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.
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