Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer - Chapter 697

Minato Namikaze’s thoughts were crystal clear—he could not afford to give them any chances. He didn’t fully understand their true intentions, and any mistake could render all his efforts meaningless.

This was something he couldn’t allow to happen.

In truth, Minato had no personal grudge against the three individuals standing before him. He harboured no ill feelings toward them or resentment over their shared connection to Jiraiya. But at this moment, he felt the need to be extra cautious.

Trusting too easily was a mistake he could not afford, especially after discussing things with Aoba. He had understood how delicate Konoha’s current situation was—any lapse in vigilance could lead to a complete disaster.

Nagato and his group had chosen the wrong time to approach him.

When Aoba had suggested they find Minato, the order from the Daimyo of the Land of Fire hadn’t yet been issued. Minato had also not yet had direct contact with Aoba. At that time, Minato had been in a weaker position, and if they had approached him then, perhaps they could have been of help.

However, they hadn’t come then. Instead, they gathered more information, waiting for a better opportunity. Ironically, this delay had caused them to miss out on a critical moment, leaving them in the awkward position they were now in.

Their request might have been more favourable if they had waited until Minato officially became Hokage. At that point, doubts would no longer burden Minato, and he could have found a way to accommodate them.

But now, they had approached him at the worst possible time, when Minato was most worried about the Hokage transition.

Minato suspected that the Third Hokage might try to sabotage his ascension, and he couldn’t afford any missteps. He wasn’t sure if these three were genuinely seeking his help as they claimed or had other motives—or worse if they were part of a trap set by the Third Hokage to discredit him and ruin his chances of becoming Hokage.

Given the current political climate, Minato had to be extremely cautious. If he were to make the wrong decision, all his efforts to become Hokage could collapse.

“Go back,” Minato said.
“Return to where you came from.”
“You have your dreams, and I respect them.”
“But I can’t allow you into Konoha.”

Minato spoke calmly but firmly, acknowledging that they might indeed be Jiraiya’s disciples. However, he couldn’t give them what they wanted. Knowing they’d meet again, he didn’t want to burn bridges completely.

If they genuinely were Jiraiya’s disciples, there was a chance their paths could cross again, and Minato didn’t want to sour the relationship beyond repair, especially in case word reached Jiraiya. He tried to maintain a degree of respect for Jiraiya, ensuring he didn’t handle the situation too harshly.

Minato carefully balanced his words, explaining why he couldn’t let them into Konoha without creating unnecessary tension.

But despite his efforts, the three members of the Akatsuki remained silent, showing no signs of leaving. It was clear they had anticipated this outcome and were prepared for it.

Nagato stepped forward, standing directly in front of Minato. He raised his head slightly, his gaze lifting to the blue sky above the gates of Konoha. His Rinnegan eyes—the distinctive ripple-patterned eyes—were now fully visible to Minato.

“Minato-senpai!”
“I must stay in Konoha!”
“Please…”
“Is there a way?!”
“Help me figure something out!”

Although Nagato’s words seemed like a plea for help, his tone had no real sense of supplication. It was as if he was asking more out of obligation than genuine need, his pride subtly shining through.

Minato could sense Nagato’s lingering arrogance, an attitude likely stemming from his newfound knowledge of his ?tsutsuki lineage. Aoba’s revelations about Nagato’s supposed origins had unintentionally inflated his ego, leading him to believe he was far superior to others.

“I cannot agree to this,” Minato replied firmly, shaking his head. No matter what was said, he couldn’t allow them entry—it was a firm boundary he could not cross.

With the Hokage transition looming, any mistake could have serious consequences.

“No matter what you say, it won’t change anything,” Minato added coldly. His tone was icy, far removed from his usual warmth. In his mind, there was no more room for negotiation.

He knew that if he let his guard down, it could jeopardise everything. Becoming Hokage was not just a personal goal—it was his way of ensuring Konoha’s future prosperity. He needed to stabilise the village and could not afford to introduce any potential threats.

For Minato, protecting Konoha was an all-consuming passion ingrained in his soul. He believed that by becoming a kage, he could improve the village and lead its people toward a brighter future.

Thus, he could not allow any destabilising factors to interfere with this goal.

Minato’s love for Konoha was deep-rooted, and when he learned of the village’s darker aspects, his first thought wasn’t despair. Instead, he resolved to change that darkness with his own hands.

He knew that if he became Hokage, he could help Konoha rise again. And he would do anything to make that happen.

That’s why, despite Nagato’s pleas, Minato was unwavering. He could not allow them to stay in Konoha. His goal was to become Hokage and bring change to the village—and he would not let anything stand in his way.

Become a Patron to read chapters ahead of public release and support me 😉

40 chapters ahead are available on Patron!