Though not preparing severe punishment, Minato still needed to make this troublemaker realise the problem's severity, using this lesson to properly teach him a lasting memory!
Otherwise, who knew what greater chaos he'd cause later?
This time, privately carving his own statue on Hokage Rock. If letting this slide so lightly, next time wouldn't he just burn down his office?
Thinking this, Minato's expression immediately became serious. He was about to unleash his acting skills!
"Before you arrived, I asked others' opinions. They all believe this incident's influence was extremely bad, requiring severe punishment without exception! Imprisonment or direct exile, you choose."
Imprisonment?
Exile?
Mikawa-jonin's expression immediately changed. He never imagined punishment would be so heavy, yet also reasonable.
He instinctively wanted to speak on Aoha's behalf, even shouldering certain blame didn't matter.
But Minato's calm expression made him hesitate several times, ultimately unable to say anything.
Doing wrong meant bearing responsibility oneself, accepting punishment. Nothing else to say.
So Mikawa-jonin finally sighed, standing aside with closed eyes. Regardless of the results, he lacked the qualifications to persuade Hokage-sama to change his mind.
However, his heart hoped Aoha would choose exile. Though leaving Konoha would greatly impact his future life, with him present, he could somehow help find a settling place. He'd truly tried his best. Sigh!
However, contrary to wishes, after extremely calmly contemplating, Aoha asked gravely: "How long would imprisonment last? And where would exile be?"
"Not very long. Probably imprisoned for about three to five years before release. As for exile location, considering your contributions to the village, your choice, as long as far from Konoha."
Frowning deeply, Aoha couldn't see Minato's currently slightly upturned lips. "So what choice will you make next? I'm very curious."
But what Minato didn't know was that, for Aoha, choices never existed from the start.
Firstly, preserving life was the most basic. Secondly, because of that undercover mission, once choosing exile, it very likely meant mission failure.
Then only one path remained: being imprisoned!
Just three to five years seemed too long. Moreover, Minato's attitude didn't match his previous expectations. Was last time's formula value insufficient weight?
He began regretting insufficient advance preparations. If adding several more insurance layers, perhaps imprisoned just a month or two before release. No harm done.
Now it has become difficult.
"Imprison me."
Minato was obviously somewhat surprised. His earlier words' implications should've been obvious. Exile, bluntly speaking, meant letting him continue living elsewhere. This already counted as lenient. Smart people should know how to choose. Yet this troublemaker chose the most difficult first path.
Konoha's prison wasn't a pleasant place. Among those entering, few emerged intact. Moreover, several years of youth were wasted like this.
"Why? Know that five years' imprisonment might completely ruin your life. Isn't restarting life elsewhere better?" Minato inquired even more curiously.
"No reason! Real men won't be deserters. That's cowardly behaviour! Since I made mistakes, I shouldn't evade responsibility, regardless of how severe the punishment! Just three to five years. Passes in a flash. When I emerge, I'll be the new Fifth Hokage!"
Aoha shouted extremely hot-bloodedly and adolescently.
Since already fallen this time, damage control was necessary!
Not only couldn't leave cowardly impressions, but also needed to conform to the so-called 'Will of Fire' as much as possible, finding ways to max out impression scores!
This way, a brainless, reckless character constantly shouting about becoming Hokage basically stood firm. Later, when causing more incidents, others would grow accustomed, not feeling strange. Also, adding protective locks to his undercover identity.
Perhaps after imprisoning him for a while, Minato suddenly remembered him and released him. Not impossible.
Hearing Aoha's loud boasting echoing in his ears, Minato didn't feel offended. Rather, found this troublemaker increasingly interesting.
"Even imprisoned for three to five years, that heart dreaming of becoming Hokage never wavers or retreats, huh?"
Minato suddenly felt somewhat lost in thought. He'd successfully been deceived by Aoha's suddenly erupting acting skills.
Aoha's current mentality was pure rogue mentality. So-called barefoot people fear those who wear shoes. Anyway, charge through!
Anyway, this matter couldn't possibly worsen.
Exactly then, a knock sounded. ANBU members investigating the entire matter returned.
"Hokage-sama, the entire matter's been investigated clearly. Criminal Shinomiya Aoha had no accomplices. His crime tools were all found at his home. Found merchant sources. These people didn't know what criminal Shinomiya Aoha bought these items for. Additionally, Chief Craftsman Yamashita wants to meet Hokage-sama, saying he's here confessing guilt."
Snapping back, Minato nodded: "Let Chief Craftsman Yamashita come. Additionally, take them both to the adjacent rest room. Don't let them wander."
That last sentence, Minato said while staring at Aoha.
This made Aoha especially embarrassed. They say people eventually become what they once hated most.
Sure enough, once he most detested bratty kids, now he had no choice but to use the bratty kid image to disguise himself. Truly utterly depressed!
After Mikawa-jonin and Aoha were escorted by ANBU personnel to wait next door, Yamashita-jisan also appeared in the Hokage's office.
"Hokage-sama, as the entire craftsmen team's leader, this incident's responsibility is inescapable. If during finishing work, this old one had timely discovered anomalies, today's accident wouldn't have occurred. Responsibility lies entirely with this old one. Please punish me, Hokage-sama."
If Aoha were present now, he'd definitely discover Yamashita-jisan normally spoke using 'I,' 'this old man,' and other crude language. Yet now before Hokage, cultured, using 'this old one' as self-address. Clearly playing emotion cards, constantly reminding the other that he was a decrepit old man.
Though Minato didn't know this, he also didn't prepare to investigate Yamashita-jisan or other craftsmen's responsibilities. Blame wasn't theirs. They were craftsmen, not investigators. Plus, Aoha's plan was extremely novel. Failing to discover was understandable.