Orochimaru once proposed to Danzō Shimura that they resume the Hashirama cell experiments. To his surprise, Danzō flatly rejected the idea.
This unexpected refusal shocked Orochimaru.
Back when the transplant experiments involving the First Hokage's cells were ordered to cease by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, Orochimaru had nonetheless continued his research in secret—with Danzō's backing. Despite Hiruzen's ban, Danzō covertly supplied Orochimaru with test subjects and even facilitated the abduction of sixty infants from outlying villages near Konoha.
Orochimaru had extracted genetic material from Hashirama Senju's preserved remains and injected it into those sixty infants. However, the overwhelming rejection reactions led to the deaths of nearly all the subjects.
Although Orochimaru was determined to continue, Danzō abruptly terminated their collaboration. Too many disappearances—both of shinobi and children—had drawn the attention of Hiruzen Sarutobi. The risk of exposure had grown too high.
What Orochimaru didn't know was that one infant had survived. Danzō secretly brought the child into Root and raised him as a weapon. That child was codenamed Kinoe—the boy who would eventually become Yamato, a rare and successful Hashirama cell transplant subject.
Danzō's refusal to restart the experiment wasn't due to ethics or fear. He already had what he needed: a viable vessel. With Hiruzen soon stepping down, and a new Hokage on the horizon, drawing renewed attention through fresh abductions would have been unwise.
Danzō had long operated in the shadows thanks to Hiruzen's tolerance. But the Fourth Hokage—Minato Namikaze—was not likely to turn a blind eye.
---
Three Days Later
Crowds gathered in front of the Hokage Building's bulletin board. Among them were Qian Yu and Uzumaki Kushina.
"Qian Yu, it's so crowded over there! That's the bulletin board, right? Did something big just get posted?" Kushina asked with curiosity.
Qian Yu nodded. "Let's go see."
As they approached, the crowd parted instinctively—not out of reverence for Qian Yu, but from a palpable sense of caution and fear. His reputation preceded him.
Together, they stood before the announcement:
> Effective immediately: Hiruzen Sarutobi resigns from the position of Hokage. Minato Namikaze is appointed as the Fourth Hokage.
Kushina's eyes widened. "What the—? The Third Hokage just stepped down? And he picked that blond softie to succeed him?!"
Qian Yu merely nodded, unsurprised.
Back at their home, Kushina's curiosity burned hotter. "Come on, Qian Yu. You know something. Spill it!"
Her tone was playful but persistent, her expression full of intrigue.
Qian Yu relented. "It's simple. The Third is getting old. More importantly, after the war, he opted not to demand harsh reparations from Sunagakure or the other villages that invaded the Land of Fire. That upset many in Konoha. Resigning was his way of taking responsibility."
Kushina pouted. "Still… why Minato? Everyone thought Orochimaru would be the next Hokage—even I did."
Qian Yu recounted the political analysis he'd made during their last visit to Orochimaru's lab.
By the end, Kushina looked overwhelmed. "Ugh… my head hurts. Why is it all so complicated?"
Qian Yu offered her a distilled version: "Minato is Hiruzen's choice because he'll continue Hiruzen's policies. That's why he became Hokage. Simple as that."
Kushina's eyes lit up. "Ah! That makes sense now."
Then, she frowned. "But I still think you, Qian Yu, would make a better Hokage!"
Qian Yu chuckled and lightly tapped her forehead. "Me? That'll never happen. I'm not even on the shortlist. To the people in power, I'm not a leader—I'm a tool. Nothing more."
He lowered his voice. "And besides… our time in Konoha is coming to an end. Sooner or later, we'll have to leave. This village isn't our home."
Kushina leaned into him with a warm smile. "Then wherever you go, I'll follow. Wherever you are is home."
---
The Hokage Succession
The transition of power was swift. That very afternoon, Minato Namikaze's succession ceremony was held atop the Hokage Building.
As a prominent shinobi, Qian Yu was invited to attend.
"Kushina, do you want to come?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Nah. I'll stay home and think about what to make for dinner. Oh! Bring Kakashi over, would you? That boy's been avoiding meals lately."
"I will," Qian Yu said. "After the ceremony."
When Qian Yu arrived, the streets surrounding the Hokage Building were filled with cheering villagers.
He ascended to the rooftop, where Hiruzen Sarutobi stood flanked by elders Koharu and Homura, along with Jiraiya and several of Konoha's elite—Inoichi, Shikaku, Choza, Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga, and others.
Danzō was notably absent, likely fuming in Root.
Orochimaru, too, was absent—predictably uninterested in such ceremonial matters.
Qian Yu stood at the edge, silent and distant.
The ceremony began.
Hiruzen solemnly removed the Hokage's hat and handed it to Minato Namikaze. The young shinobi accepted it with both hands and placed it on his head.
"I'm counting on you, Fourth Hokage," Hiruzen said, his voice calm and resolute.
Minato bowed deeply. "I will dedicate my life."
He turned to face the villagers below as they roared with applause.
As the ceremony concluded, Qian Yu turned to leave—but Minato intercepted him.
"Qian Yu," Minato said sincerely, "I hope we can work together from now on. Please continue to guide me. Let's protect Konoha together."
Qian Yu's tone was calm and distant. "There's nothing to guide. You're the Hokage now. I'm a shinobi—I follow orders. I have other business to attend to. With your permission, Fourth Hokage…"
Without waiting for a reply, Qian Yu disappeared using the Body Flicker Technique, vanishing into the wind.
Visit patreon.com/Akeyno to get 30+ chapters