The post-war celebration didn't last more than a couple of days. Before long, Konoha slipped back into its usual rhythm.
Seiki was no exception either. The very next day after that night, he resumed his training.
"With my current research on Yin Release, I should be able to obtain the second ability of Kurama clan's Kekkei from Yakumo Kurama!" Seiki murmured inwardly. Now that he'd returned to the village, of course he must continue his grand plan of free body possession.
The first ability of Kurama clan's Kekkei was Five-Sense Control, while the second one was [Genjutsu: Shinsō].
As its name implies, it refers to projecting the genjutsu world into reality, letting the caster's will dominate and enabling mutual conversion between reality and illusion.
This ability sounds formidable, but in reality, it depends on how deeply it is developed.
If poorly developed, it is essentially equivalent to Sai's Super Beast Imitating Drawing technique—merely eliminating the need for brushes, scrolls, or other mediums.
But if fully developed, its limit can reach Izanagi of the Sharingan—an ability that can convert injuries or unfavorable situations entirely into dreams.
To put it differently, the former is material-based, using Yin Release to create forms out of nothingness, whereas the latter is concept-based, reducing "form" back to its origin—"nothingness."
From this perspective, Madara Uchiha's "Eye of the Moon Plan" isn't entirely unreasonable. If he possessed enough strength, it might have actually been possible to turn the Infinite Tsukuyomi's world into reality.
Reflecting on this, Seiki thought to himself, "Maybe that's why Madara and Obito hold the contents of that stone tablet so firmly. Perhaps they've been influenced by Izanagi. After all, Izanagi itself proves that even dreams can come true."
As Seiki pondered their thoughts, an Anbu ninja wearing an animal mask emerged from the shadows and knelt halfway to the ground. "Lord Seiki, Hokage-sama requests your presence at the Hokage building."
Seiki calmly asked, "When?"
The Anbu responded, "Right now!"
"I see. I understand."
"So you..." The masked ninja started, suddenly lifting his head, only to realize that Seiki had already vanished. He couldn't help but blurt out, "Flying Thunder God Technique? What a terrifying ability!"
...
Seiki teleported near the Hokage building and walked toward it with a visible form.
Several ninja guarding the entrance had already received notice and naturally didn't try to stop him. They allowed Seiki to pass freely into the building.
"Lord Seiki, Hokage-sama has been waiting upstairs."
"Thank you for your trouble."
When he reached the top of the stairs, he found the door slightly ajar.
He gave two gentle knocks. Then a voice came from inside — the Third's voice.
"Come in."
Pushing open the door, Seiki entered and saw the Third absorbed in reading a book.
"Hokage-sama, do you have a mission for me?"
"Haha, not everyone's here yet. Please wait a moment." The Hokage patted the left side of the desk. There sat a stack of books clearly separate from the official documents — quite noticeable among them. "And if you get bored, feel free to take a few books to read. Actually, some of these books might even be about you!"
"About me?"
Seiki's expression darkened as he stepped forward and picked up several books to skim through.
Just the titles on the covers made his eyes twitch involuntarily.
"Shock! Where Exactly Did the Tsuchikage's Dust Release Come From?"
"The Cold-Blooded Ninja Chronicle of Onoki!"
"The Death of the Third Raikage: The Love-Hate Relationship Between the Tsuchikage and Raikage!"
"Iwagakure – The Land Where Flowers of Evil Bloom![Baudelaire reference]"
Seiki sighed heavily. "What even *are* these books? Seriously?"
The Third chuckled happily. "They're just based on what you said when you mediated the faction conflict on the Western Front."
"I remember saying a lot back then. Why did they only remember these parts?" Seiki sighed helplessly.
"I can understand them actually," the Third recalled, "Everyone has enthusiasm and urges to write their own stories! I myself used that very passion to write about my understanding of the Will of Fire all those years ago!"
Seiki nodded thoughtfully. This is where the nightmare began!
As the two were discussing these books, another knock sounded at the door.
"Come in."
"My apologies for being late," Minato apologized as he saw Seiki already waiting in the room.
"Hehe, I understand!" The Third grinned knowingly.
Minato hesitated slightly. Why did he feel like he could see traces of Jiraiya-sensei in Hokage-sama?
Both of them had that same reckless charm—though one was outright lecherous!
Seeming to realize his previous smile didn't match his usual venerable image, the Third quickly tossed the "forbidden book" in his hand aside and straightened his expression. "Ahem! Actually, today I called you here mainly for one thing—Choosing the Next Hokage!"
"Choosing the Next Hokage?" Seiki and Minato exclaimed simultaneously, surprised.
"You're both already aware of my stance on the Iwagakure issue—I won't go into detail here," the Third continued, looking sharply at the two men. "Now tell me who do you think is the most suitable candidate to inherit the Hokage title?"
They exchanged glances before hesitantly responding, "Perhaps the three Sannin would all be good choices?"
The Third murmured, "The Sannin, huh?"
Seiki spoke up, "Tsunade-sensei possesses formidable strength, unparalleled medical jutsu, and is also the granddaughter of the First Hokage. Isn't she naturally suited to become the Fourth Hokage?"
The Third shook his head slightly, "Although Tsunade is indeed the First's granddaughter, her personality flaws are too evident. At least in terms of fulfilling the role of a Kage, she falls short."
Minato followed up by asking, "Then what about Jiraiya-sensei? While not particularly gifted, he managed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the other two as one of the Sannin through sheer effort and perseverance. This kind of determination makes him perfectly suited to become a Kage!"
"Jiraiya truly is outstanding," the Third sighed, "Unfortunately, his temperament is simply too flighty and undisciplined. Even if I wanted him to become Hokage, he'd probably refuse anyway."
Minato silently nodded. Now that he thought about it, Jiraiya-sensei really wasn't the type to enjoy being tied down.
Seiki suggested again, "How about Orochimaru then? Orochimaru demonstrates exceptional talent and has achieved great accomplishments. During this war, he successfully resisted the joint assault from Cloud Village and Mist Village."
"Orochimaru, huh?"
The Third looked on with concern and sighed, "Orochimaru is indeed a rare genius, but his mind is far too twisted. It might not be wise to allow someone like him to become Hokage."
Minato asked with hesitation, "Then what are your thoughts, Hokage-sama?"
"In my opinion, the only ones who have truly understood the Will of Fire and possess the capability to bear the heavy responsibility of becoming The Fourth are you two!" The Third took a puff from his pipe. "There's no need to hold back here—from personal strength, battle achievements and contributions, to political connections and prestige—you two are undoubtedly the most suitable candidates for the position of Hokage!"
"Therefore, between the two of you—who will take on the mantle of Hokage? Give me your answer now!"
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