Konoha—an explosive piece of news spread like wildfire, sweeping through the village with staggering momentum.
On every street, in every alley, villagers were caught up in one conversation:
Namikaze Mirai—the Blue Flash, the younger brother of the Fourth Hokage—is going to be the Hokage!
"Have you heard? The Fourth's younger brother is becoming the Fifth Hokage!"
"Yeah! One brother was the Fourth, now the younger becomes the Fifth. The Namikaze brothers are truly the pride of Konoha!"
"Hahaha! When the Blue Flash returned to the village, I was the first to talk to him!"
A vendor at the mask shop proudly puffed out his chest, recalling that tense day when Namikaze Mirai returned. At the time, he had tried to bully Naruto and was immediately confronted by the imposing presence of Mirai.
The pressure that day had been suffocating—he had literally wet himself.
But now? That memory had become something to boast about.
"It's an honor to have been crushed by the Fifth Hokage!" he declared.
…
Ichiraku Ramen.
Business was booming.
Steam from hot broth filled the air. Laughter and excited chatter buzzed beneath the ramen stand's awning. Teuchi and his daughter Ayame dashed about, serving bowls of noodles to a line of villagers that didn't seem to end.
All of them were talking about one thing—the Fifth Hokage.
It was like the long-standing gloom over Konoha since the Night of the Nine-Tails had been swept away by a new wind of hope.
"The village feels alive again." Ayame said, wiping sweat from her forehead as she handed out another bowl.
Teuchi smiled warmly, stirring broth in a massive pot. "We owe today to the Fifth Hokage. If it weren't for him, we wouldn't be this packed."
All across the village, food stands and shops were crowded. Everyone was celebrating the coming of a new era.
"Right! Dad, did you get that gift ready for the Fifth Hokage-sama?"
Ayame's eyes sparkled.
"Of course. But it's not for Mirai-sama—it's for Naruto."
Teuchi raised a scroll tied with red ribbon. "A lifetime pass for unlimited ramen. Valid forever."
"Sugoi! Naruto is going to flip when he sees this!"
…
Uchiha Clan Compound.
If one got close enough to the Uchiha district, they'd be able to hear wild, unabashed laughter echoing from every corner.
"Hahaha!! Our Mirai-sama is the Hokage!"
"As expected of our brother-in-arms! He did what we couldn't!"
"From the cursed ones to Hokage kin! We Uchiha are now descendants of the Will of Fire!"
Even a casually tossed rock in the Uchiha clan compound would hit at least three clansmen laughing so hard they were bent over.
In the main hall, Uchiha Setsuna, the aged elder leaning on a crutch, stood taller than he had in years. His skin glowed, his eyes were bright as he directed a flurry of decorating activities.
"Move that ribbon to the left! Straighten the crest above the entrance!"
His voice echoed with pride.
He had been the one to vouch for Namikaze Mirai when no one else dared. While others hesitated, he led the Uchiha to support Mirai's return and the bond had borne glorious fruit.
No longer were the Uchiha a clan living under suspicion.
Now, they were honored. Respected. Feared.
They had finally claimed their rightful place at the top of Konoha.
…
Inside the clan leader's tea room, Uchiha Fugaku poured a cup for his guest—Hyuga Hiashi.
"Congratulations, Fugaku-dono." Hiashi said with genuine admiration. "To think the Uchiha would be tied to the Hokage's lineage…"
Fugaku gave a humble nod, though his eyes glimmered with pride.
"It's not just our gain. This Hokage will benefit all of Konoha."
Hiashi sipped his tea thoughtfully.
"If only I had the courage to gamble like you did. Perhaps the Hyuga would be basking in the same light."
"There's still time." Fugaku said calmly. "The future is just beginning."
Hiashi looked around. "Where is the Fifth Hokage-sama?"
"At the Hokage Tower." Fugaku replied. "The succession ceremony is about to begin. I expect he's settling final matters."
…
Hokage Tower – Ceremony Day.
The long-awaited day arrived.
The plaza outside the Hokage Building overflowed with villagers, all craning their necks to see the rooftop. The atmosphere was electric.
On the roof, representatives from every major clan gathered in ceremonial attire. The air was reverent, as though history itself were being rewritten in real-time.
Only two were missing—Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, Sarutobi Hiruzen's longtime advisors.
They had been removed from their positions by Namikaze Mirai days before.
No matter how they pleaded, Mirai had refused.
"A ship of the new era has no room for relics of the past." he said bluntly.
Their era had ended.
…
Tsunade stood on a separate rooftop, sake flask in hand, watching it all unfold. Her cheeks were red, her breath warm.
"Drinking again, Tsunade-sama?" Shizune asked with concern.
"Why not? A day like this deserves celebration."
She tilted her head back and drank deeply.
Her gaze softened as she looked toward the Hokage monument. A ghost of a smile formed.
"That old fool… all his schemes for Hokage, all for nothing in the end."
There was no bitterness in her voice, just quiet resignation.
She remembered the moment in the war camp when Mirai had looked her in the eye.
"Once the war ends, stay. Konoha needs your strength, Tsunade-sama."
Back then, she had scoffed.
Now? She wasn't so sure anymore.
…
On the rooftop, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood across from Namikaze Mirai, looking decades older. His hand trembled as he lifted the Hokage hat.
In Mirai's eyes, he saw Minato's face. The resemblance was uncanny. The aura—the calm power—was the same.
It was like stepping back in time.
He handed the hat over.
"Perhaps… Minato should be the one doing this." he murmured.
But the deed was done.
Mirai placed the hat on his head. The crimson curtains on either side swayed in the wind. He looked down over the balcony, Naruto's small hand clutched in his own.
Below, a sea of villagers erupted into thunderous applause.
"Lord Fifth!"
"Lord Fifth!!"
"Lord Fifth!!!"
The chant grew louder, washing over the building in waves of raw emotion.
Mirai smiled gently and bent down.
He ruffled Naruto's hair.
"Naruto, uncle is the Hokage now."
Naruto looked up, eyes wide and full of wonder.
The future had arrived.
And the Will of Fire burned brighter than ever.
*****
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