The Wedding

With the ascension of the Fourth Hokage of Konoha, the chaotic Ninja World seemed to have been put on pause.

The various factions that had been engaging in minor skirmishes all ceased their fighting, especially Iwagakure and Cloud Village, who tacitly agreed to withdraw and return home.

There was no ceasefire agreement, no other agreement. Both sides, carrying the corpses of their respective ninjas and filled with hatred, were like two lone wolves, returning to their villages to lick their wounds alone.

The battle is far from over, but they are too exhausted and can no longer continue fighting.

Konoha has begun to recuperate and rebuild, and even something as drastic as changing the Hokage has been done quietly.

All of this put immense pressure on the two major ninja villages.

The ceasefire was thus tacitly and naturally completed.

Not long after, the Fourth Raikage A, officially took office, and Cloud Village followed in the footsteps of Sunagakure and Konoha, becoming the third village to enter the era of the Fourth Hokage's rule.

Not long after, the intelligence systems of each village received the latest news about Mist Village.

The Third Mizukage abdicated due to health reasons, and Karatachi Yagura succeeded him as the Fourth Mizukage.

The news came as a complete surprise, taking all the ninja villages that received the intelligence to a great shock.

Unfortunately, the Land of Water is an island nation, and Kirigakure is quite xenophobic, so no village can get specific information from the others.

All that is known is that a battle seemed to have broken out at the Mizukage Building that night, but it was very brief, and the fighting stopped before the intelligence personnel from various villages could take any action.

The very next day, news came that Karatachi Yagura had succeeded as the Fourth Mizukage.

With this, Five Great Ninja Villages except Iwagakure entered the era of the Fourth Hokage Kage taking charge.

Tsuchikage Office.

In the office of the Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, the air seemed to solidify into heavy rock.

The mountains of scrolls and documents silently testified to the arduous task of governing a ninja village, while the short figure sitting behind the Taiseki desk was trembling all over.

"Bang."

A piercing cracking sound suddenly shattered the silence.

The exquisite celadon teacup was reduced to a mess by Ōnoki's calloused hands. The scalding tea mixed with tea leaves splashed everywhere, leaving dark stains on the carpet, just like the raging anger churning in Ōnoki's heart at that moment.

"Useless! Useless!"

Ōnoki stood up abruptly, his short body heaving violently with extreme anger, his weathered face flushed red. His withered fingers almost poked the nose of the tall figure standing opposite him on the desk, his voice hoarse with excitement, filled with a roar of disappointment and frustration.

"How could I have such a dull-witted son like you! Kitsuchi!"

Standing before him was his son, Kitsuchi.

This kind-faced man, at this moment, resembled a silent mountain, his face bearing obvious confusion and a hint of barely perceptible grievance.

He instinctively shrank his neck, as if his father's trembling finger contained the power to pierce through the mountain rocks.

"Father," Kitsuchi hesitated for a moment, but still spoke his mind, "I think what they said—"

That makes some sense.

Look, Hiruzen Sarutobi of Miyazaki is a few years younger than you, and he has already stepped down, handing the Hokage position to Minato Namikaze. I really don't want to see you, at your age, still worrying about these things Tenten, ruining your health."

His tone was sincere, and his eyes revealed pure concern—a heartfelt tenderness for his father.

However, what Kitsuchi considered perfectly reasonable filial piety was nothing short of the most jarring provocation and the greatest folly to Ōnoki.

If any other Jonin or elder from Iwagakure had said these words, Ōnoki would have immediately interpreted it as a sign of treachery and an attempt to seize power, and would have imposed the most severe punishment without hesitation.

But the one who said these words was his only son, a kind-hearted son who had the ability but no political sense, and who was sold out but still counted the money for the seller.

Even so, the anger in Ōnoki's chest was like molten lava from the ground, almost bursting out of his chest.

He knew his son too well; these words were certainly not the result of Kitsuchi's own careful consideration.

Behind this, there must be those despicable scoundrels who can't stand the light of day and only dare to operate in the shadows!

These people didn't dare to directly challenge his authority, so they turned their attention to his honest and simple son, using him as a pawn to test the waters and as a lever to manipulate power!

They're practically treating Kitsuchi like a fool!

Abdication? Ha!

Ōnoki laughed in fury, his laughter filled with sarcasm and exhaustion. He suppressed the urge to immediately overturn the office, veins throbbing on his forehead, and questioned in an icy voice.

"Fine, I'll step down! Then tell me, who will be the Fourth Tsuchikage? Is it you, Kitsuchi!"

He stared intently into his son's eyes, his gaze sharp as a knife, and a faint, pathetic glimmer of expectation rose within him, one that even he himself was unwilling to acknowledge.

If his son could stand tall and say "yes" decisively at this moment, even if it was just out of momentary impulse or courage, he might really consider letting go, stepping back from the limelight, and using his own experience and prestige to protect his son.

Pity----

"Ah? No! No! Father!"

Startled by the blunt question, Kitsuchi waved his hands frantically, his massive body appearing somewhat clumsy in his panic, his face filled with the fear of "How could this be?"

"I—I'm not cut out for that! I can't do it, absolutely not!"

He hurriedly denied it, as if the position of "Tsuchikage" was a hot potato that he wanted to avoid at all costs. "Father, perhaps you could—look again and find a more suitable successor in the village?"

"You—" Ōnoki's last glimmer of hope was shattered, replaced by overwhelming rage at being fooled and despair at his son's "incompetence."

He suddenly straightened his short but powerful spine, which had borne the Iwagakure's decades of rise and fall, attempting to overwhelm the son before him, whom he both loved and hated, with his imposing presence.

However, time waits for no one, and the accumulated toil and hidden wounds from countless battles began to take their toll on this "Two-Day Balance" woman once again.

A clear, teeth-grinding "crack" sound rang out from Ōnoki's lumbar spine!

"Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! Ouch! My back—ah!"

The intense, excruciating pain instantly overwhelmed all his anger; Ōnoki's face contorted in pain, and his powerful aura vanished completely.

He hunched over in pain, clutching his lower back tightly with one hand. Large beads of cold sweat immediately seeped from his forehead and slid down his deep wrinkles.

The once-mighty "Tsuchikage" could now only resemble an ordinary, wounded old man, hunched over, groaning and gasping for breath, his dignity utterly lost.

Kitsuchi, the "filial son" who was completely unaware that he was the fuse, saw his father's painful appearance and instead of keeping quiet, he anxiously added fuel to the fire.

"Look at you! Old man! Your health is already like this, why are you still pushing yourself? You should step down and rest properly, taking care of your health is the most important thing! The position of Tsuchikage is not as important as your health!"

"Shut up! You—you give me—" Ōnoki was in so much pain that his vision blurred. Hearing his son's stupid words of "concern," he felt a rush of blood to his head and was so angry that he almost fainted.

He clutched his back with one hand, and with the other hand trembling, pointed towards the office door, using his last strength to force a roar through clenched teeth, "Get out! Get out now! I don't want to see you even once right now! Get out!"

Seeing his father's pained and furious expression, Kitsuchi finally realized that he might have made a big mistake, and his face showed a simple apology and helplessness.

He opened his mouth, seemingly wanting to offer some explanation or concern, but under his father's almost murderous gaze, he ultimately shut his mouth. His tall figure slumped dejectedly as he left the office, glancing back every few steps.

"Bang."

The soft click of the door closing was particularly clear in the empty office, isolating it from everything outside.

Alone, Ōnoki hunched over, enduring the sharp pain in his lumbar spine and the icy exhaustion churning in his heart.

He leaned against the cold stone table, taking a long time to recover until the sharp pain that was tearing at his nerves subsided slightly. Only then did he drag his leaden legs, staggering step by step, back to the chair that symbolized power.

"Well----"

A heavy sigh escaped from Ōnoki's parched throat, echoing in the empty room, filled with the sorrow of a hero's twilight and a deep sense of helplessness.

Didn't he also long to be like Hiruzen Sarutobi, finding a worthy successor to whom he could entrust heavy responsibilities, then relinquish this heavy burden and enjoy his later years in peace?

However, harsh reality, like cold rocks, blocked this path.

Iwagakure is suffering from a severe shortage of talent!

Looking around, the village is filled with factions, and the elders each have their own agendas. Jonin the Jonin, there may be some who are powerful, but they are either as lacking in political wisdom and courage as the Kitsuchi, or they are ambitious but narrow-minded and unable to shoulder great responsibilities.

No one could match Minato Namikaze on Konoha, possessing the strength to command respect, the prestige to inspire confidence, and the vision to unite all factions and lead the village.

The successor to the Third Tsuchikage needs more than just power; he needs to be a capable leader who can balance the complex forces within Iwagakure and lead the village to survive and thrive amidst the dramatic changes in the Ninja World.

Forced selection? Ōnoki could almost immediately foresee the terrible consequences. The fragile yet perfectly coordinated balance that Iwagakure had painstakingly maintained, like intricate gears meshing together, would be shattered in an instant.

At that time, Iwagakure will no longer be the "Will of Stone" that strikes fear into the hearts of its enemies. Instead, it will fall into terrible internal strife and become a riddled and vulnerable prey!

When that time comes, who will pass up the opportunity to tear off a piece of fatty meat?

"Damn it!" Ōnoki gritted his teeth, slamming his fist heavily on the hard stone table. A dull ache shot through his knuckles, but it paled in comparison to the fury in his heart. "Who on earth—was behind this, encouraging that idiot Kitsuchi to spout such nonsense?! Truly—their intentions are despicable!"

A month passed in the blink of an eye.

The sky over Konoha was a clear, deep blue, with sunlight filtering through the leaves and casting dappled golden light. A sweet warmth, unlike anything seen before, filled the air.

The turmoil of the Ninja World seemed to be temporarily shut out of the village. Today, for the Fourth Hokage Hokage, Minato Namikaze, it was a day as important as, or even more private and happy as, his wedding to Kushina Uzumaki Hokage Position.

According to their initial simple and unpretentious plan, neither of them had any relatives and only wanted to invite a few of their closest friends: the Sannin, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and a handful of trusted Minato such as Kakashi, Akimichi Choza, Inoichi Yamanaka, and Nara Shikaku, to complete the ceremony in a cozy little courtyard.

However, the Hokage's marriage is destined to be anything but simple.

On the morning of their wedding day, while Minato and Kushina were still making their final preparations, the major clans of Konoha, as if by prior arrangement, all sent their distinguished representatives with gifts to offer their congratulations.

The head of the Hyuga Clan, Hyuga Hiashi, personally brought his younger brother, Hizashi;

Fugaku Uchiha, accompanied by his wife Mikoto and eldest son Itachi, attended the event solemnly.

The chieftains of the Ino-Shika-Cho Clans arrived together;

The Aburame, Inuzuka Clan, Sarutobi —even some smaller, less active families sent representatives.

In no time, the originally reserved courtyard became packed with people and bustling with activity.

"Minato! Congratulations!" Jiraiya's loud voice carried over from afar. He was carrying a huge scroll, clearly a carefully prepared congratulatory gift, and his face showed undisguised pride and satisfaction.

Although Tsunade complained that "it's such a hassle for kids to get married," she changed into a proper dress, though her eyes kept glancing at the drinks area.

Orochimaru did not appear; instead, he sent a carefully wrapped congratulatory gift, which was shrouded in mystery.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in casual clothes, sat near the head of the table with a broad smile, enjoying this rare moment of celebration.

The groom, Minato, wore a traditional crested haori and hakama, his blond hair gleaming in the sunlight, and wore his signature warm smile as he diligently greeted each guest's congratulations.

However, the number and enthusiasm of the guests far exceeded expectations, and even with the "Yellow Flash" speed, it was impossible to keep up.

With the wedding ceremony about to begin, the groom's side seemed to be in a bit of a predicament.

Minato's close subordinates were either maintaining order (Kakashi stood guard at the door with a "keep away" look on his face), helping to move items (Choza was struggling with a huge sake barrel), or being pulled aside by people from other families to chat (Shikaku and Inoichi were surrounded by representatives of several small families).

"Taiichi! Taiichi! Over here!" Minato, with his sharp eyes, spotted Taiichi just entering the courtyard and seemed to be looking for a quiet corner to watch the ceremony. He immediately called out to him as if grasping at a straw.

Today, Taiichi was unusually not wearing his combat uniform or work clothes, but instead a simple dark blue kimono. He had intended to discreetly be a background figure and enjoy his friend's joy. Hearing Minato's urgent call, his heart skipped a beat, and he had a bad feeling, but his feet still moved over subconsciously.

"Congratulations, Hokage-sama -sama." Taiichi had just opened his mouth to congratulate him when Minato grabbed his arm and pulled him to the center of the crowd.

"Taiichi, help!" Minato whispered, his face a mixture of happiness and exasperated wry smile.

"There are just too many people, and I'm severely understaffed. Kakashi and the others are busy with other things, Shikaku and the others are tied up too—please, help me cover for them!"

You're one of my most trusted partners, so I'll have to trouble you to act as my proxy friend/family member today. Please help greet the guests, especially the family representatives; I really can't manage them all myself!

Looking at the sincere plea in Minato's eyes, Taiichi couldn't bring himself to say, "I just want to eat in peace."

Sigh, you have to work no matter where you go!

He sighed helplessly and nodded resignedly, "Understood, Fourth Hokage—oh no, today you're the groom, Minato. Leave it to me."

And so, the "White Reaper" on the battlefield was temporarily reassigned to be the "groom's relatives and temporary steward" at the wedding.