Akatsuki

Jiraiya leaned against the windowsill of the Hokage's Office, arms casually folded across his chest, that trademark roguish grin on his face, looking both helpless and resolute in response to Hiruzen Sarutobi's proposal.

"Give me a break, Lord Hokage. You're still hale and hearty. Someone like me isn't cut out to be stuck in the Hokage's seat." Jiraiya's tone carried a hint of exasperation.

Hiruzen Sarutobi frowned slightly at that, clearly taken aback by Jiraiya's refusal. "How are you not suited? In terms of strength, you're one of Konoha's top ninja. In terms of seniority and reputation, your name echoes across the Ninja World. In terms of experience, you've been through countless battles. Which of these doesn't meet the requirements for Hokage?"

Jiraiya shrugged and laughed. "You know me—I've always been too free-spirited. Sitting in an office all day dealing with paperwork? That's not a life I can imagine. Besides, the weight of being Hokage is too heavy. I'm afraid I can't bear it."

With that, Jiraiya's expression suddenly turned serious. "But I do have a better candidate in mind. I just need some time to go find them. What do you say?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a helpless sigh, but then a knowing smile crept onto his lips as if a thought had struck him. "Three months at most. If you can't find a suitable person by then, the Hokage's seat is yours, no arguments."

Jiraiya agreed readily. "No problem. I'll do my best. But don't go back on your word when the time comes!"

The two exchanged a smile, and the tense atmosphere eased considerably.

Hiruzen Sarutobi knew that despite Jiraiya's carefree exterior, his loyalty and love for Konoha ran deep.

And Jiraiya understood that Hiruzen's insistence was for the sake of Konoha's future.

Just then, a sudden remark from Naruto dropped like a stone into a still pond, sending ripples through the Hokage's Office.

"All this passing it back and forth—why not let me be Hokage?" Naruto said seriously, leaving everyone in the room momentarily stunned.

Jiraiya was the first to react. He walked over to Naruto, patted his head with a chuckle, and said, "I think that works. Naruto's a good fit. He's young, sure, but his strength is top-notch."

Kakashi and the other Jonin joined in the laughter. They knew Naruto's words were a bit far-fetched, but they couldn't help being infected by his boldness and honesty.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi put on a stern face and said with mock gravity, "Don't be ridiculous, Naruto. The position of Hokage is no joke."

Naruto's age was plain to see. Standing among the Jonin, he looked like a child.

Though everyone knew his strength and potential, in such a formal setting, they instinctively treated him like a kid.

The reason Hiruzen Sarutobi had called Naruto to the meeting and was passing the Hokage title to Jiraiya—Naruto's nominal master—was a kind of hint and groundwork.

Historically, the Hokage position had been passed from master to disciple, laying the foundation for Naruto's future.

Hiruzen Sarutobi hoped Naruto would learn from this process and prepare for the responsibilities he might one day shoulder.

Soon, the atmosphere in the Hokage's Office settled back to normal.

Hiruzen Sarutobi shook his head slightly, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on his lips—a complex mix of resignation and hope for the younger generation.

"Alright, Naruto, I've heard your ambition. But the Hokage's seat is no child's play. It carries the weight of all of Konoha." Hiruzen's words were gentle yet firm, a response to Naruto and a reminder to every Jonin present.

Jiraiya clapped Naruto on the shoulder and said in a light but not unserious tone, "Naruto, you're still young. You've got plenty of time and chances to prove yourself. For now, let your Grandpa Sarutobi keep busy a little longer, hahaha."

Kakashi chimed in with his characteristic calm voice. "Naruto, becoming Hokage isn't just about strength. It takes wisdom and experience. What you need to do now is keep building those up. I believe you'll make it one day."

Naruto smiled at everyone's words. He'd been joking anyway, and he understood the weight of the Hokage title.

He nodded, a determined light shining in his eyes. That unique stubbornness within Naruto took root and began to grow—he would become Hokage, the Hokage who protected Konoha.

In the end, the day's discussion about passing the Hokage title fizzled out.

Konoha's morning was always wrapped in a quiet peace, as if the whole world still slumbered, waiting for the first rays of sunlight to stir it to life.

Mist swirled like a thin veil over the village, adding a touch of mystery and stillness to this ninja settlement.

Through that hazy mist, two figures slowly stepped through Konoha's main gate.

They wore black cloaks embroidered with red clouds, the fabric swaying gently with the breeze, each step unhurried and composed.