The Sixth Hokage (Part 1)

"Yes, yes, Danzo, the position of Hokage really isn't suitable for you. You'd be better off continuing as the leader of Root. The place of light isn't for you. After being a 'little mouse' for so many years, you're no longer suited to survive on the surface. The world of darkness is where you belong." Issui couldn't help but mock Danzo. Hmph, you dare to mess with me? I'll make you furious. But you should thank me. In the original story, although you achieved your goal of becoming the Sixth Acting Hokage, you died at Sasuke's hands. Now, although you haven't become Hokage, you've saved your life and can continue to live in the darkness.

Danzo hearing Issui's words, Danzo's left eye opened, revealing a predatory glint as he glared fiercely at Issui and said, "Don't be too smug. Sooner or later, I'll make you understand my power. However, if you want to bring forward that time, I can grant your wish and make you disappear from this world of correction immediately."

Although Danzo was somewhat afraid of Issui, it was only fear, not terror. Moreover, he was extremely confident in his own strength. With the Sharingan and the cells of the First Hokage, it wouldn't be easy for Issui to kill him. In fact, Ikshui might even become his prey. Ikshui's Kekkei Genkai was something Danzo had always wanted to obtain.

Mitokado Homura couldn't stand it any longer and coldly said to Danzo, "Danzo, although you failed to become Hokage, it's because your strength wasn't up to par and you were outdone by the younger generation. But don't go too far. After all, Issui Kanna is now the Sixth Hokage of the village. Don't be so arrogant. Threatening the Hokage is threatening the entire Konoha. If you do that, you're no longer a village ninja, but a missing-nin ninja. That's a fact, and you must accept it."

Danzo stared at Mitokado Homura in disbelief, feeling as if he were a complete stranger. How could he turn against him for the sake of a mere brat? It was outrageous! They used to be comrades-in-arms, fighting side by side. Now, he had turned against him.

"Haha, missing-nin, very well, very well. In that case, I'll go back. You may be strong, but you can't do anything to me. Light and darkness are always separate. Hokage, it seems that this position is destined to be out of my reach. However, even though you are the leaves of the tree, don't even think about commanding me, the root of the tree."

Danzo walked out the door somewhat dejectedly. He didn't understand, he didn't understand where he had gone wrong. He hadn't done anything to benefit Konoha, but hadn't he at least put in the effort? Now he had received such a consequence, betrayed by his comrades. It was truly laughable. "I, Danzo, finally understand a truth," he thought. "I wasn't ruthless enough, not dark enough. If I had made up my mind to kill that wretch Issui back then, I wouldn't be in this situation today."

"Sigh, why bother? Taking a step back opens up a whole new world. Don't you understand? Some things can't be forced..." Mitokado Homura thought to himself as he watched his old friend's desolate figure disappear into the distance.

"Haha, congratulations, Sixth Lord Hokage! It really puts us old folks to shame. We never imagined a young man so much younger than us would become Hokage. It's quite a blow! But Hokage isn't easy. Do your best, I have high hopes for you..." Shikaku patted Issui on the shoulder, then laughed and walked out. Today's events hadn't surprised him; Issui becoming Hokage was a done deal, the expected outcome. He was probably the youngest Hokage in Konoha, the same age as his own son. Kakashi glanced at Issui, then patted him on the shoulder and said, "Come on, I'll take you somewhere."

Issui looked at Kakashi with some confusion, but quickly followed him. What did Kakashi want with him?

Following Kakashi, we soon arrived at our destination, which turned out to be Memorial Stone. It seemed he wanted to give me some pointers; I'd better listen to what he had to say...

Kakashi stopped in front of the Memorial Stone, not glancing back at Issui, and said calmly, "You should understand the purpose of the Memorial Stone. It symbolizes honoring fallen heroes, remembering them, and inspiring future generations. The Hokage is everyone's supreme leader. Many people strive for this goal, some even dedicating their entire lives to this dream. Many die on the path to their dreams, and many give up along the way. Those who can become Hokage are undoubtedly strong and intelligent. While bearing the honor, the Hokage must also shoulder the responsibility of fighting for and protecting the village. This is what the Hokage is supposed to do."

Issui listened quietly without interrupting Kakashi. Although it sounded like nonsense, every word came from the bottom of his heart, so there was no harm in listening. It was probably mostly some kind of instruction.

Kakashi didn't feel any disgust towards Issui. To him, Issui didn't seem like the kind of person who would scheme to seize the Hokage position. Everything he had achieved was the result of his own hard work. His only worry was that Issui wasn't a native of Konoha. If he really had some ulterior motives, the damage he could cause to Konoha would be enormous. However, this possibility was extremely small. When Issui first arrived in Konoha, it was Kakashi who rescued Issui from Momochi Zabuza Momochi of Kirigakure and brought him into the village. After that, he and Issui didn't have any special contact, but he had always kept track of Issui's whereabouts. Judging from what Ikshui had done over the years, he didn't seem like a sinister person. He seemed to be someone who genuinely protected the village and was trustworthy.

"I remember when you first entered Konoha, you looked disheveled, but you were incredibly calm and confident, managing to outlast an elite Jonin. By the time I arrived, you were already a prodigy..."

Kakashi looked at Issui and said calmly, his words full of admiration, genuine and sincere.

Issui Kakashi praise him, Yishui said somewhat embarrassedly, "Not at all, not at all. I was just lucky. I should Kakashi-senpai for saving me, otherwise I wouldn't be standing here today."

Kakashi nodded, showing respect for his senior. He said with satisfaction, "Yes, no need. It was my duty. I was patrolling around Konoha when I discovered foreign ninja invading. Of course, I had to repel them. Saving you was just a small favor."

"No, whether Kakashi did it intentionally or casually, he saved my life. To me, it's like being given a second chance. Although it was just something Kakashi-senpai, it means a lot to me. Kakashi-senpai's actions also made me realize that Konoha is a truly trustworthy home. I think other villages wouldn't react so easily in such a situation. Konoha is a wonderful family. I love this village, I love every flower, every blade of grass, and every person in this village. I want to protect this village," Issui said resolutely.

"Alright, it seems you truly love this village. Then, congratulations on becoming the Sixth Hokage. From now on, you will protect every member of this family. You did a great job today. Someone like Danzo is unsuitable to be Hokage, and your appearance resolved the crisis. However, the village's crisis will only grow larger from here on out. I hope you can withstand it and stay true to your dream. Feel free to call me anytime if anything happens. By the way, I'm now one of your underlings, haha..." Kakashi said with a smile. "Namikaze-sensei, see? Another person with talent and strength just like you has become Hokage, just like you."

"Don't worry, now that I've taken this position, no difficulty can stop me. Besides, I have everyone here. As long as we unite and work together, we can accomplish anything." Having just become Hokage, Issui was full of passion.

"Well, we'll see then. I see the shadow of our teacher, the Fourth Hokage, in you. You are both geniuses with high strength and talent, and cheerful personalities. Minato-sensei took it upon himself to protect Konoha, and you must inherit his tradition. Minato was him, and the will of First Hokage of Konoha is consistent. By taking this position, you have inherited their legacy," Kakashi said.

"Understood, leave everything to me..." Issui said, giving a thumbs up.

The next day, all the ordinary villagers and ninjas of Konoha gathered at the foot of the Hokage's building. The streets on both sides were packed with people, a sea of faces, yet not a single person made a sound. Everyone tacitly kept quiet, their faces filled with excitement as they looked up at the roof of the Hokage's building, hoping someone would emerge...

As time went on, some people couldn't contain their excitement and began to whisper among themselves.

"Did you all know that today the Sixth Hokage of Konoha is taking office...?" a Chunin his thirties said excitedly.

"Tch, who doesn't know? Everyone already knew yesterday. I even know who the Sixth Hokage is..." A villager looked at the Chunin man with disdain, his eyes full of contempt.

"Hey, I bet you're faking it too. You think you know something? Even we ninjas don't really know. We just heard a whisper of it. And you're saying you know? Don't try to fool me. I don't believe your lies."

"Pah! You're so condescending! So what if you're ninjas? Does that make you powerful? You still eat the food we commoners produce every day..."

"I... I... Even so, tell me, which adult will inherit the Hokage?"

"Tch, I'm not telling you anymore..."

"Damn it, I think you're just trying to spite me, aren't you? You have no idea..."

"Yeah, I didn't know either. But my house is on the street right next to the Hyuga mansion. Last night I heard them celebrating non-stop, so I figured it must be Hyuga's son-in-law, Issui Kanna Ichisui, becoming Hokage..."

"What? Really? Are you sure?!"

"Of course, otherwise do you think I'd pretend to know? Besides, who else but that person could inherit the Hokage Position?"

"That's right, it seems so. That sir is indeed the most suitable candidate..."

... Voices rose and fell, and in a short while, the Hokage in Konoha became like a bustling market, noisy and increasingly chaotic. It seemed that if no one came out to stop it, a riot might break out.