Discussing the Five Dynasties

Land of Fire

Capital City

The walls of the Hall of Mental Cultivation of Hall of Mental Cultivation are adorned with numerous landscape murals.

Especially in the east, west, and north directions, there are three lifelike portraits of deities hanging on each side.

The portrait hanging on the east wall depicts a deity dressed in Daoist robes. The one on the west wall is of a dignified and solemn monk, while the one on the north wall is of a scholar-general dressed in armor, playing the zither. Naraku could not recognize the figures in the paintings.

Naraku on the tatami mat beneath the portrait to the north, with an incense burner in front of him shaped like an animal head, from which smoke curled upwards. In front of Naraku, Mitokado Homura and Namikaze Minato sat on the prayer mats.

Mitokado Homura frowned slightly, seemingly wanting to say something but holding back.

Namikaze Minato, standing to the side, spoke with a warm and gentle expression:

"Fourth Dynasty Master, you have now entered the Capital City and become the Daimyo, ruling the Land of Fire."

However... Konoha cannot be without a Hokage. The most urgent task now is probably to hold the selection for the Fifth Hokage as soon as possible.

Fourth Generation, do you have someone in mind for your consideration?

The Hokage Position was also something Namikaze Minato pursued. In the Capital City, Minato still remembered the tense situation twelve years ago when the Third Hokage Konoha and the Fourth Hokage were at each other's throats. He lamented how time flies.

Now that the Fourth Hokage has become the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, Konoha cannot be without a Hokage.

Namikaze Minato had always aspired to Hokage Position, but the Fourth Hokage inherited the position of Daimyo, making the originally insignificant Daimyo conferment ceremony particularly important.

In a sense, the opinion of the Fourth Hokage, Uchiha Nara, could directly determine the appointment of the Fifth Hokage.

Namikaze Minato's words relieved Mitokado Homura, who had been hesitant to speak. He also wanted to discuss the next Hokage, but dared not provoke Naraku.

"Fifth Hokage, Minato, given your condition, you are perfectly capable of succeeding him. However, Konoha is not like the Land of Fire; Konoha has Jonin voting process."

Jonin the backbone of the village, Jonin's opinions cannot be ignored. Even if I approve of you, it still needs to be approved by the Jonin's vote.

If I had to name my picks for the Fifth Hokage, Namikaze Minato would be number one. Other picks would be Jiraiya, Uchiha Obito, Uchiha Shisui, and Hatake Sakumo.

Of course, this is just my shortlist; the final decision will depend on the Jonin, which is very important."

Naraku responded softly to Namikaze Minato's words, saying that now that he had become the Daimyo, it was only natural for Konoha to elect the next generation.

Just because he was the Fourth Hokage and became the Daimyo, Naraku occupied two out of the three stages of the Hokage's success: the Jonin's recommendation, the previous Hokage's designation, and the Daimyo's investiture. Naraku's attitude became the most important factor in the Hokage story.

For Konoha today, Jiraiya and Hatake Sakumo, at fifty years old, are actually more reliable than the younger generation.

However, younger generations like Namikaze Minato, Uchiha Obito, and Uchiha Shisui are also very reliable. Moreover, within Konoha, Hatake Kakashi and Uchiha Itachi are quite popular.

"Jiraiya has no interest in becoming Hokage, but I think Tsunade Sannin, is also a candidate."

Mitokado Homura timely added another candidate: Sannin, one of the Tsunade, the wife of the Fourth Hokage, and the current Daimyo's wife. Tsunade has connections with many forces in Konoha, holds an important position, and can also receive Naraku's support.

Upon hearing Mitokado Homura's words, Naraku smiled, shook his head, and said softly:

"No, Konoha is full of talented people. Since we've decided to select the Fifth Hokage, let's not nominate my wife. Let's give others more opportunities."

Namikaze Minato was somewhat pleased that Naraku had designated him as the first choice. However, he became a little nervous after hearing that Mitokado Homura had nominated Tsunade. But Naraku's words eased Namikaze Minato's tension.

Since Naraku did not explicitly designate a successor to the Hokage Position, others had the opportunity to compete. If Naraku intended for his wife Tsunade to become the Fifth Hokage, then others would have virtually no chance and would not be able to compete at all.

"If possible, I would also like Jiraiya- sensei to become Hokage, but Jiraiya- sensei does not have that ambition."

If it were anyone else, I wouldn't be content to lag behind. Becoming Hokage is my dream.

Namikaze Minato's usually warm face turned unusually serious.

Namikaze Minato, who served as Hokage's assistant for over a decade, was arguably the second-best candidate after Tsunade. He was just a little short of being chosen during the Fourth Hokage selection.

Naraku could guess what the two were thinking. With a gentle expression, he nodded and chuckled softly:

"Minato, if you were to become the Fifth Hokage, then I wouldn't have to worry about Konoha at all."

However, as the Fourth Hokage and the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, I do not want to be the one to appoint and decide the Fifth Hokage.

Let's hold a Jonin meeting and start the Jonin vote after we get back. If the votes are close, then I'll make the final decision later.

However, Minato, I believe you will gain even more support from the Jonin.

Upon hearing Naraku's words, Mitokado Homura understood his meaning: Naraku wouldn't interfere with the selection of the Fifth Hokage; it would all Jonin's votes. Mitokado Homura admired Naraku's lack of covetousness for the Hokage's power and murmured:

"That would be best; the opinions of the Jonin are the most truthful and reliable."

"That's natural."

Naraku nodded in agreement.

"I see."

Namikaze Minato has served as the Minister of Department of Defense of Konoha for many years and also serves as the Dean of the Jonin Council. He has full confidence in the Jonin Namikaze Minato.

Naraku hesitated for a moment, then said softly:

"Furthermore, regarding the Uchiha Clan, the Uchiha are a ninja clan, and now I have been supported by the people of the Land of Fire and have inherited the position of Daimyo."

The Uchiha Clan will probably relocate all the branches closely related to me to the Capital City.

Even as Daimyo, I still need the power of the royal family and relatives to protect me. This is an important matter for Konoha going forward, as important as the selection of the Fifth Hokage."

Now that Naraku has become the Daimyo, it's about time he relinquished control of the ninja village affairs. In the ninja world, with the Daimyo's clan gaining power, the ninja village can only be a military institution under the Daimyo's control, and the Hokage will only be the Daimyo's general.

The idea of using the Daimyo as a mascot as before is no longer possible after Naraku became the Daimyo.

"Understood, we will support all your decrees."

Mitokado Homura immediately pledged his loyalty.

Upon hearing this, Namikaze Minato ruffled his hair and smiled, saying:

"A family, I hope that in the future I can also create a powerful family."

Naraku completely ignored Mitokado Homura's words of loyalty, and instead looked at Namikaze Minato with a light laugh:

"It's not difficult to establish a ninja clan. Minato and Naruto are eleven years old now, aren't they?"

He'll be graduating from the six-year Konoha Ninja Academy soon. When Naruto's older, won't your Namikaze Clan be a powerful clan in Konoha?

"Huh? Naruto's eleven years old? I didn't even notice until you told me!"

Naruto has grown up so much without me even realizing it; he still seems like a little kid...

When Namikaze Minato heard Naraku mention his age, he was astonished by the speed at which his son had grown up. At the same time, a look of longing unconsciously appeared on his face.

Whether it was the Hokage Uchiha Nara or the Hokage assisting Namikaze Minato, they dedicated most of their time to Konoha, leaving little time for their families and children.

Before they knew it, they had grown up.

"As children of Konoha High Command, they enjoy more resources, and this is an essential contribution."

Mitokado Homura was over sixty years old and already had grandchildren; he had long since come to terms with paternal love.

"Haha, that's true."

Upon hearing this, Namikaze Minato smiled and touched his hair.

Seeing that the conversation had ended and that he had said enough, Naraku said softly:

"Alright, Mr. Yan, Minato, we won't keep you any longer. The Daimyo succession ceremony is over, so it's time for you to set off back to Konoha."

Minato, I hope that next time you come to the Capital City, it will be because you've been recommended Jonin many Konoha Capital City to request an official appointment.

Naraku has already become Daimyo, and his current status makes it inappropriate for him to address anyone as "sir."

Mitokado Homura rose and bowed slightly, respectfully saying:

"Understood, I shall take my leave."

Mitokado Homura was impressed that Naraku still addressed him respectfully as "sensei" even after becoming Daimyo. Considering Naraku's past impolite behavior, Homura couldn't help but sigh that Naraku was indeed destined for greatness.

"Your subject takes his leave."

Namikaze Minato followed suit, bowing slightly before the two turned and left together.