Fourth Hokage Takes Office

The Third Shinobi World War is essentially over for Konoha. Apart from occasional minor skirmishes on the border, Konoha can be said to have completely emerged from the shadow of war.

After Minato returned to Konoha, the process of the Fourth Hokage taking over after the Third Kazekage stepped down was accelerated.

Konoha Hidden Village, Hokage Building, top-floor conference room.

The heavy wooden door shut out the noise from the outside world, leaving only an almost stagnant solemnity inside.

On either side of the long conference table, Hiruzen Sarutobi sat in the main seat, a pipe beside him, wisps of smoke rising and obscuring the deep meaning in his eyes.

The two Advisor Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, stood on either side, their brows furrowed slightly as usual, but their expressions were somewhat relaxed.

"Then," Hiruzen Sarutobi's voice broke the silence, not loud, but clearly resonating in everyone's hearts, "Regarding the nomination for the Fourth Hokage, does anyone have a suitable candidate?"

Even though everyone knows what's going on, the necessary procedures still need to be followed.

The silence lasted only a few seconds. Utatane Koharu cleared her throat, looked at the two people present, and finally her gaze landed on Hiruzen Sarutobi's face.

"Hiruzen, now that you've decided to step down, you must have already made up your mind about the nomination. En and I have discussed it, and in the current situation, someone who can stabilize morale, unite forces, and has made outstanding contributions—"

She paused, seemingly choosing her words carefully, "Minato Namikaze is the only candidate who meets all the criteria."

Mitokado Homura adjusted his glasses and stated his conclusion. "Minato is Jiraiya, a direct descendant of the Hokage. His performance in the Third Shinobi World War was outstanding; his strength and prestige are known to all. Furthermore, he is deeply loved by his husband's family—"

He paused slightly, then added, "I have no problem here either."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly, his face revealing little emotion, as if he were simply confirming a fact he already knew.

"Minato's abilities and achievements are evident to all. His succession as the Fourth Hokage is the will of the people and a key step in Konoha's transition from the past to the future."

He tapped the table with his pipe. "If there are no other nominees, then Minato Namikaze is the sole candidate for the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze."

No one answered. The only sound in the air was the faint crackling of burning tobacco.

Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged a glance, and then fell silent.

This nomination is less of a discussion and more of a declaration.

They've seen what Hiruzen Sarutobi has been doing all this time; he's practically been keeping the selection of the Fourth Hokage all over his head.

They certainly wouldn't disagree at this time.

The morning after the nominations were finalized, a Mission Scroll was delivered to Taiichi.

Konoha Hospital.

Taiichi had just finished processing a stack of urgent documents sent from the hospital and was rubbing his throbbing temples when Anbu Ninja silently appeared at his office window, placed a Mission Scroll on his desk, and then vanished like a shadow.

Unrolling the scroll, the mission is concise and clear: Starting immediately, Jonin Taichi Matsushita, along with a team of Anbu Ninja, will escort the Third Kazekage Hiruzen Sarutobi Hokage, to Kyoto.

Mission Level: Top Secret

"Escort the Third Kazekage Lord to Kyoto?"

Taiichi eyebrow slightly, his gaze lingering on the word "Top Secret" for a moment.

He was naturally familiar with the process of taking over Hokage.

However, usually, such symbolic "procedures" are more about formalities than actual results. It is sufficient to send a high-ranking representative with sufficient status, such as Jiraiya or Advisor, to the Daimyo's Mansion with official documents and obtain the Daimyo's symbolic consent.

Although the Daimyo's Mansion is nominally the highest power center in the Land of Fire, since the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, and the Daimyo established the "One Country, One Village" system, the power to appoint the leaders of the ninja villages has been firmly in the hands of the ninja villages themselves.

Daimyo? Would he dare to reject Konoha Hokage elected by the will of the entire Konoha village leadership? Unless he wanted to test whether his pitiful Guardian Ninja could withstand Konoha's thunderous wrath.

To have the Third Kazekage Hokage personally make the trip? Isn't that a bit too much of a high-level commitment?

Taiichi tapped the tabletop lightly with his fingertips, a hint of doubt flashing through his mind.

Something unusual must be going on.

However, he didn't delve into it further; instead, a playful smile curved his lips.

The reason is simple: Teacher Tsunade has been going too far lately!

Ever since Taiichi returned from the last mission to Rōran, Tsunade seems to have completely let loose. All sorts of things—hospital affairs, teaching at the Ninja Academy, and even some funding applications that require high-level signatures—have been dumped on him.

They called it "training his abilities," but in reality, he was just hopelessly lazy and only wanted to drink, gamble, and live a carefree life.

"Perfect—" Taiichi muttered to himself, a mischievous glint in his eyes, "It's time to let the teacher experience the 'joy' of being overwhelmed by mountains of documents again."

He immediately stood up and deftly picked out several of the most urgent, tedious, and complex documents on the table, which involved extensive data verification and cross-departmental coordination, and stacked them into a thick pile.

Then, he strode towards Tsunade's director's office.

The door wasn't locked. I pushed it open and went inside. A faint smell of alcohol mixed with the odor of disinfectant hit me.

Tsunade was sprawled out in her large office chair, legs propped up on the desk, toying with a die in her hand, squinting at the bright sunlight streaming through the window, looking utterly bored.

Apart from an empty wine glass, the table was so clean you could see your reflection in it.

Taiichi's arrival threw Tsunade into a flurry of activity; after all, she still had some pride.

"Taiichi, you're here really early today." She chuckled awkwardly, putting the wine glass on the table back into the drawer, along with the dice in her hand.

All of this, Taiichi pretended not to see.

"Teacher."

His voice carried just the right amount of respect as he placed the large stack of documents with a thud on the smooth table in front of Tsunade, instantly creating a rather imposing little mountain.

"Hokage-sama, I have an urgent mission and need to leave the village for several days. These are urgent official duties that must be completed today. Thank you for your trouble."

Tsunade's smile froze instantly. Her gaze slowly shifted from the pile of documents to Taiichi's face, her beautiful eyebrows gradually arching. "You brat! You—"

"The mission is urgent and cannot be delayed. Students, please take your leave!"

Taiichi didn't give her a chance to lash out. He interrupted her quickly, bowed, and turned to leave. His movements were fluid and efficient.

Tsunade was left staring at the "mountain of documents" that had suddenly appeared before her, and then watching Taiichi's figure disappear through the doorway. Her whole body began to tremble.

"Old man! And that Taiichi rascal Taiyi! You two ganged up on me!"

Konoha Gate, the morning mist had not yet completely dissipated.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in Mizukage Haori and wearing a Hokage hat, exuded the aura of Hokage.

Standing beside him were four composed Anbu Ninja, their sharp eyes beneath their masks scanning the surroundings; they were clearly top-tier Anbu members.

Taiichi strode over, wearing Konoha's standard dark green combat uniform, a bright smile on his face.

"Hokage-sama, the mission team is assembled and ready to depart at any time."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, and seeing the smile on Taiichi's face, he also gave a meaningful smile.

Let's go.

He took the lead and headed towards the official road leading to Kyoto. His steps were steady, yet carried a crispness beyond his years.

Taiichi and the Anbu tacitly formed a protective formation and dispersed around the area. The group of six quickly disappeared from the road.

The journey was long and silent. The Third Kazekage spoke even less than usual, spending most of the time walking in silence, his gaze calmly fixed on the distance where the road stretched out, as if he were contemplating something extremely important.

Taiichi remained silent, his keen senses spreading like an invisible spider web, constantly alert to any unusual Chakra fluctuations or potential threats around him.

On both sides of the official road are the rich plains of the Land of Fire, with lush rice paddies and peaceful villages. The Third Shinobi World War did not bring any damage to this place; on the contrary, it presents a peaceful scene.

This peace is the result of Konoha's struggle.

Two days later, the magnificent Kyoto City of the Land of Fire finally came into view.

The towering city walls and numerous pavilions showcase the prosperity and grandeur of the capital city of the strongest nation in the Ninja World.

Thanks to their Hokage status, the group entered the ancient city without any questioning and headed straight for the heavily guarded Daimyo's Daimyo's Mansion in the city center.

The meeting hall of the Daimyo's Mansion was magnificent and extremely luxurious.

The Daimyo of the Land of Fire, dressed in a magnificent brocade robe, sat regally in the main seat.

He wore a formulaic, gentle smile, but deep in his eyes lay a hint of estrangement from ninjas and a barely perceptible apprehension.

"Hokage, you've come from afar, thank you for your hard work." The Daimyo nodded slightly, his voice carrying the primness characteristic of a superior. "I have already reviewed the documents regarding Konoha's nomination of Minato Namikaze to succeed as the Fourth Hokage."

Minato's heroic deeds on the battlefield have earned him widespread renown; he is truly a pillar of the nation. Konoha's successor, a hero of exceptional talent, is a blessing for the Land of Fire.

I wholeheartedly agree with this nomination and hereby confirm it.

He waved his hand, and a servant immediately presented him with an official document bearing the seal of the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, and handed it to Hiruzen Sarutobi.

The whole process was smooth and efficient, even carrying a hint of unspoken perfunctory attitude.

Daimyo clearly understood that this so-called "confirmation" was merely a formality, giving both sides a dignified way out.

He was happy to do a favor and maintain a semblance of harmony.

Hiruzen Sarutobi accepted the document with both hands and solemnly said, "Thank you, Daimyo, for your trust and support of Konoha. Minato will certainly live up to your expectations and continue to protect Konoha and the peace of the Land of Fire."

The business seemed to be concluded. The atmosphere in the hall relaxed. The Daimyo picked up his teacup, preparing to exchange a few pleasantries before seeing the guest off.

However, Hiruzen Sarutobi did not rise to take his leave. He carefully put away the documents, calmly looked at the Daimyo, and changed the subject. "Your Highness, besides delivering these documents, I have another request, and I hope the Daimyo will grant it."

The Daimyo paused slightly, a hint of surprise flashing in his eyes. "Oh? Hokage, please speak."

"I have long heard of the Daimyo's Mansion Library, which houses the oldest and most complete collection of historical records in the Land of Fire and even the entire continent, including many rare and unique scrolls."

Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke with the sincerity of a scholar, "I would like to go in and look at some materials. I wonder if Your Highness could do me the favor and allow me to enter the Library to look at a few things? It won't take too long, Hiashi."

"Read ancient books?"

The surprise on Daimyo's face deepened.

He had assumed that this Shinobi Hero, who had come in person, would make some practical demands such as military funding and supplies, but he never expected it to be such a "refined" matter.

He looked at Hiruzen Sarutobi suspiciously, trying to find some clue on his calm face, but all he saw was composure.

"This—" Daimyo hesitated.

The Daimyo's Mansion Library indeed boasts a vast collection, including countless rare and unique books, and even some scrolls containing ancient and hidden secrets of the Ninja World.

But these are not things a ninja would be interested in, and the other party is only "checking," not asking for them, which seems—

It's harmless.

"Since it is what the Hokage requests, there is nothing wrong with it."

After a moment's consideration, the Daimyo smiled again, appearing quite generous. "Your Excellency is a pillar of the nation, with profound knowledge. It is a refined pursuit for you to be interested in ancient books. I will make the arrangements immediately."

He turned to a seasoned and prudent civil official standing beside him and instructed, "Take Hokage to the Library. He may peruse all the documents there, except for the core forbidden archives. Make sure to satisfy his needs."

"Thank you for your Daimyo, Your Excellency." Hiruzen Sarutobi bowed slightly in thanks.

Taiichi's doubts suddenly cleared up.

I see!

This is the real purpose of the Third Hokage's personal visit! Confirming the appointment of the Fourth Hokage was just a side effect.

What he really wanted was the ancient library in the Daimyo's Daimyo's Mansion, which might hold clues about the Ōtsutsuki Clan!

Those scattered fragments of information in the dust of history may be the key pieces that piece together the truth about the extraterrestrial threat.

This matter is of utmost importance, involving core secrets concerning the survival of the Ninja World, so naturally the fewer people who know about it, the better.

Led by the civil official, Hiruzen Sarutobi walked towards the quiet and ancient Library deep within the Daimyo's Mansion Prefecture.

Taiichi and the two Anbu were politely invited to wait in a side hall.

The side hall was elegantly decorated and well-stocked with tea and snacks, but Taiichi's mind was no longer on it.

He closed his eyes and focused his mind, maximizing his perception, which cautiously reached towards the Library like invisible tentacles.

It wasn't about spying on what was happening, but about ensuring the Third Hokage's absolute safety, with no suspicious spying around.

Library, sunlight streamed through the high windows, casting dappled beams of light onto the bookshelves and scrolls, which bore the marks of time.

The air was filled with the unique aroma of paper, ink, and stale wood.

The civil official respectfully led Hiruzen Sarutobi to an area specifically for storing ancient historical records.

"Hokage-sama, most of the books and scrolls you need are in this area. There are also some scattered records, possibly mixed in with local chronicles or the notes of ancient families, which you will need to look up yourself."

The civil official pointed to several rows of towering bookshelves and said.

Thank you for your help.

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded, his gaze sweeping over the yellowed and even damaged scroll labels with the sharpness of a hawk.

Without saying another word, he walked straight to the bookshelf, carefully pulled out an ancient scroll made of special animal hide with worn and frayed edges, untied the rope, and began to read it intently in the light streaming in from the window.

His fingers moved slowly over the obscure and difficult-to-understand characters written in ancient script, sometimes pausing, sometimes quickly skimming over them, his brows sometimes furrowing, sometimes relaxing, completely immersed in the secrets buried by time.

Time passed in silence. The civil official stood not far away, eyes downcast and mind at ease, maintaining absolute quiet.

The room was very quiet, with only the very faint rustling of papers turning.

"---- Kaguya ---- Descends---- Come----Chakshi---- The God Tree ----"

"----A visitor from outer space----Kai----Fruit----"

"----Six people----Clan---- Otsutsuki ------Ninja----"

"----Lockdown----Threat----"