"Iwagakure has agreed to sign the ceasefire treaty…""The Third Raikage has fallen in battle. Kumogakure's withdrawal is only a matter of time…""Kirigakure has stabilized after its internal conflicts, but no further movements have been detected. Reconnaissance continues…"
Inside the Hokage's office, the atmosphere was heavy but calm.
The Third Great Ninja War was drawing to a close.
Namikaze Minato had already been acknowledged as the successor to the title of Fourth Hokage, though his official appointment still awaited the Feudal Lord's approval — a necessary step under the one-country, one-village system.
For now, he worked beside Sarutobi Hiruzen, learning the ropes of governance and administration.
After all, strength alone did not make one a worthy Kage.
Minato silently read through the urgent reports arriving from various fronts, categorizing and arranging them with precision.Hiruzen nodded in quiet satisfaction.
"Lord Hokage, ANBU Squad Taka has returned to report!"
The door slid open, and a masked ninja knelt down respectfully.
"Taka Squad? That would be Kakashi, then. Seems his mission went well."
Hiruzen paused, his conversation with Minato forgotten. The two men exchanged a brief glance — both understanding what the other was thinking.
ANBU identities were classified, but to the Hokage and his chosen successor, such things were transparent.
"You've taken in quite the talented disciple, Minato," Hiruzen said with a rare smile.
Because Kakashi was trained by Minato, he was effectively part of the Hokage lineage.And Hiruzen had always been generous with his praise toward promising youths — he even hoped Kakashi might one day succeed Minato, continuing Konoha's legacy in an unbroken chain of excellence.
"…Kakashi…"Minato frowned slightly, not out of pride but out of concern.
"What's wrong, Minato?" Hiruzen asked, puzzled.
"I don't think he's recovered from Obito's death yet…" Minato sighed softly, a trace of worry in his eyes.
"Have faith in him," Hiruzen chuckled. "He's the Hokage's student, after all! Hahahaha!"
"Come on, Lord Hokage, please don't tease me. You sound just like Jiraiya-sensei…"
Hiruzen laughed even harder, while Minato could only sigh in defeat. These old-timers sure loved to joke around.
Then Hiruzen's tone suddenly shifted, turning solemn.
"By the way, Minato — you've read the latest intelligence. Once Iwa and Kumo officially sign the peace accords, I plan to submit your nomination to the Feudal Lord. From then on, this village… will rest in your hands."
Minato straightened his posture, his blue eyes firm."Don't worry, Lord Hokage. The village is my treasure too."
That was his vow — one he would someday uphold with his life.
"Go on in. The Hokage and Lord Minato are waiting for you,"said the same ninja who'd made the report earlier, gesturing toward a door.
He cast a few curious glances at the strange creature beside the boy — Gluttony.The creature's oppressive aura felt chaotic and hungry, so much so that even a mid-level ninja could sense it.Disturbing, to say the least.
Kakashi gave a curt nod and led Mizunotsuki Ye inside.
"I'm hungry, Ye…"
Gluttony whined in a pitiful tone, making Ye's temple twitch.This chubby creature complained about food all day long — yet Ye didn't dare let him roam free.After all, Gluttony could literally eat people.
"Just hold on a bit longer. I'll take you to eat dirt later," Ye said patiently.
And he wasn't joking.He would take him to eat dirt.With the Gluttony ability, this creature could digest anything.And dirt, well… dirt was a poor man's delicacy — full of minerals and trace elements, a real "nutrient-rich meal" for those with no other options!
"Ye, you're the best!"Gluttony grinned, biting his finger happily.Kakashi, standing beside them, could only break into a nervous sweat…
"Lord Hokage, ANBU Squad Taka reporting in.""And I, Mizunotsuki Ye, grandson of the clan head, have come by my grandfather's will, seeking refuge under the Leaf's protection."
As soon as they entered the room, Kakashi, as an ANBU, knelt down on one knee before the Third Hokage.Ye, however, only placed a hand over his chest in a light bow.He was not a Konoha shinobi — there was no need for full formalities.
Besides, Mizunotsuki Ye's pride wouldn't allow it.
He would kneel only to heaven, to earth, and to his parents.To anyone else? He feared they might not be able to withstand it.
"You must be the last survivor of the Mizunotsuki clan," said Hiruzen gently."I've already made an agreement with your grandfather. If you wish, you can stay here in Konoha — treat it as your home. Of course, if one day you wish to leave, Konoha will never stop you."
He smiled kindly, exactly like the benevolent figure Ye remembered from the anime in his past life.
On the way to Konoha, Ye had often wondered — what kind of man is Sarutobi Hiruzen really?Was he truly the compassionate elder portrayed in the show?
Of course not.A kind man could never earn the title of "The Professor of Ninjutsu" — nor "The God of Shinobi".
This was a leader — outwardly gentle, inwardly sharp, never to be underestimated.
Just from those few words, Ye saw the brilliance of a politician:No arrogance, no condescension, just pure sincerity.A weaker child would have been instantly moved, filled with gratitude toward the Leaf.
From there, all Hiruzen needed to do was follow up with a few kind gestures… and the bloodline of the Mizunotsuki would be forever bound to Konoha.
Brilliant.A soft hand, guiding without pressure — like a breeze that nourishes all things without sound or trace.
Unfortunately for Hiruzen, he could never imagine that within this small six-year-old body resided the soul of an adult man.
Sugarcoated words?He'd swallow the sugar and spit out the bullet.
Ye smirked inwardly. The old man's charm wasn't going to work on him.
Thanks to his knowledge from the anime, Ye could easily guess Konoha's plan:They'd focus on appeasement, not force.And as long as that was the case, he had little to fear — not even Danzo could openly act against him.
For now, Mizunotsuki Ye was safe.
And if he was safe… perhaps he could afford to make a tiny request.
Like, say… a bit of extra allowance?
Cough cough.
Ye would never admit it, but he was already going a little crazy from being broke.