A New Beginning

Two days later.

The Hokage election ended.

Without any surprises, Namikaze Minato was elected the new Hokage.

This marked his official rise onto the stage of history as Konoha's Fourth Hokage.

As the saying went, a new emperor brought new ministers.

Whether others were willing or not, with Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, stepping down, a large number of old-timers also withdrew from the village's management.

At the same time, more young people entered the village's center of power.

And this made the village grow increasingly lively. Even the atmosphere for training seemed to thicken somewhat.

Sure enough, early that morning, Qian finished washing up as usual and walked out of the courtyard. He had just been about to grab something to eat when he ran into quite a few ninjas on the road who had risen early and were preparing to train.

Their faces shone with hope, and every one of them seemed full of longing for the future.

Seeing this, Qian could not help shaking his head, thinking, If they knew that Namikaze Minato, the Fourth Hokage, would only remain in office for a mere year, I wonder how they'd feel?

"Qian!"

Just as Qian's thoughts were wandering, a familiar voice came from behind him and called out to him.

Qian turned back, and then saw Uchiha Shisui arrive in front of him in a flicker.

"Shisui! Need something?"

Qian looked at him and asked in confusion.

"Nothing."

Uchiha Shisui shook his head, glanced over Qian, who was fully armed, and said, "Are you going to train again?"

"Mm."

Qian nodded, making no attempt to hide it. There was no need to hide it either.

Hearing this, Uchiha Shisui said in a somewhat admiring tone, "You really are diligent."

Qian had no way to respond to that, so