Namikaze Minato's Whereabouts!
After defeating Sarutobi Hiruzen, Namikaze Minato caught his breath, turned around, and looked toward his comrade, Kaito. After a moment of hesitation, he bowed slightly in gratitude. With Naruto in his arms, he prepared to leave.
"Minato-kun, where are you going?"
Hearing Kaito's voice, Minato paused.
"I… I don't know," Minato admitted, his voice carrying uncertainty.
Originally, he had returned to Konoha with the intention of eliminating Sarutobi Hiruzen, a man he once respected but who had also made decisions that led to his suffering. To symbolize his severed ties with the village, he had scratched through his Konoha forehead protector, a gesture of his determination.
However, after Kaito subdued Hiruzen, Minato hesitated. No matter what grievances he held, Hiruzen had once supported him and entrusted him with Konoha's future as the Fourth Hokage. The intervention of the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, pleading for Hiruzen's life, further complicated Minato's emotions. In the end, he chose to spare him.
Yet, by marking his forehead protector and standing against Konoha's leadership, he had effectively exiled himself. Now, he had no home to return to.
[Fourth Raikage – A:] Come to the Cloud Village. We don't deal in so many intrigues. Bring Naruto, and I promise you the best treatment.
[Fifth Mizukage – Mei Terumi:] You're welcome in Kirigakure too, Minato-kun. I can even appoint you as the head of our Anbu forces. What do you say?
[Uzumaki Kushina]: No! Kirigakure must not take him!
[Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki]: Hmph! This woman just wants to entice you, Naruto. Don't go! If you're thinking about leaving, come to Iwagakure instead. I'll even make you the next Tsuchikage!
[Fourth Kazekage, Rasa]: No, come to Sunagakure! I'll abdicate right now and let you take over!
[Fourth Raikage, A]: Sunagakure? That barren land full of nothing but desert? What kind of life would Naruto even have there?
[Fourth Kazekage, Rasa]: We have wealth! Sunagakure is rich!
[Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki]: Hah! What use is wealth? Iwagakure isn't just prosperous, we have a great environment too!
[Fifth Mizukage, Mei Terumi]: Kirigakure is surrounded by the sea, with breathtaking scenery—and of course, plenty of beautiful women!
[Fourth Kazekage, Rasa]: My daughter, Temari, is about Naruto's age!
[Fourth Raikage, A]: Hmph! I can teach Naruto the Lightning Release Chakra Mode!
[Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki]: Heh! I can teach him Dust Release!
[Third Raikage]: You? You haven't even mastered that technique properly yet!
[Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki]: What are you saying? I learned it directly from my master!
[Senju Hashirama]: Are you all just going to ignore me?!
[Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki]: Tch! Minato wanted to leave on his own. What could you have done to stop him?
[Senju Tobirama]: And which eye did you use to see that, Ōnoki? Minato, do you even want to leave Konoha?
[Fourth Raikage, A]: Seriously? You people are so shameless! If the village elders hadn't interfered, Minato would've left Konoha by now!
[Konoha's Slacker]: Enough arguing! Let's hear what Minato himself has to say!
[Konoha's Slacker]: If Minato truly wants to leave, I won't stop him. But if he chooses to stay, Konoha will never turn its back on him!
[Konoha Salted Fish]: If anyone has any objections, feel free to talk to me. I may be lazy, but I have no problem solving things by force!
[Namikaze Minato]: Thank you for your support. Honestly, I would like to stay in Konoha…
[Konoha Salted Fish]: That settles it then. You can stay without worries. I trust that the people of Konoha won't trouble you.
[Hyuga Hiashi]: The Hyuga Clan promises we will not cause you any trouble. If anything happens, you can come to me.
[Yamanaka Inoichi]: The same goes for the Yamanaka Clan!
[Akimichi Choza]: The Akimichi Clan as well!
[Nara Shikaku]: The Nara Clan too!
Soon, representatives from various large and small clans in Konoha stepped forward, expressing their support. They assured Minato that they would not trouble him and even offered their assistance if needed.
[Namikaze Minato]: In that case… I sincerely thank you all!
[Konoha Salted Fish]: Alright, Minato-kun, you can stay in Konoha without any worries!
[Namikaze Minato]: Thank you for your support. If you ever need my help, I won't hesitate to act!
Hearing this, a sly smile appeared on Kaito's face. This was exactly what he wanted.
When Namikaze Minato was resurrected, Kaito had already made up his mind—he would ensure that Minato remained in Konoha.
Such a powerful ally… how could he let him leave? If things ever got out of hand, he could always rely on Namikaze Minato to take care of the problem!