The Third Hokage Resigns, A Strategic Retreat!

With the coronation ceremony approaching, the Land of Fire Capital had been completely reshaped in just one month.

The shadow of war seemed to have dissipated, and prosperity was visible to the naked eye.

The expanded streets were wide and tidy, with shops lined up row upon row.

Caravans from various countries entered the designated trade zones in an orderly fashion under the guidance of guards.

The air was filled with the aroma of food, interwoven with the sound of blacksmiths hammering iron, forming a picture of vibrant human life.

Children chased and played, their faces full of laughter.

All this flourishing scenery stemmed from that young Daimyo who was about to ascend the throne, Chiba Ran.

He had used iron-fisted methods to reshape the order of the Land of Fire Capital.

Only a few rats remained, hiding in the dark and shivering.

Order brought security.

Security fostered prosperity.

But beneath this prosperity, an undercurrent was quietly surging toward the center of power in the Land of Fire Capital—the Daimyo Manor.

Study.

Chiba Ran stood before a massive map, his gaze calmly surveying the entire territory of the Land of Fire.

At this moment, the voice of Gen sounded from outside the door.

"My Lord, the Third Hokage has arrived."

Finally here.

Chiba Ran regained his focus and said, "Let them in."

"Yes."

The door was pushed open, and two figures walked in, one after the other.

Walking in front was Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing the Hokage's ceremonial robe.

He deliberately restrained the aura of a powerhouse; his face was covered in wrinkles, his eyes were clouded, and he appeared decrepit—looking even older than in the manga, with no trace of the demeanor that once belonged to the Shinobi Hero.

Minato Namikaze followed closely behind, his dazzling short golden hair and bright eyes accompanied by a humble and gentle smile that never left his face.

The two entered the room and bowed deeply to Chiba Ran.

"Hiruzen Sarutobi of Konoha pays his respects to the Daimyo."

"Minato Namikaze of Konoha pays his respects to the Daimyo."

Chiba Ran turned around, a gentle smile on his face. "Please, both of you, rise. There is no need for such formalities."

He gestured with his hand.

"The Third Hokage has labored tirelessly for the nation, and Jonin Minato is a pillar of our country. Please, take a seat."

"Thank you, my lord."

The two men sat down as instructed, their postures respectful.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's gaze swept across the study without leaving a trace, finally landing on Chiba Ran. His heart tightened in alarm.

He was even more composed than the intelligence reports had described. Not only was there no hint of the impetuousness typical of a young man, but he was also remarkably calm.

The bloody struggles he had experienced just a short time ago seemed to have left no mark on him whatsoever.

Chiba Ran said calmly, "Someone, bring tea."

The side door of the study was pushed open gently, and a maid walked in carrying a tea tray.

With her head bowed and her steps light, she served tea to Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze. Her movements were meticulous, so elegant that she hardly seemed like a maid at all.

Minato Namikaze offered a polite word of thanks, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the woman's profile, struck by her beauty.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi, who was sitting beside him, felt his pupils constrict the moment he saw her face!

The hand holding his teacup tightened abruptly, causing tea to splash out, yet he didn't even notice.

Qing Yueye!

He could never mistake this face!

The brightest pearl of the Land of Fire Capital, the only daughter of the Qingyue Clan, which had been annihilated for backing the wrong side!

How could she be here? And dressed in a maid's uniform, no less?

In that instant, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a chill run up his spine!

He understood everything in a flash!

This new Daimyo had not only purged his political enemies with thunderous methods, but he was also using this soul-crushing display to demonstrate his authority to everyone!

How ruthless!

Truly, he was destroying them body and soul!

Although Minato Namikaze did not recognize Qing Yueye, he had keenly captured the Third Hokage's loss of composure.

A chill ran through his heart. When he looked at the maid again, his eyes held a hint of scrutiny.

After setting down her teacup, Qing Yueye did not withdraw. Instead, she walked behind Chiba Ran and stood with her hands at her sides, as still as a statue.

This silent gesture struck Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart like a heavy hammer.

He had prepared his rhetoric throughout the journey, but at this moment, the words felt stuck in his throat.

A look of concern hung on Chiba Ran's face. "Third, your complexion doesn't seem very good. Is it the fatigue of the journey?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi snapped back to reality, quickly composing himself, and forced a smile. "I am indeed a bit tired. I am old and no longer as capable as I once was. I hope the Daimyo will forgive me."

Chiba Ran immediately blamed himself. "Ah, it is my fault. How could I let an elder who has worked so hard for the nation his entire life travel such a distance in person!"

"It is no hardship, no hardship at all!" Hiruzen Sarutobi responded humbly, though alarm bells were ringing in his mind. Is he implying that I am old and it is time for me to step down?

I cannot let him lead me by the nose any longer!

Setting down his teacup, Hiruzen Sarutobi decided to stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point. "Lord Daimyo!"

He stood up abruptly, his expression becoming incomparably grave.

"Although we ultimately won this great war, the village has paid a tragic price."

"Countless excellent ninjas died on the battlefield, countless families were shattered because of it, and the village is in ruins, waiting to be rebuilt."

His voice was hoarse, and his words were filled with grief, as if they came from the depths of his soul.

"As the Hokage, I bear an unshirkable 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!"

As he said this, he bent his waist, his head hanging almost to his chest, his posture humble to the extreme.

"Therefore, I have come today to tender my resignation to the Daimyo."

"I implore you, my lord, to allow me to resign from the position of Hokage. I am willing to take full responsibility for the losses caused by this war!"

As his voice fell, the study plunged into dead silence.

Minato Namikaze also stood up in a panic, his head lowered, his eyes complex.

This was the script the Third had discussed with him before they arrived.

Chiba Ran instantly grasped Hiruzen Sarutobi's intent, and a flash of mockery could not help but cross his eyes.

Retreating to advance?

A fine plan!

He takes the responsibility upon himself, putting on a display of high moral character.

If I refuse, he can take the opportunity to suggest restoring the budget to appease the village.

If I agree, he can legitimately nominate Minato Namikaze for the position. If he can also bring back news that the budget cuts are no longer necessary, his status will be instantly solidified.

Thinking about it further.

Minato Namikaze is already part of the Hokage faction. Whether Hiruzen Sarutobi steps down or not, the power of Konoha remains within the Hokage faction.

Tsk, tsk!

His abacus is clicking loudly.

Chiba Ran pondered for a moment, his gaze passing over Hiruzen Sarutobi and landing on Minato Namikaze. "Jonin Minato."

Called by name, Minato Namikaze immediately responded, "Present."

"What is your take on the Third's decision?"

The pressure on Minato Namikaze increased instantly.

This question is not easy to answer!

To say he supports it would be disloyal.

To say he opposes it would go against the purpose of this trip.

Minato Namikaze pondered for a moment and replied, "Lord Third is devoted to the public good. I dare not speak rashly about his decisions."

"However, I believe that since the village has just experienced a great war, what we need most is stability."

"Regardless of who leads Konoha in the future, the stability of the village must be the top priority."

This answer both expressed respect for Hiruzen Sarutobi and pointed out the risks that might come with changing the Hokage, skillfully kicking the ball back to him.

"Well said."

Chiba Ran praised him, then looked back at Hiruzen Sarutobi.

He stood up leisurely, walked over to Hiruzen Sarutobi, and helped him up, his tone sincere.

"Third, what are you doing?"

"You have worked hard your entire life for the Land of Fire and for Konoha. Your achievements are outstanding, and you are the pillar of the nation. How could the losses of the war be borne by you alone?"

"This is not fair."

Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a surge of joy, believing his strategy had worked.

It seemed this young Daimyo still understood how to weigh the pros and cons and dared not easily allow turmoil to erupt in Konoha.

"However..."

Chiba Ran's smile remained unchanged, but his tone took a sharp turn. "You are also right; Konoha truly needs change and needs to be responsible for the future."

"The fact that you are willing to step forward and shoulder this responsibility—this breadth of spirit is something I admire."

He patted Hiruzen Sarutobi on the shoulder in a friendly manner and said, enunciating every word:

"Your resignation is approved."