Minato Namikaze, Succeeds as Fourth Hokage

"People of Konoha, fellow shinobi."

"I am the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen."

Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice came through the loudspeakers.

Guy, Kakashi, and the others, who had been enjoying the lively atmosphere in the barbecue restaurant, all froze mid-motion.

Sarutobi Asuma seemed to have known something already. The hand holding his cup stiffened slightly.

With a complicated look in his eyes, he gazed toward the source of the voice outside the window.

Guy and Kakashi exchanged a glance, narrowing their eyes at the same time.

They had both guessed what was about to be announced.

The others also paused what they were doing, listening closely in curiosity.

Then, the familiar, somewhat aged voice of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, came through the speakers:

"Since the end of the Second Shinobi World War, when I assumed the position of Hokage, several decades have passed."

"Throughout that time, thanks to your trust and support, we have protected our village together and weathered many storms."

"However, time spares no one, and I keenly feel that my energy is no longer what it once was."

"Now, as the Third Shinobi World War is about to draw to a complete close and the dawn of peace reappears..."

"For Konoha's future, and so that the village may move toward a more glorious tomorrow under the leadership of a new generation..."

Sarutobi Hiruzen paused.

Perhaps he was gathering his emotions, or perhaps he was giving his listeners time to absorb the news.

"I hereby formally announce that I will resign from my position as the Third Hokage."

The entire village erupted in uproar.

Although Konoha's shinobi clans had more or less sensed that this was coming.

To Konoha's civilians, however, it was no different from a bombshell.

Even some civilian shinobi found it unbelievable.

Throughout Konoha, everyone began