Both were taken aback. Even though they'd suspected something, hearing the Third announce his decision left them momentarily stunned.
To any Konoha ninja, becoming Hokage was the highest honor and aspiration.
And for these two, while others were still striving to climb upward, they had already glimpsed the finish line.
They locked eyes—and nearly at once, both spoke up:
"Seiki is the most suitable candidate!"
"I support Aniki Minato!"
Haha, you two sure are humble," the Third said, eyes crinkling with amusement. "But don't keep deflecting to each other. Hokage isn't just about power—it's about shouldering real responsibility and duty. Only by placing the person truly suited to this title in that position can you be responsible to yourselves and to everyone in the village!"
"Now stop letting worries and distractions tie you down. Tell me your answers again!"
After a moment's thought, they both firmly declared:
"When I think it through, Seiki is definitely more suitable!"
"Aniki Minato is more qualified than me!"
"You two..." The Third shook his head with a mix of amusement and frustration. "If Danzo knew the Hokage position he'd obsessed over all his life was being passed around like this between you two, he'd probably turn in his grave! Alright then, explain your reasoning carefully. Minato, you go first."
Minato hesitated briefly before speaking. "My thoughts are actually very straightforward. I believe only the most outstanding person deserves to become Hokage. And since Seiki surpasses me, then he should be the Fourth Hokage!"
"'More outstanding'? That explanation feels too vague," the Third replied, clearly unsatisfied.
Minato continued, "Looking at wartime contributions, Seiki invented the Medical Scroll, which saved countless lives during battle. He facilitated the Sunagakure Alliance, ending the Western Front conflict earlier than expected. And his action against the Mizukage directly led to the end of The Great Ninja World War!"
"In terms of strength, Seiki far exceeds me. As Hokage, Seiki could deter other villages from launching wars so easily. And as for popularity, I'm certain he would gain wider recognition than myself!"
"Truly, in every way imaginable, Seiki is far superior to me!"
The Third gave no clear response and turned to Seiki. "Seiki, what's your opinion?"
"My view somewhat contradicts Aniki Minato's," Seiki replied solemnly. "A lot of what I did really showed I wasn't mature enough."
"Take the alliance with Sunagakure, for instance. Truthfully, I suspected Kazekage's proposal aimed to intensify the conflict between Elder Danzo and me. At the time, I admit I didn't look kindly on Elder Danzo, so I took advantage of the situation and agreed."
"The eventual outcome was favorable, but back then, it carried serious risks. If Elder Danzo hadn't backed down, we might've fallen into complete disarray. Looking back, I should've considered things more thoroughly."
"Secondly, regarding our operation against the Mizukage—though we succeeded by luck and even brought The Great Ninja World War to an end—from a leadership perspective, my decision was driven more by personal resentment than strategic wisdom."
"If the operation fails, not only will we be unable to take revenge, but we might all get trapped there. Worse, it could harden Mist's resolve to continue the war, leading to disastrous consequences! Viewed from this angle, I admit I'm too easily bound by emotions - not exactly a worthy trait for a Kage!"
Seiki paused, then met Minato's gaze earnestly. "I won't hide my desire to become Hokage someday. However, I'm simply not mature enough yet. Allowing someone as inexperienced as me to ascend would benefit neither myself nor Konoha. So please, let you become the Fourth Hokage instead!"
"Seiki, you..." Minato struggled for words under Seiki's sincere stare.
Meanwhile, The Third inwardly marveled, "Never thought Seiki always had such clear self-awareness."
Actually, these were precisely the two concerns that haunted Seiki himself.
Too much praise and flattery can easily cloud one's self-awareness. Yet clearly, Seiki remained far more composed and lucid than he'd imagined.
Privately sighing, Seiki mused, "Pity it's still not the right time yet!"
Of course he wanted to become Hokage - just not now.
For one, he still needed to collect the chakra from the remaining four Bijuu. It wouldn't be impossible even after becoming Hokage, but it would definitely complicate matters.
Another reason was his aspiration to be a Hokage without restraints or political entanglements, unlike the current Fourth position that came with constant limitations.
After all, even The Third faced restrictions from his two advisors and Danzo. Ascending now would bring even more constraints.
In his plans, he needed an opportunity to break through Konoha's upper echelons. When the middle and lower ranks completely lost faith in the establishment, he would emerge as the savior who restores order and establishes absolute authority.
Precisely why he'd committed that shocking, seemingly absurd act of ambushing the Mizukage.
This action brought two benefits: unprecedented reputation boost plus convenient excuse to refuse the Hokage position.
Seeing both Minato and The Third silent, Seiki smiled again. "Truthfully, I do have my own reasons. If I could learn under your guidance as Hokage Advisor, by the time it's my turn, I'll be able to show everyone a far more complete version of myself."
The Third nodded slightly. "Minato, you should agree. Seiki is younger, perhaps the Fifth title better suits him."
With both speaking thusly, Minato finally relented with wry smile. "That works too. Having Seiki keeping me on my toes will at least help me stay humble and cautious."
Satisfied, The Third nodded firmly. "Then it's settled. Tomorrow I'll discuss with the advisors and approach the Daimyo about appointing the Fourth Hokage."
Smiling toward the side, Seiki joked, "Should I start congratulating you in advance, Minato-niisan?"
Helplessly, Minato replied, "You know you're actually more suited to being Hokage... Very well, whenever you feel ready, I'll resign and recommend you!"
Seiki feigned anger. "This is where you're wrong, Minato Aniki. How can you, as Hokage, always be thinking about stepping down? You should work on getting stronger—that way I'll have something to chase after!"
Minato pondered for a moment, then nodded. "You're right. Since I've taken that position, I should be responsible for everyone rather than shirking my duties like this."
Seeing this touching moment, The Third quietly sighed in admiration, *"No wonder they're the two I favor most—those who have truly embraced the Will of Fire!"*
He had initially worried these two might develop distrust or rivalry like Danzo did, but now it seemed completely unfounded.
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