Fugaku remained in Konoha largely because the village held too many memories for him, along with friends and family he had known for years.
But he could already feel himself growing colder toward others.
Konoha mattered less and less to him. Perhaps his strength had grown too quickly, or perhaps it had something to do with the time he had spent wandering among the stars.
"Stepping down might be for the best. The Shinobi World still holds plenty of secrets for you to explore, and there's so much you can do with a long life."
Orochimaru nodded. "Thank you, Fugaku. These days, you're the only one I can talk to about what's on my mind."
Fugaku nodded in understanding.
Tsunade had married Dan, so she naturally had neither the time nor the inclination to come all this way at night and talk with Orochimaru.
Jiraiya was traveling the Shinobi World, his whereabouts uncertain. None of the others were close enough to Orochimaru for a conversation like this.
"Stepping down from the Hokage position will take quite a few formalities. If you've made up your mind, you should prepare early and give Minato time to adjust."
"You're right, Fugaku," Orochimaru said. "I'll speak with Minato tomorrow.
"Then I'll call a Konoha leadership meeting and a Jonin Meeting."
They discussed it for another ten minutes or so before going their separate ways.
The next morning, Obito and Shisui met in the forest behind the Uchiha District.
"Obito, I heard you were looking for me."
Obito grinned. "Little Shisui, I heard you awakened the Mangekyo Sharingan. I knew you were an Uchiha genius worth watching. You even awakened it before I did."
"Uh..."
Shisui was at a loss for words. He wanted to ask Obito if he had no shame, but knowing what