Young Master, Please Become Hokage

"A-Hui, Ruri, let's go..."

Akira Sarutobi ignored Kushina and walked directly towards the entrance of the Hokage Building.

"Akira Sarutobi~! I challenge you to a one-on-one fight~~!" Kushina yelled from behind, and Minato Namikaze's strenuous persuasion finally quelled a potential conflict.

By the time Akira Sarutobi entered the Hokage's Office, several high-ranking officials were already waiting.

Having heard of Akira Sarutobi's Anbu record, they naturally had some questions.

"Akira Sarutobi..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi had just begun to speak.

Mitokado Homura, standing beside him, suddenly interjected, "Minato, you're here."

Minato Namikaze entered the office shortly after.

"Minato's recent performance has been quite outstanding..." Utatane Koharu turned her head to look at Mitokado Homura.

"Mhm."

Mitokado Homura nodded.

"While leading his team, all other missions were completed perfectly... Huh... there was even an S-rank mission among them."

"..."

Seeing the two of them speaking in unison, a strange glint flashed in Akira Sarutobi's eyes.

What is this?

Are they paving the way for Minato Namikaze in advance?

Recalling Ryoma Aburame's experience, and Nonō's sudden departure without a word.

Combined with this scene.

The plot to harm Kagami Uchiha has likely begun.

The high command, in order to pave the way for Minato Namikaze, started a series of actions.

This included not only harming Kagami Uchiha but also advertising for Minato Namikaze in front of others, actively promoting him.

Is this your Will of Fire?

How can the Will of Fire be achieved with these insects?

Akira Sarutobi's left ear processed whatever the Konoha High Command said next, while his right ear let it all out.

After they finished praising Minato Namikaze and spouting a lot of nonsense, the two advisors finally turned their attention to Akira Sarutobi.

"Akira Sarutobi, what do you think?"

"Hm?"

Akira Sarutobi turned his head.

"What did the two high-ranking officials just say? I didn't hear clearly."

Utatane Koharu: "..."

Mitokado Homura: "..."

"Akira Sarutobi, how is your injury?" Biwako Sarutobi, sitting to the side, had been watching her son the entire time.

Having reviewed Nonō's mission report, she was very concerned about Kurotsuchi Raiga's final desperate counterattack using the Lightning Blade.

"Mother, I'm almost fully recovered. It should be completely fine in a few more days."

Akira Sarutobi nodded, looking energetic.

There was no sign of him having been injured.

This put Biwako Sarutobi slightly at ease.

"Minato, you may leave for now," Utatane Koharu gestured, signaling Minato Namikaze to withdraw.

Creak.

Soon, the door to the Hokage's Office closed, and the shadows within the room lengthened.

"Akira Sarutobi, we are all aware of your mission experiences, and there is one point of doubt..."

Danzō, sitting in the shadows, spoke slowly.

"How did you bribe Ringo Ameyuri?"

At this moment, the people being questioned were Akira Sarutobi, Ino Yamanaka, and Ruri Hyuga.

The three had acted together previously, so Ruri Hyuga was also included in the questioning.

Nonō's report did not include the process of how Akira Sarutobi bribed Ringo Ameyuri, which was a limitation of Nonō's perspective.

The specific answer naturally had to be directly asked by the Konoha High Command.

"Your previous report stated... that the Twelve Guardian Shinobi had colluded with the enemy, so your plan was to lure out the contact person... Ringo Ameyuri..." Utatane Koharu picked up the conversation, her expression solemn. "But why did you suddenly change your mind later?"

"The Lightning Blade Fang wasn't on Ringo Ameyuri's back at the time, and according to Kirigakure common sense, the sword stays with the person... I guessed that Kirigakure wanted to use that transaction to get rid of Ringo Ameyuri... Plus, her complexion was off, like that of a gravely ill patient..."

Akira Sarutobi began his explanation, his attitude neither servile nor overbearing, and quickly laid out the whole story.

"The opponent killing Ringo Ameyuri was just a normal replacement within the Seven Ninja Swordsmen. But saving Ringo Ameyuri and letting her live could cause significant trouble and problems for Kirigakure later on... Moreover..."

Akira Sarutobi's expression changed, his gaze sharp as a blade.

"I eliminated a parasite [Guardian Ninja] for the Land of Fire, and also happened to kill the next designated successor by Kirigakure High Command... Kurotsuchi Raiga. Isn't that enough?"

Akira Sarutobi's achievements were currently remarkable.

Having just become a Jonin and joined the Anbu, he had already carried out a series of precise assassinations.

He had dealt with the Twelve Guardian Shinobi and eliminated a newly appointed member of the Seven Ninja Swordsmen...

Regardless of how one looked at it, it fully demonstrated his powerful personal strength and talent.

If he could kill Kurotsuchi Raiga now, he could kill others later.

Both in terms of reason and emotion, he was a ninja worthy of focused cultivation.

"Akira Sarutobi's personal strength is outstanding, and his leadership ability is also excellent. All my subordinates praise him without reservation... With Akira Sarutobi's talent, he is qualified to serve as an 'Anbu Captain'... How about promoting him directly?"

Danzō, speaking before Utatane Koharu, immediately boosted Akira Sarutobi.

It was clear that Danzō, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura had disagreements regarding the recommendation for the next Hokage.

Danzō did not believe that the Fourth Hokage should be Minato Namikaze.

He... had other ideas.

"That doesn't seem right... Danzō," Mitokado Homura frowned upon hearing this.

Promoted directly to Captain right after joining the Anbu?

Such a thing had never happened before.

"Are you senile? What will people say about Akira Sarutobi if this gets out?"

Utatane Koharu immediately retorted.

"They'll say... Akira Sarutobi got promoted so quickly because of his father!"

"It doesn't matter. Akira Sarutobi's talent has exceeded everyone's expectations. He should be in the right position, and doubts will dissipate as his talent is proven..."

Danzō shook his head, his tone calm.

"Also... Koharu, I am the 'Anbu Commander'."

Danzō stated that he had the final say in the Anbu.

"Based on my years of experience leading the Anbu, Akira Sarutobi's talent would be wasted in an ordinary Anbu personnel position... Rules are dead, people are alive. Making the best use of people is what a qualified leader should do..."

Danzō, unyielding, did not listen to Mitokado Homura or Koharu's objections.

"Hahaha..."

Just then, Hiruzen Sarutobi's hearty laughter rang out.

He was very happy with Danzō's high praise for his son.

"Danzō, I'm truly happy you say that about me, but you should also consider Koharu and Homura's thoughts a little..."

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt that such a rapid promotion was indeed a bit too hasty.

"Then let's wait a few days."

Danzō nodded.

"In another 'week', we will promote Akira Sarutobi to Anbu Captain, how about that?"

Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura: "..."

Isn't that the same as promoting him now?

According to tradition, it should take at least half a year, or even more than a year!

"Biwako, what do you think?" Danzō looked at Akira Sarutobi's mother, intending to win her over.

Biwako was a first-generation Anbu ninja, the most senior in the Anbu, and her opinion carried more weight.

"Hmm..."

Biwako frowned slightly, seemingly in thought.

"In the history of the Anbu, there has never been such a rapid promotion, but... no one has ever achieved what Akira Sarutobi has..."

It's impossible to say there will be no one after him.

But there has definitely been no one before him.

Since the founding of the village, no one had heard of someone who, upon joining the Anbu, had consecutively killed two renowned strong individuals.

Therefore...

"Danzō, I agree with your proposal." Biwako nodded slightly, finally stating her opinion cautiously.

"Then it's decided..."

Danzō's lips curled into a sinister, cold smile.

"Akira Sarutobi, feel free to visit the Anbu Base sometime. Perhaps there's something that will interest you..."

With that, Danzō stood up and left the Hokage's Office.

His objective had been achieved, so there was no need to linger.

Koharu, En, you two want to support Minato Namikaze.

And this old man... is hedging his bets.

Orochimaru, Akira Sarutobi. The involvement of these two will stir up the situation.

It won't go exactly as you two wish... Hmph!

Chapter 48: The High Command's Scheme

"..."

Akira Sarutobi watched Danzō leave.

No one offers favors for no reason; it's either treachery or theft.

Akira Sarutobi knew exactly what Danzō was planning, even if he used his toes to think about it.

These people were so certain.

The candidates for Hokage would be himself, Minato Namikaze, and Orochimaru.

But what about Kagami Uchiha?

Does he deserve to die?

The next Hokage didn't have to be Kagami Uchiha. After all, Kagami Uchiha's dream was a life of leisure.

But they could have just said so.