He could feel the sincerity in the other man's words. This was neither a test nor a joke. Besides, he knew Sakumo Hatake very well.
"Sakumo, I!"
Sakumo smiled and said with certainty, "From this moment on, you're the Rain Shadow!"
"This isn't Konoha, so there aren't so many troublesome rules."
"Choosing a Kage only takes a word."
At that, he let out a long breath, his tone relaxed.
"I can finally put down this burden and breathe the air outside."
"Only after being a Kage do you realize how wonderful it is to be a ninja!"
His words were filled with emotion, leaving everyone with complicated expressions.
Chapter 513: A change of surroundings
Sakumo Hatake truly had no desire to be Hokage. He knew perfectly well that he simply wasn't cut out for it.
As a ninja, he might have been competent enough, but being an administrator was sheer torture for him.
Not only did he have to face mountains of paperwork, he also needed a clear vision for the future and the village's development. It left his mind in chaos, without the slightest idea of what to do.
The arrival of Xia Le, Fugaku, and the others had come at just the right time to solve his pressing problem. It also brought a familiar warmth to his life in this village.
Of course, he knew about the Uchiha Clan's recent situation, too. But he would not bring it up himself. That was basic courtesy.
"Xia Le, I... I'm not ready."
Caught off guard, Fugaku stumbled over his words.
"Fugaku, that excuse might work on an outsider. But with me?"
Xia Le smiled and shook his head.
"Do you really think I don't know whether you're ready?"
Fugaku blushed, then looked at the hat resting quietly before him, the