The Hokage inauguration ceremony

In the shadows atop the wall, several pairs of eyes remained open in the night.

They belonged to spies from other villages.

That night, carrier pigeons flew from Konoha's northern wall, heading toward Kumogakure.

Kumogakure, the Raikage's Office.

After reading the intelligence report, Fourth Raikage A slammed his fist onto the desk. The teacup on it bounced up, fell to the floor, and shattered.

"Uchiha En?"

"That brat who drove our delegation out of the village became Hokage?!"

His voice was low, as though squeezed through clenched teeth.

"Is the intelligence reliable?"

"Yes. The Daimyo personally signed the appointment decree. The news has spread throughout Konoha."

A's chest heaved several times.

"Good. Very good."

He walked to the window and stared into the night, his gaze dark.

"Konoha put a brat like that in charge... I won't forget this."

Sunagakure, the Kazekage's Office.

Fourth Kazekage Rasa set the intelligence report on his desk and remained silent for a long time.

"An Uchiha... as Hokage."

He narrowed his eyes. "The Senju and Uchiha founded that village together. After coming full circle, it's back in Uchiha hands. Interesting."

After some thought, he gave an order. "Put Sunagakure's dealings with Konoha on hold for now. Let's see how this young Hokage operates."

Iwagakure.

Third Tsuchikage Ōnoki's small figure hovered in midair. After reading the intelligence report, he stroked his beard and snorted.

"An Uchiha brat became Hokage... Konoha is in for a major change."

"Lord Tsuchikage, should we do something?"

"Do what?"

Ōnoki waved a hand. "Iwagakure has no great feud with Konoha. There's no need to wade into these muddy waters. Just watch the show."

Kirigakure, the Mizukage's Office.

Fourth Mizukage Yagura sat behind his desk, his gaze unfocused and his body motionless, like a marionette.

Obito stood by the window, holding