Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

Chapter 680: Minato Namikaze's Dilemma

Aoba's heart immediately tightened with tension. He sensed that Minato Namikaze's upcoming topic might be related to the shadowy figures behind the Hokage selection.

Without solid evidence, he felt this could be the case.

For some reason, he could make this judgment.

The stone he had just set down in his heart was lifted again.

Things would revert to a troublesome state if it were about this matter.

Aoba was curious to know if Minato had any suspicions about him. Even if he read Minato's memories, it wouldn't help. Thoughts like these are only written in memories if one had the ability to read minds.

He didn't have such a perverse ability.

So, he could not know what Minato honestly thought or if his words had any hidden meanings.

At this moment, Aoba stared directly at Minato. After hesitating, he decided that prolonging the silence wouldn't help.

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"What is it?" Aoba asked with feigned curiosity. He had an inkling but couldn't voice it. He needed Minato to speak first. He could then act as a listener or a confidant, but he couldn't reveal anything incriminating.

Otherwise, everything he had done before might come to nought.

"I've always found some things rather odd," Minato sighed deeply. The dark room offered him a rare sense of peace. He usually preferred well-lit, warm spaces but now felt that this dim environment allowed him to express his thoughts more freely.

His blue eyes glowed in the dark, his gaze solemn, and finally focused back on Aoba.

"Aoba, I'm unsure if I should say this, or if telling you would affect you," Minato said, taking a deep breath. He wasn't entirely sure if it was wise to share these thoughts, but keeping them inside overwhelmed him.

He found himself increasingly lonely as he walked the path to becoming Hokage. The farther he went, the fewer people he had to confide in. Even though he hadn't officially taken office yet, he noticed that people's expressions were no longer just friendly; there was reverence, caution, and even suspicion.

Everything had changed, and he couldn't go back. From the moment he became Hokage, he bore the responsibility of all Konoha's people. He could no longer interact with everyone as before; no matter how hard he tried to ignore his title, others would always remember.

He couldn't fully open up when looking at friends like Aoba or Uchiha Fugaku.

Minato deeply valued his friendship with Aoba, feeling that Aoba could listen without bias. He wanted to respect Aoba's space and not burden him unnecessarily.

"Of course you can tell me," Aoba said immediately. He could see Minato's unease and was surprised by it. This was different from the confident and sunny Minato he knew.

Still, it made sense. Everyone has emotional highs and lows. The pressure of becoming Hokage might be affecting Minato more than anyone realised.

"Minato, we're very good friends. You've helped me many times. If you have any problems, feel free to tell me. You can trust me," Aoba said seriously. He saw the loneliness in Minato's eyes, understanding the pressure his friend was under.

"I understand," Minato nodded, finding strength in Aoba's steadfast gaze. Even though they hadn't met often lately, their bond remained strong. Knowing Aoba was willing to listen eased Minato's heart.

"Here's the thing..." Minato took a deep breath, readying himself to share his thoughts. "I feel like a lot of things are very strange."

"What do you mean?" Aoba asked, pretending to be curious.

"It's hard to explain," Minato said, shaking his head. The words were difficult to articulate, but he needed to share them. Taking another deep breath, he began again.

"On my way back to Konoha, I was attacked. The people who attacked me were sent by the Third Hokage."

"Are you sure?" Aoba asked, his brow furrowed in genuine surprise.

"I'm certain. During the attack, I learned that the orders came from Danzo of Konoha, but I believe he was acting on the Third Hokage's behalf," Minato said, his voice heavy with the weight of his accusations.

"Really?" Aoba feigned shock, acting as if this revelation was beyond belief. "Why would Danzo target you?"

"You've worked as an interrogation ninja for years. You must know some of Konoha's darker secrets," Minato said with a bitter smile. "I've heard rumors, but I never thought they would affect me. I just wanted to become Hokage and lead the village to a better future."

"But it seems my ambition disrupted the interests of others," Minato said, not directly mentioning the Third Hokage this time, implying a broader conspiracy.

Aoba played along perfectly, reacting with surprise and concern at the appropriate moments. He was relieved to learn that Minato wasn't suspicious of him but needed to vent his frustrations.

Minato's trust and willingness to share these thoughts with him strengthened their bond. Aoba valued this friendship profoundly and was determined to support Minato through these turbulent times.