Itachi: Father, Mother has already...

"My apologies, Minato-sensei."

After the inauguration ceremony concluded, Uchiha Shimizu handed over the head of Minato Namikaze to the Konoha high-ranking officials and released the Sealing Jutsu attached to it.

At this moment, the Konoha leadership was gathered inside the Hokage Building.

Many heads of the ninja clans were also assembled here; they had not left with the commoners or other ninjas.

The atmosphere in the office was stagnant, so quiet that even the sound of the wind blowing outside was clearly audible.

"It is nothing."

A bitter smile appeared on Minato Namikaze's face, and then dust surged beneath his neck, rapidly molding into a complete body.

After recovering as he was, he looked down at his palms and clenched his fists slightly, yet he felt nothing.

Minato Namikaze had been prepared for all of this; that cold, icy shell had no sense of pain, nor could it perceive warmth.

For him now, even feeling pain was a luxury.

Uchiha Shimizu stood with his hands behind his back, looking around and sweeping his gaze over everyone present.

"Shimura Danzō is dead, and the Root he left behind is leaderless. From today on, Uzuki Yugao will take over as the second leader of Root."

With that said, Uzuki Yugao walked in from outside the door and knelt on one knee.

As soon as these words were spoken, there was an uproar in the conference room.

Many people looked up at Uchiha Shimizu; some had expressions of confusion, while others had already lowered their heads and eyes, not daring to voice the slightest objection.

"Yes."

After a brief silence, someone finally responded in a low voice, and then the others followed suit, nodding in agreement.

"Furthermore."

Uchiha Shimizu paused, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. "The position of Hokage