Naruto was very intrigued by Orochimaru's newly developed ninjutsu.
Although he was still wary of the Sannin, Naruto understood that Orochimaru's presence could be useful. After all, there were still many remnants of the Akatsuki scattered across the world, and the mysterious threat of the Ōtsutsuki clan loomed beyond the horizon. So, Naruto agreed to let Orochimaru remain under watch, accompanied by Kabuto. Together, they would continue researching ninjutsu while keeping surveillance over White Zetsu.
Orochimaru, in turn, made a request. He asked Naruto to inform Jūgo, Suigetsu, and Karin—who were currently staying in the village—that they should rejoin Sasuke. For now, their talents weren't needed in Konoha.
Naruto thought for a moment, then nodded. "Alright, I'll tell them. If they're with Sasuke, he won't be alone."
With that settled, Naruto left Orochimaru's laboratory and made his way back to the village.
The Council in Konoha
In the village's Hokage building, inside the large conference hall, an important meeting was already underway.
At the center of the long table sat the Fire Daimyō, holding his ceremonial fan, his expression calm yet sharp. To his left were the senior officials of the Land of Fire, advisors and bureaucrats who safeguarded the nation's political interests. To his right sat Konoha's leadership, headed by Tsunade, the Fifth Hokage.
Present alongside her were Jiraiya, Shizune, Shikaku Nara, Inoichi Yamanaka, Chōza Akimichi, and Ibiki Morino. Together, they represented the reorganized council of Konoha after the Fourth Great Ninja War.
Ibiki sat a little stiffly. Unlike the others, he lacked clan backing and was only present because Jiraiya had personally vouched for him. Jiraiya had taken a liking to him long ago, even mentoring him when he was younger.
The Daimyō lightly tapped his fan against the table and looked at Tsunade with a smile.
"Hokage-sama, you have governed the village well. Why, then, do you suddenly plan to step down?"
Tsunade smiled politely, though her golden eyes carried a sense of calm determination.
"I apologize, Lord Daimyō. But with the war concluded and peace returning, I believe the time has come to resign. Konoha is entering a new era, and the village needs a Hokage suited for development, not constant battle. Someone steady who can lead us into the future."
The Daimyō raised a brow, intrigued. "Oh? And who would that be?"
Instead of answering, Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya, who shifted uncomfortably under the attention.
The Daimyō blinked, puzzled by her silence. "Hokage-sama?"
Tsunade smirked faintly. "There's another matter. I've accepted Jiraiya's proposal. After stepping down, I intend to marry him. That alone makes me unsuited to continue as Hokage."
The room went quiet for a moment, then the Daimyō let out a laugh of surprise and delight.
"Oh! So that's it! How wonderful. The Third Hokage's spirit in the Pure Land must be rejoicing to see his two disciples finally united. This is indeed good news for the village."
He looked warmly between Jiraiya and Tsunade. For him, this was a stabilizing union between two legendary Sannin. Long ago, when Minato had been chosen as the Fourth Hokage, the Daimyō himself had suggested Jiraiya for the position. But Hiruzen had declined, citing his student's free-spirited and eccentric nature.
Now, seeing the two together, the Daimyō was more than pleased.
A Candidate Proposed
The Daimyō closed his fan, his tone becoming formal again.
"In that case, allow me to make a suggestion. Why not appoint Naruto Uzumaki as the next Hokage?"
A ripple of surprise moved through the council.
The Daimyō continued with confidence.
"Uzumaki Naruto is the greatest hero of this war. His foresight and determination are unparalleled. The other Daimyō across the continent speak of him with respect. And besides, he is the son of the Fourth Hokage, as well as Jiraiya's pupil—making him, in a way, the successor to both the Fourth and the Third. A most fitting candidate!"
He looked around, smiling broadly. "Well then? What say you?"
Tsunade exhaled softly and shook her head.
"Lord Daimyō, I'm afraid Naruto may not be willing."
The Daimyō frowned in surprise. "Not willing? That boy has always dreamed of becoming Hokage! Why would he refuse now?"
Jiraiya leaned forward, his expression serious.
"Right now, Naruto believes greater threats are still ahead. He's focused on preparing for future battles—perhaps even beyond anything we've faced before. He fears that taking on the Hokage's daily duties would distract him from that mission."
Shikaku nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Lord Daimyō. Naruto himself has said his priority is to prepare for potential crises. Managing the village would take his time away from that. In his own words, he isn't ready yet."
The Daimyō sighed, shaking his head. "What a pity. Still, if that is Naruto's choice, then perhaps he may succeed when the next Hokage steps down."
The council members nodded in unison.
The Sixth Hokage is Named
The Daimyō looked back at Tsunade. "Then tell me, who do you recommend as the Sixth Hokage?"
This time, Tsunade remained silent. It was Shikaku who rose from his seat, his expression calm yet firm.
"Lord Daimyō, after thorough discussion, we have decided to recommend Kakashi Hatake as the candidate for Sixth Hokage. Here is his record for your consideration."
He handed over a folder, which one of the Daimyō's aides immediately passed forward. The Daimyō flipped it open, scanning the contents.
When he saw the silver-haired portrait, he let out a small sound of recognition.
"Ah… Hatake? So, this is the son of the White Fang."
Tsunade smiled faintly. "Yes, Lord Daimyō. Kakashi Hatake, son of Sakumo Hatake, the White Fang of Konoha."
The Daimyō chuckled, waving his fan slowly.
"Indeed, I remember the White Fang well. A man of great renown. And this Kakashi—he was trained under the Fourth Hokage, was he not?"
Jiraiya nodded. "That's right. Minato was his sensei. And beyond that, Kakashi also trained Naruto. He represents the perfect chain of succession."
The Daimyō closed his fan with a snap and grinned.
"Excellent! A fitting inheritance indeed. The Copy Ninja, feared and respected across the shinobi world, carrying the name of the White Fang. Yes, yes… he will do nicely. I approve."
Shizune allowed herself a small smile. "So, Lord Daimyō, you accept our recommendation?"
The Daimyō gave a firm nod. "I do."
Kakashi's Appointment
Tsunade stood, bowing respectfully. "Thank you for your understanding, Lord Daimyō."
She gave a glance toward the two Elite Jōnin standing by the door. They immediately opened it, and Kakashi, who had been waiting outside, stepped in.
Dressed in his standard Jōnin uniform, his Sharingan eye covered as always by his forehead protector, Kakashi walked calmly to the center of the hall.
He bowed. "Lord Daimyō. Lady Hokage. Esteemed council members."
Everyone nodded in acknowledgment.
Tsunade's voice was steady. "Kakashi, Lord Daimyō has approved your appointment as the Sixth Hokage."
Kakashi bowed again. "Thank you for your trust, Lord Daimyō."
The Daimyō stepped forward, his aides carrying the official documents.
"Kakashi Hatake, I appoint you Sixth Hokage of Konohagakure. Govern this village with wisdom, protect it with your life, and carry the honor of your father's name."
Kakashi straightened, accepting the scroll with both hands. His lone visible eye was serious, resolute.
"I, Kakashi Hatake, accept this appointment. I swear to dedicate myself to this position for the rest of my life."
The Daimyō smiled with satisfaction. "Well said."
He placed the seal of the Land of Fire upon the document, making the appointment official. The transfer of power was complete.
Tsunade, unable to hide her pride, began to clap softly. One by one, the others joined her, filling the hall with applause.
The era of the Sixth Hokage had begun.
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