Hiruzen Sarutobi recommended Minato Namikaze to become the Fourth Hokage.
Danzo, in turn, proposed Chi Yu—a figure with a formidable reputation, even surpassing that of Minato in the eyes of many shinobi.
However, Hiruzen silenced Danzo with a single sentence.
Danzo gritted his teeth, glaring at his old comrade.
The Fire Daimyō, half his face veiled behind a folding fan, asked calmly, "What do the rest of you think?"
Everyone present—except Danzo—nodded subtly.
Danzo understood immediately.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado had already aligned themselves with Hiruzen. The three of them had reached a consensus beforehand, isolating him from the decision-making process.
The Daimyō spoke, his voice final. "Then it is decided. The Fourth Hokage shall be Minato Namikaze."
---
Upon returning to Konoha, Hiruzen summoned Minato for a private conversation.
Minato knelt respectfully on one knee. Hiruzen studied him intently, a rare seriousness in his expression.
"I've always believed you represent the Will of Fire," Hiruzen said. "I intend to entrust the future of Konoha—and the shinobi world—to you. Will you accept this responsibility?"
Minato answered solemnly, "I will not fail the Third Hokage's trust."
Hiruzen gave a weary nod. "I had hoped to pass the torch under better circumstances, but the road ahead will be difficult..."
"I am prepared," Minato said with quiet conviction.
"I believe you are," Hiruzen replied. "Now, begin preparations for the succession ceremony. There are matters you must address as soon as you assume office."
Minato listened intently.
"First," Hiruzen began, "you must stabilize the Uchiha situation. Right now, tensions are high. Chi Yu has been unusually aggressive toward them, and we... allowed it. The clan is growing increasingly discontent.
Once you're Hokage, you must publicly acknowledge their contributions. Praise them if you must, but avoid promising anything concrete. Placate them, but don't commit."
Minato's expression darkened slightly.
He had long suspected Chi Yu's hostility toward the Uchiha wasn't purely personal. During the war, Chi Yu had openly clashed with the clan, yet Konoha's leadership only offered a token reprimand.
No genuine consequences followed.
Hiruzen continued, "Chi Yu's actions against the Uchiha were authorized by Danzo and me. We both believe the clan has become a volatile element within the village—a threat that needs to be dealt with sooner rather than later."
Minato remained silent, his mind racing.
"After your inauguration," Hiruzen said, "Danzo and I will continue managing the Uchiha situation behind the scenes. Your task will be to form your own support network—trusted shinobi, your personal guard, and reliable advisors.
Once the Uchiha issue is contained, your next concern will be Root."
Minato raised an eyebrow slightly.
"You may not know much about it," Hiruzen went on. "Root is a special division within the Anbu—operating deeper in the shadows. Its primary function is to eliminate threats to Konoha, often preemptively, and often without oversight. It answers only to Danzo.
Root is secretive, autonomous, and ruthless. Unlike Anbu, it operates with complete independence. And unlike me, you won't be able to ignore it."
Hiruzen's eyes narrowed. "You'll need to regain control over Root. Slowly. Carefully."
Minato gave a short nod, signaling his understanding.
Hiruzen took a puff from his pipe before speaking again. "Now, about Danzo himself…"
He paused.
"Danzo is a complicated man. He's harsh, authoritarian, and often crosses moral lines. But he genuinely believes in protecting Konoha. His methods, though extreme, are rooted in conviction. Still... he has always desired the Hokage's seat. He backed Orochimaru, and now Chi Yu. He may cause problems."
Minato remained silent.
"But don't let that trouble you," Hiruzen added. "I'll keep him in check. Focus on governing Konoha in your own way."
After a brief moment of silence, Hiruzen took a sip of tea. Then, almost casually, he asked, "Your conflict with Chi Yu... it seems personal?"
Minato answered firmly, "Hokage-sama, please rest assured. My personal conflicts are insignificant compared to my duty to Konoha. I will not let them affect my leadership."
Hiruzen shook his head, face grim. "No. I want you to be vigilant. Chi Yu is like Orochimaru—his loyalty is an illusion. He wants us to believe he's devoted to Konoha, but I'm not fooled.
He's cunning. Unpredictable. And dangerous.
As a subordinate, Chi Yu is powerful and useful. But you must not trust him. If necessary... be ready to suppress him. Preemptively."
Minato's gaze sharpened.
"His strength is immense," Hiruzen continued. "He reminds me of Madara Uchiha. If Chi Yu ever turns... Konoha will suffer dearly.
Fortunately, we have a safeguard—Kushina."
Minato's eyes widened.
"Yes," Hiruzen said. "Chi Yu shows an unusual respect for her. We suspect she's the key to keeping him in check. As such, you must ensure Kushina's safety and political standing. If she falls, we may lose our only leash on Chi Yu."
Minato didn't respond immediately. The implications were grave.
Chi Yu had earned the title Blood-Eyed Shura—the man who razed half of Kirigakure and slew the Third Mizukage.
His battlefield achievements eclipsed even Minato's.
Minato finally nodded. "I understand everything you've told me, Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen returned the nod. "Good. You may go. The role of Hokage cannot be claimed in a day. I'll assist you in your transition."
Minato bowed. "Thank you, Lord Third. I will give everything I have for Konoha."
Hiruzen smiled faintly. "I know you will. Now go."
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