Capital of the Land of Fire, Daimyo's Mansion.
It's called a mansion, but it's actually a magnificent castle.
Inside live maids and guards serving the Daimyo, among them powerful ninjas, secretly protecting the Daimyo's safety.
At the highest point of the castle, in the Tenshu Tower, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, along with several key ministers, gather here for a meeting.
Additionally, Konoha Village's leader, the Third Hokage, and the village's two advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, as well as Root Leader Shimura Danzo, are also present.
These four have also come to the Tenshu to meet with the Daimyo of the Land of Fire.
The theme of their meeting is singular: the imminent retirement of the Third Hokage, passing the title to the next generation.
Upon hearing of the Third Hokage's plan to retire, the Daimyo, familiar with the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, showed a look of regret.
"What a shame, I believe you've done quite well as the Third Hokage, Hiruzen. I didn't expect you to retire so soon."
"Lord Daimyo jests; in reality, I am already over fifty years old, with dwindling energy and strength. It's better to decide on the next Hokage early. Besides, the constant conflicts Konoha faces are partly due to my inadequate leadership."
Hiruzen sighed as he spoke, seemingly resolute in his decision.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire nodded, lightly fanning himself with a folding fan, looking incredibly composed.
"Since that's the case, then, you four must have decided on the Fourth Hokage candidate."
Although the Daimyo nominally holds the highest administrative and military power in the country,
this is not absolute.
In matters of the Five Kage's decisions, including ninja village management, the Daimyo finds it difficult to intervene.
Thus, the selection of the Fourth Hokage is the decision of Konoha Village itself, and the main purpose of coming here is simply to formalize the process, allowing the Daimyo to witness.
After all, the ninja village relies on funding assistance from the Daimyo and other nobles to operate.
This long-standing contract will likely remain unchanged for hundreds of years.
"Yes, this is the candidate we have chosen."
They passed identical documents to the Daimyo and other key ministers of the Land of Fire.
These key ministers, including the Daimyo, belong to wealthy grandees, possessing extraordinary financial and human resources.
At the pinnacle of power in the Land of Fire.
Such has been the case for generations.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire and other key ministers, after reading the document's contents, nodded slightly.
Though the chosen candidate was somewhat unexpected, it was reasonable.
"The Yellow Flash, indeed an excellent ninja; we've heard many rumors about him, and even among the nobility, many young ladies admire such a young and talented ninja. Next time, you should bring him along; my daughter wishes to meet him."
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire said with a smile.
"Princesses are distinguished, an improper match, and Lord Daimyo certainly holds Minato in too high regard."
Hiruzen laughed softly, tactfully declining the Daimyo's suggestion.
Relatives connected to the Daimyo of the Land of Fire are by no means simple. Especially princesses, as such unions imply political motives.
No matter what, as Hokage, outside powers cannot be allowed to interfere, as this would undermine the Hokage's authority and power.
"They're young people, after all; perhaps they'd have more in common than us old folks."
Faced with the Daimyo's repeated requests, Hiruzen smiled silently, showing no sign of unease.
Danzo coldly sneered silently, his eyes reflecting resentment.
Because a ninja like Namikaze Minato could never stand on his side.
Yet as part of Konoha's decision-makers, he had to attend this important but somewhat trivial meeting.
◎
The decision regarding the Fourth Hokage didn't take much time. Hiruzen made an excuse of needing to deal with matters back in the village, leading Danzo and the other three, along with accompanying Anbu, to leave the capital of the Land of Fire and return to Konoha Village.
The first thing upon returning to the village was to dispatch Anbu to post announcements throughout the village, making the news that Yellow Flash Namikaze Minato would succeed as the Fourth Hokage known to every Konoha ninja and villager.
Konoha would soon enter a new era guided by the new Hokage.
No matter what changes occur in the village due to the change in Hokage, at the top of the Hokage Building, Hiruzen summoned Minato alone.
"Sorry, Minato, for placing such heavy responsibility on you so early."
In response to Hiruzen's apology, Minato replied, "Please don't say that, Third Lord, since the village has decided for me to become the Fourth Hokage, I will certainly bear the responsibility and move forward."
Minato had made up his mind.
Compared to battling on the front lines, being Hokage, no matter how busy, was not as precarious as the battlefield.
Moreover, it was his lifelong dream—to become Hokage.
"Binding you to the village is not my original intention, but many in the village are dissatisfied with my conservative approach. This transition comes at an opportune time."
Minato listened carefully to Hiruzen's words.
"You don't have to worry about the Hidden Cloud; though their movements are peculiar, other ninjas in the village can prevent them from invading the Land of Fire. In any case, congratulations."