Six months later, deafening cheers erupted on the battlefield of Kirigakure, for the war had finally ended. With Kirigakure's withdrawal and surrender agreement, the Third Shinobi World War, which had swept across the Shinobi World world, was finally coming to a close.
Two weeks later, in a barbecue restaurant in Konoha, Kōki and Kakashi's generation were enjoying the hard-won peace.
"It's so good that the war is over and the Shinobi World is at peace." Asuma Sarutobi said with a look of pure enjoyment as he put a skewer of steaming, fragrant grilled meat into his mouth. It was hard to tell whether it was the taste of the grilled meat or the atmosphere of peace that captivated him, but his face was full of contentment.
"Yes, the war is finally over. This is truly youth!"
Unlike Asuma Sarutobi's intoxication, Might Guy roared, drawing strange looks from everyone else in the yakiniku restaurant.
This made Kakashi and the others around him feel extremely uncomfortable, and they quickly helped the excited Kayla sit down.
"Kai, you're attracting too much attention. Don't bother others!" Genma Shiranui complained after pulling Kai back to his seat.
Although he was in the same team as Kai and had spent a lot of time with him, he still couldn't get used to that kind of behavior; it was just too embarrassing and shameful.
" Genma, this is youth, youth is never backing down." Even after being pulled back to his seat by Genma Shiranui, Kai didn't stop talking. He even shed two tears as he spoke, as if he was moved by something, which looked somewhat comical.
On the other side, Ebisu quickly changed the subject, saying, "Kai, let's not talk about youth anymore. If you don't start eating soon, Kakashi and Kōki will steal all the barbecue. They've been keeping quiet and focusing on the barbecue the whole time."
There was nothing he could do; he simply couldn't stand Kai's antics, and to quiet Kai down, he had to distract him.
"Damn it, Kakashi! He caught me off guard! Watch this!" Guy roared and joined the battle for the barbecue.
The atmosphere within the group quickly became even more lively, and eventually even the two beautiful female ninjas, Hong and Lin, couldn't resist abandoning their reserve and joining in, enjoying this wonderful and joyful moment together.
Finally, after they had eaten and drunk their fill, the atmosphere between them calmed down.
"Speaking of which, we can be so comfortable here thanks to Kōki. If it weren't for Kōki, the war wouldn't have ended so easily!" Kurenai, who had just switched back to her elegant female ninja mode from her crazy girl mode, wiped the grease from her mouth with a tissue while looking at Kōki with admiring eyes.
She truly never expected that the child who had suddenly found her and said he wanted to learn Genjutsu from her father would achieve such amazing feats on the battlefield.
Back then, when she first heard on the battlefield that Kōki Kamui and defeated the enemy, she was completely stunned and couldn't believe that the person worshipped by the Konoha Ninja was a child she knew.
Only after faced with such irrefutable facts did they reluctantly believe it.
Even now, she still feels a little unreal, and can't help but wonder if she's dreaming.
"Indeed, no one could have imagined that the boy who took the graduation exam with Kakashi would grow into a powerful Shinobi World in such a short time. It's astonishing. And with Kōki's contributions, if he weren't so young, I think he might even have become Hokage!" Genma Shiranui couldn't help but exclaim.
"That's right, if Kōki becomes Hokage, I'll definitely support it wholeheartedly."
Hearing Kurenai Yuhi and the others' praise, Kōki humbly smiled and said, " Konoha's victory in the war was never solely due to my efforts. There were also many ninjas who fought and bled for Konoha, like Kurenai-senpai, Rin-senpai, and Kakashi- senpai."
Kōki paused, his gaze sweeping over Kurenai, Ebisu, and finally Kakashi's face, before continuing, "So we are all heroes of Konoha."
Are we heroes too?
Ebisu others were deeply moved that a strong person like Kōki like them to Chunin heroes of Konoha. They felt a warm current flowing through their hearts.
" Kōki. Victory in war is never determined by a single strong individual, but rather by the countless unsung heroes who sacrifice their lives for Konoha and tirelessly dedicate themselves to the Konoha. They are the heroes of Konoha and the supporters of the Will of Fire."
Suddenly, a kind yet subtly authoritative voice came from not far away.
Upon hearing the voice, Kakashi and the others quickly turned to look.
Suddenly, a figure dressed in a divine robe appeared behind them.
Upon seeing this figure, Kakashi and the others immediately stood up and respectfully greeted, " Lord Hokage!"
That's right, the newcomer was none other than the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He was still preoccupied with many matters after the war, but he was restless and wanted to experience the atmosphere of Konoha after the war, so he strolled around the roadside.
As a result, when passing by the barbecue restaurant, I saw Kōki and the others having a gathering. Then I heard Kōki's passionate and inspiring speech. The strong Will of Fire revealed in his words made me unable to help but agree.
"It's alright, please sit down, don't mind this old man. I just couldn't help but feel happy for Konoha's future after hearing Kōki's speech. The future of Konoha belongs to you young people. I believe that as you grow up, Konoha will become more and more prosperous and powerful."
However, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't chat with Kōki and the others for long before leaving. He had limited free time and wanted to see more sights.
After watching Hiruzen Sarutobi leave in a hurry, Kōki and the others sat down again.
"It seems the Lord Hokage is really busy," Genma Shiranui remarked, then suddenly remembered something and asked Asuma Sarutobi beside him, " Asuma, there's been talk about the Fourth Hokage election lately, isn't there?"
Hearing Genma Shiranui's question, Asuma nodded. "Yes, I heard the old man mention it before. He said he's getting old and it's time to start the Fourth Hokage election, and it'll be in the next few days. You should all hear the news then."
As the son of the Hokage, he is undoubtedly the most knowledgeable about information.
These words invigorated everyone present. A change of Hokage was a momentous event, especially since Konoha had just experienced a massive war. It was believed that the arrival of a new Hokage would further enhance Konoha's prestige.
However, they were curious about who this new Hokage might be.
It's important to know that there are quite a few people in Konoha who are qualified to become Hokage, such as Orochimaru and Jiraiya from the Sannin, or younger ones like Minato Namikaze, Kakashi's teacher.
These people, regardless of their merits or strength, have the potential to become the Fourth Hokage. Even the head of the Uchiha Clan has been subtly nominated as a Hokage candidate due to his improved reputation over the past six months.
Therefore, the competition for the position of Fourth Hokage is truly fierce.