Hiruzen Sarutobi recommended Minato Namikaze to become the Fourth Hokage.
Danzo countered by recommending Chinya, who had an even higher reputation than Minato.
However, with just one sentence, Hiruzen Sarutobi left Danzo speechless.
Danzo glared at Hiruzen with clenched teeth.
The Fire Daimyo held a fan halfway in front of his face and asked, "What do the rest of you think?"
Everyone except Danzo gave slight nods.
Now Danzo finally understood the situation clearly.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were on Hiruzen's side. The three of them had already conspired together, leaving him completely isolated.
The Fire Daimyo announced, "Then it's settled. The position of Fourth Hokage shall go to Minato Namikaze."
...
After returning to Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi summoned Minato Namikaze for a private meeting.
Looking seriously at Minato, who knelt on one knee before him, Hiruzen asked, "I've always believed you are the true inheritor of the Will of Fire. I wish to entrust you with the future of Konoha and the entire ninja world. Will you accept this responsibility?"
Minato replied solemnly, "I will strive to live up to the trust of the Third!"
Hiruzen said gravely, "Originally, I planned to hold the succession ceremony under better circumstances, but the path ahead remains rough..."
Minato's eyes gleamed with determination. "I'm mentally prepared."
A smile appeared on Hiruzen's face. "I believe you can definitely succeed. Now prepare yourself for the succession ceremony. Let me explain what you must do after assuming office."
Minato listened attentively to Hiruzen's instructions.
Hiruzen began, "After becoming the Fourth Hokage, your first task will be calming the Uchiha Clan. Currently, due to Chinya's targeting and our deliberate turning a blind eye, they're deeply resentful toward us.
Therefore, upon becoming Hokage, you must immediately soothe their emotions. You may verbally commend them, but never make any concrete promises.
Chinya's targeting of the Uchiha Clan was authorized jointly by myself and Danzo. The Uchiha have become like a cancerous tumor growing within Konoha. We must eliminate the threat posed by the Uchiha as soon as possible."
Minato's expression flickered slightly.
He had long suspected that Chinya's vendetta against the Uchiha wasn't just a personal feud.
After all, Chinya had openly targeted and retaliated against the Uchiha during battles, yet only once did the village leadership publicly reprimand him.
But that was it — no real consequences ever came after.
Hiruzen continued, "After I step behind the scenes, Danzo and I will continue working in secret to resolve this security threat within Konoha.
As for you, Minato, begin assembling your own team and form your personal guard squad.
Once the Uchiha matter is resolved, you'll need to deal with the Root Division next.
After you assume the Hokage position, you'll inevitably come into contact with Root. But you probably don't know much about this department."
Root Division serves as the recruitment and training base for Anbu. This organization operates in the shadows beneath Konoha, deeply embedding its roots into darkness. Its main purpose is to eliminate, from behind the scenes, any obstacles that might hinder the village's prosperity.
As such, Root operates with greater secrecy than Anbu, carrying out actions that are even darker — and far more unspeakable. When certain actions must be taken but cannot be seen as the Hokage's doing, Root carries them out in secret. It serves as Konoha's sharpest and most decisive weapon, ready to strike even at the cost of innocent lives, so long as no threat escapes.
Yet currently, Root functions as an independent organization under Danzo's sole leadership. Not even I can directly meddle in Root's operations.
Once the issue with the Uchiha Clan is resolved, you will need to prepare yourself to deal with Root and bring it back under your control as Hokage."
Minato Namikaze nodded to show he understood.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a puff from his pipe and continued, "Now, about Danzo himself—how should I put this? Danzo may be extreme and ruthless in his methods, but he truly has Konoha's best interests at heart.
But deep down, he's always wanted one thing—more than anything else: the title of Hokage. He supports both Orochimaru and Chinya, most likely hoping to seize the Hokage position for himself. Therefore, he might very likely cause you trouble later on.
Still, don't worry. I will keep an eye on him. You just govern Konoha according to your own ideas and pace."
Hiruzen Sarutobi said much and then picked up his teacup, taking a sip.
After setting the cup down, he casually asked, "Minato, your conflict with Chinya seems quite deep, doesn't it?"
Minato turned serious and replied, "Please rest assured, Lord Hokage. Compared to Konoha, any personal issues between us are insignificant. I will manage them appropriately."
Hiruzen shook his head, his expression turning grim. "No, I mean you must be cautious around Chinya. Chinya and Orochimaru are cut from the same cloth—extremely secretive, outwardly loyal to Konoha, yet I can sense that his loyalty isn't genuine. He merely wants us to believe in his devotion so we lower our guard.
Chinya and Orochimaru think alike—ruthless and unpredictable, their intentions impossible to read.
You may rely on Chinya heavily—he is an exceptionally capable and effective subordinate. However, you must never truly trust him! If necessary, you should take preemptive action to suppress him.
Right now, Chinya's power is immense. In him, I see the resemblance of Madara Uchiha from long ago. Should Chinya ever become uncontrollable, he could unleash devastation upon Konoha.
Still, with Kushina remaining in Konoha, there's no need to overly fear Chinya losing control. So regarding how you handle Kushina, you must act with utmost caution.
You might say that Kushina is the key to keeping Chinya loyal to Konoha—even if only in appearance."
Minato was slightly surprised inwardly—he hadn't expected Hiruzen to hold such deep suspicion toward Chinya.
But upon reflecting further, Minato realized Chinya was indeed someone who deserved such caution.
After all, Chinya carried a certain title nowadays—
[Crimson-Eyed Asura who destroyed half of Kiri and killed the Third Mizukage.]
Looking further into his past achievements, Chinya's combat record is nothing short of dazzling.
Minato Namikaze felt that his battle record paled in comparison to Chinya's.
Minato nodded and said, "Hokage-sama, I'll remember everything you've told me."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded in reply, "Then go back first. Becoming Hokage is not something to rush. I will support you as well."
Minato replied solemnly, "Yes, thank you for your trust, Hokage-sama. I'll give my all to Konoha!"
Hiruzen smiled gently, "I know you will. Now go."
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>