With the recognition of both factions within the village, Minato Namikaze's path to becoming Hokage became a foregone conclusion.
In the following days, the Konoha F4—Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado—visited the Uchiha, Hyuga, Nara, Yamanaka, and Akimichi clans, among others.
The choice of Minato Namikaze was unanimously approved and supported by all.
Coupled with the support of the civilian population, who had already been on Minato's side, it was clear that Minato becoming Hokage was the will of the people.
Thus, a few days later, the Hokage's office released a piece of news that shocked not only Konoha but the entire shinobi world:
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, would officially step down, and the Fourth Hokage would be Minato Namikaze.
As soon as this news broke, it spread like wildfire across the shinobi world, creating ripples that shook the entire world.
---
**Iwagakure, Tsuchikage's Office**
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, Danzo Shimura... I never expected you to have such courage."
Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage, sat in his office in Iwagakure, his expression shifting as he read the latest intelligence from Konoha.
Although he had anticipated that the Hokage position would change hands under pressure, he never expected that Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo Shimura would ultimately choose a young man to take over the role.
Objectively speaking, Minato Namikaze's performance in the recent wars had proven that he was more than worthy of the title of Hokage.
Iwagakure, in particular, had felt this firsthand.
In any other village, Minato becoming Hokage would not have been surprising.
The problem was that Konoha had an abundance of talent.
Thus, bypassing the Sannin—the middle generation—and handing the Hokage position directly to such a young man was truly unexpected for Onoki.
Compared to Iwagakure, which was now suffering from a lack of talent, this was quite a headache.
Onoki sighed.
Since the end of the war, he had been overwhelmed by internal affairs in Iwagakure.
First, as the Tsuchikage, he had to take responsibility for the enormous losses suffered during the war.
Second, Iwagakure needed to actively search for the reborn Five-Tails and recapture it.
Third, the rift between him and Roshi, the Four-Tails Jinchuriki, had grown to the point of being irreparable.
Under these circumstances, he couldn't bring himself to hand over the Tsuchikage position to someone else...
---
**Kumogakure, Raikage's Office**
Compared to Onoki's troubles, the Third Raikage, A, was in a slightly better position.
After all, Kumogakure had always maintained a good relationship with the Land of Lightning's daimyo.
Additionally, Kumogakure's losses in the war had not been particularly severe.
The only significant loss was perhaps his own arm.
In the context of the general decline in strength among the major villages, Kumogakure seemed to have come out stronger.
However, when he saw the news of Sarutobi Hiruzen stepping down and Danzo Shimura relinquishing the Hokage position, he couldn't help but sigh.
"It seems we're getting old too."
A sense of a hero's twilight emanated from him, but it quickly faded.
"Perhaps it's time to let the younger generation step up."
His gaze grew firm.
Unlike Onoki, who clung to power, A had no intention of dying in the Raikage's seat.
Otherwise, he wouldn't have long ago designated his son as the next Raikage candidate.
If Sarutobi Hiruzen could step down, then it was time for him to do the same!
---
**Sunagakure**
As the first village to complete the transition to its Fourth Kazekage, Sunagakure was eerily silent.
The already impoverished village had been further devastated by the continuous wars.
Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, glanced briefly at the intelligence report before putting it away.
For him, nothing happening outside the village mattered right now.
His top priority was to restore Sunagakure's vitality.
With the Land of Wind's daimyo drastically cutting military funding, Rasa turned his attention to the country's gold mines.
With his Magnet Release, perhaps he could increase gold production efficiency?
That was what he thought.
---
**Kirigakure**
Yagura, the Fourth Mizukage, breathed a sigh of relief as he read the intelligence report.
Thank goodness.
It was Minato Namikaze who became Hokage, not Danzo Shimura!
Yagura felt a sense of relief.
Clearly, his repeated defeats at Danzo's hands had left a deep psychological scar.
Compared to Danzo taking over, Minato was a much better option for Kirigakure.
At the very least, this new Hokage wouldn't immediately launch another war, right?
As long as they could avoid war, Kirigakure would have a chance to catch its breath.
In any case, the impact of Minato becoming Hokage continued to spread.
Regardless of what other nations and villages thought, they had to accept the fact that Konoha's policies, including its foreign policy, might undergo significant changes under the new Hokage.
While Minato was known as a kind and approachable figure within the village, on the battlefield, he was a cold and ruthless killing machine.
The weak, conservative policies represented by Sarutobi Hiruzen were likely a thing of the past.
---
The new Hokage's appointment not only had a profound impact on the shinobi world's political landscape but also stirred up various emotions within Konoha.
As the news made headlines in the *Shinobi World United News*, the villagers erupted in excitement.
The civilian population, in particular, celebrated with cheers and drumbeats.
After all, after so many years, Konoha had finally produced a Hokage from a civilian background. How could they not be thrilled?
Meanwhile, the major clans, who held significant power, adopted a wait-and-see approach.
They wanted to observe what policies the young new Hokage would implement regarding the village.
Under the balance maintained by Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen, the village remained stable.
---
**Konoha Cemetery**
Kakashi, with his silver hair, stood before two graves.
After gently placing two bouquets of flowers, he smiled faintly—a rare expression for him.
"Rin, Obito, you probably never imagined that Sensei would achieve his dream so quickly and become Hokage."
He turned to the grave marked "Uchiha Obito."
"Hah, wasn't this your dream too, Obito?"
Kakashi let out a deep breath.
"Don't worry. I'll carry your hopes forward."
"I'll protect the village and everything we hold dear!"
After Kakashi left, a man wearing a tiger-striped mask slowly emerged from the void.
Watching Kakashi's retreating figure, he let out a cold laugh from behind his heavy mask.
"Protect the village, huh?"
A sharp glint shone through the single eyehole in the mask.
"Sorry, Kakashi, but my goal now is..."
"To destroy Konoha!"
---
In stark contrast to the jubilant atmosphere in the village, Orochimaru's laboratory was cold and somber.
It could even be described as eerie.
"So, you've finally made this choice, Sensei."
A self-mocking smile appeared on Orochimaru's face.
In truth, Orochimaru had already anticipated this outcome.
After all, during such a critical moment, his teacher had not summoned him, which spoke volumes.
Although he had prepared himself, when the moment finally arrived, he couldn't help but feel a pang of disappointment.
After all these years of risking his life for Konoha, he hadn't even been given a chance to compete for the Hokage position.
How... disappointing.
Anyone in his position would feel the same.
Then, he recalled what Danzo had said to him that night.
"Become the root of Konoha, huh?"
He turned his gaze toward the Hokage Building.
His eyes were unreadable.
_
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