The Reason for Becoming Hokage

Minato Namikaze seemed a little too eager, a fact even Li Ke noticed. The perfect ninja that he was, he immediately addressed the people around him.

"However, the subsequent actions will trouble everyone. The most important main camp and the front lines will also require your guard. Moreover, whether it's dealing with fleeing shinobi or eradicating strongholds, your efforts are still needed."

His words were quite eloquent, essentially saying that as long as everyone helped, he was willing to share and acknowledge their contributions, and everyone would receive rewards together.

Honestly, such behavior was quite shameless, basically treating the Mist Shinobi as if they were air.

But—

A Minato Namikaze who didn't need to worry about logistics or his main base was truly terrifying.

"No problem. Then, you can discuss the specific combat plan with Qingtan. After all, the war is better ended quickly."

Shikaku Nara had no objections either. When he arrived, he had already confirmed everyone's stance. No one wanted to engage in large-scale frontal battles anymore. Moreover, everyone was tired of war and didn't want to continue fighting here, only wishing to return to Konoha quickly.

This was also the reason for Minato Namikaze's busyness. It was only through his constant activity that he could stabilize the desire of most Konoha shinobi to return home.

After all, many of the shinobi here had fought on three battlefields. Although there was a rotation system that allowed them to return to the village, the renowned shinobi were basically fixed on the battlefield and could not be rotated.

Therefore, ending the battle with the Mist quickly was the wish of most Konoha shinobi.

Thus, everyone present also looked towards Fugaku Uchiha.

Fugaku Uchiha was somewhat silent. Shikaku Nara's opinion represented the opinion of most Konoha Jonin, because by now, very few Konoha Jonin still wanted to fight the Mist Shinobi. But the problem was, the Uchiha clan's shinobi had only been on the front lines for less than a day, and the war was about to end?

How was he supposed to explain this to his clan members?

These clan members had put in a lot of effort and time to get onto the battlefield. He himself had made quite a few exchanges of benefits to obtain this opportunity. If they handed over the battlefield in less than a month, the remaining war merits would not be enough for the shinobi of the entire Mist battlefield and them to share!

Moreover, most people in the clan hoped he would become Hokage, and he also needed the higher-ups to pay more attention to the Uchiha clan's strength. Therefore, if it was discovered that the war could be quelled without the Uchiha's strength, the Uchiha clan would be looked down upon, and they wouldn't even be able to perform their duties in the Military Police Force normally in the village.

Countless rumors and gossip would completely drown the Uchiha clan.

Therefore, it was better to make the Mist battlefield appear more brutal and more in need of the Uchiha clan.

However, disagreeing with this meant standing against all the shinobi on the Mist battlefield.

"What should I do?"

Hesitation quickly appeared on Fugaku Uchiha's face, and his hesitation caused Shikaku Nara and Minato Namikaze to exchange glances.

Li Ke also saw the problem here and was somewhat speechless.

The downfall of the Uchiha clan, it seemed, was in the hands of Itachi Uchiha and Danzo, but in reality, it was in the hands of this Fugaku Uchiha!

However, his status did not afford him the opportunity to speak in such a place, so Minato Namikaze spoke.

"Qingtan, is your chakra capacity sufficient? Can the Flying Raijin Jutsu be used to carry people?"

Minato Namikaze's face was full of smiles, but Li Ke could detect a hint of helplessness.

Minato Namikaze wanted Fugaku Uchiha to go with them, to earn war merits together as the clan head.

"This kid is the future Hokage... quite good."

Senju Tobirama's voice sounded at the same time, and Li Ke could see Senju Tobirama's inclination. However, he himself intended to agree.

But he still looked at Fugaku Uchiha, whose face showed a joyful expression, and then nodded.

Minato Namikaze's words had two meanings. First, he could bring Fugaku Uchiha along to earn war merits and allow Fugaku Uchiha to achieve great merits, thereby quelling the dissatisfaction of the Uchiha clan and helping to maintain the Uchiha clan's reputation.

Second, it was to make Fugaku Uchiha, and even the Uchiha clan, owe Li Ke a favor.

So Li Ke looked at Fugaku Uchiha's expectant gaze, looked at that overly pure gaze, and sighed helplessly.

"It's alright. Carrying people, although I'm not very proficient, it's not a problem."

As his words fell, everyone in the tent smiled. Senju Tobirama also spoke in Li Ke's mind.

Because he did not state the specific number of people or the extent to which he could do it, this was a very measured response.

"Well said, kid."

Minato Namikaze looked at Li Ke with some surprise, astonished that Li Ke would help him out. He gave Li Ke a sincere smile, patted his shoulder, and said, "That's good, Qingtan."

Then, Minato Namikaze immediately extended his hand to Fugaku Uchiha.

"Then, I believe I still need the strength of the Uchiha clan, and your help, Jonin Fugaku."

Another standard official statement. Li Ke felt that Minato Namikaze was truly suited to be Hokage. His words were grand and comprehensive, taking into account the interests of all parties. It was simply perfect.

Fugaku Uchiha quickly shook Minato Namikaze's hand and nodded hurriedly.

"Not at all. The Uchiha clan is willing to contribute its strength to Konoha. However, I still need to discuss it with my clan members."

But these words made Li Ke unable to help but complain in his mind.

"That's a poorly politically aware statement... This completely exposes his inability as a clan head to suppress his own people and the severe division within the Uchiha clan!"

Senju Tobirama also couldn't resist his urge to complain.

"They've always been like this... that's why I suspect something is wrong with the Uchiha clan's brains."

The subsequent events were the rather ugly distribution of war merits. It was basically Minato Namikaze and Shikaku Nara discussing it. But Li Ke observed that although Minato Namikaze took the lion's share, under the discussion between Shikaku Nara and Minato Namikaze, most of the remaining merits were given to the clan shinobi. However, the remaining portion was enough to feed all the civilian shinobi, and those civilian shinobi who had achieved good merits could even stuff themselves.

Even the remaining Uchiha clan could get a share on the scattered battlefields.

To put it simply, Minato Namikaze and Shikaku Nara were leveraging the advantages of the Flying Raijin Jutsu to expand the "cake," ensuring that everyone who took a bite could be satisfied.

Li Ke felt nothing about this; the fact that the big shots ate more wasn't a problem. As long as those at the bottom could also be fed and had room for upward mobility, the interests of the group would remain stable.

Who wouldn't like a man like Minato, who was willing to carry the banner, take the most dangerous jobs upon himself, and then leave the easier, yet sufficiently meritorious, tasks for everyone else? Furthermore, Minato was thorough, considering both the development of Konoha Village and the interests of civilian ninjas, doing his best to preserve their vital strength.

If he didn't become the Fourth Hokage, who would?

No wonder everyone from this generation pales in comparison to Minato...

Li Ke couldn't help but grumble in his heart, yet he felt increasingly speechless.

Because all the work Minato was doing was to keep Kushina off the battlefield!

The Hokage was the one who decided whether a Jinchuriki could be deployed. With Konoha pushed to this point, if they entered a prolonged war of attrition with the Mist Shinobi and the Daimyo's supplies failed to keep up, Kushina would inevitably be sent to the front lines.

Even worse, if the Mist could not handle the stalemate and deployed a Tailed Beast on the main battlefield, Kushina would have to be sent out as well!

Once Konoha sent the Nine-Tails into battle, the other ninja villages would realize that Konoha had reached the end of its rope, and the battlefields that had already calmed down would stir with chaos once more.

So, Minato must have been frantic with worry before; no wonder he had been attacking everywhere like a madman, to the point where he couldn't even look after Kakashi and Rin.

And the reason Konoha was so exhausted remained simple.

The Daimyo had cut off supplies at a critical moment.

The ninja system really is a piece of trash.

Li Ke grumbled internally, but no matter what he thought, at this moment, he was standing there like a mere grunt.

In reality, he was a grunt. If he hadn't decisively displayed his power and mastered the Flying Raijin Jutsu, he would truly be nothing more than a pawn.

Finally, after the meeting—which looked like a discussion on how to deal with the Mist but was actually a session for dividing the spoils—concluded, Minato called out to Li Ke.

"Qingtan, let's talk about the Flying Raijin Jutsu."

The other ninjas left with tacit understanding, leaving only Minato and Li Ke in the tent.

Once the others had departed, Minato spoke to Li Ke with great sincerity.

"Thank you so much, Qingtan. You've helped me a great deal."

He was truly earnest, even bowing slightly to show his gratitude.

Li Ke was surprised, because at this moment, even if Fugaku Uchiha couldn't see it, it was clear that Minato was already the Hokage! For a Hokage to bow and thank a ninja, it showed immense sincerity.

Moreover, what Minato said next stunned Li Ke completely.

"Although it sounds selfish, I really do need to acquire merit because I don't want my wife, Kushina, to go to the battlefield. So, Qingtan, you really helped me out! When the war ends, we must get together at my place. I think Kushina, Jiraiya-sensei, and Lady Tsunade would all love to meet you... And if I recall correctly, you are actually a relative of Lady Tsunade."

Li Ke's brain rapidly analyzed Minato's words:

I want enough merit, and this time I need to take the lion's share. So, I'm sorry, your merit might be a bit less, but I'm doing this to keep my wife off the battlefield, not to target or suppress you. From now on, you are a friend who can come to my house for dinner. Furthermore, I will recommend you to become a student of Jiraiya and Tsunade, and help you gain Tsunade's support.

Li Ke truly hadn't expected Minato to be this thorough. It meant Minato had researched his entire background, even looking into the family tree that Li Ke himself barely cared about!

Minato's words were essentially an invitation for him to enter the core of Konoha's power.

But he hadn't expected Minato to be so open with his true feelings.

To others, Minato claiming he did it for Kushina might sound like an excuse to secure the Hokage position, but in the eyes of Li Ke, who knew that Minato would eventually die for love, he knew Minato was truly fighting this hard for her.

"No problem. We are all doing this for Konoha Village; ninjas should serve the interests of the people. But Minato, you really are working hard..."

Li Ke's words also hid a lot of information.

The first sentence expressed obedience to the arrangement, indicating he had no objections, wouldn't cause trouble, and wouldn't leak anything. The second sentence expressed a willingness to get close to Minato, to become part of his faction, and showed understanding of Minato's devotion to his wife.

Calling Minato by his first name signaled that he accepted the terms.

Minato paused for a moment, then revealed an even brighter smile.

"You really are a genius, Qingtan."

"It's all for the village, isn't it? Besides, when I get married in the future, I'd like to ask you to be my witness."

The two shared a smile, and Minato finally felt completely at ease.

"No problem, Qingtan. You can count on me for that. However, time is of the essence. Let's execute the mission as soon as possible before your intelligence is leaked. Come, let's exchange Flying Raijin coordinates."

Minato held out his hand, and a Flying Thunder God Kunai, unencrypted by Fuinjutsu, appeared in his palm. Li Ke took out an identical, unencrypted kunai, and they exchanged their Flying Thunder God Marks.

After understanding the Fuinjutsu encoding of Minato, the Flying Raijin marks that had previously felt blurry to him could now be utilized by both him and Senju Tobirama.

But that wasn't all, as Minato pulled out a scroll and placed it in front of Li Ke.

"Oh, right. These are some of my insights. You can take a look so we can coordinate better. Alright, Qingtan, go back and rest for three hours. We depart immediately after!"

Li Ke nodded and left immediately, though he didn't need to rest; his augmented physique didn't fear this level of combat. Minato, on the other hand, didn't rest at all, instead going to find others to trade interests with.

However, when Li Ke opened the scroll, what he saw made him raise an eyebrow.

"Development and usage ideas for the Flying Raijin: Guiding Thunder, and the development process of the Rasengan... He really is going all out."

This wasn't just some "insights"; these were Minato's personal notes on ninjutsu development!

So I was right...

If Minato wasn't the Fourth Hokage, who could be?

But—

He is also the least suited for it.