"Fourth Hokage, congratulations..."
Yamanaka Hui was truly happy for Hatake Sakumo.
Now that he was Hokage, Sakumo didn't need to fear the elders of Konoha anymore.
Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and the others might have been difficult in the past, but they wouldn't dare to plot against the Hokage.
Their upbringing wouldn't allow it.
Hatake Sakumo's new role as Hokage made him the face of Konoha.
From his high position, he would lead and protect the people.
Even the Elders would have to listen to his advice.
Sarutobi Hiruzen, still strong and healthy, watched with pride.
He knew that his own strength would begin to fade in a few years.
Passing the title of Hokage to Sakumo now was the right choice.
"From now on, the Village is in your hands... Fourth Hokage..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen solemnly gave the responsibility to Hatake Sakumo.
Of course, the official ceremony would take some time to prepare.
It would be a few days, maybe even a week, before the handover was complete.
"Honorable Hokage... you're still in great shape! The Village will still need your wisdom in the future..."
Hatake Sakumo nodded, hoping Sarutobi Hiruzen would continue to guide Konoha.
He knew that choosing the right time to step back was important.
Sarutobi Hiruzen understood that the Ninja World needed everyone to work together.
He suspected that the coming years would be far from peaceful.
"Father, congratulations."
Kakashi was the last to congratulate his father.
Seeing his son, now a Jonin, growing stronger, Hatake Sakumo felt proud.
"Sarutobi Ryo, I'm counting on you to look after Kakashi..."
Hatake Sakumo knew that Sarutobi Ryo was a better mentor for Kakashi than he could ever be.
"No problem..." Sarutobi Ryo agreed.
Nohara Rin was getting ready for Kakashi's eye transplant.
Many people who had died had donated their eyes, which could restore Kakashi's sight.
Kakashi's success with Lightning Release Chakra Mode was also a huge help.
He started learning the Raikage Clan's secret technique.
With the Lightning Release Armor improving his reaction time, Kakashi could do things like Raikage Ai.
Entering this mode would boost all his abilities.
Of course, it would be hard on him.
Training his body was key.
Sarutobi Ryo made sure Guy trained with Kakashi.
With Guy's passionate encouragement, Kakashi would be training at least ten hours a day, right?
He wouldn't dare to do anything else.
With everything set, the Hokage Election ceremony ended.
----
Afternoon, as the sun began to set.
Namikaze Minato sat alone in a bar, drinking quietly.
The bitter drink made him cough.
He didn't understand how Jiraiya Sensei and the others could enjoy such a strong taste.
Winning the title of Fifth Hokage wasn't the real issue anymore.
The most important thing was... Naruto's birth.
In this world, Uzumaki Mito was still alive.
Kushina wasn't lonely and cold as she had been in his previous memories.
She had someone to care for her, elders who were strict but loving.
She had people she could rely on.
So, he needed to get closer to Kushina.
After finishing a cup of sake, Namikaze Minato had an idea.
He wondered if he should... move things forward with Kushina.
If "that" happened, Naruto could be conceived.
This would force the higher-ups to betroth Kushina to him, or even let him join her clan.
The Uzumaki Clan was famous.
Even though their country was gone, the Uzumaki symbol was on every Konoha Ninja's uniform.
It was a symbol of great honor.
"Heh heh, Minato... drinking alone here in silence?"
Suddenly, Orochimaru walked in.
Unlike the Orochimaru that Namikaze Minato remembered, who was supposed to be losing his mind, this Orochimaru seemed calm, unaffected by losing the Hokage Election.
Was it because Senior Sakumo had completely convinced him?
Now, Namikaze Minato realized that Jiraiya Sensei and Tsunade had insisted that Senior Sakumo come to the bar to celebrate.
Orochimaru had just stopped by.
"Heh heh... Minato, you shouldn't be so sad about losing the election. Something else is bothering you..."
Orochimaru noticed the sadness in Namikaze Minato's eyes.
"Senior Sakumo is already the Fourth Hokage. You should focus on the Fifth Hokage position... but Young Master Ryo is also a strong contender..."
Orochimaru hinted that the Fifth Hokage was not yet decided, watching Namikaze Minato's reaction.
Namikaze Minato felt a sense of disbelief.
Orochimaru Sensei was comforting him...
It was unimaginable.
How much more unpredictable would the future become?
Namikaze Minato didn't know.
He kept remembering the knowledge from his future self.
Some of it was forbidden.
Was he going to follow that path?
Namikaze Minato felt anxious.
He thought of Kushina and Uzumaki Naruto, the child who should be born.
"Heh heh..."
Orochimaru observed his junior, watching him worry.
He decided to leave the matter to Jiraiya.
Even the best people were still just ordinary humans.
Eternal Life...
Orochimaru, having failed to become Hokage, decided to focus on researching Eternal Life.
Only with infinite life could he truly begin.
----
Evening.
Namikaze Minato went to Kushina's home.
The scene was like paradise.
"Lord Mito..."
Namikaze Minato greeted Uzumaki Mito.
She was dressed in white, her beautiful face calm. She had already heard about the Hokage Election.
"Hmm..."
She nodded, showing no sadness or joy.
"Namikaze Minato, you must work hard and strive to become the next Hokage..."
Because that's the only way Kushina can truly be with you.
*
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 297 (Vol 2 Ch 239) (+128 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 243 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Want to support my work and get early access to chapters? Check out my Patreon! 👇
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]