When she heard "married," Naori's face flushed. That was still a little too early for her. Just hearing it made her shy. Seeing this, Mito didn't tease Naori anymore and turned to Hashirama. "Alright, go and change. We can't be late."
Hashirama was also smiling at this moment and immediately went to the dressing room, humming a tune. It was clear that he was in a very good mood. After all, he had two such outstanding disciples, and one of them was about to become the Hokage. Entrusting the important task of protecting the village to Torifu made Hashirama feel an unprecedented sense of peace. He felt even more at ease than when he gave it to Tobirama because he knew that Torifu had many clever ideas that would make the village better and better.
After a while, Hashirama also came out. After all, he didn't need to put on makeup. He just had to comb his hair and change his clothes.
"You actually put that outfit on? This is the outfit you wore when you became the clan head. I didn't expect it to still fit."
Hashirama smiled and made a few poses. "It still fits well, which means I haven't changed much over the years." He then continued, "In my opinion, Torifu is my child. Today is a day worthy of me wearing this outfit."
Mito walked to Hashirama's side and wrapped her arm around his. "Of course, I know that. I also see Torifu and Naori as our children since we've watched them grow up since they were little."
When Naori saw this scene, she felt a warm feeling in her heart. "Sensei, Mito-sama, let's go. It will be hard to walk if there are too many people later."
"Okay, let's go."
The three of them came to the yard, where Minato and Kushina were playing some kind of unknown game, running around and having fun. Ashina was watching them with a smile on his face. When he saw Hashirama come out, he stood up and walked over. "Wow, you're all dressed up. But as a Sensei, you should be."
Hashirama couldn't have been more proud at this moment. "Ashina, you should come, too. This is a grand event for Konoha, a rare sight to behold."
Ashina waved his hand when he heard this. "I'm not going. I'm too old and won't be able to get through the crowd. I'll just stay home and listen. You guys go on ahead."
Mito and Hashirama tried to persuade him a few more times, but Ashina still had no intention of going, so they didn't force him. After chatting for a while, the three of them left the Senju clan compound with Minato and Kushina.
When they reached the main street, there were already a lot of people there, but when they saw Hashirama and Mito, they immediately made way for them. The villagers enthusiastically greeted Hashirama and Mito, and the two of them returned the greetings one by one. Although Hashirama had stepped down more than ten years ago and rarely appeared in front of the villagers, the villagers had never forgotten him. Hashirama was still the guardian deity of Konoha, and the villagers still loved him.
They walked all the way into the Hokage's Office. Instead of entering the office, the few of them went straight to the rooftop, which was where Hashirama and Mito would be watching the succession ceremony. After a while, there were less than twenty minutes left until the ceremony began. The entire main street of Konoha was already packed with people. And all the side streets were also completely full of people. All the villagers in Konoha had come out of their houses and into the streets.
Cheers and shouts filled the entire village, like an endless wave, one after another. This represented the villagers' joy about Torifu's upcoming succession and their recognition of him. Some of the ninjas were standing on both sides of the road, clearing the crowds, while others were standing on the rooftops, watching for any stampedes.
As the entire village eagerly awaited, noon finally arrived. Along with the sound of the bell, the clouds in the sky suddenly parted, and the sunlight filled the entire village. The door on the rooftop opened, and Tobirama and Torifu walked out. At this moment, Torifu had a smile on his face as he walked to the edge of the rooftop, looking at the villagers on the street.
He had a different feeling in his heart. This was a completely different feeling from when Tobirama took over. Back then, Torifu was just a spectator. But this time, he was the real protagonist, the focus of the entire village. Starting today, he would officially become the Third Hokage of Konoha!
When the villagers saw Torifu, their cheers became even louder! Everyone was clapping and shouting, just to express the joy in their hearts. Torifu waved his right hand, and two small crystal screens, about the size of a palm, appeared in front of him and Tobirama. A large rectangular crystal screen appeared on all four sides above the rooftop of the Hokage's Office. The small mirrors projected the images onto the crystal screens. Now, all the villagers could see it. No matter where they were in Konoha, they could see the huge screens.
Tobirama cleared his throat, and the villagers' voices gradually quieted down. They knew the ceremony was about to begin. "Ahem. People of Konoha, ten years ago, in this very spot, my brother, Hashirama Senju, stepped down as the First Hokage and handed the position over to me."
"Over the years, although I can't say that I did a great job, Konoha has been prospering. The children are all entering school at the most suitable age, and most importantly, the shinobi world is relatively peaceful and stable."
"But all this time, Konoha has been lacking a ninja who can surpass me. Although there are many geniuses in the village who are all outstanding, they still fall a little short when compared to me."
When they heard this, the villagers all laughed. "As the Hokage, my biggest duty is to protect Konoha. If I can't be surpassed, then how can I protect it?"
"I actually found my successor a long time ago, but he was still too young. He was only about ten years old at the time."
When Torifu heard Tobirama say this, he realized that Tobirama's decision to choose him as the Hokage wasn't a sudden whim but a long-planned one! He had started planning it when Torifu was only ten years old!
"I thought it would take longer, but his growth has surpassed my imagination. At only twenty-two years old, he has already surpassed me and will soon surpass his Sensei and become the new God of Shinobi!"
Tobirama had always been good at hiding his emotions, but from his words just now, it was clear that he was excited. "So today! I officially resign from the position of Second Hokage! I hand it over to the head of the Kumotsuru clan, Kumotsuru Torifu, who will succeed as the Third Hokage of Konoha!"
At this moment, the villagers below the rooftop erupted in thunderous applause and cheers! Countless flower petals were thrown into the air by the villagers, fluttering in the sky. Children were held up by their parents, and they were all constantly shouting Torifu's name with sincere smiles on their faces. The joyous shouts could be heard clearly outside of Konoha.
Amidst the cheers of all the villagers, Torifu smiled. "Hello, everyone. I am Kumotsuru Torifu."