216-220

Chapter 216: Back to Their Own Time 

Naruto Uzumaki and Yamato were glowing, on the verge of returning to their own time. 

Minato Namikaze placed one hand on the ground. 

"Obliterate!" 

A sealing array appeared on the ground. 

Minato explained, "Once you two return, your memories of us and our memories of you will disappear." 

Sara excitedly told Naruto, "Naruto, maybe, just like you said, the Land of Rōran really will be destroyed. But I still have the people of Rōran, and for them, I will definitely do what I need to do, because this is what you taught me!" 

Naruto energetically gave Sara a big thumbs-up. "As long as you have strong willpower, you can definitely do it!" 

Shindai grumbled, "Didn't I teach her anything? She didn't even mention me." 

Rin Nohara sighed helplessly. "Shindai, to be honest, I'm worried about you." 

Shindai looked confused. "Worried about me? Worried about what?" 

Rin looked at Shindai with a strange expression and said, "If it weren't for Yugao-neechan, you'd definitely end up alone forever." 

Obito chimed in, "Yeah, you teach? It's a miracle if you're not speaking in a sarcastic tone." 

Kakashi sneered, "There's a limit to how thick-skinned you can be." 

Shindai scoffed. "Alone forever? What are you talking about? Naruto, tell them, do I have two wives in the future or not?!" 

Naruto's eyes suddenly filled with pity. "Rin-neechan, Obito-niisan, Kakashi-sensei, don't worry. Someone will 'cure' Big Brother Shindai eventually." 

"Well then, everyone, goodbye." 

The light around Naruto and Yamato grew brighter and brighter. 

Sara rushed forward and hugged Naruto, her eyes red and her voice choked with emotion. "Naruto..." 

Naruto gently ruffled Sara's head. "I believe in you, Sara. Let's do our best together!" 

Naruto and Yamato vanished in a flash of light. 

Back to the Future 

Naruto and Yamato returned to their own era. The older versions of Shindai and Sakura appeared next to the unconscious duo. 

Sakura shook Naruto. "Are you okay, Naruto?!" 

Shindai, a cigarette dangling from his mouth, exhaled a puff of smoke leisurely. "Sakura, has your brain been clogged with sand here? It's pretty obvious these two are unconscious. What good does asking 'Are you okay?' do?" 

Two veins instantly bulged on Sakura's forehead. 

Shindai then used his foot to prod the unconscious Yamato's rear, shaking him vigorously. "Hey, time to wake up!" 

Naruto and Yamato slowly began to regain consciousness. 

Naruto shook his head. "What happened? I can't remember anything." 

Yamato also looked completely bewildered. 

Shindai asked, "Hey, Naruto, check if the letter I gave you is still there." 

Naruto rummaged through his ninja pouch. "Huh? It's gone? A lot of my ninja tools are gone too. Big Brother Shindai, I didn't lose them, they're really just gone!" 

Shindai waved a hand. "I didn't say you lost them. You probably already handed them over to the person they were meant for." 

"Hmm? How'd this note get in my ninja pouch?" 

Yamato pulled a piece of paper from his pouch. 

Shindai reached out and took it to read. 

[Selling Yamato, latest model. Also, go see a doctor if you're sick.] 

"Ugh!" Shindai spat the cigarette from his mouth onto the ground, then crumpled the note into a ball and threw it down forcefully. "Are you crazy?! Cursing myself? Who's the one who's sick here? Wasn't I thinking about our shared happiness in the future?!" 

Naruto, Sakura, and Yamato all stared oddly at Shindai, who had suddenly gotten angry. 

What's with this sudden tantrum? 

A Familiar Face and Accusations 

As Naruto and the others were about to leave the Rōran ruins, Naruto saw a very familiar girl in the distance walking towards them, though he couldn't quite place her. 

The girl told the four of them, "As I walked near here, I felt the faint hum of the Dragon Pulse, so I came to check it out." 

Naruto looked confused. "A hum?" 

"My mother was once the queen who ruled this land of Rōran. So, if I use this, I can faintly sense the Dragon Pulse's presence." 

The girl pulled out an old, rusty chakra blade that looked quite ancient. 

"Huh? Isn't that a Leaf Village chakra blade?" 

Naruto, seeing the familiar chakra blade, instinctively patted his waist, only to find his own scabbard empty. 

The girl hugged the chakra blade to her chest, cherishing it. "This is my mother's treasure. Mother said it was given to her by a hero who appeared in her dreams. Because Rōran lost the support of the Dragon Pulse, this environment became unsuitable for us to live in, so we migrated. Thanks to Mother, our people survived. I, too, will inherit Mother's will and continue to live alongside my people!" 

Naruto stared at the girl before him, a strangely familiar feeling stirring within him. 

"I apologize for disturbing you all. I'll take my leave now." 

The girl turned and left. 

Naruto gazed at the girl's retreating back and murmured, "What's going on? I feel like we've met somewhere before..." 

Shindai said in a strange, mocking voice, "Oh really? Naruto, do you say that to every girl you meet? I'll have to tell Kushina-neechan and Hinata about this. Lord Minato is so pure-hearted, he can't have raised a playboy like you." 

Naruto jumped up, protesting, "No way! I just really felt like I knew her!" 

Sakura also said sarcastically, "You were totally spaced out. You must have had some dirty dream while you were unconscious!" 

Naruto felt incredibly wronged. "I really didn't! Ugh, fine, I'm not explaining anymore. Let's just hurry back to the Leaf Village and report the mission. I wonder where that Mukade escaped to." 

Shindai paused, scratching his chin. "Mukade is definitely dead. We finally got a chance to leave the Leaf Village, let's take our time heading back. I want to enjoy the scenery." 

"Scenery?" 

Sakura Haruno looked around at the endless yellow sand. What scenery was there to see? 

Yamato sported a sly grin. "Shindai-senpai, you're not... afraid to go back to the Leaf, are you?" 

Naruto also smirked playfully. "He totally is! Big Brother Shindai was so eager to come on this mission with us because he made both of the big sisters mad and needed to escape!" 

The next second, Naruto and Yamato clutched their heads and crouched down, large bumps appearing on both their heads. 

Shindai blew on his fist. "Hmph, daring to spread rumors about me? You two are getting bold! Me, scared? What a joke!" 

Suddenly, Shindai's body stiffened, and a female voice echoed in his mind. 

"Get your butt back here as soon as the mission is done!" 

Shindai's expression immediately turned sour. "I'll be right back..." 

Shindai glared at Naruto and Yamato, then walked off in a huff by himself. 

Chapter 217: Entrusted 

Naruto Uzumaki and Yamato had returned to their own time. 

Because Naruto and Yamato had left, Shindai and the others also lost their memories of the specific events. 

However, they were a bit better off than Naruto, who forgot everything. Shindai and the others still knew their mission was complete. 

But Shindai didn't completely forget everything, as he already had some faint memories of Rōran and Naruto's time travel. Minato Namikaze had only erased the memories from after they met Naruto. 

Shindai looked at the devastated landscape around them and murmured, "Were we here before?" 

Minato Namikaze spoke to Sara, whose expression was bewildered and tinged with sadness. "Queen Sara, the mission is complete. Mukade has been defeated. We must return to the Leaf Village. If you ever need help in the future, you can ask the Leaf Village." 

Sara pulled her gaze away from the chakra blade in her hand and nodded. "Thank you for your help. Goodbye." 

Minato then led Shindai and his team of four away from Rōran and back to the Leaf Village. 

The actual mission in Rōran only took one day, but the round trip took over six days, as they had traveled to the Land of Wind, not within the Land of Fire. 

Home Sweet Home (with a Catch) 

Back in the Leaf Village, Minato smiled. "Alright, I'll go hand in the mission report myself. You all must be tired. Go home and get some rest. Dismissed." 

"Okay~" 

After parting ways, Shindai returned to his home. 

No one was home; Yugao wasn't there. However, Shindai heard laughter from next door. 

That laughter instantly told him it was Kushina Uzumaki and Yugao. 

Shindai walked to the window of Minato Namikaze's house and peeked inside. 

Yugao and Kushina Uzumaki were chatting happily. Yugao's peripheral vision caught sight of Shindai at the window, startling her. 

From Yugao's perspective, the scene was absolutely terrifying. 

She was happily chatting with Kushina, and suddenly a head popped up at the window! Of course, it was frightening. 

Yugao's face darkened as she walked to the window. "What are you doing? Peeking in through the window without knocking? That's creepy, you know?" 

Shindai opened the door and walked in, retorting, "Tch, I wasn't being creepy at all, and I certainly wasn't peeking. I just came home and didn't see anyone, then I heard your and Kushina-neechan's outrageous laughter, so I just took a look openly." 

Yugao flicked Shindai's forehead. "What 'outrageous'?! Can't you ever speak properly?!" 

Shindai rubbed his head, looking pitiful. "I was risking my life on a mission out there, and I come home just to get hit. My life is so tough." 

Kushina Uzumaki scoffed. "With that mouth of yours, you deserve every hit you get. Since you're back, where's Minato?" 

Shindai flopped onto the sofa. "Lord Minato went to hand in the mission. Yugao, Kushina-neechan, I'm starving. Make me some food to tide me over, and then when Lord Minato gets back, he can treat me to some Ichiraku Ramen." 

This time, it was Kushina Uzumaki who slapped Shindai's head. "You certainly sound entitled! You want to eat? Come help!" 

Shindai immediately lay on his side on the sofa, starting to whine. "No way! I'm exhausted! I don't want to move!" 

Yugao and Kushina Uzumaki watched Shindai's antics, black lines appearing on their foreheads. He really made them want to punch him. 

A New Era for the Leaf 

Inside the Hokage's office. 

Minato Namikaze had just finished submitting his mission report. As he was about to leave, a ninja stopped him. 

"Minato, the Hokage is looking for you." 

"The Hokage... I understand. I'll go now." 

Minato arrived at the Hokage's office and found Hiruzen Sarutobi and Orochimaru sitting together, drinking tea. 

Seeing this, Minato felt an indescribable sense of unease. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled. "Minato, thank you for your hard work." 

Minato greeted Hiruzen and Orochimaru. "Lord Hokage, Lord Orochimaru." 

Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression suddenly turned serious. "Minato, there's something I need to tell you. The results of the five Kage summit are in." 

Minato's expression also became serious, and he quietly listened to Hiruzen continue. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi went on, "Currently, the Sand Village is willing to pay reparations as the defeated party. However, regarding the compensation, the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, is unwilling to pay the full amount. He's only willing to pay a portion, and in the form of gold dust, along with forming an alliance. 

Onoki, the Third Tsuchikage of the Stone Village, refuses to admit their defeat. They are only willing to negotiate if the Leaf Village acknowledges the Stone Village's actions during the war and gives up our right to demand compensation. 

As for the Mist Village, the Third Mizukage seems to have died. Yagura Karatachi has succeeded him as the Fourth Mizukage. However, this new Mizukage has implemented the 'Blood Mist' policy even more severely. The Mist Village is completely isolated now and did not participate in these discussions. 

As for the Fourth Raikage, Ay, of the Cloud Village, Minato, you know the Cloud Village is a village of fighters. It's already good that the Cloud Village agreed to stop the war. Getting them to admit defeat and pay compensation is virtually impossible." 

Minato's brows furrowed slightly as he listened to Hiruzen's explanation. "Then, Lord Hokage, what is your decision?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. "Although the Leaf Village won this war, it was a brutal victory. We desperately need to recover. Continuing the war would only harm the Leaf Village. All our villagers are longing for peace. Therefore, I have decided to agree to the demands of the Fourth Kazekage, Rasa, and the Third Tsuchikage, Onoki." 

Minato worried, "But... we were clearly the victors, yet we're getting such a result. Won't some people have objections?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded. "Yes, so I will take responsibility and provide an explanation to the villagers. I will resign as the Third Hokage to the Daimyo!" 

"What?!" 

Minato stared at Hiruzen Sarutobi in shock. He never expected Hiruzen to resign from the Hokage position. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled kindly. "Minato, I have always believed you are the inheritor of the Will of Fire. I had already intended to keep you by my side for a while, to let you get familiar with things before entrusting this heavy burden to you. But it seems I won't have that chance now. However, even in retirement, I can still assist you. 

Minato, I want to entrust the future of the Leaf Village and the ninja world to you! Will you accept?" 

Minato stared blankly at Hiruzen Sarutobi. 

The news came too suddenly, leaving Minato unable to process it immediately. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Minato with a benevolent expression, waiting for him to digest the news. 

After a moment, Minato's expression became resolute as he replied, "I will strive to live up to the Third's trust!" 

Chapter 218: Hiruzen Sarutobi's Instructions 

Hiruzen Sarutobi was preparing to appoint Minato Namikaze as the next Hokage, and Minato accepted the responsibility from Hiruzen. 

Hiruzen stroked his beard with satisfaction. "Very good. I had planned to hold the succession ceremony in a better environment, but the road ahead of you is still tough, Minato. This war needs to end, and you'll be under immense pressure." 

Minato said seriously, "I'm mentally prepared." 

Hiruzen confidently stated, "I believe, Minato, that you will be an excellent Hokage. Now, I have a few things to entrust to you. These are matters you should prioritize solving once you become Hokage. 

First, there's the relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Leaf Village. The relationship between the Leaf Village and the Uchiha clan has always been tense, and it's been a headache for me. However, there's no doubt that the Uchiha clan has always held deep affection for the Leaf Village, and they've made huge contributions to the village in this war. 

So, Minato, after you become Hokage, you must work to improve the relationship between the Leaf and the Uchiha clan. Everyone in this village is a comrade; there shouldn't be such deep animosity between them. 

The current head of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku Uchiha, is a gentle and composed man. He's highly respected and loved within the Uchiha clan, a ninja who desires peace for the village. To improve the Uchiha clan's relations, Minato, you need to establish a good relationship with Fugaku." 

Minato listened attentively to Hiruzen's instructions. "I understand." 

Hiruzen continued, "Secondly, there's the Anbu Root. I believe you know, Minato, that Root, as an Anbu training division, is an independent organization under Danzo's command. Even I don't have direct authority over Root. 

This is my fault. As Hokage, there are some things I couldn't directly get involved in. Root is even more covert than the regular Anbu, and its actions are even more hidden from the light. It became the Leaf Village's most direct and effective blade, used to eliminate all threats inside and outside the village, which is why it received my unspoken permission to exist for so long. 

However, Danzo is a man who will stop at nothing to achieve his goals. He's always held a grudge against me because the Second Hokage chose me to succeed him instead of him. He's always longed to be Hokage, but Danzo's methods are too extreme and ruthless. If he were to become Hokage, the Leaf Village would undoubtedly become extreme and fall under his tyrannical rule. 

And I have always been too soft and lenient with Danzo, which led to Danzo and Root's conduct becoming increasingly cruel and uncontrolled. This is a problem I'm leaving for you, Minato, and I apologize for it." 

Minato shook his head. "There's no need to apologize, Third Hokage. Since I will become Hokage, I will find a way to solve this problem." 

Hiruzen said gravely, "Minato, Root must be reformed. Once you become Hokage, you must be firm in your approach to Root. You need to resolve it once and for all, otherwise, Danzo is very likely to cause you trouble. 

And finally, the last matter concerns Orochimaru. I promised Orochimaru that I would establish a science division." 

Hiruzen then explained Orochimaru's ongoing research for the science division to Minato. 

"Originally, this was something I should have done, but now that you're about to become Hokage, Minato, this task will fall to you. These are the three things I needed to discuss." 

Minato nodded and agreed. "I understand. After I take office, I will find ways to address each of these matters." 

Hiruzen let out a long sigh. "After being Hokage for so many years, I can finally rest. Do well, Minato; we will all support you. Just go ahead and lead with confidence." 

Minato's eyes were filled with determination. "Yes! I won't let anyone down!" 

Hiruzen suddenly chuckled and asked, a bit gossipy, "Minato, you and Kushina are already living together, so good things must be happening soon, right?" 

Minato's face flushed, and he said somewhat shyly, "Yes, I was planning to marry Kushina after the war ended." 

Hiruzen congratulated him. "That's wonderful news! However, Minato, since Kushina is a jinchuriki, and we've always kept her jinchuriki status a secret, very few in the Leaf Village know about it. As Hokage, you'll be under a lot of scrutiny, so it's best not to have a grand wedding. Keep it low-key; it's also a way to protect Kushina." 

Minato replied, "Kushina and I have already discussed this. Kushina doesn't have many friends either, so we plan to just have a few close friends and family witness the wedding." 

Hiruzen looked at the tender buds on the tree branches outside the window and mused, "The Leaf Village is ready to enter a new chapter." 

Minato returned home. 

Shindai was lounging on the sofa, watching TV, while Kushina Uzumaki and Pakura were preparing dinner ingredients. 

When Shindai saw Minato, he grumbled, "Oh, Lord Minato, you finally decided to come back, huh? I thought you'd gone missing." 

Minato looked at Kushina, a bit bewildered, as if asking, 'What's up with this kid now?' 

Kushina spread her hands. "Shindai said you promised him you'd take him to Ichiraku Ramen for an all-you-can-eat meal once you were back in the village. He's been waiting and is now angry." 

Minato scratched his head; he had completely forgotten about that. "Then... should I take you now?" 

Kushina wiped her hands with a towel and said expressionlessly, "Pakura and I are almost done making dinner. If you take Shindai to Ichiraku Ramen now, Shindai might be happy, but Pakura and I won't be." 

Minato shivered. "Then let's make it tomorrow, Shindai. I'll take you tomorrow. Let's eat dinner at home today." 

Shindai had a lot to say, but he didn't dare to defy Kushina and Pakura, so he just let out a "Hmph." 

Kushina asked curiously, "You were just going to submit a mission report, so why were you gone for so long? Did you mess up the mission, and the Hokage lectured you?" 

Minato shook his head. "No, it's not that." 

"Then what is it?" 

"Well, the Hokage asked me to be the Fourth Hokage." 

Shindai and Pakura stared at Minato in shock. 

Kushina didn't register it immediately, continuing to stir with her spatula. "Oh, is that all? Being Hokage isn't a big deal... huh?" 

Kushina's eyes widened as she processed it. She quickly asked again, "What did you just say?!" 

Minato repeated seriously, "I've been given the command; I'm going to succeed him as the Fourth Hokage!" 

Kushina hugged Minato in delight. "That's amazing, Minato!" 

Pakura also congratulated Minato. 

Shindai was secretly ecstatic. His connections in the Leaf Village were about to become rock-solid! 

What a monumental chapter! Minato's got his work cut out for him, stepping into the Hokage role and dealing with the Uchiha, Root, and even Orochimaru's science division. And then the big news for Kushina and the others! What are your thoughts on Hiruzen's advice, especially regarding the Uchiha and Danzo? 

Chapter 219: You Gotta Have Connections 

Kushina Uzumaki was having an extra hearty meal because Minato Namikaze was about to become the Fourth Hokage. 

Shindai was munching on his food at the table, while Kushina excitedly chatted with Minato. Yugao ate her meal, listening in. 

Kushina sighed, "This is great. When I first came to the Leaf, I actually thought about becoming the first female Hokage. Now that you're becoming Hokage, Minato, it's kind of like my dream came true." 

Minato was very happy to see Kushina so pleased. 

Shindai swallowed his food and then said, "That probably wouldn't work out, Kushina-neechan. You can't become Hokage." 

Kushina's eyebrows shot up as she glared at Shindai. "Hm? Why? Are you looking down on me?" 

Afraid of getting hit, Shindai quickly shook his head. "No way! I wouldn't dare look down on Kushina-neechan. But if you marry Minato-sama, then you'll have a chance." 

"Oh? Why's that?" 

Not just Kushina, but Minato and Yugao also looked at Shindai curiously. 

Shindai counted on his fingers. "Look, the first Hokage, Hashirama-sama, founded the Leaf. The Second Hokage was Tobirama-sama, Hashirama-sama's brother. The Third Hokage is Tobirama-sama's disciple. And Minato-sama is the Third Hokage's grand-disciple. 

Following this pattern, you pretty much have to be connected to become Hokage. So, based on that logic, Kushina-neechan, you'd have to marry Minato-sama to even have a chance at becoming Hokage." 

Kushina and Yugao pondered this carefully. 

It actually sounded like it made some sense. 

Minato saw that Kushina and Yugao were actually considering Shindai's bizarre logic and said helplessly, "You two are actually listening to Shindai's twisted reasoning? The Hokage-sama surely chose me because of my abilities, which is why he's entrusting the Leaf to me. It has nothing to do with me being his grand-disciple. If that were the case, wouldn't Jiraiya-sensei or Orochimaru-sama be more suitable to become Hokage than me?" 

Kushina and Yugao thought about it again. 

Minato's words also sounded reasonable. 

Shindai pouted, thinking, Believe it or not, I don't care. 

If you look at the original timeline, the Fifth Hokage was Tsunade, Hashirama Senju's granddaughter and Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple. The Sixth Hokage was Kakashi, Minato Namikaze's disciple. And then there's Naruto Uzumaki, the Seventh Hokage—no need to explain him. 

Minato turned to Kushina and said, "Kushina, after I take over as Hokage, let's find a time to hold our wedding, too." 

Kushina's face instantly flushed. "You... why are you suddenly bringing that up?" 

Minato looked confused. "Huh? Didn't we already agree? That we'd get married after the war ends?" 

Yugao sighed. Kushina's just shy, can't he see that? 

Shindai said Minato was a master at charming women, but he certainly wasn't acting like it right now. 

Kushina rolled her eyes. If she didn't know Minato so well, she'd be fuming right now. 

Shindai asked curiously, "Where will the wedding be held? The Hokage's office?" 

Minato shook his head. "Kushina and I plan to keep the wedding low-key. We'll just invite a few close family and friends to witness it." 

"Oh, I see." 

Shindai rubbed his chin. Minato was becoming Hokage, and his wedding with Kushina was coming up. That meant little Naruto would be born soon! 

Naruto Uzumaki... that would be so much fun! 

Shindai's eyes gradually lit up. 

But his newly brightened eyes immediately dimmed. 

Shindai glanced at Minato and Kushina, who were discussing who to invite to the wedding. This meant the Nine-Tails incident was also drawing near. 

However... since Obito hadn't been led astray this time, maybe the Nine-Tails attack wouldn't happen? 

But he couldn't be certain. Maybe someone else had already taken Obito's place. 

He couldn't afford to be complacent, otherwise, if something went wrong, he'd just be left staring blankly. 

Anyway, he'd already changed so much, a little more... probably wouldn't hurt, right? 

But... the Nine-Tails! If he faced a beast of that caliber, his small body would be flattened in one swipe, wouldn't it? 

As for a Tailed Beast Ball, if he got hit by one, he wouldn't feel any pain, because he'd just be gone. 

Yugao noticed Shindai's expression and asked curiously, "Shindai, what's wrong?" 

Shindai shook his head. "Nothing, just thinking that if Minato-sama and Kushina-neechan's wedding is like this, it'll be hard for me to pack up food in a bag." 

Yugao's forehead was covered in black lines. "Can you not be so shameless?!" 

Shindai shrugged. "Shameless? No, that's called saving food." 

Shindai shoveled a mouthful of rice, thinking about how to deal with the upcoming problem. He'd have to rely on his old trade – technology changes life. 

He'd discuss it with Orochimaru later; maybe he'd get some inspiration. 

Post-War Agreements and Resignation 

Four days passed. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi had received replies from both the Sand Village and the Stone Village. 

Since the Leaf Village, as the victor, had chosen to make concessions, the Sand and Stone Villages naturally had no reason to refuse and agreed to re-establish alliance treaties with the Leaf. 

Seeing that matters were settled, Hiruzen Sarutobi called Danzo, Koharu Utatane, and Homura Mitokado. 

Inside the meeting room. 

Hiruzen Sarutobi handed the alliance treaties with the Sand and Stone Villages to the three of them to examine. 

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were very supportive of Hiruzen's decision, as the Leaf Village truly needed time to recover. 

Koharu and Homura told Hiruzen, "You've worked hard, Hiruzen. At least we can breathe a sigh of relief." 

Danzo was highly dissatisfied. "This kind of treaty satisfies you?! You actually admitted the Stone Village's actions during the war and gave up the right to demand compensation? It's like we lost the battle!" 

Homura asked, "What do you think, Hiruzen?" 

Hiruzen replied, "We all know that continuing the war would be fatal for the Leaf. Everyone in the village is exhausted. This is a concession made for the sake of unity." 

Danzo slammed his fist on the table, annoyed. "Many ninjas sacrificed their lives in this war! Doing this is like letting them die for nothing!" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed. "Everyone sacrificed for peace. Now that peace is approaching, I cannot let it slip away. The responsibility rests with me, as Hokage. I will take responsibility." 

Danzo pressed him aggressively. "How do you intend to take responsibility?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi said in a low voice, "By resigning from the Third Hokage position and passing it on to the Fourth." 

Danzo's eyes narrowed. "Who do you intend to pass it to?" 

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at Danzo. "You'll find out when the time comes. Put away your petty schemes, Danzo. It's time for a new Hokage to lead the Leaf, and it's time for us old folks to retire." 

Danzo gritted his teeth, glaring at Hiruzen. This was clearly a warning. 

Chapter 220: Watching the Spider 

Hiruzen Sarutobi warned Danzo, telling him to abandon his ambitions. 

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado remained silent because they both knew Danzo well and were aware of his intense desire for the Hokage position. However, they shared Hiruzen's view that Danzo was simply not suitable to be Hokage. 

Hiruzen stood up and declared, "This matter is decided. Tomorrow, we will head to the Fire Daimyo's estate to report and recommend the new Hokage." 

Hiruzen then left the meeting room. 

Danzo angrily slammed the table again before also leaving. 

At the Fire Daimyo's Estate 

The Fire Daimyo heard that Hiruzen Sarutobi intended to step down as Hokage and regretfully said, "What a pity. The Third Hokage has done quite well..." 

Danzo's intimidating gaze fell upon the Daimyo, making the ordinary man's heart skip a beat. 

Danzo said coldly, "To trace the root cause, it's precisely because the Third Hokage's ideals were too naive that the village was pushed to this point. Despite that, the war has just ended, and the village is unstable, so it would be better for the Third Hokage to continue in his position." 

With his biggest tool, Orochimaru, now out of the picture, Danzo could only try to get Hiruzen to remain Hokage. Otherwise, if a new Hokage took office, Root, as an independent department, would likely be targeted and his power weakened. Only with Hiruzen as Hokage could he maintain the status quo. 

Hiruzen spoke, "Danzo is right; I am not without fault. But I'm old now and no longer suited to be Hokage. It's time for a younger Kage to lead the Leaf. I recommend Minato Namikaze as the Fourth Hokage!" 

Koharu and Homura were surprised to hear that Hiruzen had chosen Minato as the new Hokage, as they had expected Jiraiya or Orochimaru. However, after considering it, they thought Minato was indeed a suitable choice among the younger generation. There was no other ninja among the younger generation with higher prestige than Minato. 

So, Koharu and Homura chimed in, "Jiraiya's student, and the Third Hokage's grand-student, known as the Yellow Flash—he's certainly an excellent candidate." 

Danzo abruptly stood up and vehemently objected, "No! Minato Namikaze is still too young; he's not suitable to be Hokage right now!" 

Hiruzen also stood up and said, "Minato made immense contributions during the war and was a great hero who brought about the end of the Third Great Ninja War. Furthermore, he inherited the Will of Fire and loves the village. Minato is the most suitable candidate to be Hokage; he will become an even greater Hokage than I!" 

"I object!" 

Danzo furiously opposed Hiruzen's recommendation of Minato. Minato was too young; if he became Hokage, Danzo's own chances would become incredibly slim. 

Hiruzen now ignored Danzo and looked at the Daimyo. 

The Daimyo inquired, "Then, what do the others think?" 

Koharu and Homura nodded, the Daimyo's ministers nodded, and finally, the Daimyo himself nodded, indicating agreement. 

Seeing that the matter was already decided, Danzo was furious but could only glare at Hiruzen. 

The Daimyo announced, "Then, the new Hokage of the Leaf Village will be Minato Namikaze." 

Hiruzen then added, "There's one more thing. Since I've resigned, my Hokage Advisor should also resign. After all, the Fourth Hokage will be governing the Leaf, so the new Hokage Advisor should be appointed by the Fourth Hokage." 

Danzo was enraged. "Hiruzen, don't go too far!" 

Danzo was truly fuming. Minato hadn't even taken office yet, and Hiruzen was already cutting down his power. What would happen once Minato did become Hokage? 

Hiruzen looked at Danzo. "I'm not going too far; this is a reasonable adjustment. As I just said, I'm old. You are too, Danzo. It's time to make way for the younger generation." 

Danzo knew that anything he said now would be useless. Hiruzen had said it publicly, and he'd resigned as Hokage himself, so how could Danzo, the Hokage Advisor, not resign? 

"Hmph!" 

Danzo stormed out, not wanting to endure any more humiliation there. However, not wanting to be humiliated was only part of it; Danzo was worried that if he stayed any longer, Hiruzen might make a move on Root. 

Back in Konoha 

After returning to the Leaf Village, Hiruzen told Minato to come see him. 

When Minato arrived at the Hokage's office, Hiruzen handed him a scroll. 

"Open it and take a look." 

Minato unrolled the scroll and read it. It was an appointment letter—the appointment letter for the Hokage. 

Hiruzen smiled and said, "From now on, you can be called the Fourth Hokage. An announcement will be posted on various bulletin boards in the Leaf Village today, and the succession ceremony will take place in three days. Fourth Hokage, I'm entrusting the Leaf to you." 

Minato's expression was resolute as he gripped the appointment letter. "I will give it my absolute best!" 

Meanwhile, Shindai was at home, staring blankly at a potted plant that Pakura was raising. 

Pakura sat on the sofa, reading a book, occasionally glancing at Shindai. Shindai had been staring blankly for almost an hour. 

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin Nohara suddenly burst into Shindai's home. 

"Shindai! Shindai!" 

Obito yelled Shindai's name at the top of his lungs. 

Obito's loud voice made Pakura rub her ears. She pointed at Shindai, who was staring blankly by the window. "Shindai's over there." 

Pakura gave Obito a strange look. Weren't Uchiha supposed to have excellent eyesight? How could he not see Shindai, who was clearly there by the window? 

Obito excitedly grabbed Shindai's arm. "The news that Minato-sensei is going to be Hokage has been posted on the bulletin boards! Come quickly and see it with us!" 

Shindai pulled his arm free from Obito's grasp, his gaze still fixed on the potted plant. "Didn't you already know that Lord Minato was going to be Hokage? Don't disturb me; I'm doing something important right now." 

Rin looked puzzled. "Important? Watching a potted plant?" 

Pakura grumbled, "He's been in that position for almost an hour now." 

Obito, Kakashi, and Rin huddled around the potted plant and also looked at it. "Shindai, what are you looking at?" 

"A spider." 

The three of them looked closely, and indeed, there was a small spider on one of the leaves. 

"What's so interesting about a spider? And for an hour?" 

"I just saw the spider shoot out silk and then fly." 

Obito asked, bewildered, "Huh? That's it? What's so special about that? Maybe it was like a dandelion, blown away by the wind?" 

"No, there was no wind. The window was closed. The spider took off from a flat surface after shooting its silk..." 

Shindai's eyes remained fixed on the spider, not blinking once. 

It sounds like big changes are coming to the Leaf Village with Minato as the Fourth Hokage! And it looks like Danzo is definitely not happy about it. Meanwhile, Shindai is observing a spider... very intriguing! Do you think his observation of the spider will lead to some new invention, similar to how he used the "Dad's Gift: Rasengan" before?