The capital of the Land of Fire, the Daimyo's residence.
At this moment, in the magnificently decorated Daimyo mansion, more than a dozen people in power were sitting around a long table.
They were the ministers and politicians in charge of the various important affairs of the Fire Nation.
And the one sitting at the head of the throne was naturally the head of the Fire Nation, the Daimyo, who held the highest administrative and military power.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was wearing a hat with three flames painted on it, and on the huge red backrest of the chair behind him was a black character for fire.
"Oh, oh, oh, since the Third Hokage is going to abdicate, it's time for me to meet the new guy."
The haggard-looking Daimyo gently waved the fan in his hand and looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen with a frivolous tone.
Actually, he was quite satisfied with Sarutobi Hiruzen because Hiruzen didn't disturb his life on weekdays.
Now that the new Hokage's recommender had appeared, he was also a little curious about the other person's personality.
"I think that Orochimaru, one of the Sannin, is the most suitable."
Before Hiruzen could say anything, Danzo beside him suddenly spoke up.
"What does the Third Hokage think?"
However, the Daimyo did not directly consider his suggestion, but continued to look at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Danzo's face darkened when he heard this.
The Daimyo was implying that he was not qualified.
"Orochimaru is indeed talented enough, and he has made enough military achievements. But his heart is not with the villagers. I am worried about him being the Hokage.
"So I recommend Namikaze Minato. He is the key to victory in this war, and he has won the unanimous recognition of young and old in the village. He is an excellent successor to the Will of Fire."
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat on the chair, gently picked up the cup in front of him, took a sip of tea, and then spoke slowly.
"Oh? Is that the so-called Konoha Yellow Flash?"
The Daimyo raised an eyebrow and looked at the yellow-haired man next to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The other important officials also looked at Namikaze Minato.
Although they were not ninjas, they had been paying close attention to the major events happening in the ninja world. Naturally, they had heard of this talented ninja with bright yellow hair and a name that resounded throughout the shinobi nations.
"I think it would be most appropriate for Namikaze Minato to succeed as the Fourth Hokage."
At this moment, a fat, middle-aged man with a wealthy face took the lead in expressing his agreement.
President of the Fire Country Chamber of Commerce, Fujiwara Bunta.
He was a strategic partner of the Konoha Nara family's medicinal materials and the Akimichi clan's Hyorōgan, and knew that Minato and Akimichi Chōza had a close relationship.
Now that Minato was going to succeed as Hokage, he was naturally happy to do a favor, which would also facilitate further cooperation with Konoha.
For example, he had always been interested in the Uchiha clan's arms business.
As soon as Fujiwara Bunta finished speaking, the other ministers and politicians all expressed their agreement.
"Since everyone has no objection, from this moment on, the position of Hokage and the stability and peace of the Land of Fire will be officially entrusted to you."
The Daimyo's voice was serious and solemn, contrary to his usual pompous style.
The safety of the Fire Nation had always been closely related to the strength of Konoha Shinobi Village. Only if the person who served as Hokage was reliable enough and the strength of Konoha was strong enough could he sit firmly on the position of Daimyo.
"Thank you for your trust. Minato will do his duty and protect the stability and peace of the village and the Land of Fire."
Minato stood up from his seat and saluted respectfully.
"Yeah, very good!"
The Daimyo nodded with satisfaction.
After receiving the letter of authorization signed by the Daimyo himself, the Third Hokage and Minato returned to Konoha without stopping.
By the time Minato got home, it was already the next afternoon.
Bang bang!
With two bang sounds, colorful ribbons fell on Minato, who had just pushed the door open.
"Minato-sensei, congratulations!"
Kakashi, Rin, Obito, and Shisui were the first to cheer.
"Congratulations, Minato-brother. Oh yes, now you should be called the Fourth Hokage!"
Fugaku had also come early with Mikoto and Itachi to congratulate him.
Akimichi Chōza and Aburame Shibi followed suit with congratulations.
Minato was slightly stunned when he saw this, but he quickly reacted.
"We are all family, there is no need to be so polite. Come in and sit down."
As they were talking, Kushina, who looked very happy, came over, gently helped Minato take off the ribbons on his body, and then took his arm and went into the house together.
Soon, laughter and joy were heard in the living room.
The custom-made Hokage robe that Anbu sent afterwards brought the atmosphere in the room to a climax!
Seeing that the matter was settled, Kakashi said hello to Minato-sensei, then slipped out quietly—because clearly, someone needed to keep an eye on the village's darker corners while everyone else was eating cake.
He arrived alone at Orochimaru's laboratory.
"It's Kakashi-kun."
Orochimaru turned around upon hearing the noise, with a hint of disappointment in his eyes.
"Orochimaru-sama."
Kakashi gave a casual nod. Because nothing says "pleasant afternoon" like visiting a man whose idea of fun involves giant snakes and questionable science.
Orochimaru stared at Kakashi thoughtfully for a long time before saying, "You are not here to be Minato's lobbyist this time, are you?"
Feeling Orochimaru's tangible gaze, Kakashi scratched his head in mock sheepishness.
"Yes and no. Minato-sensei didn't send me—but I'm still here about the same subject."
"Oh?"
Orochimaru looked at him in mild surprise.
"Orochimaru-sama, I know you're upset the Third Hokage didn't nominate you.
"But frankly? You're not fit to be Hokage. No—Hokage is more like… a yoke around your neck. And you strike me as more of a 'roam free and do experiments that terrify normal people' kind of guy."
Kakashi's tone was steady, but his eyes held the same dry amusement he got when watching Guy proclaim another "eternal youth" challenge.
"Oh? What do you mean?"
Kakashi's words had piqued Orochimaru's interest.
"As everyone knows, once you become Hokage, you have to take responsibility for everything—mission reports, budget meetings, probably deciding what color the Hokage Rock gets repainted. You'd be buried in paperwork before your first experiment of the day.
"Your pursuit lives in your experiments. How would you have time for all those… delightful hobbies?"
Kakashi paused, then added with a faint smirk, "If my guess is right, you and Danzo have an arrangement—he runs the boring part, you wear the hat."
"Kakashi-kun, you are indeed very smart."
Orochimaru's eyes glimmered with faint admiration.
"Thank you, Orochimaru-sama. But if that's the case, what's the difference between you and Danzo's puppet? Except you'd get the hat and the blame. Seems like a poor trade unless you've suddenly developed a love for committee meetings."
"I don't care about that," Orochimaru replied softly, unbothered by the word "puppet."
"I understand, Orochimaru-sama. Compared to that, you care more about the Third Hokage's opinion.
"But in my view? You don't have to try so hard. The Third is already old."
To be continued....
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