Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

Before arriving here, Aoba briefed Juzo about Minato's appearance. The most striking feature was his distinctive blonde hair.

This was a key trait that made Minato so recognizable and why he was later nicknamed "Konoha's Yellow Flash."

As Juzo approached, he had overheard people discussing them, and seeing the fear and trepidation on their faces, he felt a perverse satisfaction. Despite their formidable strength, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist from Kirigakure were as mysterious and low-key as their village, and many people were unaware of them, leading to their limited fame.

Every ninja desires some recognition and status, and Juzo is no exception. Yet, the reality was that his fame had yet to reach a level where his name was widely recognized. Even though some knew of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, they didn't know who they were individually.

This was the exact situation at this gathering of Konoha ninjas. They had heard of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen's formidable abilities and the unique way they passed down their titles.

But...

They had yet to learn who was part of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen! Sakumo hadn't mentioned it, not because he omitted the information, but because he didn't even know.

This lack of recognition was exactly what Juzo had always encountered!

After arriving, Juzo's gaze swept over the Konoha ninjas, finally settling on Minato, whose identity was easy to spot because of his bright yellow hair.

As Juzo's focus indicated his target, the other six also turned their attention to Minato, understanding that their mission was to eliminate this blonde-haired youth. Now that the target was in sight, their task seemed straightforward.

Seeing this, the Konoha ninjas also turned their gaze toward Minato, fully aware that he was the enemy's target.

This was a deliberate attack!

Every Konoha ninja had this thought in mind, realizing that, unlike previous attacks where the enemy was unaware of Minato's presence, this time, the Seven Ninja Swordsmen of the Mist had come directly for him!

This sudden revelation chilled everyone to the bone, and they realized something terrifying...

There was a mole among them!

Someone had leaked Minato's information during this period, allowing the Kirigakure ninjas to launch their attack.

But...

Where would they have found the time? Even if the information about Minato's presence was immediately relayed to Kirigakure, it seemed implausible for such a decisive attack to be organized so quickly.

Everything was happening too fast, too sudden; it didn't seem like the leak came from among them but rather from within Konoha itself!

Realizing this, the hearts of every Konoha ninja sank even further. They hadn't expected that turmoil was brewing within the village while they were out fighting wars.

Directly targeting Minato seemed linked to the contest for the Hokage title.

Juzo's recognition reaction immediately made the Konoha ninjas aware of the oddity, and they felt they had been drawn into a conspiracy far more complex than a simple attack. This wasn't just an accident or a planned assault but a sudden communication of information between someone inside the village and Kirigakure.

Someone in the village wanted to eliminate Minato!

Almost instantly, everyone felt a chill down their spine, the scenario they least wanted to see unfolding right before them.

If only it weren't true, and if only it were just a mistaken assumption.

"It's me!"

Minato nodded under everyone's scrutiny, aware of what the Konoha ninjas had already deduced. Since the enemy was after him, the situation had ironically become simpler. As long as the other ninjas didn't encounter problems, everything would be alright.

"Is there something you need?"

Minato asked in a steady voice, trying to appear as calm as possible. His deep blue eyes sparkled with wisdom as he considered ways to resolve the situation without fighting, rapidly formulating plans. The overwhelming force presented by the enemy meant it would be ideal to defuse the situation without conflict.

Responding to Minato's inquiry, Juzo's eyes flashed with doubt and a trace of admiration he hadn't expected to feel.

Calm and composed, unflappable.

Was this Namikaze Minato, the future Hokage of Konoha?

Indeed, he posed a significant threat.

By now, Juzo fully believed Aoba's warning that failing to eliminate Minato would allow Konoha to rise prominently, presenting a challenging future for their village. While beneficial for Konoha, it spelt trouble for others.

This man must be eliminated!

However, Juzo hadn't expected Minato to question him so casually. Scanning the surroundings and spotting a familiar figure, he recognized Kakashi's father, the famed "Konoha's White Fang," Hatake Sakumo, a formidable presence that even the Legendary Sannin respected.

As the leader of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen, Juzo hoped they could return unscathed and wasn't eager to risk losing comrades in a forced confrontation, especially not to someone like Sakumo.

Now faced with Minato's question, he saw a chance for negotiation.

"Minato, I've come to capture you. My employer wants to meet you. If you cooperate, we won't harm you or any other Konoha ninja here."

Seizing what he thought was an opportune moment, Juzo spoke. Having recently embraced strategy over brute strength, he realized that sometimes, a clever approach could achieve better results.

If they forcibly tried to kill Minato here, they'd suffer significant losses. However, a slight ruse, like enticing Minato away under the pretext of sparing the Konoha ninjas, could dramatically increase their mission's success rate.

"Really?"

Minato's eyebrows furrowed as he assessed Juzo's intentions.

This was clearly a ploy to lure him away. Yet, it coincided with what he wanted.

Glancing at the other Konoha ninjas, Minato's lips curled slightly. He was no naïve hero; understanding the complexities of the fight for the Hokage title required cunningness, and now was the time to rally support.

"Are you sure it's just me you want?"

Minato asked slowly.

"Yes!" Juzo nodded without hesitation.

"If I go with you, can you guarantee the safety of these Konoha ninjas?" Minato pressed, needing to make his position and concern for his comrades clear.

"I promise no harm will come to them!" Juzo reassured, feeling closer to achieving his goal, and added, "My employer only wishes to see you alone."

"Don't believe him!"

"It's a trap!"

"Such a clumsy excuse!"

"Even I can see through it!"

"Minato mustn't go with them!"

"We'll face whatever it is together!"

The Konoha ninjas voiced their support for Minato, having sensed his likely decision to go with Juzo.

And the ultimate purpose of that decision...

Was to ensure their safe return to Konoha. This selfless act resonated deeply, aligning their loyalties firmly with Minato forging a united front.

This was exactly the outcome Minato had hoped for.

Kushina watched silently, her gaze fixed on Minato, seemingly reading his thoughts. She couldn't quite explain why, but she was particularly fond of this side of Minato—the seemingly self-sacrificing yet subtly cunning demeanour that contrasted with his usual upright, overly righteous nature, which, despite their close relationship, sometimes felt distancing.

"I will go with you!"

Minato's declaration shocked the Konoha ninjas. They had anticipated it, but hearing it confirmed stirred a mix of shock, confusion, reluctance, and profound emotion. They understood his decision was made to protect them.

"But I have one condition," Minato added, not yet ready to follow them, instead setting a term.

This caught everyone's attention.

Both the Konoha ninjas and the Seven Ninja Swordsmen waited, filled with questions about what Minato would propose.

"Speak," Juzo urged, seeing victory within reach and eager for a manageable demand to secure mission success.

"I want to take her with me."

Minato looked toward Kushina, clearly indicating his intention not to go alone.

This revelation puzzled many.

But Minato didn't wait for questions, explaining, "She's my girlfriend!"

"I'm willing to meet your employer," he continued.

"But we cannot be separated."

"If you agree, I'll come with you. If not, I won't go."

Minato spoke decisively, trusting Kushina's strength as part of his plan but also genuinely desiring not to be apart from her.