He had just started to live a peaceful life, and now, all of a sudden, he was going to become the Hokage. What peace? This was a disaster!
But there was truly no way around it. After thinking about it, it seemed like there was no one in Konoha more suitable than him. Torifu's resume now was on par with Tobirama's. Sarutobi Hiruzen wasn't just a little bit behind him; he was lagging far, far behind!
"Fine, I accept it~"
Tobirama smiled. "That's the spirit. What's so bad about being Hokage? The entire village respects you."
At the mention of respect, Torifu suddenly remembered the time during the First Great Shinobi War. All of Torifu's achievements were exposed by Tobirama. Could it be that he did that just so Torifu could become Hokage today without any resistance? After all, a Hokage needed to be recognized by the villagers. And right now, the villagers of Konoha more than approved of Torifu; they had reached the point where they felt that whatever Torifu said was correct. This was the result of Tobirama's relentless efforts over the years. Whenever Torifu did something, Tobirama would praise him to no end! And that's what led to this 'Hokage' event today!
Other people went to great lengths to become Hokage, while Torifu didn't want the job, yet the Hokage was forcing him to take it. If some people from the original world heard this, they would probably be so angry they'd want to smash their heads against a wall.
"Since you've agreed, tell me your ideas for the coat."
Torifu smiled. "Then just make it in the same style as mine, but with the words 'Third Hokage' embroidered on the back."
"Remember to use gold thread for the embroidery. If you don't have enough money, Tobirama-sama, I can pay for it myself."
Tobirama seriously wanted to punch Torifu. "Are you going to a fashion show or an inauguration ceremony? Why would you want to wear something so gaudy? And with gold thread! How extravagant!"
Torifu was unconcerned. "Tobirama-sama, the money I have was all earned with my own skills. What's so extravagant about it? And it's just gold thread for the outline. It won't take much."
It wasn't that Torifu wanted to be unique; it was just that the Hokage robes were all so ugly. Other than Minato's, each one was ugly in its own way. The ugliest of them all was Hashirama's robe, which was difficult to describe but just looked strange from every angle.
Since he was being forced to become the Hokage, he figured the robe should at least be to his liking.
Tobirama was in a good mood today, so he didn't argue with Torifu any further. "Fine, fine. I'll do as you say. Now go home, I need to rest for a bit."
Torifu bowed to Tobirama and mumbled under his breath, "Did the fruit not work? I just got here, and he's already tired? He's so weak..." Luckily, Tobirama didn't hear him, or else he would have been in for a beating!
It wasn't until he was out of the Hokage's Office that Torifu felt something heavy in his hand. He looked down and saw Minato, who he had been carrying, was now barely conscious! Torifu quickly put him on the ground and performed a healing jutsu. Minato recovered quickly.
"Ahaha... Minato, my bad. I was just so caught up in the conversation that I forgot I was still holding you."
Minato smiled and waved his hand. "It's okay, Nii-san. You're going to be the Hokage! I'm so happy for you!"
Torifu sighed. "There's nothing to be happy about. I'm being forced into this. You'll understand how I feel when you become the Fourth Hokage."
Minato scratched his head. "Nii-san, don't tease me. How could an outsider like me ever become the Hokage? And I don't even know any ninjutsu."
Torifu playfully hit Minato on the head. "What outsider! You are now a legal citizen of Konoha! From now on, you're my disciple!"
"Huh? Disciple?"
Torifu nodded. "What, you don't want to? Not everyone can be my disciple. Even Amado is just my brother, not my disciple!"
Minato was ecstatic. "Of course, I do! But should I call you Sensei or Nii-san?"
Torifu led Minato toward his home. "Call me Nii-san. 'Sensei' is too old-fashioned. Just call me Nii-san. As long as you remember I'm your Sensei, that's what matters."
"Okay, Nii-san! From today on, I'm your disciple!"
Torifu nodded with satisfaction and stroked a non-existent beard. "A teachable child! A teachable child indeed!"
Minato was skipping and hopping down the road, clearly overjoyed, which was inseparable from Torifu's consistent encouragement. He had been a lonely orphan in an unfamiliar place, but Torifu immediately showed him kindness and encouragement.
Along the way, anyone who saw Torifu and Minato would ask who the boy was. Torifu would always smile and say, "This is my new apprentice. Please take good care of him."
Since he was with Torifu, the villagers naturally took a liking to Minato, much like how Torifu had been loved by association years ago. The villagers respected and adored the First Hokage, and as his disciple, Torifu was naturally well-liked. Now, the villagers genuinely respected and admired Torifu, and Minato became the one loved by association. But one day, Minato would also earn the villagers' respect and lead Konoha toward prosperity.
"Nii-san, are we home yet? I'm a little tired."
"Almost. It's the house just up ahead."
After their conversation, Torifu realized that Minato was a bit of a slow-to-warm-up kid. He was quiet and reserved at first, but once he got comfortable, he opened up. They had similar personalities, which was why they got along so well.
"You also have a senior disciple, my Sensei's grandson, who is the First Hokage's grandson. He's currently a genius ninja in Konoha."
Minato nodded. He didn't quite understand what level a "genius" was yet. After all, he hadn't even figured out how to become a ninja, let alone if he had any talent. But he knew that since his Nii-san had so much faith in him, he would try his best not to disappoint him!
"Alright, we're home."
Minato stood on the stairs in front of the Kumotsuru Clan's gate and looked inside. The sight completely stunned him! There was a massive courtyard with all sorts of trees and rocks. It was clearly a very lavish place.
"Nii-san, will I live here from now on?"
Torifu nodded. "Of course. This is your home now. When you're older, you can decide whether you want to stay or move out."
Torifu took Minato's hand and led him into the courtyard.