Jiraiya and Minato strolled through one of Konoha's bustling commercial streets.
Seeing how lively and prosperous it had become, Minato couldn't help but remark, "Sensei, have you noticed? The village seems even more vibrant than before…"
Jiraiya nodded, hands in his pockets. "Yeah… the place is a lot more energetic. Guess the old man still has some skill left in running things."
By "old man," he clearly meant his teacher, the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen. In Jiraiya's eyes, Konoha's current prosperity was the result of Hiruzen's experience and leadership, despite his age.
Minato smiled. "The Third Hokage has always been someone worthy of admiration."
But then his gaze darkened slightly. "I wonder how Kushina's doing now…"
Jiraiya gave him a reassuring grin. "Don't worry too much. You know Hiruzen—he wouldn't let anything happen to her."
"Let's go," Minato said. "We should report in and get an update from the Hokage directly."
The two quickly made their way to the Hokage Building. When they entered, Sarutobi Hiruzen was already waiting for them.
"Jiraiya… Minato… It's good to see you both back," Hiruzen greeted them with a tired smile.
But Jiraiya immediately noticed something odd. "Old man… what happened to your face? Is that… a shoe print?"
Hiruzen's expression stiffened slightly. He raised a hand and rubbed his cheek, feigning ignorance. "Ah… it's nothing. Just a training accident with one of the younger jonin…"
In truth, he had been kicked—by none other than Byakuya. But there was no way he'd admit that outright.
Quickly changing the subject, Hiruzen turned serious. "You've both returned at the right time. Konoha is going through a delicate situation. I'll need your strength."
Jiraiya raised a brow. "Something big going on?"
Minato stepped forward. "Hokage-sama… how is Kushina? Can I see her?"
Hiruzen paused, his expression darkening. "Minato… Kushina's situation is complicated."
Minato's heart skipped a beat. "What happened?"
"Old man, don't keep us in suspense," Jiraiya said, stepping forward.
After a brief moment of hesitation, Hiruzen spoke. "Kushina… has fallen under the Uchiha clan's control."
Minato's face paled. "What do you mean by 'fallen under their control'?"
"You're both aware the Sharingan has the power to control tailed beasts," Hiruzen said. "As the jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, Kushina is a key figure. The Uchiha, particularly some elements within the military police force, have been maneuvering politically. During recent unrest, they seized control of her location. Since then, she's been closely guarded by them."
"What!?" Minato's chakra flared as panic took over. "We have to get her back—immediately!"
"Wait!" Jiraiya held him back. "Don't rush in without knowing the whole story."
Hiruzen nodded gravely. "The Uchiha are planning a coup. I've been trying to hold the village together, to prevent civil war. Kushina's condition is unknown—even the ANBU haven't been able to get close. But from what we can tell, she's being treated as an asset, not harmed… yet."
Minato clenched his fists, fury and worry clashing in his heart.
"I trust you, Hokage-sama… But if anything happens to her, I won't forgive the Uchiha," he said coldly.
Jiraiya's eyes narrowed. "So it's finally come to this… That clan's distrust runs deeper than we thought."
Hiruzen's gaze turned weary. "This village stands on the edge of a blade. If we want to stop it from shattering, we'll need you both. I won't pretend I've handled everything perfectly… but I need your help now more than ever."
It was clear that Sarutobi Hiruzen had been defeated by Byakuya in a confrontation. Though he tried to conceal the severity of the battle, his injuries and shaken demeanor told a different story. Despite this, Hiruzen claimed he had successfully suppressed Uchiha Byakuya and quelled a rebellion among the Uchiha Guard.
Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze, both deeply respectful of the Third Hokage, took his words at face value.
Sure enough, after listening to Hiruzen's account, both Jiraiya and Minato's expressions darkened with concern and growing suspicion toward the Uchiha clan.
"If the Uchiha clan is planning a coup… then I must rescue Kushina before it's too late."
Sarutobi Hiruzen's insinuations painted a grim picture in Minato's mind — Kushina, Jinchūriki of the Nine-Tails, imprisoned by the Uchiha in a secret location. If they were truly trying to extract the power of the Nine-Tails from her, her life would be in grave danger.
Without another word, Minato bolted from the Hokage's office.
"Minato! I'm coming with you!"
Jiraiya sprang into action, chasing after his student.
Both moved swiftly across the rooftops of Konoha, their concern for Kushina driving their speed. It wasn't long before they reached the gates of the Uchiha clan's district.
"Halt! State your purpose!"
A pair of Uchiha clan members blocked their path with serious expressions.
"This is the Uchiha district. Outsiders are not allowed to enter without authorization."
But once they recognized the approaching figures, their tone shifted.
"Lord Jiraiya… and Namikaze Minato? To what do we owe this visit?"
Jiraiya stepped forward. "We want to speak with Uchiha Byakuya. Now."
The guards exchanged glances. Byakuya had recently taken command of the Uchiha Military Police Force and was known for his swift and decisive leadership. The entire clan seemed to move in step with his will.
"Yes, please wait a moment. We'll inform the captain right away."
Back inside the clan compound, the message reached Uchiha Byakuya quickly.
"Jiraiya and Minato Namikaze… here to see me?"
He narrowed his eyes in thought.
"They're probably here for Kushina…"
Byakuya's tone was calm, but calculating. To him, Jiraiya and Minato's arrival wasn't a threat — it was an opportunity. Two powerful shinobi with reputations to match, now walking willingly into his territory. Whether they were here to confront or negotiate, he didn't mind. Either way, he intended to make use of it.
Standing at the gate, Minato clenched his fists. The thought of Kushina suffering, captured somewhere within the Uchiha compound, filled him with anxiety and guilt.
Jiraiya placed a hand on his student's shoulder.
"Don't worry, Minato. We'll get her back."
Minato gave a small nod.
"Thank you, Jiraiya-sensei."
For the first time since hearing Hiruzen's claims, a faint smile appeared on Minato's face — not of relief, but of resolve.
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