On the other hand, Konoha Shinobi Village was in a festive mood.
After twenty days of negotiations, Kirigakure finally backed down and no longer demanded the return of the tailed beasts, but only demanded the return of the Seven Ninja Swords.
So Konoha returned all the ninja swords except the Executioner's Blade and the Thunderswords: Kiba.
As for the Executioner's Blade and the Thunderswords, Kakashi swore he had never seen them and didn't know anything about them. He even managed to say it with the same sincerity he used when telling Guy he enjoyed their "friendly" sparring matches.
In the end, the Mist Shinobi case was left unresolved.
After Iwagakure and Kirigakure retreated one after another, the Fourth Raikage, who failed to gain any advantage from Orochimaru and Rasa, could only retreat unwillingly.
However, before leaving, they retrieved the Third Raikage's body.
So, ten days ago, the Konoha Shinobi Force returned like heroes, and Guy was back.
The Third Hokage first held a memorial service, leading the entire village in a moment of silence for all the ninjas who had died heroically on the battlefield.
Then a commendation meeting was held to give major recognition to the representatives who made great contributions in the war.
Then, a celebration lasting half a month began to dilute the pain of the villagers' loss and to celebrate the hard-earned peace.
Speaking of which, during the commendation ceremony, Uchiha Fugaku, as the leader of the Uchiha clan, had his achievements briefly mentioned, while Obito's contributions were fully publicized.
In praising Obito, the Third Hokage also mentioned many times that it was Minato who had taught him well.
Anyone could see this was building momentum for Minato.
As for Minato's own achievements, they were told in detail by the Third Hokage.
For a moment, everyone's admiration for Minato reached a climax.
Of course, when Danzo heard this, his face was as gloomy as storm clouds over the Valley of the End.
Especially when the Third Hokage announced that he would abdicate and recommend Namikaze Minato to the Fire Daimyo as the Fourth Hokage—Danzo's face darkened like the bottom of a pot.
If the ceremony hadn't been so significant, he might have walked away on the spot.
"So, Minato-sensei, you're going to be the Hokage soon?"
At Minato's house, Obito confirmed it again.
Ever since the Third Hokage's announcement nine days ago, Obito—who had the dream of becoming Hokage—was completely excited. He would run to Minato's house whenever he had nothing to do and pester him about Hokage-related matters.
"Obito, you've asked this question eight hundred times."
Kakashi sighed. Any more and I'm going to start charging you by the question—payment accepted in mission scrolls or rare jutsu.
"It's not like you're the Hokage—why are you so excited?"
"I'm just afraid the cooked duck will fly away! Everyone says becoming Hokage requires the Daimyo's consent and a vote of all the jōnin!"
Well, look at that, Kakashi thought. Uchiha Kenji, the guy who once got his head stuck in a fence at the Academy, suddenly quoting proverbs. Truly, the Will of Fire can work miracles.
"Based on Minato-sensei's reputation, he'll be elected with a landslide. So relax before I start using genjutsu to mute you," Kakashi said, before steering the conversation elsewhere.
"By the way—seven days ago, Elder Uchiha Setsuna, his wife, and two daughters-in-law died inexplicably. Has your Guard Department investigated the case?"
"Not yet."
Obito's expression turned serious. Since returning, Fugaku had promoted him to deputy minister of the Guard Department and deputy clan leader—an honorary post with no real power, but still a respected title.
But with a clan elder murdered, Obito took it seriously.
"I checked the scene. Elder Setsuna and his wife showed no signs of resistance—like they allowed themselves to be killed. The daughters-in-law seemed ready to resist, but were fatally struck right away."
Allowed themselves to be killed? That's not suspicious at all, Kakashi thought. Next we'll find out they left tea and snacks out for the attacker.
"Obito, what about his two sons? If he had daughters-in-law, he must have sons."
"They're gone. Ambushed during a battle with Mist Shinobi. No sign of life or death to this day. Mist denies capturing them, so the village listed them as KIA."
Obito sighed. A family of six, gone in an instant.
"Obito, send Minato-sensei and me into Kamui space. Something's wrong."
"Yeah, okay."
Ever since Obito had awakened Kamui, Kakashi often asked him to use it for confidential talks. By now, it was a habit.
"Kakashi, you mean Elder Setsuna's death is related to his two sons, right?"
Before Kakashi could speak, Minato had already voiced his thoughts.
As expected of Minato-sensei—always one step ahead. Probably even knows what I'm having for dinner tonight.
"Yes. I suspect their disappearance was arranged by Uchiha Madara."
"What?!" Obito exclaimed.
He still remembered being tricked by Madara. Now hearing there might be another plan infuriated him.
"Yes, I have the same guess as you," Minato said calmly. "The timing of the disappearance and the strange deaths point to one goal."
Minato and Kakashi exchanged a glance.
"To awaken the Mangekyō Sharingan."
"This… how is that possible?!" Obito was shocked.
Being kind-hearted, he couldn't imagine killing one's own parents and lover just for power.
"Uchiha Setsuna… why does that name sound familiar?" Kakashi muttered, then his eyes narrowed. "Obito, what was his attitude toward the village?"
"He was a hardliner—imprisoned for following Madara's path and inciting rebellion."
There it is, Kakashi thought. If Madara's sales pitch was a jutsu, it'd be S-rank—and these two sons probably signed up before he even finished the first sentence.
"Minato-sensei, looks like we're going to have to fight for the people we love."
"Yeah, I know what you mean. If the enemy dares to attack, I'll lead the charge and repel them."
Once the enemy came, Minato knew Kushina and Rin would be among their targets.
"Then count me in too!" Obito said firmly.
The three exchanged smiles—no more words needed.
To be continued....
Note: Guys, if you're enjoying the story, please support it by leaving a review and dropping Power Stones. Your support really means a lot