In front of the Hokage building.
When Aoki Tsuki reappeared, the other three members of the squad quietly breathed a sigh of relief.
"You're finally back. The ceremony is about to begin," Shioame reminded him softly.
Before leaving that morning, Aoki Tsuki had said he was going to carry out a secret mission, and they had been worried. This was Konoha, after all; causing trouble here would surely end badly.
"Don't worry, I've been keeping track of the time. We'll head back this afternoon."
Hearing that, the others knew Aoki Tsuki had completed his secret mission, and they immediately relaxed.
Suddenly, the crowd erupted and looked up toward the roof. A yellow-haired figure wearing a ceremonial robe had appeared at the edge of the railing.
The Third Hokage stepped forward, before the two Hokage Advisors, numerous Jonin, villagers, and envoys from various nations.
He solemnly handed the hat that symbolized the title of Hokage to Minato Namikaze, who took it, put it on, and waved to everyone.
The crowd immediately burst into enthusiastic applause, celebrating the important moment.
"Hahaha... Minato, looks like you're popular with everyone," Jiraiya said with a laugh.
Of the Konoha Sannin, only he had attended. Tsunade had already left the village, and Orochimaru, having failed to become Hokage, was even less likely to show up in support.
Kushina Uzumaki chimed in with wholehearted agreement. "That's right, Minato. Everyone likes you, so do your best to be a good Hokage."
As she spoke, she clenched her fist to encourage him.
"Yes, I won't let everyone's trust in me down. Protecting the village and protecting everyone-that's our shared dream, Kushina," Minato said solemnly.
The moment the daimyo appointed him and the vote among all the Jonin was complete, he had already begun carrying out the duties of Hokage.
Today's handover was more of a symbolic ceremony, but the crowd's enthusiasm still deeply moved him.
Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep draw on his pipe, a gratified smile appearing on his face.
The two advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, were smiling as well.
A ninja like Minato Namikaze, both cheerful and immensely powerful, was truly born to be Hokage. Under his leadership, he would surely bring everyone a peaceful life.
That was what everyone felt.
The people from the neighboring small nations and villages were green with envy. Konoha never seemed to stop producing powerful shinobi.
First came the Konoha Sannin, then the Yellow Flash, and now the next generation had produced "Kakashi of the Sharingan."
Though they were Konoha's allies, few of them actually hoped it would continue to prosper.
"Captain, I heard the 'Yellow Flash' is really fast. I wonder who's faster, him or Lord Hanzō?" Ryōta asked curiously.
"Lord Hanzō's Body Flicker Technique is unmatched wherever there's water. The Fourth Hokage uses Space-Time Ninjutsu, which lets him travel through space regardless of distance or obstacles.
"In terms of movement speed, Space-Time Ninjutsu is definitely faster, but ninja battles come down to the ability to adapt on the fly. It's hard to say."
The Flying Thunder God was effective against ordinary opponents, but it wasn't as though it had never failed.
When the Second and Fourth used that move to attack Madara, both had suffered heavy losses without exception.
"How terrifying," Shinichi said in shock. "If he suddenly appeared behind you and struck with a blade, who could stop him?"
"Who could sleep, you mean," Shioame said, cold sweat beading on his forehead.
As a sensory ninja, he could tell that every one of the Chakra signatures on the roof was at least as strong as Hanzō's. One of them was like a monstrous beast from the abyss, giving him the urge to turn and run.
"Konoha really is full of powerful people!"
The Konoha Military Police Force was maintaining order. Clad in clothing bearing the fan crest, the members of the Uchiha Clan swept their red eyes over the crowd, watching for troublemakers.
The Hyuga, Sarutobi, Shimura, Ino-Shika-Cho, Inuzuka Clan, Aburame, Kurama, and other clans large and small were all present.
A sight like this was rare. Aoki Tsuki had said he was bringing his squad to broaden their horizons and gather some intelligence on the Konoha Ninja while they were at it.
How would Shioame dare gather intelligence now? Sensory ninja could detect one another.
If he did that, he would be taken down in minutes.
Half an hour later, the inauguration ceremony ended, and the Fourth Hokage began receiving the envoys from the various nations one by one.
Sunagakure, as one of the Five Great Shinobi Villages, was received first. The talks lasted about an hour.
They came out looking grave, and the meeting did not appear to have been very pleasant.
Second was the samurai delegation from the Land of Iron. The neutral nation's status rested on its formidable strength and excellent forging techniques, which had earned it the recognition of the major nations. The talks lasted half an hour.
They had come with a sincere desire for peaceful trade, and they emerged smiling. Apparently, the talks had gone well.
Third was Amegakure, one of the strongest villages among the small nations, though it now relied entirely on Hanzō to hold it up.
Aoki Tsuki entered the Hokage's office alone and saw a row of people seated behind a long table.
Minato Namikaze sat in the middle, with Jiraiya, the Third Hokage, and the two advisors on either side, along with the strategist Shikaku Nara, who was responsible for recording the conversation.
"Lord Hokage, Lord Third Hokage, honored seniors."
Aoki Tsuki bowed, then took out a handwritten letter from Hanzō and handed it over. "I am Aoki Tsuki, a Jonin of Amegakure. I have come on Lord Hanzō's behalf to congratulate the Fourth on his inauguration."
Minato Namikaze opened the scroll and glanced over it, then nodded slightly. "I have received Lord Hanzō's congratulations. Thank you to Amegakure for supporting Konoha.
"The Land of Rain lies at the junction of three great nations and is frequently ravaged by war. We in Konoha have also suffered from war, and we abhor it.
"I promise that we will never take the initiative to start a war, much less invade another nation. I hope our two nations will always interact peacefully and maintain a lasting friendship."
"That is exactly what we in the Land of Rain hope for. Lord Hanzō will surely be delighted to hear it."
"Mm. During the past wars, there were many matters where more aggressive measures had to be taken, and that's understandable. However, I hope dealings between our two nations will be more transparent in the future."
Aoki Tsuki knew Kakashi must have reported his private meeting with Danzo to Minato Namikaze.
Minato was pointing out that he should not have bypassed the Hokage to meet Danzo in secret.
"Of course. I will be sure to pass your views on to Lord Hanzō."
The Third Hokage blew a smoke ring and interjected, "I believe peace will last a long time in the Shinobi World from here on. Konoha will show its sincerity to the fullest extent possible. There is plenty of time ahead."
"You're right, there is plenty of time ahead. Though the Land of Rain is a small nation, we are willing to do our part to maintain peace in the Shinobi World.
"If Konoha plans to organize any major events in the future, such as the Chunin Ninja Exams, we will actively send ninja to participate.
"We also hope to strengthen trade, especially in supplies such as food and weapons."
Aoki Tsuki's basic strategy was to "speak softly and act firmly."
Konoha was amazing, everything they said was right, and he agreed with it all.
But if he was going to ally with them, they had to give him something in return.
Minato Namikaze felt a headache coming on. When these small nations allied with Konoha, they always wanted either money or food.
The others in the room frowned as well. The Land of Fire was wealthy, but after fighting wars on and off for decades, things were tight for them too.
But if they refused, their little boat of friendship could capsize at any moment.
Everyone turned to the Third. He was an expert in such matters and could always find a way to get money and food from the daimyo.
"Go back and tell Lord Hanzō that Konoha agrees to increase trade in food, weapons, and other supplies with the Land of Rain. In return, however, the Land of Rain must open its borders to passage.
"Konoha Ninja pass through the Land of Rain on missions to the Land of Demons, the Land of Birds, and other nations. We hope this will not cause any unnecessary conflict."
"Thank you for your generosity, Lord Third Hokage. I will convey your words exactly," Aoki Tsuki said happily.
Jiraiya suddenly spoke up. "Well, now that the important business is finished, kid, may I ask you a question?"
"Of course. I'll tell you everything I know."
"I heard the Land of Rain has been troubled by various rebel forces all these years. Have there been... um... any young people who stepped forward
"and worked for peace in their country or the Shinobi World?"
There was a hint of hope in Jiraiya's eyes. He had received word that several of his disciples had died, but he still wanted to ask.
Aoki Tsuki understood that he was trying to find out about Yahiko, Nagato, and Konan.
"Of course. I once served as a guard to the daimyo for a time. When a few people visited him, they advocated resolving disputes through communication.
"They formed a nonviolent organization, but it soon vanished without a trace. There are many other organizations like it.
"Most struggle to survive. The world of ninja is cruel, especially in the Land of Rain."
"I see." Jiraiya fell silent.
Afterward, Minato Namikaze brought the meeting to a close. "Thank you very much for your answer. I'll have my reply delivered to you shortly."
There were still quite a few envoys from small nations waiting to be received, so they could not spend too long.
"In that case, I'll take my leave."
Aoki Tsuki and the rest of his squad turned and left the Hokage building.
Before long, a masked Anbu member delivered a scroll.
"Let's go back to the village."
Their mission had been successfully completed, so the group wasted no time leaving Konoha and heading straight for the Land of Rain.
They traveled faster on the way back and returned to Amegakure in just three days.
Aoki Tsuki told the others in his squad to go home and rest, while he went to report to Hanzō on the mission.
In the room, Hanzō read Danzo's reply first, then the Fourth Hokage's, and nodded in satisfaction.
"You did very well this time, securing benefits for the village. From now on, you'll handle all of the village's dealings with outsiders."
"Thank you for placing your trust in me, my lord. I won't disappoint you."
"Mm. Go and rest."
Aoki Tsuki then withdrew from the room. A small village like Amegakure did not have as many institutions as the Five Great Nations; Hanzō had the final say in everything.
If he said Aoki Tsuki was a guard, then he was a guard. If he said Aoki Tsuki was the foreign minister, then he was the foreign minister.
Aoki Tsuki was happy with that. Guard duty might be easy, but it was a bit wearing.
"It's nice to get out for some fresh air once in a while."