"The system has upgraded?"
Ye Liang was somewhat surprised.
In his opinion, the system wasn't such a big deal. Although he had learned many S-ranked ninjutsu through the system, those techniques weren't actually that impressive.
Take [Shinra Tensei] for example—it's functionally powerful but requires massive chakra support. With the chakra reserves of an average Jonin, he could use it only about ten times.
And even its power alone couldn't kill an ordinary Tokubetsu Jonin. Take when he first arrived in this world and faced Orochimaru—he burned through all his chakra just to leave the snake ninja seriously injured!
So, S-ranked ninjutsu only added more options.
For a ninja, chakra and combat experience were truly what defined a strong shinobi!
Ye Liang's Nine-Tails chakra and Sage Transformation were his core strengths now. However, both were earned through his own efforts. Therefore, the system merely helped him save time in learning jutsu.
"I wonder if there's any useful new feature this time," Ye Liang thought with anticipation.
After cleaning up the battlefield, Ye Liang returned to Konoha along with the rest of the Hokage's group.
The battle had been brutal!
Minato Namikaze has fallen in battle!
Many elite Jonin from Konoha had lost their lives during this fight. Additionally, buildings were destroyed during Madara Uchiha's previous attack on the village. Overall, this single incident nearly wiped out ten years' worth of Konoha's progress.
Inside the Hokage's office,
several Tokubetsu Jonin were discussing post-disaster relief measures.
Ye Liang glanced around but didn't recognize a single face. Standing among them, nobody approached him to chat either.
"Everyone, be quiet!"
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked into the office, sat down, and wore a grim expression—clearly not in the best of moods.
"Everyone, although we defeated the invading enemy this time, we have also lost many elites. Even Minato-sama unfortunately sacrificed himself in battle."
"What?! Minato-sama is dead?"
They hadn't witnessed Minato using the Dead Demon Consuming Seal.
"Yes, he used his soul to seal away the Nine-Tails!"
Expressions around the room immediately became pained.
If it were just a few regular Jonin who died, they wouldn't be this devastated. However, losing the Fourth Hokage deeply saddened many present.
Actually, Minato might not have even reached the same age as some of these people below him, yet everyone had seen firsthand his noble character—many had even been saved by him during missions!
Seeing this reaction, Sarutobi Hiruzen guessed their thoughts accurately.
"Everyone, though Minato is gone, his wife and son still remain. I believe his will shall surely be inherited by the next generation. Perhaps in another ten years, the next Minato will rise!"
"That's right! Naruto's still here! The kid's already three, and look at him—he's got what it takes to carry on the legacy of the Namikaze clan!"
Right away, the mood improved noticeably.
Hiruzen smiled slightly, noticing he had achieved his goal, then turned his gaze toward Ye Liang, who was fooling around at the back.
"You two, come inside now."
A woman carrying a child suddenly walked in after being briefly mentioned.
"What's going on?"
The crowd glanced toward the entrance and immediately recognized the woman who had entered.
Isn't this Kushina, Minato-sama's widow?
They felt quite curious. Since Minato had died, Kushina should have been attending his funeral—why was she here?
"Kushina-sama, didn't expect to see you out here! Please rest assured, from now on I, Ibiki, will properly take care of you!"
"Kushina-sama, if you have any financial difficulties, I will support you too!"
Though confused, these Jonin still expressed their loyalty one after another. However, Ye Liang sensed something amiss.
Did that old Sarutobi just give me a look a moment ago?
He was naturally observant enough to notice Hiruzen Sarutobi's subtle movement.
"Kushina, life will truly be difficult for you from now on," said Hiruzen Sarutobi before asking her to stand beside Ye Liang.
All the ninja present found this strange.
"Ye Liang, this time you've made an enormous contribution by slaying Madara Uchiha! We even heard you volunteered to become a Jinchuriki, making us old folks feel somewhat ashamed."
"In terms of merits, you're number one! In terms of character, you're also among the top! Originally I planned to ask you to inherit Minato's will by becoming the Fifth Hokage. But since you're actually from Otogakure, it really puts me in a tough spot!"
"Fifth Hokage?"
Ye Liang felt a bit baffled—he didn't know why Hiruzen spoke like that—but as someone born in Hua Kingdom, Ye Liang deeply understood the ways of old schemers!
In these turbulent times, not even the position of Fire Daimyo would tempt him!
Too damn dangerous!
His eyes darted briefly in surprise, while Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled.
"Hehe, knew you'd be interested in becoming Hokage, but don't even dream about getting it—I'll first need to lure you away from that rotten Otogakure!"
Harboring such thoughts, he continued speaking.
"Therefore, after careful consideration, I've decided not to give you the Hokage seat just yet, and instead offer you the honorary title of Fire Country Advisor."
"Phew..." Ye Liang exhaled in relief.
The advisor position actually had its advantages!
Advisors were like elders of Konoha—no real power meant no danger, yet people would always treat you with respect wherever you went!
Moreover, according to what Ye Liang knew, advisors could even get free meals and drinks at local restaurants charged to the village!
That particular benefit wasn't insignificant either!
He visibly eased up, but Hiruzen Sarutobi caught this reaction again!
"Haha! Knew you'd feel disappointed!"
"Disappointment creates motivation!"
It's common practice among leaders to offer enticing promises to capable individuals.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was well-versed in these tactical mind games!
"Ye Liang, don't underestimate being an advisor—the job actually comes with plenty of benefits. Konoha values you highly! Of course, should you ever truly leave Otogakure, I'd definitely pass on the Hokage title to you!"
"Alright, though I currently have no plans to leave," Ye Liang replied.
His tone remained calm—showing no excitement or pleasure whatsoever, embodying the composure expected of a true master!
Their expressions turned awkward, assuming that Ye Liang was dissatisfied.
To them, although Ye Liang had accomplished a great feat, he was still from a different ninja village and thus faced some outsider bias. So when Hiruzen initially announced his intention to appoint Ye Liang as Hokage, they were deeply concerned.
But upon realizing that the Third's words were merely polite formalities, they quickly jumped in with enthusiasm.
"Master Ye Liang, please don't underestimate the role of an honored guest. Though it carries no actual authority, it is already more prestigious than us Jonin. Moreover, current honored guests are typically elder retirees—you're the first ever young one!"
"Exactly! Master Ye Liang, this is the Konoha way of honoring those who've helped us! We'd never look down on any guest who has contributed greatly to Konoha!"
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