One Piece: Take the Uchiha Clan to the Grand Line

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The Fourth Hokage shook his head and said, "It's not Kitaro. He'd never do something like that. Besides, I fought against that man. Compared to Kitaro, his strength was miles apart."

The Fourth Hokage had sparred with Uchiha Kitaro before. Facing Kitaro's attacks, not only could he not match him in direct combat, but avoiding him entirely had been an accomplishment in itself.

At this point, Orochimaru asked, "Did the masked man wear one that showed only a single eye?"

"Yes! Orochimaru, do you know who he is?" The Fourth Hokage eagerly pressed Orochimaru for answers.

Orochimaru nodded and smiled faintly. "More or less. I don't know his exact identity, but he goes by the name 'Tobi.' He's from the Akatsuki."

"The Akatsuki?!" Guy's voice boomed in shock. "Isn't this their base?!"

The Fourth Hokage froze in disbelief. The person who caused his death and his wife's was right here. His expression shifted instantly, his gaze now razor-sharp as he asked Orochimaru, "Where is he?"

The death of his wife Kushina and the destruction of so many lives in the village could never be forgiven. Even though seven years had passed, to him, it felt like it had all just happened.

Orochimaru shrugged nonchalantly. "I wouldn't know. But if you're planning to turn this place upside down, he might just show up."

"Or, you could ask Kitaro to find Pain. Maybe Pain could summon him—it's worth a shot."

"Kitaro, where is this 'Pain'? That masked man might not be one of your Uchiha clan, but he's definitely dangerous to Konoha. He needs to be dealt with to ensure the village's safety," Minato said firmly.

Kitaro sighed and shook his head. "Minato-sensei, you really embody the Will of Fire, don't you? A man who gave everything to Konoha, selflessly dedicating himself to the village."

"As a ninja, you were perfect. As a husband, you were impeccable. Honestly, you might just be the most flawless character in the Ninja world."

"But that's exactly why you died so early."

"...What do you mean?" Minato looked puzzled.

"I'm sorry, Minato-sensei, but things between the Uchiha clan and Konoha's leadership fell apart after the Nine-Tails incident. The higher-ups blamed my clan, and a lot of people suspected me personally."

"Konoha systematically marginalized and oppressed us. They encouraged the villagers to slander and isolate us. It got to the point where some people wouldn't even sell us groceries, choosing to throw their goods away rather than serve the Uchiha."

"The constant verbal abuse and discrimination pushed many in my clan to the breaking point. They were planning a coup."

"Because I owed you a debt of gratitude, I promised not to turn against Konoha. That's why I led my entire clan away from the village."

"This... this can't be..." Minato was stunned.

"I'll explain everything to the Third Hokage—"

Kitaro raised his hand to stop him, a bitter smile on his face. "The Third? He knew everything, Minato-sensei. If he didn't, he wouldn't deserve his position. But he let it happen. He allowed ignorant villagers to humiliate and insult us. Sometimes, he even encouraged it."

"If it weren't for the lingering affection I have for Konoha and my promise to you, I might've already destroyed the village myself."

Minato looked deeply shaken. "The Third... Hokage... allowed this? How could this happen?"

Orochimaru chuckled darkly. "Minato, the old man Sarutobi isn't the kindhearted figure you imagine. No Hokage gets to that position without ruthless methods. He's the one who turned Konoha into the powerhouse it is today."

"For him to hold onto his position for so long, his cunning surpassed any other Hokage."

Orochimaru's tone carried a mix of disdain and admiration, tinged with personal bitterness from his own falling out with the Third.

Minato was speechless. "Even you, Orochimaru, think so...?"

"Minato," Kitaro interjected. "You and Kushina didn't have to die. If I'd been allowed to act, I could've stopped the Nine-Tails rampage easily. But the Third wouldn't let me.

"To be blunt, the person who killed you might not just be your enemy—it could very well be someone you trusted most."

Kitaro paused, then added, "By the way, do you want to know how your son is doing?"

"Naruto?! What about Naruto? Is he okay?" Minato's face lit up with concern. It had only now struck him—what had become of his child?

"Good or bad, you can judge for yourself," Kitaro said as he activated his Sharingan, casting an illusion.

Minato was suddenly immersed in scenes from Naruto's life. He saw Naruto as a child, neglected and abused by his caretaker, drinking expired milk.

He saw the loneliness, the ostracism from villagers, and Naruto's solitary existence. The only moments of joy came from visiting Kitaro, the one person who treated him kindly—buying him birthday gifts, feeding him, and supporting him through life.

The stark contrast between Kitaro's kindness and the Third Hokage's indifference left Minato devastated.

His heart ached. He and his family were heroes who had saved Konoha, yet his son had endured this miserable treatment.

Even if the Third Hokage had meant to protect Naruto, it was far too cruel for a child.

Minato's fists clenched as sorrow and rage swirled within him.

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