Inside the Hokage's Office, the smoke seemed thicker than usual, almost completely engulfing Hiruzen Sarutobi's figure.
Danzo's resolute departure and Orochimaru's cold judgment were like two poisoned Kunai, deeply embedded in his heart, and completely shattered the inner barrier he had built in the name of "balance" and "the big picture" for so long.
For the first time, he felt so clearly his own aging, his pedantry, and... the enormous mistakes he might be making.
Was I wrong...?
His aged fingers unconsciously stroked the long-cold pipe as Hiruzen Sarutobi muttered to himself, his voice hoarse like a broken bellows.
"In order to maintain that fragile balance, did I really... kill Konoha's Mirai?"
Orochimaru's words echoed incessantly, like a demonic chant.
"You enjoy strangling Konoha's sharpest spear, yet you expect it to withstand Mirai storms?"
"This is the kind of leader I'm willing to follow... All he wants is results, the true, overwhelming power of Konoha!"
An overwhelming power...
A hint of confusion flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's cloudy eyes, but it was quickly replaced by deep worry.
Chiyo Uchiha truly possessed overwhelming power—his methods, his temperament, the people and power gathered around him...
If he becomes Hokage, where will Konoha go?
Is it unprecedented strength, or...?
Konoha has been completely reduced to the status of the Uchiha Clan?
Or rather, is it an extension of his will, that of Chiyo alone?
Tsunade...
His most favored disciple, the granddaughter of the First, held a high position, but now she clearly has a close relationship with Chiyo.
Even if Hokage Position is forcibly made Tsunade in the future, she will probably find it difficult to escape the influence of Chiyo, and may even become Chiyo's puppet.
This is definitely not the Mirai he wants.
Jiraiya?
That unruly student, with his impetuous nature, never showed the slightest interest in the Hokage Position. Forcing him into that position would be torture for both the village and himself.
So... who else?
A figure, like sunlight, pierced through the gloom in his heart and appeared clearly...
Minato Namikaze.
Yes, Minato Namikaze!
Minato Namikaze, born a commoner with no family ties, meant that his power base would rely more on the support of the Hokage lineage than on family influence.
He was a disciple of Jiraiya and is a true successor of the " Hokage lineage".
He earned the formidable title of " Yellow Flash " during the Third Shinobi World War with his " Flying Thunder God Jutsu," demonstrating his immense strength and outstanding achievements. He enjoys considerable prestige among the younger generation and lower-ranking ninjas.
He is warm, sunny, gentle, polite, and hardworking, possessing almost all the personal charm of a beloved Hokage.
Although his strength and prestige are currently incomparable to those of the god-like Chiyo Uchiha.
But he is young, has potential, and more importantly—
He's "right"!
His ideals, his background, and his mentors all fit Hiruzen Sarutobi's image of the best successor to the " Will of Fire."
" Minato... yes, Minato!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought about it more and more and felt that this was the only feasible and best option at the moment.
He must preserve the right "seed" for Konoha and the position of " Hokage " before Chiyo Uchiha's prestige and power become completely unshakeable!
At this moment, he cast aside all notions of checks and balances, hesitation, and compromise with the Elders' Council.
An unprecedented sense of urgency drove him.
He couldn't wait any longer!
"Someone come here!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice suddenly rose, carrying an almost desperate resolve.
A member of the Anbu appeared instantly and knelt on one knee.
" Lord Hokage!"
"Immediately! Go and Jonin Minato Namikaze! Immediately!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone was urgent and firm, leaving no room for argument.
"Yes!"
Although the Anbu were surprised that the Lord Hokage was summoning a Jonin so urgently, they carried out the order without hesitation and disappeared in Body Flicker.
Silence returned to the office. Hiruzen Sarutobi a deep breath and forcibly suppressed his turbulent emotions.
He walked to the huge bookshelf at the back of the office, Hand Seals, and broke the layers of Sealing Jutsu.
The bookshelf slid open silently, revealing a hidden compartment behind it.
The hidden compartment contained not gold or silver treasures, but only a few Scroll.
Each Scroll emanated an ancient and powerful chakra fluctuation, and was inscribed with words such as " Sealing Book," " Forbidden Technique Record," and "Insights."
These are the core traditions of Konoha, the crystallization of the wisdom and power of Hokages, and one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's greatest reliance and trump card during his many years in power.
Originally, he might have waited until the very last moment before carefully and selectively handing over power to the next leader.
But now, he can't wait that long.
He carefully took out the Scroll and placed them on his desk, as if they represented the entire Mirai of Konoha.
His eyes held a complex mix of emotions: resolve, reluctance, but above all, a resolute determination as if he had placed a heavy bet.
A short while later, a clear and respectful knock came from outside the office door.
" Lord Hokage, Minato Namikaze has come as ordered."
"Come in."
Hiruzen Sarutobi quickly adjusted his expression, trying to appear calm, but the urgency in his eyes was difficult to completely conceal.
The door opened, Minato Namikaze walked in.
He was still wearing his standard Konoha Jonin vest, his golden hair gleaming under the lights, and a gentle yet slightly puzzled smile on his face. He seemed to have just finished a mission and still carried a trace of travel-worn air.
" Lord Hokage, you were looking for me?"
Minato bowed respectfully, his voice clear and full of energy.
" Minato, you're here. Have a seat."
Hiruzen Sarutobi pointed to the chair opposite his desk, his tone unusually gentle.
Minato sat down as instructed, his back straight and his posture upright. His blue eyes looked at the several obviously unusual Scroll on the table with a puzzled expression, and then at the Third Hokage with an unusual expression.
" Minato, you did a great job in this war."
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke slowly, looking at the young man before him with kind eyes.
"The name ' Yellow Flash ' not only intimidated the enemy but also greatly boosted the morale of the village. You are a hero of Konoha and the hope for the Mirai."
Minato was a little embarrassed by the sudden high praise and smiled modestly.
" Lord Hokage, you flatter me. I was merely fulfilling my duty as a Konoha Ninja."
The true heroes are those who sacrificed their lives, and... those strong individuals like Lord Chiyo who ended the war.
When Minato mentioned Chiyo, Hiruzen Sarutobi's eye twitched slightly, but he quickly concealed it, and his tone became even more serious.
"Yes, the war is over, but the village's Mirai faces new challenges."
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned forward slightly, his gaze fixed intently on Minato.
" Minato, what do you think is the most important quality of an excellent Hokage?"
Minato was slightly taken aback, clearly not expecting the Lord Hokage to suddenly ask such a profound and direct question.
He thought about it carefully for a moment before answering cautiously.
"I believe it is a combination of powerful strength and unwavering will to protect the village."
Strength is used to defend against external enemies, while the will to protect can unite people's hearts and lead the village to prosperity.
At the same time, it also requires a wise mind and an inclusive heart, to see the situation clearly and unite all forces that can be united.
His answer was balanced and moderate, emphasizing both strength, will, and wisdom, and was almost flawless.
A look of satisfaction flashed in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes. This was exactly the answer he wanted—an answer that didn't overemphasize absolute power like Chiyo Uchiha, nor that he himself became too obsessed with the balance of power in his later years.
"Well said, Minato."
Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded heavily.
"Strength, will, wisdom, tolerance... you've seen the key elements."
So, if... if the village needs you to take on greater responsibility, are you ready?
Minato's heart skipped a beat. He vaguely sensed something unusual from the Third Hokage's unusually solemn expression and words.
Greater responsibility? That means...
His breathing quickened slightly, and a look of shock and disbelief flashed across his face, but it was quickly replaced by a heavy sense of mission.
He took a deep breath, his azure eyes gleaming with a resolute and pure light.
"As long as the village needs me, I am ready to dedicate everything to Konoha! Lord Hokage!"
"Good! Good! Good!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said "good" three times in a row, and a genuine smile finally appeared on his face, as if he had seen the greatest hope.
Without further hesitation, he pushed the Scroll on the table forward.
" Minato, it's time to hand these things over to you."
Minato's gaze fell on the Scroll, and when he saw the words " Sealing Book," his pupils suddenly contracted. He was naturally familiar with the Sealing Book, and he abruptly stood up.
" Lord Hokage! This... this is too precious! I..."
"Sit down, Minato."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone left no room for doubt, carrying a solemn air of entrusting a heavy responsibility.
"This is not a reward, but a responsibility. The Mirai of Konoha needs a stronger force to protect it."
Your Flying Thunder God Jutsu is already highly proficient, but it's still not enough!
You need a deeper understanding of the mysteries of space and time, and more skills to handle complex situations.
He pointed to the Scroll and explained them one by one.
"This is a secondary volume of the Sealing Book; you saw it last time."
It contains the concepts and notes of numerous advanced Forbidden Technique, secret techniques, and other S-rank Ninjutsu Sealing Jutsu collected and created by Hokages.
This Scroll contains my life's experience and insights from studying various Ninjutsu, especially the application techniques of the five Chakra Nature Transformation.
This is a record and reflection of my handling of village affairs, dealing with various forces, and weighing the pros and cons...
Minato listened to the Third Hokage's words and looked at the priceless Scroll before him, he felt a tremendous, heavy surge of warmth and pressure simultaneously welling up in his heart.
He was incredibly intelligent; he immediately understood what this meant—it was the legacy of the Hokage!
It was the Third Hokage who was selecting and training his successor!
The immense honor and unprecedented pressure left him momentarily at a loss, and his voice trembled slightly.
" Lord Hokage... I... I'm afraid I'm too incompetent to bear such a heavy responsibility..."
"I trust my judgment, and I believe in your potential, Minato."
Hiruzen Sarutobi interrupted him, his tone incredibly firm.
"From today onwards, I will personally guide your spiritual practice."
Ninjutsu, politics, human nature... I will impart to you everything I can teach.
You need to grow as quickly as possible, become stronger, wiser, and more capable of shouldering the responsibility of leading Konoha's Mirai!
He looked at Minato, his eyes filled with anticipation, but also with a hint of barely perceptible anxiety.
Time... may be running out.
Konoha needs a sunny, powerful Kage who can represent the ' Will of Fire '.
"Minato, don't let me down, don't let the village down!"
Looking into the Third Hokage's Minato Namikaze solemn eyes, feeling that unreserved trust and heavy expectation, Minato Namikaze's hesitation and fear were gradually replaced by a burning determination.
He stood up again, this time with his back straighter and his eyes as firm as a rock.
He bowed deeply, very deeply, to Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"Yes, Lord Hokage! I, Minato Namikaze, will forever remember your teachings and entrustment! I will do my utmost to train diligently and will never fail your expectations! For the Mirai of Konoha!"
His voice was clear and powerful, echoing in the Hokage's Office like a ray of sunlight breaking through the fog.
Looking at the blond youth before him, who was as hopeful as the Hiruzen Sarutobi finally revealed a genuine, long-lost smile of relief.
The chips have been placed.
The Mirai of the game has finally taken on a new twist.
Minato, don't let me down!