The Fourth Hokage!

In the days that followed, Minato Namikaze left Konoha and set out for the Land of Fire Daimyo's residence.

This was a mandatory step for assuming the position of Hokage. He had to receive the Land of Fire Daimyo's recognition.

Of course, it was merely a formality. The Daimyo could not possibly refuse. So long as he was not a fool, he would understand that Minato was simply asking for official recognition of his status.

The forces the Daimyo could gather were nowhere near comparable to a major ninja village like Konoha. If he refused, it might even be possible for someone else to become the Daimyo.

Of course, Minato Namikaze would not do such a thing given his character, but that did not mean the Daimyo would not consider the possibility.

Minamoto Takuya also knew of Minato Namikaze's journey, and he could only shake his head at it.

It could be said that this necessary process for succeeding the Hokage was what truly thwarted Shimura Danzō's ambitions of becoming Hokage in the Original Work.

If a Hokage could smoothly hand over the position simply by declaring their successor, then Shimura Danzō in the Original Work would have long used Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan to cast Kotoamatsukami on the Third Hokage and make him hand over the position.

Yet it was precisely this process that dragged out the transition between Hokage.

The Kotoamatsukami within Shimura Danzō's Sharingan was not that powerful. Although it could ensnare someone in Kotoamatsukami without making eye contact, it could be detected by the Byakugan. More importantly, even if it went undetected, its duration was not long enough.

For instance, if Shimura Danzō used Kotoamatsukami to control the Third Hokage into giving him the position, before he even reached the Daimyo's residence to obtain recognition, the Third Hokage would have already broken free from its effects.

And then what would the Third Hokage think?

Oh boy, not only would the Hokage succession process be immediately interrupted, but Shimura Danzō's theft of Shisui Uchiha's Sharingan would also be exposed.

Perhaps Shimura Danzō would not die, given their relationship, but would the Third Hokage allow Shisui Uchiha's eye to remain in his hands? Even if the Third Hokage were a fool, he would know what choice to make.

So this process was practically Shimura Danzō's lifelong nemesis!

He even felt as though this process had been designed specifically to thwart Shimura Danzō...

Time quickly came for Minato Namikaze's formal inauguration as the Fourth Hokage.

It had to be said that the Flying Thunder God was convenient. He had needed to travel on foot on the way there, since there were no markers, but he could return directly with the Flying Thunder God, saving a great deal of time.

He had already received the Daimyo's official appointment. Now, the Third Hokage stood atop the Hokage Building, looking down at the ninjas and civilians below, all familiar faces.

Then, he began his speech. He first spoke of his own incompetence, of how the war had brought tremendous losses to Konoha, and how he had failed the title of Hokage. He continued with an emotional account of the past.

Faced with the Third Hokage's self-reproach, no one would truly blame him or make things difficult for him.

As many listened to the Third Hokage's speech, they could not help shedding tears on the spot.

Minamoto Takuya watched the Third Hokage above and sighed at the man's charisma.

Although among all the Hokage, this man truly was not particularly powerful, and there were even many blemishes on his record.

After urgently inheriting the position of Hokage from the Second Hokage, however, he had indeed led Konoha through that difficult period. He had taught the Sannin and raised Konoha's Golden Generation.

Minamoto Takuya bore no ill feelings toward the Third Hokage. After all, the man had always been quite generous with mission rewards.

Moreover, the Third Hokage's lack of energy made the things he did easier to conceal. In short, the Third Hokage remaining in office was absolutely beneficial to him!

The conspiracy theories from his previous life had affected him somewhat back then, but in this life, he naturally did not care about such things. So long as the man's existence benefited him, that was enough. Whether those conspiracy theories were true or not was ultimately meaningless.

"Third Hokage-sama, you have already devoted your heart and soul to the village," Minato Namikaze could not help saying.

The Third Hokage chuckled but did not answer Minato Namikaze. Instead, he changed the subject and began introducing Minato Namikaze's accomplishments on the battlefield.

At once, the ninjas below perked up.

Especially when the Third Hokage spoke of the shared understanding among the Four Great Ninja Villages: any ninja who encountered Minato Namikaze could abandon their mission and flee immediately. After hearing of such an outrageous privilege—

Everyone below erupted into cheers, proud that their village had produced such a powerful ninja.

Finally, the Third Hokage announced loudly.

"From this day onward, Minato Namikaze will replace me as Konoha's Fourth Hokage!!"

As the Third Hokage's words fell, even louder cheers erupted once more, echoing throughout all of Konoha.

Looking at everyone cheering below, Minato Namikaze deeply felt the weight of responsibility settle upon his shoulders.

He stepped forward and made his promise as Hokage.

"I will surely inherit the Third Hokage's will and lead Konoha toward an even more glorious future!"

At that moment, the crowd roared!

Minamoto Takuya applauded as well. He did not particularly care about Minato Namikaze becoming the Fourth Hokage.

But some people did not see it that way.

In a corner, Orochimaru leaned against a wall, his upper body cast in its shadow. He watched the lively scene and listened to the Third Hokage's announcement. Though he had long known the outcome, his gaze could not help turning colder.

He had no hope left for the position of Hokage. It was time for him to place even greater focus on researching ninjutsu.

He looked at Minato Namikaze atop the Hokage Building. Life was short; perhaps he would still live to see the man's death.

For that, he would develop a method for longevity, learn every ninjutsu in this world, and grasp the truths of this world!

After letting out a sneer, Orochimaru left, his figure gradually melting into the shadows.

Elsewhere, Shimura Danzō watched the scene. His grip around his cane was so tight that he seemed about to crush it.

He stared coldly at Minato Namikaze. If it had been the Third Hokage, the man worked day and night, and even if he continued serving, he likely would not live much longer.

But what about Minato Namikaze? The man was only in his twenties at most. How long could he serve as Hokage? Even with the support of Hashirama Cells, Shimura Danzō himself likely would not live as long as Minato!

He had made so many efforts for that position: colluding with Hanzo, spreading rumors about Orochimaru's experiments, and building his own reputation.

Yet Hiruzen Sarutobi had directly passed over him, passed over Orochimaru, and handed the position of Hokage to Jiraiya's Disciple—a blond brat!

Damn it!

As he stared at Minato Namikaze, no one knew what he was thinking. In the end, he merely snorted angrily and left.

Neither man's departure caused any disturbance. The scene remained boisterous, and most commercial streets temporarily lowered their prices to celebrate Minato Namikaze's inauguration.

On this day, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, stepped down, and Minato Namikaze became the Fourth Hokage!