Present day.
Konoha.
A crowd packed the area beneath the Hokage Building: civilians, shinobi, and even visitors from elsewhere.
The bustling spectators stood shoulder to shoulder, completely blocking the nearby streets.
Even so, people were still desperately trying to squeeze their way in.
"Three Hokage together! You don't see that every day!"
"Waaah, Minato-sama is so handsome! Why does he have to step down?"
"Oh, Lord Obito is handsome too. He just looks a little goofy when he smiles."
"The New Year Celebration and Handover Ceremony on the same day! Konoha has two reasons to celebrate today!"
"Sure, but I get the feeling the big shots just wanted to save themselves some trouble..."
On the circular platform atop the Hokage Building.
Hiruzen, Minato, and Obito all wore white Hokage robes patterned with flames.
The three stood smiling at the edge of the platform.
They kept waving in every direction, responding to the villagers' enthusiastic cheers.
Once the cheering began to die down.
Hiruzen stepped forward, cleared his throat, and spoke in a ringing voice.
"People of Konoha, we have just won a resounding victory in war."
"Today's Konoha is a new Konoha, a strong and prosperous Konoha!"
"We bid farewell to the old year with soaring spirits, and greet the new with our fighting spirit undimmed!"
The villagers below couldn't contain their excitement and shouted.
"Long live Konoha! Long live Lord Hokage!"
"Holy shit, that was good! That was so damn good!"
"Konoha is fucking awesome!" His voice cracked.
However, enthusiasm had its limits...
An hour later.
Hiruzen was still talking away, nowhere near satisfied.
"Ahem, let me add one more point..."
"Finally, let me emphasize this once more..."
Half the spectators below had already left.
The remaining half looked utterly listless.
They seemed liable to fall asleep at any