Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer

Aoba proposed a terrifying idea, immediately catching Minato Namikaze's attention.

"What do you mean?" Minato asked, momentarily stunned. He sensed that Aoba had found something significant, a crucial point that could be very important. His mind raced, trying to follow Aoba's train of thought.

When two people discuss something, each can only follow the other's thoughts but cannot fully put themselves in the other's shoes. Their ideas are entirely different, so Minato concentrated on understanding Aoba's point, waiting for him to elaborate.

"Did you realize something?" Minato urged, knowing that thoughts could be fleeting. Ideas need to be expressed immediately to avoid forgetting crucial points. He focused intently on Aoba, anxious to hear his revelation.

"I just thought of this because of what you mentioned earlier," Aoba said, taking a deep breath. His expression was severe, indicating he had a significant insight.

His words were actual; he hadn't considered this angle until Minato's remarks spurred his thoughts.

"We discussed two possibilities earlier," Aoba began. "One where Orochimaru and Danzo's claims about the Third Hokage are true, and another where they are false. We talked about the premise that if Orochimaru and Danzo were telling the truth, they might be opposing the Third Hokage to bring him down. But we think the Third Hokage and Danzo are on the same side. This means their goal wasn't to bring the Third Hokage down."

Aoba paused, ensuring Minato followed his reasoning. Minato nodded, agreeing with Aoba's summary, still unsure where Aoba was leading.

"These are indeed the possibilities we discussed," Minato confirmed, nodding.

"Now, considering there's a step to clear the Third Hokage's name," Aoba continued, "what if, instead of making up stories, they told the truth? After all, everything would be blamed on you, so why not tell the real story?"

Aoba's eyes narrowed, a slight smile playing on his lips. He seemed to have crafted a new angle to the narrative.

"If I were the Third Hokage, I would tell the real stories instead of fabricating them. People would naturally accept the truth, and when it's time to clear his name, the focus would shift to blaming you. Thus, the real events would be overshadowed, and the Third Hokage would be exonerated. No one would question the details then, pouring their anger onto you instead."

"Why not tell more real stories?"

Minato's eyes widened in shock, his pupils contracting. He hadn't considered this possibility but now found it plausible.

"If these things are true…"

"Exactly!" Minato exclaimed, following Aoba's line of thought. "The Third Hokage wouldn't need to fabricate anything! Real events would be more convincing and less likely to be questioned. No one could create such detailed stories on the spot, especially in such a short time. The only explanation is that these events truly happened!"

Minato continued, "If the Third Hokage dares to stage such a play, he would dare to reveal real incidents. This means…"

"These events really happened."

"They are indeed the actions of the Third Hokage."

"He's bold enough to risk everything, making this a plausible scenario. This way, he not only secures his position but also resolves any lingering issues from his past, clearing his name completely."

Minato analyzed quietly, recognizing the Third Hokage's cunning and the situation's complexity. He now saw the depths of the Hokage's deceit and its impact on his plans.

"Minato," Aoba interjected, "are you saying this could really be the case?"

"Indeed, there's such a possibility," Minato affirmed, now thoroughly convinced of his analysis. Initially, he overlooked this but now saw it as a coherent and likely scenario. He appreciated Aoba's insights, which had helped clarify his thoughts and solidify his conclusions.

The discussion led them to a detailed understanding of the Third Hokage's possible strategy. Aoba was pleased with the outcome, realizing that Minato's analysis had provided a robust framework for their conclusions. Now, Aoba knew how to steer the conversation and control the narrative.

With Minato's agreement, Aoba's plan was falling into place, and he was ready for the next steps in his strategy.