added, "the foundation won't shake. Hokage selection will always be decided by the jōnin assembly."
He met Shikaku's gaze evenly. "If I ever lose that support, I won't cling to the title."
Shikaku's remaining doubts dissolved.
At that moment, the door burst open.
"Minato-sama!" A communications ninja rushed in. "Urgent intelligence from Sunagakure—Uchiha Madara has appeared and seized Ichibi Shukaku!"
Silence slammed into the room.
"And there are indications," the ninja continued, "that his target is all the Tailed Beasts."
Both men stood at once.
The war bell had finally rung.
By the time the jōnin assembly convened, Tsunade had already returned.
"Konoha is entering full war readiness," she declared.
Moments later, another report arrived.
Takigakure—breached.
Seven-Tails—abducted.
Village—nearly annihilated.
Shikaku rose sharply. "We must notify the other Four Great Villages immediately. Civilian evacuation begins now."
He pointed to the map. "Only Konoha and Hidden Mist still hold Tailed Beasts. We're next."
Uchiha Fugaku, drawn out of seclusion, stood pale but resolute. "The Uchiha swear to stand with Konoha. No retreat. No surrender."
The Elder spoke next, calm and deliberate. "Issue a public mobilization. Unite the Five Villages. Set the battlefield outside Konoha—and formally challenge Uchiha Madara."
"Will he accept?" someone asked.
"He will," the Elder said quietly. "Because of his pride."
Tsunade slammed the table. "Do it."
"The Valley of the End," another suggested. "Where he was once defeated."
"Agreed," Tsunade said. "Issue the challenge."
Shikaku added, "Minato should escort Kushina to the Land of Whirlpools. Only the Sacrificial Shop guarantees the Nine-Tails' safety."
"I'll stay and fight," Minato objected.
"Konoha doesn't need another blade," Shikaku replied calmly. "It needs you alive."
Tsunade's voice cut through the room. "That's an order."
She stood tall. "I, Tsunade, Fourth Hokage, will remain and lead Konoha's defense!"
The room erupted in unified vows.
Far away, Madara read the challenge letter and smiled.
"So… they choose defiance."
He folded it neatly. "I accept."
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