The Sixth Hokage (Part 2)

Just as everyone was making a ruckus, a figure appeared on the roof of the Hokage. He was wearing the Hokage's robe and a straw hat with a huge fire character on it. He was tall and imposing, giving people a sense of awe and respect. Behind him were Konoha's two advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, as well as a group of Anbu.

Everyone stopped their noise and stared excitedly at the tall figure on the rooftop, their eyes glued to the view, afraid of missing a single detail about the new Hokage.

In an instant, the tall figure slowly removed his Hokage hat, revealing a handsome yet spirited face. Everyone held their breath. Without a doubt, this was Konoha's Star of Hope, the legendary figure in the Shinobi World, named Issui Kanna.

Satisfied with the crowd's reaction, Issui waved his hands and said, "Hello everyone, I am the new Sixth Hokage of Konoha, Issui Kanna. I hope you will all support me. I will protect the entire village from harm and become your guardian. I believe that under my leadership, Konoha will surely forge a new path. The future belongs to us. As long as we trust each other and unite, we will overcome all difficulties. Konoha will surely become more and more glorious, showing the world its captivating charm. The future of Konoha is one of renewal, where anything is possible!"

"Yay..." "That's great..." "Lord Hokage, we believe in you..." "Lord Hokage, you're the best..."

The chorus of voices completely drowned out Issui's voice. Everyone cheered and celebrated, their faces beaming with joy. It seemed they were very satisfied with Issui becoming Hokage.

Mitokado Homura nodded, and said to Utatane Koharu with satisfaction, "It seems everyone has high hopes for Issui, and everyone has great faith in him as Hokage. Our decision was correct."

"Hmm, it seems Konoha needs young people to take the lead. It's better for us old guys to retire behind the scenes. The world belongs to them. A new First replaces the old. We're getting old," Utatane Koharu sighed.

"..." Issui smiled as he watched the crowd cheer and jump for joy. He didn't stop them. The more they made a fuss, the happier he was. After all, it showed that he was the Hokage everyone wanted. He had conquered the hearts of everyone in the village. Even when Tsunade took over, it wasn't as sensational. Although he was young, he had come from behind to become the Hokage, which was very rare.

Naruto gazed silently at the tall figure atop the Hokage Tower, a pang of jealousy rising within him. Why wasn't he the Issui standing in that position? Ikki, his contemporary, had already ascended to the Hokage's throne. He was already far behind them. Gaara was already the Fifth Kazekage, while he remained a mere Genin. How he resented it.

Kakashi noticed Naruto's dejection, patted him on the shoulder, and said calmly, "Naruto, have you given up on your dream? You've backed down just because you encountered a little difficulty. You must be thinking, 'Why isn't it you standing in that position?'"

Naruto didn't turn around, but said with a hint of sadness, "Kakashi-sensei, do you think I'm stupid? I can never keep up with him, I'm always one step behind, he always steals my thunder, and now even the Hokage I wanted the most... If Kakashi-sensei were in that position, I wouldn't say anything, but Issui is much younger Kakashi-sensei, the same age as me... Why? Is this fate? Maybe Neji was right..."

Kakashi noticed the worry in his proud disciple's eyes. If it weren't for Issui, this god-like boy, Naruto would definitely have become the strongest ninja in the village, without exception. Even if Sasuke were still alive, there would still be a gap between him and Naruto. However, Issui's sudden emergence put Naruto under immense pressure, so much so that he was almost suffocating. It seemed he needed to give him some serious advice.

"Naruto, your Ninja Way is to do what you say, and you also said that a loser can defeat a genius. You've gained more and more people's trust, and they're starting to accept you. Your goal is about to be achieved. Are you really going to give up here?"

Naruto's body jolted upon hearing Kakashi's words, recalling his past. He was the only ninja who failed the exam, graduating from the Ninja Academy without even Genin's Forehead Protector... Mizuki had successfully tricked him, allowing him to steal the Scroll of Seals, learn the Multiple Shadow Clone Technique, and then discover Mizuki's plot. Iruka- sensei was severely injured protecting him, and Naruto finally unleashed his full power, defeating Mizuki. Iruka- sensei became his comrade, and Iruka successfully obtained the Genin 'Forehead Protector from him, becoming a Genin... He was assigned to Team 7, forming a team with Sakura and Sasuke. Under Kakashi-sensei's guidance, they completed mission after mission, growing stronger with each challenge. His performance in the Chunin Exams was phenomenal, changing everyone's impression of him... He trained under Jiraiya-senpai, becoming a powerful ninja...

All those events were still vivid in Naruto's mind, allowing him to recall every single thing from the past, as if they had happened just yesterday. Yes, he had been growing stronger and stronger, and everyone trusted him more and more. Now, no one in the village looked at him like a monster anymore; he had become everyone's comrade. He wanted to be the one to protect everyone. Was he going to give up here? No, this wasn't the real him. How could the real Naruto Uzumaki be discouraged by such a small setback?

I keep my word. That's me, Naruto Uzumaki. Even if Issui becomes Hokage, I will not lose to him. I will definitely surpass him and become the greatest Hokage in history.

Kakashi smiled as he looked at Naruto. As expected of a crazy guy, no setback meant anything to him. He was a monster after all. Naruto Uzumaki was also a genius. With more and more outstanding young ninjas emerging in Konoha, the Konoha would surely reach its peak in the future, perhaps even surpassing the Konoha of the First's time.

Naruto said firmly to Kakashi, "I understand, Kakashi-sensei. I will not give up, because I am Naruto Uzumaki, and I must defeat him and become the greatest Hokage." Kakashi nodded with satisfaction and said, "Naruto, do you know about the First Hokage and the Second Hokage?"

"Of course I know! The First Hokage and the Second Hokage were incredibly powerful ninjas. The First founded Konoha and was known as the God of Shinobi, while the Second perfected Konoha's various systems. Their Water Release Ninjutsu was powerful enough to submerge a country. They are my role models. I will definitely become someone like them," Naruto said excitedly.

"The First Hokage was incredibly powerful. He established Konoha Ninja Village, and other ninja villages followed Konoha, establishing their own villages. Then, the First Hokage captured the Nine Tailed Beasts and distributed them equally among the five major ninja villages. After that, the First fought Madara Uchiha and killed him, but he also died from his injuries... At this time, the First Hokage's younger brother, the Second Hokage, succeeded him and developed the village into an increasingly powerful one. He himself became the strongest ninja after the First. Do you understand why they were so powerful?" Kakashi said calmly.

"Why, Kakashi-sensei? Tell me quickly..." Naruto said impatiently.

"Because they understand the power of protection. As long as you fight to protect the village, you are the strongest. Look at Issui; although he became Hokage at a young age, it was all through his own hard work. He earned everyone's trust through his actions, and naturally became Hokage. As long as you work hard, you will become like that too," Kakashi said, patting Naruto's head.

"Yes, I understand. I will try my best to do that too. I'll catch up to him right away. Just watch! I, Naruto Uzumaki, will definitely become someone everyone trusts, and become the Hokage everyone trusts!" Naruto said excitedly.

"Alright, let's join in the cheering! We should at least give the Lord Hokage some support..." Kakashi said happily as he saw Naruto emerge from his slump.

"Haha, let's join in! Later, I'll definitely make him treat me to ramen. He's become Naruto Hokage cheerfully.

In a corner of Konoha, the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and Tobirama Senju were quietly enjoying their drinks when their attention was suddenly drawn to the commotion coming from the Hokage.

"It seems that kid has become one of us..." Hashirama Senju a faint smile, finishing his small bottle of sake in one gulp.

"Hmm, it seems everyone approves of him quite a bit. This kid's strength has increased a lot recently. He's growing so fast, he's practically a monster..." Tobirama Senju said expressionlessly.

"Yes, that's good. It gives us the strength to protect the village. Tsunade is good at managing the village, but her strength is still lacking," Hashirama Senju said.

"Big brother, Tsunade is unconscious. Shouldn't we go help her?" Tobirama Senju asked.

Hashirama Senju waved his hand and said, "Children and grandchildren have their own blessings. Besides, he's been working so hard for so long, and now he's taking advantage of his unconscious state to get a good night's sleep. Once he wakes up, he'll be busy again."

Tobirama Senju nodded and said, "Yes, that's true. I didn't expect to see the Rinnegan this time. It's truly an amazing eye. As expected of the Sage's Eye, it's incredibly powerful."

"Hmm, but the Rinnegan depends on who's using it. Although that little guy is from the Uzumaki Clan and inherited the Sage's Body, he still lacks the energy of Tailed Beast. Otherwise, with that guy, Issui, dealing with the Rinnegan wouldn't be so easy," Hashirama Senju said calmly.

"Things have been a bit unsettled lately; the Fourth Great Shinobi World War is about to break out..." Tobirama Senju sighed.

"It's alright, that'll be our time to shine. At the crucial moment, that little guy, Issui, will let us know. We'll just wipe out those ambitious schemers in one fell swoop," Hashirama Senju said nonchalantly.