Upon hearing Tobirama's words, Minato Namikaze was momentarily stunned.
Beside him, Hashirama Senju also scratched his head in confusion. Both of them couldn't understand why everyone was still discussing Minato's situation.
Seeing them like this, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, sighed helplessly. This situation was truly distressing. He then turned his gaze toward Aoki.
"Group Leader, perhaps you should explain it to these two."
In Tobirama's view, Aoki was currently the most admirable among the Hokages in the group—meticulous in thought, decisive in action, and radiating a sharp, brilliant edge.
Aoki had been observing everything with a cold eye. Hearing this, he nodded in agreement. Under the puzzled gazes of Hashirama and Minato, he slowly began to speak.
"Minato, have you ever considered why you have repeatedly become the target of their schemes?"
Hearing Aoki's words, Minato thought for a moment, then shook his head. He already held nominal power and felt insignificant in Konoha, never having delved deeply into the reasons behind it.
Aoki stated bluntly, "The root cause, in fact, lies precisely in this nominal power of yours. You attempted to befriend the Uchiha Clan, even forming a friendship with Mikoto Uchiha, while your wife happens to be the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. This made you a thorn in their side."
"The Nine-Tails is Konoha's core strategic trump card. How could the Third Hokage and Danzo tolerate even the slightest connection between the Uchiha Clan and the Nine-Tails?"
Aoki added that Minato's position as Hokage yet complete lack of real authority was a key catalyst for this crisis.
These words struck Minato like a thunderbolt. His expression changed drastically as he finally understood.
Aoki looked at him. "Do you understand now?"
Minato's face was filled with indignation and confusion as he spoke, "But the Uchiha Clan is part of Konoha!"
Aoki did not deny this point. The Uchiha Clan should indeed be part of Konoha.
But he shifted his tone, "However, in your world, the one in power is the Third Hokage. Those two old men are determined to eradicate the Uchiha Clan. Your naive desire to change the Uchiha's circumstances made you an obstacle in their plans."
"Once the Uchiha sided with you, the entire Uchiha Police Force would become your support. Your wife is a Jinchuriki, your teacher is one of the Three Legendary Sannin, Jiraiya, and you yourself are a Hokage who rose from being a civilian orphan. At that point, your authority would completely overshadow that of Konoha's council of elders and the like."
Aoki stopped there, having made his point. Minato now fully understood—everything was because he wanted to change the Uchiha's current situation.
Aoki asked another question, "Do you think, given your current circumstances, you can change the Uchiha's situation? How could the likes of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo allow you to do so?"
Minato fell silent, his face etched with regret. He finally realized how naive he had been in the past.
Seeing Minato's expression, Aoki nodded with satisfaction. Recognizing one's own problems meant there was still hope.
Aoki solemnly advised, "Minato, remember, once this group assembly ends, immediately deal with the Third Hokage and Danzo upon returning, and reclaim the real power that belongs to you. Having a sword in hand but not using it is fundamentally different from having no sword at all!"
These words not only enlightened Minato but also made Hashirama, Tobirama, and Tsunade tremble inwardly. Each word struck deep into their hearts.
The Second Hokage Tobirama's eyes burned with fervent light as he looked at Aoki, as if he had met a kindred spirit.
Minato suddenly understood and exclaimed loudly, "I get it now!"
At this moment, he felt as if a brand-new door had opened before him. Countless strategies surged in his mind, and he eagerly anticipated the end of the group assembly so he could return and put his plans into action.
The World of Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze
National Power Display completed!
[National Power Score: 333 points]
The score for Minato's world appeared on the Light Screen, startling everyone. Even though he was merely a puppet Hokage, he still managed to score 333 points, which was already quite remarkable.
With Minato's world score announced, the National Power Display for all five Hokage worlds came to an end. Everyone's eyes were fixed intently on the Light Screen, filled with anticipation for the rewards.
The ranking of the top five Hokage worlds officially concluded.
[Highest National Power Score This Time: 562 points]
[Reward Pool Level: Tier One World Reward Pool]
Calculating rewards...
Everyone's hearts were in their throats, brimming with excitement, especially Aoki, who had secured first place and was the most eager.
Aoki thought to himself, "What rewards could a Tier One World Reward Pool possibly offer? I hope there's something that can enhance my own strength."
He urgently desired rewards that could boost his power. Otherwise, by the later stages of the Hokage storyline, his current Kage-level Peak strength would likely be far from sufficient.
Soon, the text on the Light Screen changed again, firmly capturing the attention of Aoki and the others.
[Reward Calculation Complete!]
First Place: The World of Fourth Hokage Aoki
[Selectable Rewards: Choose Three Out of Five]
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