The next day, Konoha, Commercial Street
Morning sunlight spilled across the stone-paved road as the shops lining both sides of the street gradually opened for business.
Several housewives carrying vegetable baskets gathered in front of a vegetable stall.
"Have you heard? Yesterday, a five-year-old child graduated from the Ninja Academy. He's Lord White Fang's son."
"I heard too. He's from the Hatake Clan, after all. Come to think of it, Lord White Fang is already in his thirties this year, isn't he?"
"Exactly. He's in the prime of his life."
One of the older women lowered her voice and said mysteriously,
"I heard from my husband that the Third is getting old. It's time to consider the matter of a successor.
Right now, the most suitable candidate in the village is Lord White Fang."
The people beside her lit up and leaned closer.
"Really?"
"My husband's aunt's son is also a Genin, so he can hear a bit of gossip.
He said everyone had been talking about it in private lately. Lord White Fang has both strength and prestige, and he's Kakashi's father too.
Two outstanding talents in one family. If he becomes Hokage, Leaf Village's future will be bright!"
"I've heard that Lord White Fang treats his subordinates especially well and never puts on airs."
"That's right, Lord White Fang should be the one!"
The women chattered away, their voices growing louder and louder, drawing sidelong glances from passersby.
Outside the Ninja Academy
The dismissal bell rang, and children poured out in a flood.
Several young parents waited outside the gates, chatting as they picked up their children.
"Have you heard? The whole village is saying Lord White Fang is going to become the Fourth Hokage."
"I heard too. My brother-in-law's aunt's neighbor works at the mission assignment office.