Aoba was utterly stunned. He wondered how to handle the ongoing questions just moments ago, but Minato Namikaze's words resolved everything.
He had never expected Minato to solve the problem himself.
Minato's imaginative thinking was beyond Aoba's expectations.
According to Minato's hypothesis, Orochimaru and Danzo worked with the Third Hokage. If this continued, it would mean that the three of them were setting a trap for Minato, intending to make him lower his guard.
Thinking from this perspective, it made sense.
Even Aoba hadn't considered further developing this angle.
It must be said that, just like in his previous experiences, one person couldn't accomplish many things alone. Even though he had made thorough plans, they couldn't account for all variables.
Plans were only part of the equation.
The actual development of events involved many other factors.
Not everyone could become the director of the ninja world, manipulating everything from behind the scenes. There would be no significant issues if the story unfolded as he intended.
Everything went entirely according to plan. The most meticulous director could not avoid every slip-up unless they were filming a movie.
Even a director shooting a film might encounter actors who add their interpretations and emotions, influencing the script.
Minato was now adding his twists.
Though his thoughts were expansive, they were logically sound and helped Aoba immensely.
"Are you saying..." Aoba's voice trembled slightly, appearing to struggle with belief. His eyes showed doubt as if sensing a conspiracy.
"This still involves the Third Hokage?"
Aoba didn't know what Minato would conclude next, so that he couldn't control the direction of his information.
All he needed to do was maintain Minato's train of thought, encouraging him to continue speaking while subtly guiding the conversation without being too overt.
Now, Aoba could genuinely claim ignorance.
After all, the later deductions were all Minato's. He had no idea what Minato would think of next.
But he understood...
It would be fine if he kept the focus on the Third Hokage.
By constantly linking the issue to the Third Hokage, he would push Minato to consider the Third's involvement. The more he discouraged it, the more Minato believed it.
So Aoba redirected the conversation back to the Third Hokage.
"The second possibility is what you suggested: the Third Hokage, Orochimaru, and Danzo conspired together, setting a trap for you. This indicates the Third Hokage has deeper issues."
"Given these possibilities, the Third Hokage isn't as simple as he seems."
"Unless..."
"Orochimaru and Danzo acted independently or under someone else's coercion, falsely accusing the Third Hokage, and the Third Hokage was unaware."
"Only in that scenario do I believe the Third Hokage is truly innocent."
Aoba's final twist surprised Minato, but Minato quickly considered it.
"I don't think that last possibility is likely," Minato followed Aoba's reasoning and dismissed the accurate conclusion.
Even Aoba was impressed by Minato's accuracy in ruling out the truth.
They had often skirted close to the correct answer during their conversation.
But Minato didn't know all the details and couldn't comprehend Aoba's involvement.
"Exactly," Aoba said. "Given Orochimaru and Danzo's strength and status, it's unlikely anyone could coerce them."
"I think we can rule out that possibility for now."
"As you said, it's either the first or second scenario. There's no third option."
Minato spoke confidently, feeling he had finally seen through the fog that had clouded his mind. The truth, to him, was that the Third Hokage was indeed problematic.
"Yes, that makes sense," Aoba agreed.
"In saying 'unless,' I knew it was improbable. Orochimaru and Danzo wouldn't be easily coerced."
Aoba's face was serious, but inside, he was relieved.
Indeed, the accurate answer was ruled out.
He hadn't coerced Orochimaru and Danzo. These two were not easily manipulated, having strong wills and high achievements.
Therefore, Aoba's indirect approach to ruling out the real scenario worked. Konoha's people wouldn't believe Orochimaru and Danzo could be coerced.
"There's no one in this world who could make those two submit," Aoba said, half-truthfully. He couldn't force them to act against their will, only impersonate them if necessary.
He wasn't lying to Minato; the truth was unlikely to be considered.
"If someone could control those two, it would require unimaginable power," Aoba added. He wouldn't reveal himself as that influential figure.
At this point, it was best to conclude the matter.