Seeing that Ning Feng had no intention of pursuing the matter, the members of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans finally breathed a sigh of relief and slowly stood up.
None of them were fools.
They clearly understood that with Hiruzen Sarutobi's downfall, the powerful backing their three clans had relied on would completely disappear.
Their current attitude toward Ning Feng would directly determine the future fate of their clans.
In fact, if Ning Feng wished it, the entire Ino–Shika–Chō alliance could vanish overnight, and no one would dare investigate afterward.
From this point onward, their survival would depend entirely on Ning Feng's goodwill.
Although Minato still held the title of the Fourth Hokage, the real power of Konoha had already fallen into Ning Feng's hands.
From the way Minato treated Ning Feng earlier, it was obvious that Ning Feng was practically destined to become the Fifth Hokage of Konoha.
The only question was whether Ning Feng was willing to step into the spotlight.
The more the three clans thought about it, the more regret they felt.
Regret that they had listened to Hiruzen and come here to surround Uchiha Feng.
Wasn't that basically walking straight into death?
"I know exactly what you're all thinking," Ning Feng suddenly said calmly.
"But don't worry. My mind isn't so narrow that I can't tolerate you."
It was as if he had read their thoughts.
In truth, Ning Feng didn't care much about them.
The three clans had simply acted for the survival of their families, which was understandable.
Hearing this, the clan members finally relaxed completely.
Minato also didn't want the situation to escalate further, so he quickly spoke.
"Feng, what should we do about Lord Hiruzen?"
"Although I'm the Fourth Hokage, this banquet was originally arranged for you."
As he spoke, Minato looked deeply at Ning Feng.
Earlier, when Ning Feng used a shadow clone, Minato had finally relaxed.
But after thinking about it carefully, he became uneasy again.
Just how terrifying was Ning Feng's mind?
He had even predicted that Hiruzen's invitation to dinner carried malicious intent.
That level of foresight was impossible for a five- or six-year-old child.
"Teacher Minato," Ning Feng replied calmly.
"Although Lord Hiruzen repeatedly targeted me, he did contribute a lot to Konoha."
"Let him leave this world with dignity."
"If anyone asks, simply say that Lord Hiruzen passed away peacefully due to old age."
Ning Feng shrugged slightly.
In the original story, Hiruzen had been considered a great hero of his generation.
The only unfortunate thing was that this time, he had lost the battle against Ning Feng.
And allowing Hiruzen to leave with dignity would also make it easier for Ning Feng to govern Konoha in the future.
Minato nodded.
"Understood."
He then gave Kakashi and the others a look.
They immediately nodded in agreement and went off to prepare.
The members of the Ino–Shika–Chō clans also expressed their wish to escort Hiruzen one final time, then hurried away to help with the preparations.
While everyone was busy, Minato gave Ning Feng a subtle look, signaling him to follow.
He wanted to talk somewhere private.
Just by looking at Minato's eyes, Ning Feng already knew what his teacher was thinking.
Soon, the two of them used the Flying Thunder God Technique and arrived in a quiet forest where no one could disturb them.
Looking at the young boy in front of him—growing taller and stronger every day—Minato spoke directly.
"Feng… do you resent your teacher?"
"Do you resent me for arriving too late?"
As he spoke, Minato's eyes suddenly turned red, tears shimmering within them.
Seeing his teacher reveal such genuine emotion, Ning Feng felt warmth in his heart.
"Teacher, how could I resent you for arriving late?"
In fact, when Minato had appeared earlier and stood firmly in front of him, shielding him with his broad back, Ning Feng had felt deeply moved.
He could feel that Minato truly cared for him—not using him as a tool.
"Hah…"
Hearing this answer, Minato finally relaxed and let out a long breath.
"Feng… sometimes I'm afraid."
"I'm afraid that one day you might be consumed by hatred or darkness… and become someone I no longer recognize."
"If that day ever comes—if you face danger or despair—promise me you'll call for your teacher, alright?"
"My strength might not be enough to solve everything…"
"But I don't want to watch my student die before my eyes."
"I don't want to see tragedies like Obito and Kakashi repeat themselves."
It was the first time Ning Feng had ever seen Minato show such vulnerability.
He was stunned.
Yes…
The feelings this teacher had for him were no less genuine than those of family or brothers.
"Teacher, don't worry."
Ning Feng nodded firmly.
His fists clenched tightly.
Seeing his student agree, Minato finally relaxed.
Then he changed the topic.
"Alright, let's talk about something serious."
"Now that Hiruzen is gone, Konoha's corrupt forces have basically been eliminated."
"From now on, no one will object to the Third Amekage moving freely within Konoha."
Minato's eyes suddenly lit up.
"So why don't you simply merge the Hidden Rain Village into Konoha?"
"Let it become part of Konoha."
"Then I'll support you from behind while you step forward and become the Fifth Hokage."
"You could become the most brilliant Hokage in history—"
"Unify the entire ninja world!"
As Minato spoke, his eyes burned with excitement.
In truth, the Hokage of Konoha had never truly been satisfied with simple peace.
They had always dreamed of unifying the ninja world.
Even the distribution of the Tailed Beasts had merely been a way to maintain balance and buy time.
Back when Minato first became Hokage, he had already dreamed of conquering the ninja world.
But he had never been able to achieve it.
Now, with Uchiha Feng's appearance, he saw a new possibility.
Ning Feng, however, smiled faintly.
"Teacher Minato…"
"Compared to standing on the stage, I prefer controlling everything from behind the scenes."
"Being the final boss behind the curtain."
"What do you think?"
He wasn't about to fall for Minato's plan.
Being Hokage meant endless paperwork and exhausting responsibilities.
It would be far better to wait until Minato had almost completed everything.
Then he could casually step in and become the Fifth Hokage.
Wouldn't that be perfect?
After all—
Minato was his teacher.
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