The Daimyo's Investiture

The Daimyo, seated on the platform, applauded and praised Naraku. This prompted the officials, Guardian Ninja, and samurai in the audience to join in the applause, which soon erupted in thunderous applause.

However, a servant-like man hurriedly ran to the Daimyo's side and whispered a few words in Daimyo ear. The Daimyo immediately looked flustered.

"Does Konoha dare to defy the world and bully me?"

The Daimyo was somewhat flustered upon hearing the news, but quickly regained his composure. His eyes flickered for a moment, then, as if remembering something, he whispered to the guards behind him:

"Kazuma, bring me the Hokage appointment letter!"

Kazuma, who was guarding him on either side, opened a brocade box next to the Daimyo's seat in the Martial Arts Arena, took out a document from it, and then handed it to the Daimyo.

"Bring me pen and ink!"

The Daimyo reiterated that the Hokage appointment letter had already been written and the Daimyo seal had been affixed; all that was left was to fill in the name. It was originally just a formality for the appointment.

If appointing Daimyo Hokage were effective, they would have appointed themselves Hokage long ago and taken control of both military and political affairs.

Upon hearing this, the attendant handed over a brush and ink. The Daimyo took the brush and dipped it in the ink.

"Since you've let me decide, then I'll bestow titles upon those who please me."

The Daimyo glanced at Uchiha Nara in the arena, carefully wrote Uchiha Nara's name on the blank space on the appointment letter, and then handed it to his personal attendant.

After receiving the document, the Daimyo's personal attendant walked to the front of the Martial Arts Arena and loudly summoned:

"Uchiha Nara, receive the decree!"

Naraku stood on the dueling platform, but instead of the Guardian Ninja who were to compete, a servant-like person appeared. Somewhat puzzled, Naraku dared not be negligent and knelt on one knee, loudly proclaiming:

"Your subject obeys the decree!"

The attendant glanced at Naraku, spread out the edict, and read it aloud:

" By Daimyo decree of the Daimyo! Konoha has a ninja, Uchiha Nara, whose Ninjutsu is superb, whose knowledge is extensive, whose loyalty and bravery are excellent, and whose manners are impeccable. He is now nominated by Konoha and entrusted with the responsibilities Daimyo the Daimyo."

You may become the Hokage of Konoha. May you, upon receiving this command, protect the nation and save its people! So be it!

Naraku a little confused. A perfectly normal martial arts competition had suddenly turned into a Hokage appointment. However, Naraku on his shock and quickly shouted back:

"I obey the decree!"

After Naraku finished speaking, he stood up, walked forward, took the document from the Daimyo's attendant, and carefully examined it. The Daimyo's seal and stamp were all present, and he couldn't help but show a look of wild joy.

"Hokage, work hard! The future of the Land of Fire depends on you."

Seeing Naraku's joyful expression after receiving the document, the Daimyo on the platform couldn't help but smile. He covered his mouth with his folding fan and whispered words of encouragement.

"Your Highness, I will serve you to the death!"

"No, no, no, there's no need for death or anything like that. Just protect the people of my Land of Fire. From now on, I'll rely on the Hokage to take good care of us."

The Daimyo is a double entendre, conveying a very warm and friendly feeling.

"Your Daimyo, rest assured! As long as Naraku lives, he will never allow the Land of Fire to be ravaged by other countries! Nor will he allow Daimyo Highness to worry about national affairs or family matters!"

Naraku's reply was also ambiguous, telling the Daimyo not to worry about his life or property, and that he could just lie down and relax from now on.

"In that case, I can rest assured. Hokage, Mr. Namikaze Minato, now that the appointments have been made, please return."

After issuing the order to leave, the Daimyo waved his hand at the attendants beside him.

"Prepare the carriage and return to the palace!"

At the very cooperative shout of the Daimyo's attendant, the samurai, ninjas, and officials in the Martial Arts Arena all stood up.

"Your Daimyo, this is unacceptable! Why not consult Sarutobi's opinion on the appointment of the Hokage? Daimyo Sarutobi has not even been summoned yet. Why are you in such a hurry to announce the Hokage candidate!"

A figure resembling an official stepped out of the ranks and loudly inquired of the daimyo, Daimyo one he was referring to as Sarutobi, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.

"Yes, yes! Your Highness, the appointment of the Hokage is a matter of great importance and should not be made lightly!"

"Your Highness, please rescind your order!"

Many officials stood up to object, and within a short time, more than ten officials came out and asked the Daimyo to rescind his order.

For nearly thirty years, Sarutobi Hiruzen has been the Hokage. In the Capital City and the imperial court, he not only controls the Daimyo, but most officials and ministers are also subdued by Sarutobi Hiruzen's tyranny.

Konoha is crucial to the stability of the Land of Fire. It boasts the strongest military in the Land of Fire, with powerful ninja warriors. Officials and Daimyo often hire Konoha Ninja for protection.

Most of them knew something about the situation in Konoha. Without the approval of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, the appointment of the Hokage was just a piece of paper.

"Hmph! Ridiculous! His Daimyo the Daimyo's word is law! How can he change his mind so easily? Do you think the Uchiha Clan's Ninjutsu is inferior?!"

Naraku snorted coldly and retorted loudly, while a strong aura emanated from his body. As soon as he finished speaking, a strong wind blew up in the Martial Arts Arena.

This aura was worlds apart from the gentle and warm demeanor he displayed during the previous Ninjutsu competition.

The attendants carrying the flags were all swaying precariously, and the flags were fluttering wildly.

Although Uchiha Nara suppressed Uzumaki Akatsuki and could not use his full strength, his aura and Chakra were far beyond what these ordinary people could resist.

Under the overwhelming pressure of Naraku's powerful aura, the ministers who were bowing and pleading with the Daimyo swayed unsteadily, as if someone was pulling them back.

"You! You!"

"Real..."

The ministers wanted to object, but under Naraku's imposing presence, they could barely utter a word.

Despite Naraku's powerful manipulation, the Daimyo remained completely unaffected.

The Daimyo smiled and nodded, ignoring the officials' advice, and turned to leave, Guardian Ninja, with his attendants following slowly Daimyo.

"Uchiha Nara, this is all I can do for you. The rest is up to you..."

The Daimyo in a huff, but was genuinely startled when he received Shimura Danzō that someone resembling Konoha's Anbu and Danzo Shimura, the Third Hokage's assistant, had appeared at the Capital City's gates.

However, after careful consideration, the Daimyo did not believe that Konoha would dare to openly attack him. So, after giving instructions on the Hokage's appointment, he left directly, leaving the rest to his own devices.

Naraku the Daimyo leave, not even glancing at the officials who had been forced to the ground by his imposing presence. He then turned to Namikaze Minato and said in a deep voice:

"Minato- kun, it seems Daimyo Majesty still values me more. You are an excellent ninja with the Will of Fire, just as I said before."

"If I become the Fourth Hokage, I will definitely appoint you as my assistant. Now I want to ask, Minato- kun, for the sake of Konoha, are you willing to assist me?"

Namikaze Minato was somewhat disheartened by the fact that the Daimyo had appointed him as the Fourth Hokage, and that he had missed out on the Hokage Position.

Uchiha Nara was more respected by the Jonin in Konoha than he was, and the Daimyo also favored Uchiha Nara.

With the Jonin Daimyo, Uchiha Nara was now the rightful Hokage of Konoha.

Given the high regard and appreciation for the new Hokage, Namikaze Minato felt he had no reason to refuse.

"If you will not abandon me, I will do my utmost to assist you! Fourth Generation!"

Namikaze Minato suppressed his disappointment and stood up to answer.

"Alright! I hereby declare, in my capacity as the Fourth Hokage, that Namikaze Minato will be my advisor! Together we will rule Konoha!"

"Thank you, Naraku!"

Although this wasn't in Konoha, and there were few Konoha Ninja witnessing it, Namikaze Minato was still deeply moved.

Although he didn't become the Fourth Hokage, he might very well become the Fifth Hokage in the future. Moreover, Uchiha Nara is also a ninja with the Will of Fire. With his assistance, Konoha will definitely prosper even more.

"No, I should thank you, Minato -kun. Konoha belongs to Konoha. Thank you for being willing to assist me."

May Konoha prosper under our rule, and may the Land of Fire enjoy greater peace under our protection.

Only in this way can we live up to the support of the Konoha Ninja and the trust placed in us by the Daimyo!