As the coronation ceremony approached, the Fire Capital was completely reshaped within a single month.
The shadow of war seemed to have dissipated, and prosperity was visible to the naked eye.
The expanded streets were wide and clean, with shops lining both sides.
Caravans from various countries, guided by guards, orderly entered the designated trade zones.
The air was filled with the aroma of food, intertwined with the clang of blacksmiths, forming a picture of human life and activity.
Children chased and played, their faces full of laughter.
All these thriving scenes originated from the young Daimyo who was about to be crowned, Shin.
He used an iron fist to reshape the order of the Fire Capital.
Only a few rats still trembled, hiding in the shadows.
Order brings safety.
Safety fosters prosperity.
But beneath this prosperity, an undercurrent was quietly surging towards the center of power in the Fire Capital—the Daimyo Manor.
Study room.
Shin stood before a huge map, his gaze calmly surveying the entire territory of the Land of Fire.
Just then, a voice from outside the door sounded.
"My lord, the Third Hokage has arrived."
Finally, he came.
Shin regained his composure and said, "Let them in."
"Yes."
The door was pushed open, and two figures entered, one after the other.
Leading the way was Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in the Hokage's ceremonial robe.
He deliberately restrained his powerful aura, his face covered with wrinkles, his eyes cloudy, looking decrepit and older than in the manga, completely lacking the demeanor of the shinobi god he once was.
Minato Namikaze followed closely, with dazzling short golden hair, bright eyes, and a perpetually humble and gentle smile on his face.
The two entered the room and bowed deeply to Shin.
"Konoha's Hiruzen Sarutobi greets my lord."
"Konoha's Minato Namikaze greets my lord."
Shin turned around, a gentle smile on his face. "Please rise, both of you, no need for such formalities."
He gestured with his hand.
"The Third Hokage has toiled for the country, and Jonin Minato is even more a pillar of the nation. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you, my lord."
The two sat down as instructed, their postures respectful.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze subtly swept across the study room, finally resting on Shin, a chill in his heart.
He was even more composed than described in the intelligence. Not only did he show no youthful impetuousness, but he was remarkably calm.
The bloody struggles he had endured recently seemed to have left no trace on him.
Shin said lightly, "Bring tea."
The side door of the study was gently pushed open, and a maid entered, carrying a tea tray.
She kept her head down, her steps light, serving tea to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze with meticulous movements, so elegant she hardly seemed like a maid.
Minato Namikaze politely thanked her, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the woman's profile, struck by her beauty.
However, the moment Hiruzen Sarutobi next to him clearly saw that face, his pupils sharply constricted!
His hand, holding the teacup, tightened abruptly, spilling tea, but he didn't notice.
Kiyotsuki Saki!
He would never mistake that face!
The most dazzling pearl of the Fire Capital, the sole daughter of the Kiyotsuki family, which was destroyed for backing the wrong side!
How could she be here? And wearing a maid's uniform?
At this moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a chill run through him!
He instantly understood!
This new Daimyo not only used thunderous methods to purge his political enemies but also used such a soul-crushing method to display his authority to everyone!
How ruthless!
Killing the body and crushing the spirit!
Although Minato Namikaze didn't recognize Kiyotsuki Saki, he keenly caught the Third Hokage's lapse in composure.
His heart tightened, and when he looked at the maid again, his eyes held a hint of scrutiny.
After setting down the teacups, Kiyotsuki Saki did not retreat but walked behind Shin, standing with her hands at her sides, like a statue.
This silent gesture was like a heavy hammer, striking Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.
The speech he had prepared all the way here now felt stuck in his throat.
Shin's face showed concern. "Third Hokage, you look a bit unwell. Is it the fatigue from the journey?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi snapped back to attention, quickly composed himself, and forced a smile. "Indeed, I am a bit tired. I'm old and useless now, please forgive me, my lord."
Shin immediately blamed himself. "Oh, it's my fault. How could I let an elder like you, who has toiled for the country all his life, make such a journey personally!"
"No hardship, no hardship!" Hiruzen Sarutobi humbly replied, but inwardly, alarm bells were ringing. Is he implying I'm old and should retire?
I cannot be led by him any longer!
Setting down his teacup, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point. "My lord!"
He suddenly stood up, his expression becoming incredibly solemn.
"Although we ultimately won this great war, the village also paid a heavy price."
"Countless excellent shinobi died on the battlefield, countless families were shattered, and the village is in ruins, waiting to be rebuilt."
His voice was hoarse, his words filled with sorrow, as if from the bottom of his heart.
"As Hokage, I bear an inescapable responsibility for all of this."
"It was I who failed to protect them better! It was I who failed to lead the village to a brighter future!"
At this point, he bent down, his head almost touching his chest, his posture extremely humble.
"Therefore, I have come today to resign from my position as Hokage to you, my lord."
"I humbly request that you allow me to step down as Hokage. I am willing to bear full responsibility for the losses caused by this war!"
As his voice fell, the study room plunged into dead silence.
Minato Namikaze also hastily stood up, his head bowed, his eyes complex.
This was the script that the Third Hokage had discussed with him before coming.
Shin instantly saw through Hiruzen Sarutobi's intention, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.
To retreat in order to advance?
A good plan!
He would take responsibility upon himself, presenting a noble and upright image.
If Shin didn't agree, he could then propose restoring the budget to appease the village.
If Shin agreed, he could legitimately nominate Minato Namikaze to take over, and if he could also bring back news of no budget cuts, his position would be instantly solidified.
Thinking more deeply.
Minato Namikaze was already from the Hokage faction. Whether Hiruzen Sarutobi retired or not, Konoha's power would still circulate within the Hokage faction.
Tsk tsk!
He had calculated well.
Shin pondered for a moment, then his gaze passed over Hiruzen Sarutobi and fell upon Minato Namikaze. "Minato."
Called by name, Minato Namikaze immediately responded, "Here."
"What do you think of the Third Hokage's decision?"
Minato Namikaze instantly felt immense pressure.
This question was difficult to answer!
To say he supported it would be disloyal.
To say he opposed it would go against the purpose of their visit.
Minato Namikaze pondered for a moment and replied, "The Third Hokage is wholeheartedly devoted to public service. I dare not comment presumptuously on his decision."
"However, I believe that the village, having just gone through a major war, needs stability most right now."
"Regardless of who leads Konoha in the future, the stability of the village must be the top priority."
This answer both expressed respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi and highlighted the potential risks of changing the Hokage, skillfully kicking the ball back.
"Well said."
Shin praised, then looked back at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He slowly rose and walked in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi, helping him up, his tone sincere.
"Third Hokage, what are you doing."
"You have toiled for the Land of Fire, for Konoha, your entire life. Your achievements are outstanding. You are a pillar of the nation. How can the losses of war be borne by you alone?"
"That's not fair."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart swelled with joy, believing his strategy had worked.
It seemed this young Daimyo still understood how to weigh the pros and cons and would not easily allow Konoha to fall into turmoil.
"However..."
Shin's smile remained unchanged, but his tone suddenly shifted. "You are also right. Konoha indeed needs change, needs to be responsible for the future."
"Your willingness to step forward and bear this responsibility, this magnanimity, I admire."
He patted Hiruzen Sarutobi's shoulder intimately, saying each word distinctly:
"Your resignation, I accept."