Chapter 49: The Uchiha Are Not Fit to Lead Konoha
In reality, Hiruzen Sarutobi had been secretly observing every outstanding ninja in the village for a long time.
Naturally, this included Minato Namikaze, as well as his own direct disciple and favorite student—Orochimaru.
Up to this point, the only Hokage candidates Hiruzen truly favored were Minato and Orochimaru.
But if he had to choose between the two, there was no doubt—Minato Namikaze was the best candidate.
In terms of strength, character, and how he handled matters, Minato surpassed even his beloved student, Orochimaru.
Hiruzen nodded in satisfaction and chuckled. Then, as if joking, he suddenly turned his head to glance at Minato's profile and asked, testing him, "Minato, if I were to make you Hokage right now, what would you do?"
"What?"
Minato's eyes widened in surprise, thinking that Hiruzen must be joking.
But Hiruzen simply let out a hearty laugh before seriously explaining, "I'm getting older and older."
"It's about time for me to retire and enjoy my twilight years."
Hearing this, Minato's heart sank slightly.
He didn't believe for a second that Hiruzen was the type to give in to old age so easily.
Sixty wasn't that old. Judging by Hiruzen's vigorous spirit and steady gait, he was far from being physically unfit for duty.
There had to be another reason behind this decision.
However, Minato didn't ask. If Hiruzen wanted to tell him, he would say it himself.
"Third Hokage-sama, I…"
Minato's thoughts immediately turned to the bet he had made with Uchiha Dali.
At this moment, he couldn't help but feel that the man had an almost prophetic ability.
"He actually guessed it right… The Third Hokage really does intend to pass the Hokage position to me. But…"
He had lost that bet with Uchiha Dali.
And the condition of the bet was that if Minato ever had the opportunity to become Hokage, he had to give it up.
Minato felt deeply conflicted.
He never expected things to actually unfold this way.
"What's wrong, Minato?"
"Is there something you want to tell me?"
Hiruzen noticed the odd expression on Minato's face and stopped walking. With his hands clasped behind his back, he turned to face him.
Minato hesitated, then braced himself and asked, "Third Hokage-sama, you weren't being serious just now, were you?"
"Oh? What, you don't want to be Hokage?"
Hiruzen's expression instantly turned stern, his tone filled with authority, as if displeased.
He was puzzled as well.
Minato had never been this hesitant before.
What was causing him to act this way?
Under Hiruzen's sharp gaze, Minato had no choice but to tell the truth.
"Third Hokage-sama, actually, I made a promise to someone."
"If you really intend to pass the Hokage position to me, I'm afraid… I can't accept it."
"Oh?"
Hiruzen's eyes flashed with realization, but his brows furrowed deeply.
He stared at the embarrassed Minato for a while before taking a deep breath and calmly asking, "Who did you make this promise to? What kind of agreement would make you willingly give up the position of Hokage? Minato, I know you wouldn't make such a commitment lightly."
"But I want you to think carefully. I'll be honest with you—I have high hopes for you. In all of Konoha, no one is more suitable for this role than you."
"Don't disappoint me."
These words weighed heavily on Minato.
Left with no other choice, he reluctantly explained what now seemed like an absurd bet in hindsight.
Before long, he had recounted the entire story.
After listening, Hiruzen's frown deepened.
He never imagined that the great "Yellow Flash of Konoha" had actually lost a battlefield wager to a member of the Uchiha clan.
Even more unexpectedly, Minato was prepared to turn down the Hokage position over such a trivial matter.
But what truly shocked Hiruzen was the fact that Uchiha Dali had aspirations of becoming Hokage.
This immediately put him on high alert.
"A man's word is his bond, and you indeed must honor your promise. Since you lost the bet, you're bound by your commitment to step aside for Uchiha Dali."
"But…"
Hiruzen deliberately paused.
As expected, Minato lifted his gaze to look at him.
In those clear eyes, filled with embarrassment and self-reproach, there was also a hint of longing.
It was obvious—Minato truly wanted to become Hokage.
"I don't know how someone as sharp and capable as you fell into such an obvious trap. But Minato, even if you forgo the position for the sake of your promise, I will only pass this title to you."
"The Uchiha clan is not fit to lead Konoha."
Hiruzen's words made Minato's expression tighten slightly.
Having lived in Konoha for over twenty years, he had heard rumors of tensions between the village and the Uchiha clan, but those were mostly hearsay.
Never before had a respected elder—especially someone of the Hokage's stature—spoken so directly against the Uchiha clan.
This was the first time.
For a moment, Minato was at a loss for words. He could only stand there, unsure how to respond to Hiruzen.
"There's no need to be surprised, Minato."
"In time, you'll understand why I say this. Forget about your promise to Uchiha Dali. Choosing you as the Fourth Hokage isn't just my decision. Surely you've noticed how the village views you."
"In all of Konoha, no one commands more respect than you. The unwavering support of the people is an essential qualification for becoming Hokage. Without it, there would be chaos."
Hiruzen's words were incredibly persuasive.
And deep down, Minato genuinely wanted to be Hokage.
But after careful thought, he still chose to refuse.
Shaking his head, Minato responded earnestly, "Third Hokage-sama, I understand all the pros and cons of this situation. But since I made a promise to Uchiha Dali and lost our bet…"
"I cannot go back on my word. This isn't just about my personal credibility—it's a principle I must uphold as my ninja way."