The evening glow shone through the window lattice, bathing Minato Namikaze Namikaze's small living room in a warm golden light.
Having just seen off an overly enthusiastic Sarutobi Clan Jonin the Sarutobi clan, the air still seemed to linger with a mixture of politeness and excitement.
Minato, with his signature warm, sunny smile still on his face, escorted the guests to the door and politely said goodbye.
But when he turned around, he was faced with a table littered with teacups and snack plates.
The smile faded slightly, and a barely perceptible weariness crept into his azure eyes.
"We've been getting more and more people coming lately."
As Coral Uzumaki deftly cleared away the teacups, she muttered to herself, her fiery red ponytail swaying gently with her movements.
She picked up a teacup and turned her head casually, only to catch Minato's brow furrowing instantly.
Although he quickly masked his worry and replaced it with a gentle smile.
"Thank you for your hard work, Coral."
Minato stepped forward, took the tray from her hands, and their fingertips touched unintentionally, exchanging body heat.
Coral did not smile as usual. She stopped what she was doing, looked up at Minato, and her emerald eyes were filled with clear worry.
" Minato, are you... alright? You seem really tired lately."
Minato paused slightly, then his smile widened as he tried to dispel her unease with a lighthearted tone.
"What could be wrong with me? It's just that I've had a bit more missions and... well, various things lately."
He paused, then ruffled Coral's hair.
"Don't worry, I'm ' Yellow Flash '."
Coral stared at him for a few seconds, then finally lowered her head, softly hummed in agreement, and continued what she was doing, but the worry lingered.
She understood Minato as well as she understood herself.
He is sunny, strong, and always considerate of others. He is used to keeping his stress and worries to himself and facing everything with a smile.
That's precisely why she felt even more heartache.
The two quietly tidied up the living room. The last rays of the setting sun gradually faded, and the room fell into a gentle gloom.
They didn't turn on the lights, but sat facing each other at the small table in a subtly silent atmosphere.
In the end, Coral spoke first, her voice tinged with hesitation and caution.
" Minato... lately, there seems to be more and more discussion in the village about... about the Hokage Position."
She carefully chose her words, observing Minato's reaction.
"I heard that someone... is comparing you to Lord Chiyo, saying some very strange things..."
Minato listened quietly, his face still bearing a gentle smile, as if the clamor of public opinion had nothing to do with him.
He didn't respond immediately, but simply picked up the kettle and poured a glass of warm water for both himself and Coral.
"That's just how public opinion is, Coral."
He gently pushed the cup towards her, his voice steady.
"People need to talk, and they need to choose who they support. That's normal."
"But..."
Coral leaned forward somewhat eagerly.
"Much of what they said is completely untrue! And... and the Third Hokage, he..."
She stopped halfway through her sentence; there were some things that, even if she knew them perfectly well, were not convenient to say directly.
They could all sense Hiruzen Sarutobi's behind-the-scenes manipulation.
Minato smiled, a hint of helplessness in his smile. He knew, of course, what Coral meant by her unfinished words.
He simply shook his head, not taking up the topic.
Seeing him like this, Coral's worry deepened.
Wouldn't this cause Minato to offend Lord Chiyo?
She remained silent for a moment, her hands unconsciously stroking the warm cup, before finally mustering the courage to ask the question that had been lingering in her heart for so long.
" Minato!"
Her voice was soft, yet exceptionally clear.
"What are your thoughts on the Hokage Position?"
After the question was asked, a brief silence fell over the living room.
The chirping of insects outside the window seemed to become clearer.
Minato Namikaze's smile gradually faded.
He didn't answer immediately, but instead lowered his eyes slightly, looking at his blurry reflection on the surface of the water in the glass.
The warm glow of the setting sun danced on his golden hair, but couldn't penetrate his eyes, which now appeared somewhat deep.
After a long while, he slowly raised his head and looked at Coral with an honest gaze. His usually bright blue eyes, full of sunshine and vitality, were now filled with complex and sincere emotions.
" Hokage..."
He spoke softly, his voice filled with a pure longing.
"It's been my dream since I was a child."
I hope to become a great ninja like the Hokages, to protect the village, safeguard my important comrades, and make Konoha more prosperous and powerful.
This dream has never changed.
His tone was firm, but then a clear hint of sadness and resistance surfaced.
"But!"
He changed the subject, his brows furrowing slightly once more.
"What I want is to gain everyone's recognition through my own efforts, my own strength and belief, and to steadily Earth Run that position step by step."
Instead of... instead of like this.
He paused, seemingly finding it difficult to speak, but continued, his voice lowering slightly.
"Instead of relying on this kind of... deliberately created public opinion, this kind of comparison that forcibly suppresses others, or even some dishonest means to obtain it."
This goes against my ninja way and tarnishes the honor that the title of ' Hokage ' should have."
Coral listened intently, a slight stirring in her heart.
She understood Minato's pride and principles.
Minato sighed softly, his gaze fixed on the darkening sky outside the window.
His tone became more objective, even carrying a hint of barely perceptible admiration.
"And, Coral, we have to admit."
"Chiyo Uchiha... he is indeed exceptionally talented, even surpassing me in many aspects."
"He possesses the strength and courage to End of War, and the calm mind to handle complex situations. His prestige and achievements are real and cannot be shaken by any public opinion."
As the Clan Leader of the Uchiha Clan, he led the Uchiha out of their former muddy state, transforming them from arrogant Uchiha into the pride of the village, and to a large extent, he was very successful in governing them.
Compared to him, I still have many shortcomings, and there is so much I need to learn and gain experience in.
His words contained no jealousy, only a calm assessment and a sincere recognition of the strong.
" The Hokage Position requires not only power and prestige, but also the magnanimity, wisdom, and responsibility to match it."
In these aspects, Lord Chiyo has indeed shown more maturity than I have."
Hearing Minato's candid and clear-headed words, Coral, who had been holding her breath, finally relaxed.
A warm feeling and a sense of relief welled up in my heart, mixed with a touch of heartache.
She was right about him.
Her Minato is still the same upright, clear-headed, principled, and proud Minato Namikaze.
"Um!"
Coral nodded vigorously, a relieved smile spreading across her face.
"I know... Minato, that's the kind of person you are."
She paused, then her voice softened.
"Actually... I also think Lord Chiyo is very amazing."
Although those comments are annoying, it seems... they really don't affect him at all.
Speaking of this, her brows furrowed slightly again.
"However, the public opinion is getting increasingly outrageous. Is it really okay? I'm a little worried..."
She was worried not only about the public opinion itself, but also about the bigger storm it might cause, and the Minato that would drag her into the center of the vortex.
Upon hearing Minato's face.
How could he not be worried?
This trend has gone beyond his wishes, and even beyond his control.
He was simply thrust into the spotlight, becoming a symbol, a tool to be used to achieve certain political goals.
But what can he do?
To openly refute the Third Hokage?
To criticize those who "support" him?
This will only make the situation more chaotic.
In the end, he could only let out a soft sigh, which contained too much helplessness and a sense of powerlessness.
"Some things are beyond our control."
He spoke softly, a hint of weariness in his voice.
"We can only do what we're supposed to do. I believe... the village will ultimately make the right choice."
His gaze returned to the window, where the lights of Konoha were gradually coming on, creating a peaceful and serene atmosphere.
But he knew perfectly well what undercurrents were surging beneath this tranquility, yet he was powerless to stop them.
Coral reached out and gently covered the back of Minato, which was resting on the table, conveying silent support and understanding.
The two sat quietly in the darkening living room, leaning on each other, waiting for the unknown tomorrow, which seemed like a storm was brewing.
Inside the Hokage's Office, the air was as heavy and suffocating as solidified Kohaku.
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat behind a large desk.
Fingertips tapped unconsciously on the table, producing a monotonous and restless tapping sound.
His once kind face was now etched with deep lines of worry, his eye bags were heavy, and his cloudy eyes were bloodshot.
The pipe lay to the side, long since devoid of smoke, just like his heart, now drained of all its strength.
Repeated setbacks, out-of-control public opinion, betrayal by old friends, and incomprehension from the younger generation...
All of this felt like an invisible boulder, pressing down on him and making it hard for him to breathe.
He felt as if he were standing on the edge of a cliff, with a bottomless abyss below.
The "balance" and "tradition" he desperately tried to grasp were slipping away like quicksand through his fingers.
"No... we can't go on like this."
He muttered to himself, his voice hoarse as if sandpaper were being rubbed.
" Konoha cannot fall into chaos, the Will of Fire cannot be lost in my hands..."
A desperate urge drove him.
He had to do something; he had to grasp at this last straw.
Right now, it seems that all he can think of are his two old partners who have been in power together for many years.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Despite the unpleasant ending of their last meeting, and despite the irreparable rift that had formed between them.
But a sliver of hope still lingered deep within Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.
Perhaps, when the village faces a "crisis," they will still stand by your side?
"Someone come here!"
He raised his voice, with a slight, almost imperceptible tremor.
The Anbu appeared in Body Flicker.
"Go and invite Advisor Homura and Consultant Koharu over... Tell them I have something important to discuss."
He emphasized the word "important matter," his tone revealing an almost pleading urgency.
"Yes."
The Anbu accepted the order and departed.
The waiting time felt incredibly long.
Hiruzen Sarutobi was restless, getting up and pacing several times before forcing himself to sit down again.
He carefully considered his words, trying to find a reason to move his two old friends and persuade them to support him, even if it was just for the last time.
Finally, there was a knock on the office door.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu walked in one after the other.
Their expressions remained calm, carrying a businesslike distance, with lingering doubts and scrutiny from when they left last time.
They nodded slightly as a greeting, then stood silently in front of the desk, waiting for the Third Hokage to speak.
"Yan, Koharu..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi a deep breath, trying to make his voice sound steady.
"Please sit down."
The two sat down as instructed, looking at him calmly, without making any move to speak.
This silence made Hiruzen Sarutobi feel uneasy.
He rubbed his hands together and began to speak with difficulty.
"You've all seen what's been happening in the village lately."
Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses.
" Hiruzen, if you're referring to public opinion, we are indeed aware of it."
"It's not just public opinion!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi's tone became excited.
"It's the people's hearts! The Uchiha's power is expanding uncontrollably! They're almost taking over the entire village!"
And what exactly is Sakumo trying to do?
The Anbu he led, which should have been the Hokage's most loyal weapon, is now...
Utatane Koharu, her tone remaining calm.
" Hiruzen, we believe that our previous aggressive strategy was indeed inappropriate. Forced confrontation will only backfire. At present, stability should be the priority."
"Prioritize stability?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi seemed to be stung, and his voice suddenly rose in pitch.
"How can we be sure? Wait until Chiyo Uchiha's reputation completely crushes everything? Wait until he takes the Hokage Position without bloodshed?"
Will Konoha still be Konoha then? Will it still be the Konoha we know and love?
He leaned forward, his gaze fixed intently on the two of them, his eyes bloodshot and filled with an almost obsessive anxiety.
"Yan, Koharu, we need to take action! We must take action! I need your help!"
"Help me think of something else? What other ways are there to stop the Uchiha and support Minato?"
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged another silent glance.
They saw the same judgment in each other's eyes.
Hiruzen's mentality, as Danzo said, has indeed become unbalanced.
His anxiety and fear overwhelmed everything, even surpassing his reason.
" Hiruzen!"
Mitokado Homura slowly opened his mouth, his voice dry.
"We believe that the best course of action at present is to suspend all actions."
Stop the excessive propaganda surrounding Minato, and also stop any targeted actions against the Uchiha.
Let time heal all wounds.
Chiyo Uchiha has not yet made a clear statement, so we don't need to panic.
"Yes, Hiruzen."
Utatane Koharu, echoed this sentiment with a hint of comfort in her tone.
"Perhaps... you could also consider having an open and honest discussion with Chiyo himself through Fugaku Uchiha?"
After all, he was also a member of Konoha, a hero who End of War.
"Talk? Talk to them?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked as if he had heard the biggest joke in the world, his face showing a look of misery and disbelief.
"What should we talk to them about? How to divide the power of Konoha? Or how to make their Uchiha 'legitimately' ascend to the Hokage Position?"
Have you all forgotten Teacher Tobirama's teachings? The power of the Uchiha must be kept in check!
It's another check and balance!
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu both felt a sinking feeling in their hearts.
Danzo's words echoed like a demonic chant once more.
Looking at their stubborn old friend who was almost completely unyielding to advice, the last bit of hope in their hearts vanished.
They knew that further discussion would be futile.
"Since you've made up your mind, we have no better suggestions."
Mitokado Homura stood up, his tone turning cold.
"If there's nothing else, we'll take our leave now. The advisory department still has many matters to attend to."
Utatane Koharu, also got up.
Seeing that the two were about to leave again, Hiruzen Sarutobi's anxiety reached its peak.
A sense of utter isolation overwhelmed him.
He can't let them go!
He must grasp something!
"Etc!"
He shouted suddenly, his voice cracking slightly.
The two stopped, turned around and looked at him, their eyes filled with doubt.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's breathing quickened, his mind racing, and an impulsive and risky idea suddenly took shape.
He needs to demonstrate his "trust" and completely bind them to his cause!
They might even need the power they possess!
He strode behind his desk, opened a hidden compartment, and took out a Scroll and a strangely styled Communicator.
His fingers trembled slightly as he pushed the two items onto the table.
"Yan, Koharu!"
His voice was very low.
"I know that the previous decision may have caused you some doubts."
But everything I've done is for Konoha!
He pointed to the two items.
"This is... part of the 'Root's' Highest Authority Scroll, as well as Communicator for directly contacting the 'Root' team responsible for intelligence outside the village."
Danzo... he can no longer be trusted.
I am now entrusting this part of the force to you for the time being."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's pupils suddenly contracted as they stared incredulously at the things on the table, then at Hiruzen Sarutobi.