The next day, the sun still shone brightly on the streets of Konoha.
The villagers began their busy day as usual; the sounds of market vendors hawking their wares and children playing remained, as if the dramatic power shift of the previous night was nothing but a dream.
The people at the bottom had no way of knowing what was happening inside that building that symbolized supreme power; their concerns remained the daily necessities and their rewards.
However, a subtle change was quietly spreading in the air.
A message, like a silent stream, quietly began to flow and converge in the streets and alleys, task gathering places, Dumpling Shop, and other places.
"Have you heard? The Third Hokage... seems to be ill?"
"Sick? What happened? You were fine yesterday, weren't you?"
"I don't know. I heard the illness came on suddenly and is very serious; the person is no longer able to handle official duties."
"What if other villages find out our Hokage is seriously ill...?"
"Alas, the Third Hokage Elder is indeed getting old. He has worked too hard for the village over the years, and his body can't take it anymore. He really needs to rest!"
"Rest? Can the Hokage's position be left vacant? There are so many things waiting to be dealt with!"
"You're right, I think it's time to elect a new Hokage!"
" The Fourth Hokage? Yes! He should have been chosen a long time ago!"
"..."
At first, there was concern and speculation, but soon, guided by some unseen force, the focus of the conversation quickly shifted from " the Third Hokage is sick" to " the Third Hokage is old and should retire," and finally focused on the exciting event of "electing the Fourth Hokage."
The worry was quickly replaced by a new, more impactful sense of excitement.
Election of a new Hokage!
This is a matter of utmost importance for Konoha, concerning Konoha Mirai!
The moment the news of the Hokage election broke, the level of discussion immediately surged.
" The Fourth Hokage will be chosen! That's great! Who do you think will be elected?"
"Needless to say? It's definitely Chiyo Uchiha! He ended the war, he's the strongest, and his contribution is the greatest!"
"That's right! With Lord Chiyo as Hokage, let's see who dares to bully Konoha now!"
"But... the Uchiha Clan has never had Hokage before..."
"Just because it didn't happen before doesn't mean it can't happen now! Lord Chiyo is different from the other Uchiha!"
"I also support Lord Chiyo!"
"I think Jonin Minato Namikaze is really amazing! The ' Yellow Flash '! Young and promising, and also Lord Jiraiya's disciple!"
" Lord Minato is very strong and a really nice person! But... compared to Lord Chiyo, he seems to lack a bit of prestige and seniority, right?"
"..."
The villagers discussed it enthusiastically and debated excitedly, with names being proposed, analyzed, and compared one by one.
The voices supporting Chiyo Uchiha were clearly the loudest; his great achievement of End of War and his unfathomable strength became the hardest currency at this time.
Minato Namikaze also has many supporters, especially the younger generation and people who have a very good impression of him, but his popularity is much weaker compared to others.
Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Hatake Sakumo are mentioned more often, but are generally considered less likely than the former two.
The atmosphere in the entire village quickly shifted from slight concern about the Third Hokage's illness in the early morning to widespread discussion and excited anticipation about electing the Fourth Hokage.
The transfer of power, in the eyes of ordinary villagers, became a grand celebration concerning the Mirai direction of the village and whether their hero could reach the top.
This heatwave that swept through the entire village naturally reached Minato Namikaze and Coral Uzumaki, who were shopping on the street.
Listening to the excited discussions around him, hearing his name and Chiyo Uchiha's name being repeatedly mentioned and compared, hearing the loud voices supporting Chiyo and the weaker, more supportive comments about himself...
Minato Namikaze still wore that warm, sunny smile, naturally responding to the villagers who greeted him, and even nodding to passersby who supported him.
But Coral Uzumaki beside him could clearly feel that his grip on her hand tightened slightly for a moment, and his fingertips even felt a little cold.
Coral herself was also greatly shocked, and even her fiery red hair seemed to dim a little.
She tried to maintain her composure, but a storm was brewing in her emerald eyes.
Is the Third Hokage sick?
Are they going to choose the Fourth Hokage?
Wow, so fast?!
Moreover, the public opinion trend...
The two quickened their pace in tacit agreement, hurriedly bought the necessary items, and returned home without saying a word.
Closing the door shuts out the noisy world outside.
A heavy silence instantly fell over the room.
" Minato..."
Finally, Coral Uzumaki couldn't hold back any longer, her voice trembling slightly as she looked at her boyfriend.
Minato Namikaze's smile had vanished, replaced by an extremely complex and solemn expression.
He walked to the window, looking at the still bustling streets outside, his gaze deep and thoughtful.
"You heard it too, Coral."
He spoke softly, his voice slightly hoarse.
"What... what exactly is going on? How could the Third Hokage suddenly become so ill? And what about the selection of the Fourth Hokage...?"
Coral Uzumaki walked to his side and whispered urgently.
"I feel like this all came too suddenly! And it seems like everyone is more supportive..."
She paused, unable to continue.
"Everyone supports Senior Chiyo, right?"
Minato finished the sentence for her, his tone calm, yet carrying a hint of barely concealed sadness.
He turned around and looked at the Coral Uzumaki; the clear, sunny light in its deep blue eyes was no longer there.
Instead, it was filled with contemplation, sudden realization, and a hint of helplessness.
" Coral, don't you understand yet? The Third Hokage Generation's 'illness' is probably not that simple."
The Coral Uzumaki's pupils contracted.
"You mean..."
"The commotion in the direction of the Hokage Building last night was definitely not ordinary."
Minato said in a deep voice. As one of the elite among Konoha's elite, he was also quite politically astute.
Naturally, they knew more than the average villager.
"Considering the sudden news that broke today and the overwhelming public opinion..."
If I'm not mistaken, something huge probably happened last night.
He didn't explicitly say the words "coup," but Coral understood immediately, and her face turned pale instantly.
"Is it... Danzo's advisor? And those other families?"
She covered her mouth in disbelief.
"I'm afraid so."
Minato nodded, his eyes sharpening.
"They've joined forces. As for the Third Hokage Lord... perhaps willingly, perhaps forced, in any case, he's 'sick' and needs to abdicate."
"That's why they're in such a hurry to push for the election of the Fourth Hokage!"
Coral suddenly realized what was happening, and then became even more worried.
" Minato, you... you were dragged into this too! They pushed you out because..."
"Checks and balances"
Minato gave a bitter smile and continued the conversation.
"Or rather, to become a seemingly suitable 'option'."
But I know very well that my chances of winning against Chiyo now are... very, very small.
Especially in this clearly manipulated public opinion environment.
He saw things very clearly.
I feel like a glamorous pawn pushed to the forefront, used to highlight another, more important pawn, or to distract from the game, but in the end, I'm afraid I can't escape the fate of being just a runner-up.
"Then... what do we do?"
Coral grabbed Minato's arm, her eyes filled with heartache and resentment.
"Are we just going to let them...?"
Minato took her hand in his own, patted it gently, and tried to put on a comforting smile.
"Don't worry, Coral. I've said it before, my desire for the Hokage Position is to earn recognition through my own efforts and strength, not through this kind of method."
He took a deep breath, and his eyes regained their firmness and clarity.
"Given the current situation, let's wait and see."
I believe the village will make the most appropriate choice.
If Chiyo is ultimately chosen, I sincerely congratulate him; he will be a great Hokage. As for me..."
He looked out the window, his gaze fixed on the distance where his dreams and responsibilities lay.
"I will continue to train hard, carry out missions, and Protect Konoha and the people who are important to me in my own way."
The Hokage Position is not the only path.
His words were calm and sincere, dispelling the oppressive atmosphere and unease in the room.
As Coral gazed at his resolute profile, the turmoil in her heart gradually subsided, replaced by an overwhelming sense of pride and warmth.
She nodded emphatically.
"Yes! No matter what, I support you, Minato!"
Outside the window, the discussion about the election of the Fourth Hokage was still raging.
In this small space, the blond youth and the red-haired girl smiled at each other, as if the outside world's turmoil and the vortex of power had nothing to do with their inner convictions and friendship.
But they all knew that the storm had arrived, and no one could truly remain uninvolved.
The Mirai of Konoha is quietly heading in a completely new direction amidst this interplay of noise and tranquility.
Deep within the Uchiha Compound, Chiyo's residence remained as tranquil as ever, a stark contrast to the undercurrents swirling outside.
The message delivered by Hatake Sakumo, the leader of the Anbu service, was like a stone thrown into a deep pool.
Although it stirred up ripples, it did not change the depth and tranquility of the pool.
Chiyo didn't even hold Clan Meeting.
He simply said one sentence to Fugaku Uchiha, who came to report with a worried expression.
"Understood. Everything within the clan remains the same. Clan members are forbidden from making unwarranted comments or participating in any activities. Just observe quietly."
Fugaku opened his mouth, as if he wanted to say something.
But seeing Chiyo's expression, as if he had everything under control and was as relaxed as if he were just discussing Tenten, all his words were swallowed back.
He bowed respectfully and withdrew, filled with doubt and a strange sense of relief.
Thus, while the entire Konoha was abuzz with undercurrents and discussions about the Third Hokage Hokage's serious illness and the election for the Fourth Hokage, the powerful Uchiha Clan remained unusually silent, as if they were detached from the matter.
This silence, in the eyes of those who are observant, appears even more profound and enigmatic.
Chiyo herself was even more relaxed.
In the afternoon, enjoy tea and play with cats in the courtyard and veranda; in the evening, watch the harmonious figures of Mikoto and Kushina busy in the kitchen; and for dinner, savor the dishes carefully prepared by the two kindred spirits.
Listening to their sweet and coquettish words, life seemed unbelievably blissful.
Even though he triggered the system mission to become Hokage Position today, Chiyo didn't take any extra action.
The Hokage Position, even without a system-generated mission.
I must take down Chiyo too!
This is beyond doubt!
That night, the moon was bright and the stars were few.
Chiyo was enjoying a rare moment of peace and tranquility, about to drift off to sleep.
Suddenly, his closed eyelids twitched slightly.
A familiar chakra fluctuation appeared extremely discreetly on the outskirts of the Uchiha Compound, lingering for a moment as if sending some kind of signal.
A barely perceptible smile curved at the corners of Chiyo's lips.
He gently moved Mikoto's arm away from him, and then tucked the blanket around Kushina, who was fast asleep on the other side, his movements so gentle that he didn't wake them.
He put on a loose bathrobe, and his figure disappeared silently from the bedroom. The next moment, he appeared like a ghost on a quiet, deserted street at the edge of the clan's territory.
The moonlight, like water, spilled onto the empty street.
At the end of the street, under a large tree, a tall and slender figure leaned against the tree.
Her dazzling golden hair, shimmering like flowing gold in the moonlight, was exceptionally eye-catching.
Chiyo walked over slowly, a lazy smile on her face.
"Hey, isn't this our big fat sheep... oh no, isn't it Princess Tsunade?"
What brings you to this remote Uchiha region? Did you miss me?
The one leaning against the tree was Tsunade Three Legendary Sannin.
There was a hint of weariness in her eyes, but more than that, there was an undisguised worry and urgency.
Seeing Chiyo's relaxed and lazy demeanor, as if he had just come from a carefree time, she was immediately annoyed.
" Chiyo! You still have the nerve to make sarcastic remarks here!"
Tsunade straightened up, took a few steps to stand in front of him, her full chest heaving slightly with emotion.
" Konoha is about to undergo a major upheaval! Do you even know that?!"
"Change of weather?"
Chiyo raised an eyebrow in feigned surprise and reached out as if to pinch her cheek.
"Isn't the weather quite nice? The moon is bright and the stars are few, and crows are flying south..."
Stop pretending to be stupid!
Tsunade slapped his hand away impatiently, her pretty face full of seriousness.
"All I heard today was news that the Third Hokage was seriously ill and had to step down, and that an emergency election for the Fourth Hokage was needed!"
That Danzo is stirring up trouble with all the major clans! Don't tell me you know nothing about something this big!
She lowered her voice and said urgently.
"I know you are powerful and have a high reputation now, but it is precisely at times like these that you are in danger!"
Danzo is capable of using any means necessary! And the various clans are no pushovers either!
You and your Uchiha Clan are now the target of everyone's hatred! How can you still be so carefree and leisurely staying at home? You need to make plans soon!
Tsunade's worry was palpable.
She was clearly unaware that Danzo was already a prisoner of Kotoamatsukami, a subordinate of Chiyo, and that he would secretly communicate with her during each mission.
They assumed Chiyo was at the center of a power storm but were completely unaware, fearing he might suffer a great loss.
Seeing her anxious expression because of her worry for him, Chiyo's smile deepened, carrying a hint of warmth.
Instead of answering directly, he suddenly stepped forward, stretched out his arm, and pulled Tsunade into his embrace without saying a word.
"Hey! What are you doing! I'm talking to you about something important!"
Caught off guard, Tsunade bumped into his firm chest. Smelling his familiar scent, her face flushed slightly. She struggled for a moment, but not with much force.
Chiyo lowered his head, ignoring her weak protest, and pressed his palm precisely against her smooth forehead.
This kiss was gentle yet carried an undeniable power of comfort.
Tsunade's struggling movements stopped abruptly, her body stiffened slightly, and then softened again.
That familiar touch and scent, as if by magic, strangely soothed her fatigue from the long journey and the anxiety in her heart.
"Don't worry, Tsunade."
Chiyo's deep, magnetic voice rang in her ear, carrying a reassuring power.
"The sky over Konoha won't change. Even if it does change, it will only become what I want it to become."
He gently released her, cupped her face in his hands, looked directly into her still somewhat dazed eyes, and smiled with that confident, all-controlling smile.
" Danzo? The various powerful families?"
He chuckled softly, his tone tinged with a hint of languor.
"They're just putting on a show according to the script I wrote. The audience is having a great time, isn't they?"
Tsunade's pupils contracted slightly as she stared at him in shock.
"You... you mean..."
It means, "Everything is under control."
Chiyo gently stroked the bridge of her nose with his finger.
"I, Chiyo Uchiha, haven't fallen so low that you need to worry about me. It's you who's sneaking over here so late at night, getting impatient, aren't you?"
Hearing his almost arrogant words of confidence, and seeing the unfathomable light in his eyes that seemed to see through everything, Tsunade's heart, which had been hanging in suspense, miraculously settled back into place.
She had long known that this man was unfathomable, but she never expected that he could secretly manipulate such a massive situation!
Even Danzo and the major clans have become pawns in his game?
After the initial shock came an indescribable sense of relief and... pride?
She rolled her eyes at Chiyo, exuding charm and amusement.
"Who's worried about you! Stop being so conceited! I'm just... just afraid you'll get sold out and still be helping the seller count the money!"
Even so, her tense body and the worry between her brows completely disappeared.
Chiyo laughed and hugged her tighter again.
"Yes, yes, my Princess Tsunade is the best."
Let's go, it's late and the dew is heavy, let's not stand here.
Mikoto and Kushina are asleep. I have a spare room, or... would you mind having a drink and squeezing in with me?"
"Get out!"
Tsunade blushed and gently punched him.
She didn't push him away, letting him put his arm around her as they walked towards the quiet mansion.
The moonlight elongated their shadows, making them appear intertwined.
The outside world is in turmoil, with power shifting constantly.
But here, there are only whispers between lovers and the composure of someone who has already taken control of everything.
Chiyo looked up at the direction of the Hokage Rock, his eyes deep.
The play has only just begun.
And he is the only director!