[Naruto : Yellow Flash] Chapter 581 - 585

Chapter 581: Recruitment

"Swish, swish, swish!"

A volley of pitch-black kunai shot out from the depths of the cave, streaking through the air at an astonishing speed.

The man in the black robe stood unmoved, his expression unreadable beneath the mask.

The next moment, the kunai—seemingly on target—passed straight through his body, as if he were made of nothing but air. The weapons embedded themselves into a tree behind him, quivering slightly upon impact.

"Very perceptive."

Beneath the mask, his scarlet eyes narrowed slightly.

"Shhh!"

A soft crackling sound followed as the kunai's tails revealed a deadly surprise—each one was tethered to a detonating tag.

With a sudden spark, the tags ignited.

"Boom! Boom!"

A chain of explosions erupted, sending waves of fire and debris surging outward. The flames roared, engulfing the figure of the black-robed man in an inferno.

From the cave’s entrance, a lone figure stepped into the fiery glow. His exquisite face, so stunningly refined that even women would feel ashamed in comparison, was illuminated by the flickering light.

Sasori.

He frowned slightly, his gaze scanning the burning area ahead. Pursuers? How did they manage to find this place?

He had placed numerous traps around the dense forest, yet none had been triggered.

As he muttered to himself, a dark silhouette emerged from the flames, strolling forward as if untouched by the destruction around him.

Sasori’s eyes narrowed, flashing with intrigue.

"What kind of ninjutsu is this?" he asked, a trace of curiosity creeping into his tone.

He wasted no time, swiftly retrieving a scroll from his back. With a flick of his wrist, he unfurled it, releasing a thick mist. A puppet materialized beside him, its joints clicking into place as it sprang to life.

Fine azure chakra threads extended from Sasori’s ten fingers, connecting him seamlessly to his puppet.

"Rustle!"

With a subtle movement of his fingers, black iron sand gathered around the puppet, coalescing into countless sharp needles.

"Swish, swish, swish!"

In an instant, a barrage of iron needles shot forward like a relentless storm, dark and lethal.

Yet, the black-robed man didn’t flinch. He merely murmured to himself, "The Third Kazekage’s Iron Sand?"

The deadly rain of needles tore through his form, but just like before, they passed through as if he were nothing more than an illusion.

Sasori's expression shifted to one of disbelief.

"Impossible... Is it speed?"

Even the Yellow Flash of Konoha, hailed as the fastest ninja in the world, couldn't remain so unshaken in the face of such an overwhelming attack.

But this wasn't just speed. The attacks truly passed through him!

Throughout the history of the ninja world, no shinobi had ever displayed an ability like this.

Sasori pressed on, manipulating his puppets to continue their assault, but every attempt yielded the same result—penetration, as if he were attacking a mirage.

Finally, the black-robed man halted a few steps away.

"There's no need for alarm," he said, his voice eerily calm. "I am not from the Five Great Nations, nor am I here to capture you."

Sasori’s frown deepened. "Then what do you want?"

"I admire your talent. I’ve come to recruit you."

Sasori chuckled, his tone dripping with amusement. "Recruit me? Sorry, but I’m not interested."

As he spoke, he suddenly leaped backward, his hands forming a rapid sequence of seals.

"Boom!"

The ground beneath the black-robed man trembled violently before collapsing. His body plummeted into the pit as countless detonating tags illuminated the walls with a sinister glow.

"You can’t escape."

Before the explosion ignited, the black-robed man chuckled.

"Bang! Bang! Bang!"

A deafening series of blasts shook the forest, flames and smoke billowing into the sky. The tranquil atmosphere shattered under the force of the destruction.

From a safe distance, Sasori watched the explosion with a confident smirk.

But before his expression could settle into satisfaction, a familiar voice drifted through the air.

"I told you… you can't escape."

His eyes widened in shock as the space ahead of him began to twist, warping like a vortex.

And from that swirling distortion, the black-robed man stepped forward, completely unharmed.

Sasori’s body tensed as he instinctively leaped back. Upon landing, he muttered in astonishment, "Space-time ninjutsu!?"

To his knowledge, only one person in the ninja world—Namikaze Minato—had mastered space-time jutsu. And even then, Minato required marked coordinates to teleport.

But the man before him?

There were no signs of seals or marks—he had moved freely through space itself.

"What exactly do you want?" Sasori asked, his tone darkening.

The black-robed man chuckled. "You despise Konoha, don’t you?"

His words struck a nerve.

"Your parents were killed by Hatake Sakumo and Namikaze Minato, correct?"

Sasori's expression twisted with suppressed rage.

"So what if they were?" he growled.

"Well," the man continued smoothly, "it just so happens that I have a grudge against Konoha as well... and against Minato Namikaze."

Sasori scoffed. "Are you planning to take revenge on Konoha?"

"Indeed."

Sasori smirked mockingly. "You may be powerful, but do you truly believe you stand a chance against Minato Namikaze?"

"Besides him, there are still the Three Legendary Sannin, Konoha’s White Fang, the Third Hokage, and Uchiha Yoruki, who has awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan."

"Even the combined forces of the Four Great Nations failed to defeat them. Do you think you and I alone can accomplish what they couldn’t?"

The black-robed man’s voice remained unwavering.

"So, are you afraid?" he asked. "Are you abandoning your parents’ vengeance?"

Sasori’s expression darkened further.

"Of course not!" he spat.

But deep down, he knew the truth. If he wanted to destroy Konoha, he needed to reach a level on par with Uchiha Madara.

And that was impossible.

The black-robed man’s voice cut through his thoughts.

"You know as well as I do that relying on your own strength alone, you’ll never have a chance."

Sasori’s fingers twitched slightly.

"You already tried once, didn’t you? You deliberately revealed Minato Namikaze’s Flying Thunder God mark to the Sunagakure leaders, pushing them to war. You even used the Four Great Nations to further your revenge. But in the end, it still wasn’t enough."

"Even the Third Raikage perished. Despite all your efforts, Konoha still stood tall."

Instead of being angered, Sasori chuckled. "So? Are you suggesting that just the two of us can accomplish what the Four Great Nations couldn’t?"

"I think you misunderstand." The black-robed man’s tone remained calm.

"When did I ever say it would be just the two of us?"

Sasori’s eyes flickered.

"Wars aren’t won by strength alone. If we bring the battlefield to Konoha, how much of their power do you think they can truly wield?"

Sasori remained silent, his mind racing.

The man’s words were bold, but undeniably logical.

"In order to destroy Konoha, I need your strength."

"But even without you, the plan will still proceed. It will only be… more difficult."

"Think it over. Before we begin, I will return for your answer."

With that, space rippled once more, swallowing the black-robed man in a vortex before he vanished.

Sasori remained standing, his gaze locked on the empty space where the man had just stood.

His fingers clenched slightly.

Revenge…

A slow smirk crept onto his face.

Chapter 582: A New Era

Morning broke over Konoha, the golden light of dawn gently illuminating the bustling village.

The first rays of sunlight slipped through the trees, painting long shadows across the rooftops. At that moment, a silver-haired figure emerged from a quiet room, his movements swift and precise.

With a quick leap, Kakashi landed gracefully on the roof of the Hatake residence. Without a moment's hesitation, he propelled himself forward, vanishing into the vastness of Konoha.

As soon as he left, two figures emerged from the shadows of the house.

Hatake Sakumo and Suzuka watched the direction Kakashi had gone, their eyes filled with understanding.

Suzuka blinked in mild surprise. "This child..."

Sakumo chuckled softly, his gaze warm yet proud. "It seems his heart is finally at ease."

Suzuka studied his expression, then nodded with a small smile. The tension they had carried for so long finally lifted, a weight removed from their hearts.

Kakashi sped through the village, his destination set—the Seventh Training Ground.

As he made his way across the rooftops, he abruptly paused, his gaze locking onto a peculiar sight below.

A familiar figure was walking upside down along the village streets, defying gravity with ease.

Might Guy.

Sensing Kakashi’s presence, Guy stopped mid-step, balancing effortlessly on one hand as he looked up. His face broke into a wide, genuine grin.

"Good morning, Kakashi!" he called out.

"Morning," Kakashi replied smoothly.

Guy’s grin widened as inspiration struck him. His eyes gleamed with an intense fire, his voice suddenly booming with enthusiasm.

"Alright then! As my daily challenge, I shall run around the village fifty times!"

Then, as if struck by a bolt of energy, he exclaimed, "No! If I fail, I’ll do 2,000 one-finger push-ups instead!"

Without another word, he launched himself off the ground, disappearing into the village streets like a blur.

Kakashi stood still for a moment before letting out a quiet chuckle, shaking his head. Same as always...

Without wasting any more time, he continued toward the training ground.

As he neared the Seventh Training Ground, an unusual sound caught his attention.

The rustling of leaves. The snap of branches. The distinct clinking of metal.

Kakashi’s expression sharpened as he immediately altered his course, moving toward the disturbance.

Swiftly weaving through the trees, he soon arrived at the source.

In the heart of the forest, a boy stood blindfolded, navigating a treacherous field of hidden traps.

Shisui.

Despite his lack of vision, Shisui moved swiftly, relying entirely on his other senses. Yet, his clothing bore signs of near-misses, suggesting that even with his skill, the exercise was proving difficult.

After narrowly dodging another concealed wire trap, Shisui finally came to a stop.

He removed the black cloth from his eyes, glancing in Kakashi’s direction with an amused smile.

"You’re late."

Kakashi landed smoothly in front of him, folding his arms. "That’s quite the unusual training method."

Shisui shrugged. "Well, it’s effective."

"Let me guess. Minato-sensei’s idea?"

Shisui grinned and nodded.

"But now that you’re here," he continued, stretching his arms, "I think I have a better way to train."

Kakashi’s gaze sharpened in understanding. He stepped back, his hand reaching for the short sword strapped to his back.

"Don't hold back."

"Wouldn’t dream of it," Shisui replied, his tone playful.

Then, in a flash, his eyes turned scarlet. The two tomoe in his Sharingan spun as his gaze locked onto Kakashi.

Kakashi and I were evenly matched before... But now that I’ve awakened the Double Tomoe Sharingan, I wonder how much stronger I’ve become?

A smirk played on Kakashi’s lips.

"Let’s find out."

With a flick of his wrist, his short sword sliced through the air—

A streak of white light flashed between them as the battle began.

Meanwhile, within the Hokage Building, the atmosphere inside the grand conference room was tense.

Dozens of Konoha’s most powerful ninjas filled the room, including the legendary Sannin, Hatake Sakumo, and other major figures of the village. The clan heads of Konoha—Uchiha Fugaku, Aburame Shibi, and Hyuga Hiashi—stood among them.

At the head of the room, on an elevated platform, the Third Hokage sat with the three Konoha elders at his side.

Every shinobi present bore a serious expression, their focus locked on the leader of the village.

Finally, the Third Hokage stood, his gaze sweeping across the room.

"I have gathered you all here today to make an important announcement."

A hushed silence fell over the chamber.

"I have decided to step down from my position as Hokage."

Shock rippled through the room. A few, like Hatake Sakumo, remained composed, having already anticipated this. Others, however, struggled to mask their surprise.

On the high platform, Danzo’s expression darkened.

But the Third Hokage was not finished.

"And for my successor..."

His gaze shifted toward a blond-haired figure standing at the front.

"I will recommend Namikaze Minato to the Fire Daimyo as the Fourth Hokage!"

The reactions in the room were immediate.

Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Sakumo exchanged glances, their eyes filled with approval. A proud smile tugged at Jiraiya’s lips—his student had finally reached the pinnacle of the village.

For others, the news was unexpected, but not entirely surprising.

Had this been before the Third Great Ninja War, there might have been heated debate over the selection of the next Hokage. The legendary Sannin and White Fang himself were all viable candidates.

But the war changed everything.

The name Konoha’s Yellow Flash had echoed across the battlefield, his mere presence instilling terror in enemy forces. Minato’s strength and reputation had surpassed even the most elite shinobi of the village.

For some, there was no question—he was the right choice.

At the back of the room, Uchiha Yoruki’s gaze flickered with complicated emotions.

Minato... The rival he once regarded as an equal had now risen to a level beyond his reach.

Beside Minato, a young Nawaki turned to him, offering a sincere nod. "Congratulations, Minato."

The Senju boy, who once aspired to be Hokage himself, acknowledged Minato’s worth.

"You’ve earned this."

Minato smiled. "Thank you."

Jiraiya, standing nearby, was practically beaming.

"You look ridiculous," Tsunade muttered, rolling her eyes at him.

"What? My student is becoming Hokage! Let me have this moment!" Jiraiya grinned.

Orochimaru remained silent, his golden eyes unreadable. Despite his pride, he could not deny that Minato’s talent was unparalleled.

On the platform, the Third Hokage addressed the assembly once more.

"If there are no objections, I will officially submit Namikaze Minato’s succession to the Fire Daimyo."

No one spoke against the decision.

Save for Danzo, whose face twisted in barely concealed frustration.

Yet, even he could not argue against Minato’s achievements.

The Third Hokage turned to Minato with a warm smile.

"Fourth Hokage, I leave Konoha in your hands."

Though Minato had not yet taken the official title, no one in the room thought the words were premature.

Because Minato Namikaze had earned this.

A new era for Konoha had begun.

Chapter 583:

After Danzo's Ninja Council meeting concluded, Minato returned home without delay.

"Welcome home!"

As soon as he opened the door, a soft and familiar voice greeted him warmly.

Minato lifted his gaze and saw Kushina standing at the entrance, wearing an apron and holding a spoon in her hand. The inviting aroma of a home-cooked meal wafted through the air, confirming that she had been preparing lunch for the two of them.

Since the war had ended, the shinobi of Konoha found themselves with more idle time. With peace negotiations still ongoing among the five great nations, there were fewer missions to undertake.

Minato's blue eyes flickered with emotion as he took in the sight of Kushina. She was right in front of him, safe and sound.

"I'm back."

Even before he could finish speaking, he was already standing in front of her. His movement was so swift that Kushina barely had time to register it. Blinking in surprise, she looked up at him suspiciously.

"What's wrong with you?" she asked, noticing the unusual intensity in his expression. "The Hokage called you over so early this morning—was it about some important mission?"

Even as she voiced the question, Kushina found it hard to believe that Minato would be given a major task right now. The Third Shinobi World War had only just ended, and the world was still in a fragile post-war state. What kind of mission would require his immediate attention?

Minato's gaze remained locked onto hers, his voice firm and resolute.

"It is indeed a very important mission."

There was something in his serious demeanor that made Kushina's heart tighten slightly. It wasn't often that Minato spoke in such a solemn tone.

"What mission?" she asked, her brows knitting together slightly. "Can you tell me?"

"Of course," Minato replied, taking a deep breath. Then, a small but significant smile appeared on his lips. "The Third Hokage has asked me to succeed him as the Fourth Hokage."

Kushina stared at him, her mind momentarily blank.

"Successor… Hokage?" she murmured, trying to process his words.

And then, in the next instant, her ruby-red eyes widened in shock, her pupils dilating as realization set in.

"Minato!" she exclaimed, pure joy flooding her expression. The next thing he knew, she had thrown herself at him, wrapping her arms tightly around his neck. "Congratulations, Minato!"

Her excitement overflowed, her voice shaking slightly from sheer happiness.

Minato let out a soft chuckle and returned her embrace, feeling the warmth of her presence against him. In his deep blue eyes, emotions stirred like ripples on a vast ocean.

Becoming the Hokage was undoubtedly a great honor, something he had always aspired to. But at this moment, what touched him even more was Kushina’s reaction—the look of pride and joy on her face.

It was a sight he had seen before.

He had traversed time, been reborn with the weight of knowledge from another life. His sole purpose had been to change certain fates—to protect the people he loved. And yet, no matter how many things had changed, one thing had remained the same.

That radiant smile on her face.

[If I can still live, all I want is a life where our family of three can be together. There is nothing in the world that could make me happier.]

That night, those words had been seared into Minato’s soul. He had held onto them tightly, unwilling to let them fade.

He pulled Kushina closer, resting his forehead gently against hers.

"Kushina, I swear," he whispered, his voice unwavering. "I will fulfill our dream. I must."

Kushina’s hands clenched slightly against his back as she buried her face in his shoulder.

"You’ve already done it," she murmured, her voice trembling with emotion. "Thank you, Minato."

For her, happiness had once felt like a fleeting dream—something she had never dared to hope for. But now, with him beside her, the love in her heart had never burned brighter.

Minato was the light that had illuminated her life. He had saved her, brought her back to Konoha, and given her a home. Even after she became a Jinchūriki, burdened with a power that isolated her from others, he had never wavered in his love for her.

In that moment, they held each other for a long time, relishing the quiet joy of being together.

Meanwhile, in Konoha—Root Headquarters

The air inside the underground chamber was thick with tension.

Danzo sat in the dimly lit room, his expression dark as he brooded over recent events. His fingers tapped against the armrest of his chair, the rhythmic sound the only noise breaking the silence.

Minato Namikaze had been chosen as the Fourth Hokage.

It was a bitter pill to swallow.

For years, Danzo had coveted the position of Hokage, believing himself to be the only one truly fit to lead the village. Yet, in the battle for succession against Hiruzen Sarutobi, he had lost. And now, history repeated itself.

Despite all his efforts, despite his many years of unwavering service in the shadows, the seat of power continued to elude him.

The Third Shinobi World War had created heroes. Among them, none had shone brighter than the Yellow Flash of Konoha. Minato’s battlefield achievements were undeniable, even to their enemies. His rapid rise to fame had left little room for opposition, both within the village and throughout the Land of Fire.

Danzo exhaled slowly, his sharp eyes narrowing as he contemplated his next move.

At that moment, a Root member appeared before him, kneeling respectfully.

"Lord Danzo," the shinobi reported in a hushed tone, "the leaders of the Akatsuki organization have responded to our request."

A flicker of interest crossed Danzo’s face.

"Oh?" He leaned forward slightly, his voice calm yet laced with an ominous edge. "Then inform Hanzo."

His fingers tightened around the armrest as he continued coldly, "Those who pose a threat to Konoha must be eradicated without hesitation."

During the Third Ninja War, Konoha had once stood on the verge of crushing Iwagakure, Sunagakure, and Amegakure’s forces in a decisive strike. However, their plans had been disrupted—by none other than the Akatsuki.

Though Konoha had ultimately emerged victorious, the cost had been higher than it should have been. And in Danzo's eyes, that cost was unacceptable.

If not for Akatsuki's interference, the war could have ended differently.

The Third Hokage had always been too soft, too hesitant in his decisions. It was one of Danzo’s greatest grievances against him. And now, under Minato’s leadership, would things truly change? Or would Konoha continue to be shackled by ideals of mercy and restraint?

No matter.

That was precisely why Root existed—to handle the matters that the Hokage would not.

"Increase our forces," Danzo ordered grimly. "Make sure there are no loose ends."

The Root member hesitated briefly before speaking. "Given the village’s current situation, Root operatives cannot move in large numbers. The Hokage has Anbu watching our movements closely."

Danzo’s expression remained unreadable.

"That is not a concern. Soon, the Third Hokage, myself, the two other elders, and Minato will travel to the Fire Daimyo’s mansion for the succession proceedings. Anbu will accompany us."

A faint smirk tugged at the corner of his lips.

"That will be our window of opportunity."

With Konoha’s eyes focused on the transition of power, Root would move undetected.

"Understood," the operative said before vanishing into the darkness.

Hokage Office

In the Hokage building, Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, stood alongside Minato, the village elders, and several Anbu operatives.

The group was prepared to set out.

"Kushina, wait for me at home. I'll be back soon," Minato assured her.

Kushina nodded, offering him a soft smile.

With a swift sequence of hand seals, Minato activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

In an instant, the group vanished.

Chapter 584: The Hokage Robe is Donned

The capital of the Land of Fire—within the grand residence of the daimyo.

As the seat of the Fire Nation’s leader, this mansion was naturally magnificent, adorned with intricate decorations and exuding an air of authority.

At this moment, inside a palace hall within the daimyo’s estate, more than a dozen individuals were seated around a long table.

Most of them were middle-aged or elderly, their eyes gleaming with intelligence and calculation. These were the ministers and key politicians responsible for governing the Fire Nation. To reach their current positions, they had to be exceptionally shrewd and capable.

But right now, their attention wasn’t on political affairs or economic discussions. Instead, every pair of eyes was fixed on a blond-haired man seated on one side of the long table.

Minato Namikaze.

Even though these men were not shinobi, in a world where ninja ruled the battlefield and shaped history, they could not afford to ignore developments in the shinobi world. And when it came to Konoha’s Yellow Flash, his reputation extended far beyond the shinobi circles—even ordinary citizens knew of him.

"I believe the most suitable candidate for the Fourth Hokage position is Minato Namikaze," a voice finally broke the silence.

The speaker was an obese, middle-aged man—Fujiwara Takuji, the newly appointed president of the Fire Nation Chamber of Commerce. He was one of the few people here that Minato was somewhat familiar with.

Now that Minato had officially taken the Hokage position, Fujiwara was more than happy to show his support.

The Hokage of Konoha, while not directly involved in the governance of the Fire Nation, still held an immense amount of influence. The Land of Fire was the wealthiest of the five great nations, but without Konoha’s protection, it would be nothing more than a fat piece of meat in the eyes of enemy countries.

As soon as Fujiwara finished speaking, the other ministers nodded in agreement, their expressions resolute.

At the head of the long table, the daimyo of the Fire Nation turned his gaze towards Minato. His sharp eyes assessed the young shinobi for a brief moment before he spoke.

"In that case, Fourth Hokage, the future stability of the Land of Fire will be entrusted to you."

As daimyo, he was well aware of the impact the Third Shinobi War had on the nation. If it hadn’t been for Minato, the war would have dragged on much longer, and the Fire Nation wouldn’t have been able to secure reparations from the other great powers.

"Thank you for your trust."

Minato responded with a respectful nod. His words were polite, but this was merely a formality. In truth, Konoha’s Hokage did not serve under the daimyo—they were equals, existing in a cooperative relationship rather than one of subjugation.

With the formalities concluded, Minato, along with the Third Hokage and the other Konoha representatives, did not linger. They promptly departed from the daimyo’s estate and began their journey back to Konoha.

Thanks to Minato’s mastery of space-time ninjutsu, the return trip was significantly shortened.

By the time Minato arrived home, the sky was painted in hues of orange and crimson—it was dusk, nearing evening.

Just as he pushed open the door—

Bang! Bang!

Two bursts of confetti and colorful ribbons rained down, landing on his hair and shoulders.

With Minato’s reflexes, he could have easily dodged, but he made no attempt to avoid it.

"Minato, congratulations!"

"Oh wait, I should be calling you the Fourth Hokage now!"

The familiar voice belonged to Kushina.

Standing beside her were two other women—Mikoto Uchiha, whom he hadn’t seen in a long time, and Takenouchi Rin, a former classmate from their academy days.

Rin had become a Chunin over the years, though they had rarely interacted since then.

Minato was briefly taken aback before rubbing the back of his head sheepishly. "There's no need for such formalities. We're all old friends, after all."

Kushina grinned, stepping forward to brush the ribbons off his hair and shoulders before linking her arm with his. The four of them then made their way into the hall.

Inside, another familiar figure stood up with a wide grin.

"You're finally back."

Jiraiya’s voice was filled with amusement.

"Everything went smoothly, I assume?"

"Yeah," Minato nodded, feeling a sense of warmth at the sight before him.

His living room wasn’t small, yet tonight, it felt a little crowded.

Hatake Sakumo, Suzuka, and his old academy classmates—Shikaku Nara, Choza Akimichi, and Inoichi Yamanaka—had all gathered.

Even a fellow shinobi who had once clashed with him, was here.

Many others who had fought alongside Minato in the Third Shinobi War, or had been close friends in their youth, had also come to celebrate his new title.

"How does it feel to be outdone by your junior?" A voice teased.

The speaker was Sarutobi Ao, his tone lighthearted as he glanced at Nawaki Senju.

In their academy days, Nawaki had always declared his dream of becoming Hokage. Yet now, it was Minato who wore the title.

Rather than resentment, Nawaki merely shrugged. "I won't lie, it stings a little. But Minato’s way stronger than me. Even if I can't be Hokage, I can still do my part in protecting Konoha."

Hearing this, Tsunade, who stood nearby, allowed a small, proud smile to grace her lips.

Meanwhile, Kakashi and Shisui approached Minato.

"Minato-sensei, congratulations."

Kakashi's tone was respectful but carried a tinge of melancholy.

Understanding the reason behind it, Minato gently patted his shoulder in silent reassurance.

"Congratulations on becoming Hokage, Uncle Minato!"

The voice belonged to a young boy—Uchiha Itachi. Though small in stature, his movements were quick and precise as he stepped forward to stand between Kakashi and Shisui. His dark eyes gazed up at Minato with an earnest expression.

Minato smiled and crouched down, ruffling Itachi’s soft black hair.

"Thank you, Itachi."

A sense of warmth filled Minato’s chest.

He had lost his parents at a young age, yet here he stood, surrounded by his master, friends, predecessors, disciples, and the woman he loved.

This was what had allowed him to reach where he was today.

Becoming Hokage wasn’t about holding a title—it was about being acknowledged by those around him.

News of Minato’s succession quickly spread throughout Konoha.

The village, still recovering from the war, suddenly found itself bustling with renewed energy. Preparations for the Hokage succession ceremony were in full swing, with villagers and shinobi alike eager for the grand event.

A few days later, the long-awaited day finally arrived.

As Minato prepared himself, the door to his home burst open.

Kushina, slightly out of breath, hurried over to him, holding a neatly folded garment in her hands.

"There's still time!" she announced, placing the clothing in his arms.

Minato chuckled. "Thank you for the help."

Kushina puffed out her cheeks. "You should’ve let me handle it from the start!"

She unfolded the garment—a pristine white Hokage cloak embroidered with crimson flame patterns. Across its back, five bold words blazed like fire:

[Fourth Hokage]

Minato let out a quiet laugh, feeling the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders.

With practiced ease, Kushina draped the robe over him.

The moment he stood before her, clad in his Hokage attire, her expression softened.

For a brief moment, Kushina was speechless, her eyes gleaming with emotion.

Then, she finally exhaled in awe—

"Wow..."

Chapter 585: The Fourth Hokage!

"Wow!"

Kushina couldn't help but exclaim as she took in the sight before her.

Minato stood before her, clad in the hokage robe, yet the garment did not seem cumbersome on him at all. On the contrary, it fit him perfectly, accentuating his tall and lean frame.

His yellow hair, his bright blue eyes—Minato was undoubtedly handsome. Gone was the unreliable and slightly awkward boy she had first met as a child. The man standing before her now exuded a calm strength, his gentle demeanor belying the fearsome reputation he had earned across the ninja world.

The name "Konoha's Yellow Flash" struck terror into the hearts of shinobi across the five great nations. And yet, for those who knew him personally, Minato's presence was warm and reassuring, a stark contrast to the intimidating legend that surrounded his name.

But now, with the addition of the Hokage robe draped over his shoulders, he carried an air of quiet authority. The once-gentle aura he possessed now bore a subtle, unshakable majesty.

Yet, rather than making him feel distant, this change only seemed to deepen the sense of trust one felt in his presence.

"What's wrong?"

Minato tilted his head slightly, puzzled by Kushina's lingering gaze.

She curled her lips playfully and teased, "Fourth Hokage, if you go around dressed like this, I'm afraid you're going to attract a lot of girls."

Minato, now the leader of Konoha, was still only twenty-two years old—a man in his prime. His youth and charisma would undoubtedly make him a popular figure, not just as a leader but among admirers as well.

Seeing the amused glint in Kushina’s eyes, Minato let out a chuckle. "I never thought you'd be the type to worry about something like that, Kushina."

"What do you mean by that?!"

Her face flushed immediately, her fiery temper flaring up in embarrassment.

Minato smiled at her reaction and, in a rare moment of boldness, reached out and gently cupped her cheek. His touch was warm, his voice soft as he said, "Actually, if you dressed up a little, Kushina, I'm sure plenty of people would fall for you too."

Kushina wasn’t the type to fuss over her appearance, but that did little to hide her natural beauty. Even without trying, she was breathtaking.

"Hmph! I don’t care about that! I wouldn’t even look at another man—only you, Minato!"

Her words came out in a rush, and by the time she realized what she had blurted, she felt her face heating up even more.

Minato’s blue eyes softened as he gazed at her. "And for me, there is only you. In my eyes, Kushina, you are the most beautiful woman in the world."

His words carried no hesitation, only sincerity.

He leaned in, their foreheads nearly touching. They could feel each other's breath—so close, so intimate.

For a moment, the world around them disappeared.

"Yeah..." Kushina’s lips curled into a sweet smile, her crimson eyes filled with happiness.

Their earlier playful banter no longer mattered. In this moment, there was only them.

"It's almost time, we should go," Kushina suddenly said, glancing at the clock. The Hokage succession ceremony was about to begin.

"You're right."

Minato nodded, his hand tightening around hers. And with that, they vanished from the house, reappearing amid the crowd of people gathered in front of the Hokage Building.

At the same time, in another part of the village, a solitary figure stood before two gravestones in Konoha’s shinobi cemetery.

Kakashi Hatake.

"Rin, I’m sorry," he murmured, his voice quiet. "I’ve been busy these past few days. I should have come sooner."

His gaze lingered on the carved name before him. The girl who had once been his teammate, his friend—now just a memory engraved in stone.

After a long pause, he turned to the next tombstone.

"Obito..." Kakashi’s voice wavered slightly. "Today is the day Minato-sensei becomes Hokage. If you were here, you’d be happy, wouldn’t you?"

He exhaled, shaking his head with a bitter smile.

"Being Hokage was your dream too."

Some distance away, hidden within the foliage, a shadowed figure stood silently.

Beneath a black cloak and mask, a pair of scarlet Sharingan eyes flickered with emotion.

"Hokage?"

The figure’s voice was low, almost unreadable.

"Heh… Hokage…"

His fingers curled into a tight fist.

"Even if you’ve become Hokage, you’re still just a loser…"

His voice was cold, filled with disdain—yet beneath it, there was something else. Something unspoken.

The air around him twisted in a vortex of space-time, and in the next moment—he was gone.

A few green leaves fluttered to the ground in his wake.

Hearing the faint rustling sound, Kakashi glanced sideways, eyes narrowing slightly. But when he saw nothing, he simply let out a sigh.

"It's time."

He cast one final look at the gravestones and whispered, "I'll come visit again tomorrow."

Then, without another word, he turned and vanished from sight.

By now, the entire village—both shinobi and civilians—had gathered beneath the Hokage Building.

Excitement buzzed through the crowd, their eyes frequently drifting upwards. The top of the Hokage Building was already lined with Anbu operatives, stationed at different points.

As time passed, the anticipation in the air grew stronger.

Then, finally—

The Third Hokage and the three Konoha elders stepped forward.

At the same time, Kakashi arrived, weaving his way through the gathered shinobi. He looked up just in time to see the moment everyone had been waiting for.

Swish!

With a flicker of movement, Minato appeared atop the building, his white robe fluttering in the breeze, the fire cloud pattern vivid against the fabric.

The crowd erupted.

"Is that the Fourth Hokage?!"

"He looks so young!"

"So handsome!"

"I never thought I'd see him in person!"

Although Minato was widely known as Konoha’s Yellow Flash, most of the villagers had never seen him up close. His fearsome reputation as a shinobi painted a picture of a ruthless warrior, one who had carved his legend into history with the blood of enemy shinobi.

Yet, standing before them now—Minato was nothing like they had imagined.

He was young. He was composed. And he carried himself with the quiet confidence of a true leader.

Then, a voice rang out, cutting through the crowd’s whispers.

"The Hokage succession ceremony officially begins!"

Instantly, all chatter ceased.

Minato stood alongside the Third Hokage and the village elders. Under the watchful eyes of countless spectators, Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped forward, removing the conical hat from his head.

The hat bore a single, powerful word—"Fire" (火). A symbol of the legacy passed down from the very first Hokage.

Hiruzen’s hands trembled slightly as he turned to Minato.

"From this moment onward, Konoha is in your hands… Yondaime!"

A heavy silence fell over the village as Minato stepped forward, taking the Hokage’s hat with steady hands.

He placed it on his head, his blue eyes gleaming with unwavering resolve.

"I am willing to give everything for this village."

The cheers that followed shook the very foundations of Konoha.

"Yondaime!"

"Yondaime!"

The voices of thousands rose in unison, their cries echoing across the village.

And so, a new era for Konoha began.