Although the formalities had yet to be completed, news that Konoha was changing Hokage soon spread throughout the Ninja World.
The appointment of a new Hokage had some impact on the other ninja villages.
The main concern was strength.
Natsuki's strength needed no explanation.
Judging by his achievements in battle, he was even stronger than his predecessor, Orochimaru.
In other words, Konoha had not grown weaker with its new Hokage taking office.
For that very reason, Natsuki becoming Hokage caused little stir.
Things might have been different if a weaker Hokage had taken over.
The Third Raikage of Kumogakure might well have seized the opportunity to launch another surprise attack.
A week later.
At the entrance to Konoha.
Orochimaru finally appeared after being absent for a week. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire would be arriving shortly.
Tsunade, Nawaki, Natsuki, and the rest of Konoha High Command were all present.
A short while later, a procession of carriages came into view.
Once the carriages stopped, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and several officials stepped out.
Orochimaru went forward to greet them.
After exchanging pleasantries, the group headed toward the conference room in the Hokage Building.
The conference room was already full of jonin.
Unlike previous meetings, Uzumaki Kushina was also present.
This was her first time attending a jonin meeting.
Many jonin looked puzzled when they saw her.
Only a handful of them recognized her.
Even those who did were baffled by her presence. The door opened.
The conference room fell silent.
Upon seeing Orochimaru and the others, everyone rose to their feet.
"Daimyo, please take a seat."
Orochimaru raised a hand as he spoke.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire took the seat at the head of the table without hesitation.
"Daimyo."
Orochimaru handed him