"I didn't expect word to reach you so soon, Hokage. The Fourth Raikage overestimated himself. Let's call this a lesson for him," Fugaku said.
The Third Hokage smiled. "I'm not getting any younger. I've led Konoha since I was a teenager, and these past few years, I've felt less and less able to keep up.
"Do you have any thoughts on who should be the next Hokage? Would you prefer Orochimaru or Minato?"
Surprise flickered across Fugaku's face. He hadn't expected the Hokage to ask him that.
"I don't have a preference. Orochimaru and I have been friends for years and fought side by side. Minato is my student.
"I'd be happy for either of them if he became Hokage."
The Third Hokage nodded. "Have you ever considered becoming Hokage yourself? Your wartime achievements surpass both of theirs. You'd have a strong advantage and a good chance of winning if you ran.
"You've earned a fine reputation in Konoha over the past few years, and many of the younger generation look up to you."
Fugaku smiled. "I used to think about it, but I gave up on the idea. Being Hokage is different from being the Uchiha Clan Leader. I couldn't stand spending every day buried in paperwork.
"Things are better as they are. Konoha is thriving, talented young Uchiha keep emerging, and Jin handles the Security Force's affairs for me. I can travel around the Shinobi World with Mikoto.
"When I feel like it, I can guide the younger generation or develop some Ninjutsu of my own."
"Haha! Put that way, I'm almost jealous."
Fugaku let out a quiet breath as he left the Hokage's Office. He had meant every word he'd said to the Third Hokage. He might once have considered running for Hokage, but he no longer