Third Generation, You're Old, It's Time to Abdicate

The resignation is accepted.

The moment Chiba Ran's words fell, the shock on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face lasted only an instant.

Immediately after, a surge of elation welled up within him, even his taut nerves relaxing.

Done!

He shouted in his heart.

This Daimyo, after all, was still too young.

Hiruzen Sarutobi mused inwardly.

He might have seen through the surface of my retreat to advance, but he hadn't seen through this—that this retreat was meant to complete the most stable transfer of the Hokage's authority!

This meant the position of Hokage would smoothly pass into Minato's hands.

Konoha's foundation would not only remain unshaken but would become even more solid due to Minato's achievements and prestige.

Yet, for some reason, a complex and hard-to-express emotion welled up in his heart instead.

Twenty-seven years.

From the prime of youth to the decline of old age, he had devoted his entire life to Konoha.

From now on, that Hokage hat, symbolizing the village's highest will, would no longer belong to him.

Chiba Ran watched Hiruzen Sarutobi's complicated expression and sneered inwardly: Old fox, the bait's been swallowed. Now, let you enjoy yourself a little longer.

Minato Namikaze's heart stirred with emotion as he looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi with deep respect.

The Third Hokage had paved the way for the village and for him.

Chiba Ran stood up, his face carrying sincerity and reflection. "I've been thinking it over carefully just now, and my heart is full of emotion."

His tone carried a hint of reminiscence.

"I recall, you took on the heavy burden of Hokage from the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, in Konoha Year 20, correct?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded instinctively. "Yes."

"And this year is Konoha Year 47."

Chiba Ran let out a long sigh, gesturing with his hands. "Twenty-seven years!"

"Twenty-seven whole years—you've dedicated the most precious years of your life to the village and to the Land of Fire. Third Hokage, you've worked hard."

Words filled with respect made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel a touch of being recognized, and the slight contempt born from achieving his goal faded somewhat.

Even Minato Namikaze felt profound admiration.

Chiba Ran continued, "A meritorious figure like you, now resigning out of responsibility for the war's losses—if I simply approved it like that, wouldn't it make me, as Daimyo, seem cold and ungrateful?"

"But your body truly needs rest, and the younger generation should take up the mantle."

Turning to Hiruzen Sarutobi, Chiba Ran asked for his opinion, "Third Hokage, in your view, who in Konoha now is most suitable to succeed as Hokage?"

Here it comes!

Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart steadied!

Not only had the other party agreed to his retirement, but he had also actively handed over the recommendation power for the next Hokage!

What trust! What respect!

It seemed Yūhi Shinku's description was completely off!

The last shred of doubt in his heart vanished, and his expression turned solemn as he pointed behind him without hesitation.

"Daimyo-sama, I recommend Minato Namikaze! He is the most suitable to take over as Hokage."

"Tell me in detail!"

"Minato, in this war, used the Flying Thunder God Technique to dominate the battlefield, slaying countless enemies, earning the title Yellow Flash, and shaking the entire shinobi world! Iwagakure even issued an order that those who see the Yellow Flash may abandon their mission and flee!"

"He is loyal to you, Daimyo-sama, and to the village, cherishes his comrades, and his strength and prestige are enough to take on the position of Fourth Hokage!"

"The Yellow Flash!"

Chiba Ran's gaze fell on Minato Namikaze, and he praised, "A renowned reputation—I've heard of it too. Having such a hero as Hokage puts my mind at ease."

"Good, I'll follow your advice. At the coronation ceremony the day after tomorrow, I will officially appoint Minato Namikaze as the Fourth Hokage."

It's settled!

Minato Namikaze's heart surged with excitement as he bowed deeply. "Thank you for your trust, Daimyo-sama!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi's long-held anxiety finally completely released, and his old face broke into a full smile.

"Third Hokage, you've found another fine talent for the Land of Fire! You've labored for the nation your whole life, and now you retire with success. As Daimyo, I must not treat a meritorious figure poorly."

Chiba Ran immediately decided, "From today, your salary and benefits will be doubled! I will send people to repair your mansion in the capital immediately. Servants, maids, and all expenses will be borne entirely by my Daimyo Manor!"

"From now on, you only need to enjoy your retirement and this honor."

These words filled Hiruzen Sarutobi's old heart with comfort.

This was not just respect—it was a transcendent status.

Though he held no real power, what did it matter?!

Hiruzen Sarutobi was moved to tears. "Thank you, Lord Daimyo!"

Since the Daimyo held him in such high regard, the other purpose of today's visit should be easily resolved as well.

Thinking this, Hiruzen's smile grew more sincere, and he seized the opportunity to say, "Your Lordship's kindness moves this old man deeply. However... there is one more matter concerning the very foundation of Konoha that I must raise."

"Oh?"

Chiba Ran looked at him with interest, thinking to himself: Here it comes!

"Speak freely, Third Hokage."

"It's about the budget cuts."

Hiruzen sighed, putting on a look of concern for the nation and its people.

"Konoha is the shield of the Land of Fire. The ninjas' training, mission execution, and village defense—everything requires funding. A twenty percent reduction... would make it difficult to sustain the village's operations."

He believed that this heartfelt plea, combined with the favorable atmosphere just now, would surely make the Daimyo relent.

However, Chiba Ran's smile had already faded.

"Third Hokage!"

He did not raise his voice, but his tone was flat and utterly serious. "My cutting Konoha's budget is not aimed at you, but is a matter of national strategy."

"Come, follow me!"

He stepped forward, took Hiruzen by the arm, and led him to the desk, pointing at a document. "Do you know what this is?"

Hiruzen shook his head blankly.

Chiba Ran unfolded the document and held it up for him to see. Hiruzen leaned in and read its contents clearly.

It recorded damage reports from across the country—population losses, property damage—rows of cold, stark numbers that were shocking to behold.

Hiruzen was struck speechless, clearly stunned by the figures.

"The war is over."

Chiba Ran's voice came slowly at this point.

"You only see Konoha's war losses, but have you seen the entire Land of Fire?"

"Have you visited the border towns? They have been devastated by the flames of war, left in ruins."

"Have you asked the villagers in the countryside? How many families there have lost their children and husbands, leaving only orphans and widows."

"The people of the Land of Fire need time to recover! The destroyed towns need to be rebuilt! The displaced civilians need to be resettled!"

"Doesn't all of this require money?"

Chiba Ran spun around abruptly, his gaze like a blazing torch, piercing straight into Hiruzen's heart!

"Every single coin must be used where it matters most! What is important now is to soothe the people's hearts and rebuild our homeland—not to let a ninja village that has already won the war continue to maintain its wartime expenditures!"

This barrage of words, along with the shocking war damage report, struck like a heavy hammer, slamming into the hearts of Hiruzen Sarutobi and Minato Namikaze.

They had never considered the issue from this angle.

In their eyes, the village's interests came above all else.

But at this moment, the livelihood of the people spoken of by the Daimyo was the true foundation!

"Third Hokage."

Chiba Ran's tone softened, but his next words were all the more piercing.

"Konoha is the sharp blade of the Land of Fire, the pride of the nation."

"But..."

"Konoha cannot only know how to demand from the nation without understanding the Daimyo's difficulties, without understanding the suffering of the countless people."

Hiruzen's face turned deathly pale.

His lips trembled as he tried to defend himself, but he found he could not utter a single word.

These words were too heavy.

They directly nailed Konoha, and Hiruzen himself, to the pillar of shame for competing with the people for profit!

Beside him, Minato Namikaze felt as if struck by lightning.

He wanted to argue, but the words would not come.

Because every sentence the other spoke stood on the moral high ground, with undeniable legitimacy.

The backs of both men were instantly drenched in cold sweat.

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