"Han!"
"From today onward, you are Iwagakure's Fourth Tsuchikage!"
"Yes!"
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Third! I will never let everyone down!"
Han, an Iwagakure Jonin, the Five-Tails Jinchuriki, and the renowned Steam Ninja, officially became Iwagakure's Fourth Tsuchikage that day!
Han took off his red hat, bent down to accept the Tsuchikage Hat Ōnoki handed him, and put it on his head.
As Han turned to face the many members of Iwagakure below and deafening cheers rang out in every direction, Ōnoki finally felt a trace of comfort.
Perhaps he should have made this choice long ago!
Han would surely become the most capable Tsuchikage!
And so, news of the Fourth Tsuchikage's appointment began to spread rapidly.
Like a pebble falling into water, it stirred up rings of ripples...
With Ōnoki's retirement, the older generation of Ninja in the shinobi world gradually began withdrawing from their villages' centers of power, and a new generation took the stage.
The time for a changing of the guard had arrived!
"Ōnoki is coming to Konoha to discuss the Armistice Agreement?"
"Wait, the Armistice Agreement has already been signed, and Ōnoki signed it personally with Master Jiraiya! So what is he coming for?"
Shihōin Naraku looked up at Tsunade in confusion.
Tsunade was puzzled too. "Who knows what's going on? But Iwagakure sent word through official channels. He'll be here in about a week."
So soon?
And former Tsuchikage Ōnoki is leading the delegation himself?
Seeing that Naraku was just as baffled, Tsunade waved a hand. "Forget it. Once Ōnoki gets here, we'll know what's going on."
"How is the barrier installation coming along? The Barrier Team has been consuming a staggering amount of manpower and resources lately. Even ANBU members have started going out on material-gathering missions. I finally understand