The coronation ceremony was drawing near, and in just one month, the Land of Fire Capital had been completely transformed.
The shadow of war seemed to have faded, while prosperity was plain to see.
The expanded streets were broad and clean, with shops lined up in neat rows.
Merchant caravans from various nations entered their designated trading districts in an orderly fashion under the guards' guidance.
The air was filled with the aroma of food, intertwined with the sound of craftsmen hammering iron, creating a vivid picture of everyday life.
Children chased and played, their faces full of laughter.
All this thriving prosperity stemmed from the young daimyo who was about to take the throne, Chiba Ran.
He had reshaped the order of the Land of Fire Capital with an iron hand.
Only a few rats still hid in the shadows, trembling in fear.
Order brought safety.
Safety gave rise to prosperity.
Yet beneath this flourishing scene, an undercurrent was quietly flowing toward the center of power in the Land of Fire Capital—the Daimyo Manor.
Study.
Chiba Ran stood before an enormous map, his calm gaze surveying the entire territory of the Land of Fire.
At that moment, Minamoto's voice sounded from outside the door.
"My lord, the Third Hokage has arrived."
At last.
Chiba Ran came back to himself and said, "Let them in."
"Yes."
The study door was pushed open, and two figures walked in one after the other.
The one in front was Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in the Hokage's ceremonial robe.
He had deliberately restrained the aura of a powerful man. His face was covered in wrinkles, his eyes clouded, and he looked decrepit with age. He appeared even older than in the manga, with none of the bearing that had once belonged to a Shinobi Hero.
Minato Namikaze followed close behind. His dazzling short blond hair and bright eyes accompanied the humble, gentle smile that always rested on his face.
After entering the room, the two men bowed deeply to Chiba Ran.
"Konoha's Hiruzen Sarutobi greets the daimyo."
"Konoha's Minato Namikaze greets the daimyo."
Chiba Ran turned around with a mild smile on his face. "Please rise, gentlemen. There is no need for such formality."
He gestured toward the seats.
"The Third Hokage has labored for the nation, while Jonin Minato is a pillar of the country. Please, sit."
"Thank you, my lord."
The two sat as instructed, maintaining respectful postures.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes discreetly swept across the study before finally settling on Chiba Ran, and his heart tightened.
He was even more composed than the intelligence reports had described. Not only did he lack the impulsiveness of youth, but he was remarkably calm.
The bloody struggles he had experienced some time ago seemed not to have left the slightest mark on him.
Chiba Ran said lightly, "Someone, bring tea."
The side door of the study was gently pushed open, and a maid entered carrying a tea tray.
With her head lowered and her steps light, she served tea to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze. Every movement was meticulous, and her elegance made her seem unlike an ordinary maid.
Minato Namikaze politely thanked her, but his gaze was involuntarily drawn to the woman's profile, and he was struck by her beauty.
However, the moment Hiruzen Sarutobi beside him saw her face clearly, his pupils suddenly contracted!
His hand holding the teacup tightened abruptly, splashing tea out, yet he did not notice at all.
Qing Yueye!
He would never mistake that face!
The brightest jewel of the Land of Fire Capital, the only daughter of the Qingyue Clan, which had been destroyed for choosing the wrong side!
Why was she here? And dressed in a maid's uniform?
At that moment, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a chill shoot through him!
He understood instantly!
This new daimyo had not merely purged his political enemies with thunderous methods. He was displaying his authority to everyone through this heart-piercing method!
How ruthless!
Killing people and crushing their hearts along with them!
Although Minato Namikaze did not know Qing Yueye, he keenly caught Hiruzen Sarutobi's loss of composure.
His heart tightened, and when he looked at the maid again, his eyes held a few more traces of scrutiny.
After setting down the teacup, Qing Yueye did not withdraw. Instead, she walked behind Chiba Ran and stood with her hands at her sides, like a statue.
That silent gesture struck Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart like a heavy hammer.
The words he had prepared all the way here now seemed lodged in his throat.
With concern on his face, Chiba Ran asked, "Third Hokage, you do not look very well. Has the journey exhausted you?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi came back to himself, quickly composed his thoughts, and forced a smile. "I am indeed somewhat tired. I am old and no longer useful. I hope the daimyo will forgive me."
Chiba Ran immediately blamed himself. "Ah, this is my fault. How could I make an elder who has worked for the nation all his life travel here in person?"
"It is no trouble, no trouble!" Hiruzen Sarutobi replied humbly, though alarm bells rang in his mind. Is he implying that I am old and should step down?
I cannot let him lead me by the nose any longer!
Setting down his teacup, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided not to beat around the bush and went straight to the point. "Daimyo!"
He suddenly rose to his feet, his expression becoming incomparably grave.
"Although we ultimately won this war, the village paid a terrible price."
"Countless outstanding shinobi died on the battlefield. Countless families were shattered as a result. The village is in ruins and has much to rebuild."
His voice was hoarse, and his words were filled with grief, as though they came from the bottom of his heart.
"As Hokage, I bear an inescapable responsibility for all of this."
"It was I who failed to protect them better! It was I who failed to lead the village toward a brighter future!"
At this point, he bent at the waist, his head nearly lowered to his chest, his posture humble to the extreme.
"Therefore, I have come today to submit my resignation to the daimyo."
"I respectfully ask that you permit me to resign from the position of Hokage. I am willing to bear full responsibility for all the losses caused by this war!"
The moment his words fell, the study sank into dead silence.
Minato Namikaze hurriedly stood as well, lowering his head with a complicated look in his eyes.
This was the script the Third Hokage had discussed with him before they came.
Chiba Ran instantly saw through Hiruzen Sarutobi's intentions, and a trace of mockery flashed through his eyes.
Taking a step back to move forward?
What a fine plan!
He would take all the responsibility upon himself and assume a posture of lofty righteousness.
If Chiba Ran refused, he could naturally propose restoring the budget in order to appease the village.
If Chiba Ran agreed, he could justifiably recommend Minato Namikaze for the position. If he could also bring back news that the budget would not be cut, he could instantly solidify his position.
Thinking more deeply about it.
Minato Namikaze already belonged to the Hokage faction. Whether Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped down or not, Konoha's power would still circulate within the Hokage faction.
Tsk, tsk!
What a loud clatter that abacus made.
After pondering for a moment, Chiba Ran looked past Hiruzen Sarutobi and toward Minato Namikaze. "Jonin Minato."
Having been called on, Minato Namikaze immediately answered, "Here."
"What do you think of the Third Hokage's decision?"
The pressure on Minato Namikaze instantly increased.
That was not an easy question to answer!
Supporting it would be disloyal.
Opposing it would go against the purpose of this visit.
After pondering for a moment, Minato Namikaze replied, "The Third Hokage has always acted for the public good. Minato would not dare comment rashly on his decision."
"However, I believe that the village has only just experienced a great war, and what it needs most now is stability."
"No matter who leads Konoha in the future, the village's peace and stability must remain the foremost priority."
This answer both expressed his respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi and pointed out the risks a change of Hokage might bring, deftly kicking the ball back.
"Well said."
Chiba Ran praised him before turning his attention back to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He rose unhurriedly, walked over to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and helped him up, his tone sincere.
"Third Hokage, what are you doing?"
"You have labored your entire life for the Land of Fire and for Konoha. Your merits are outstanding, and you are a pillar of the nation. How can the losses of this war be borne by you alone?"
"That would be unfair."
Joy rose in Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart, and he thought his plan had worked.
It seemed this young daimyo still understood how to weigh the pros and cons and did not dare casually allow unrest to arise in Konoha.
"However..."
The smile on Chiba Ran's face did not change, but his tone suddenly shifted. "You are right as well. Konoha truly needs change and must take responsibility for its future."
"You are willing to step forward and shoulder this responsibility. Such breadth of heart commands my admiration."
He warmly patted Hiruzen Sarutobi's shoulder and said, one word at a time:
"Your resignation is approved."
Before you continue