Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer - Chapter 687

Aoba spoke slowly, taking a step back to advance the discussion.

This approach was more convenient. It might arouse Minato Namikaze’s suspicion if he continued pressing the point. The more one emphasizes something, the more it can backfire. By asking questions, Aoba lets Minato provide answers, effectively making Minato come to conclusions on his own.

This way, even if something went wrong later, Aoba could simply explain that he proposed a hypothesis and that Minato had drawn his conclusions independently. This approach would distance Aoba from any direct involvement or suspicion.

Aoba blinked at Minato, his eyes filled with confusion as if he genuinely questioned the unfolding events.

“It’s very possible,” Minato replied after Aoba’s prompt, reaching the issue’s core. If the Third Hokage intended to clear his name, using actual incidents would make the exoneration process more convincing.

Through it, Minato realized that everything Orochimaru and Danzo had claimed could be true. It would make the story more believable and accessible to vindicate later, especially since the Third Hokage hadn’t explicitly admitted anything. Reflecting on past events, Minato began to see the possibility.

“Based on the information I have, it’s very likely that Orochimaru and Danzo did those things,” Minato continued. The Third Hokage might have known but didn’t stop them, effectively turning a blind eye. He may not be directly responsible for those actions, but there are certainly issues that would be cleared along with him.”

As Minato spoke, he realized the gravity of the situation. The more he considered Aoba’s hypothesis, the more it seemed plausible. If orchestrated correctly, the Third Hokage, Orochimaru, and Danzo could clear their names simultaneously.

Minato’s expression turned solemn. He was in a precarious situation with no clear way to counter the potential threat. He would be vulnerable during the Hokage inauguration if he didn’t act preemptively.

“Do you have any ideas?” Minato asked, looking at Aoba. He wasn’t overly hopeful but needed someone to discuss the situation with, and Aoba was the only one available.

“Let me think,” Aoba replied, adopting a severe demeanor. He understood that his suggestions would be scrutinized closely. “Are you certain their plan is to act during the inauguration?”

“Almost certain,” Minato said. Since the Third Hokage had already tried to eliminate him, Minato was convinced that any future actions would be similarly directed.

“If that’s the case…” Aoba began, drawing out his words to emphasize his thought process. “Given everything we’ve discussed, if the Third Hokage is behind this and plans to clear his name during your inauguration, the only solution is… to strike first.”

“Strike first?” Minato’s gaze grew colder. He had never shown this side of himself before, always known for his sunny disposition. But recent events had changed his perspective.

“Exactly,” Aoba confirmed. We need to act before they do. We need to ensure we control the situation.”

“Do you have a specific plan?” Minato asked. He knew they couldn’t afford to be passive and needed a proactive strategy.

“I have some ideas,” Aoba said, deliberately pausing. “If the Third Hokage plans to act during the inauguration, we need to prevent him from attending. But as you said, he must be there to pass the Hokage title to you.”

“Then there’s only one other option,” Aoba continued, smiling mischievously. “We find Orochimaru or Danzo first. If we can locate and confront them, we can force the issue, gather evidence against the Third Hokage, and prevent any chance of him clearing his name.”

“How do we find them?” Minato asked. He didn’t dismiss Aoba’s plan but highlighted the difficulty. Orochimaru and Danzo were nowhere to be found, making it challenging to strike preemptively.

Aoba’s plan hinged on locating these elusive figures. To implement his strategy successfully, he needed a concrete method for tracking them down.

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