Cold Office, Warm Resolve
Namikaze Minato sat in his Hokage office, his eyes lingering on the high stack of documents before him. With a quiet sigh, he leaned back in his chair.
Since assuming the mantle of Fourth Hokage, little had changed in the day-to-day politics of Konohagakure. Despite the adulation of the people and the fame he had earned as the Yellow Flash, Minato quickly realized that there were many matters even the Hokage could not decide alone.
At the top of the power structure sat not only the Hokage, but also the Konoha Council—composed of the Sandaime Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, and elders Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane. More problematic, however, was Shimura Danzō, the head of Root, a secretive subdivision of the Anbu Black Ops.
While Minato technically held authority over Anbu, Root operated in near total autonomy under Danzō's control.
His proposals—like increasing surveillance of Root or reforming the Uchiha Clan's treatment within the village—were often delayed or outright rejected by the Council.
"Hokage-sama is young," they would say, or, "We must proceed cautiously."
In truth, Hiruzen still held considerable sway over village policy, having stepped down but not away. His old comrades remained rooted in the system, and their influence often outweighed even the authority of the Hokage himself.
Minato was beginning to realize that the village he dreamed of—where ideals shaped progress—was still a long way off.
"Is this what it means to be Hokage?" he thought bitterly, staring at the silent pile of paperwork.
He had not confronted Danzō directly. Even Hiruzen, during his second term as Hokage, had only partially curtailed Root's activities. Officially disbanded, the organization still operated from the shadows.
Minato was not naïve. He knew that confronting Danzō or the elders without proof or support would only result in more resistance—or worse, sabotage.
Spring had arrived, yet the Hokage's office felt cold. Not from the weather, but from the realization that his youthful dreams of reshaping the system were already being tested.
Just then, a knock sounded at the door.
Minato straightened. "Come in."
The door opened, and in stepped Hatake Kakashi.
His expression was calm, composed. His uniform now bore the standard of Anbu. He looked healthier than he had months ago—more alert, more grounded.
Minato smiled softly. "Kakashi. It's good to see you. You've been doing well."
"I brought the mission report, sensei," Kakashi said, reverting to the term he used before Minato became Hokage.
Minato took the scroll and skimmed through it. "Efficient as always. You've recovered well. I'm glad."
Kakashi gave a faint nod.
The Fourth Hokage folded the report and spoke with renewed seriousness. "The war with Iwagakure and Kumogakure is over, but that doesn't mean we can relax. Tensions remain high. I don't want any unexpected incidents during my first year as Hokage. Keep Anbu alert. Root out trouble before it grows."
"Yes, sir," Kakashi replied, eyes focused.
Minato regarded him thoughtfully. He had placed Kakashi in Anbu months before becoming Hokage. At the time, it was to stabilize him—give him purpose after the trauma of losing Obito and Rin.
But now, Kakashi was more than a promising young shinobi. He was Minato's only true confidant within Anbu.
"Minato-sama…" Kakashi hesitated. "I've noticed something… off. The Anbu structure—it doesn't seem fully loyal to you."
Minato's expression darkened. He placed a hand to his chin.
"You're not wrong," he admitted. "There are… factions. Some Anbu agents answer to other masters. Danzo, most likely."
He paused, then looked directly at Kakashi.
"I need someone I can trust. I need you to find out who among Anbu reports to Root. Quietly. If you're discovered, I want you to withdraw. Your safety comes first."
Kakashi didn't flinch. "I understand. I'll handle it."
Minato smiled briefly. "Thank you. I'll also speak with Uchiha Kai. As head of the Konoha Military Police, he may already have leads on Root's movements. He's sharp. And loyal."
"Uchiha Kai?" Kakashi repeated.
"Yes. He and Fugaku supported my nomination for Hokage, and Kai has proven himself in intelligence work. If I'm to restore proper oversight over Anbu, I'll need every ally I can find."
Kakashi nodded and turned to leave, but then paused at the door.
"There's one more thing, sensei."
"Hm?"
"Just after the New Year Festival, I visited Obito's and Rin's graves. I always bring lilies. But a few weeks later, when I went again… Rin's grave had fresh offerings. Not from me. I checked."
Minato's brows furrowed. "You think someone else visited?"
"Yes. Not necessarily suspicious, but… I can't shake the feeling something's off."
Minato leaned back, thoughtful.
"It's good to stay vigilant, but don't let grief become paranoia. Rin and Obito were loved by many. It's natural that others might pay respects."
Kakashi looked down. "Maybe. But I just had to tell you. Something feels… wrong. Like a storm is coming."
Minato didn't respond immediately. His gaze drifted toward the window, toward the Hidden Leaf beyond.
"A storm, huh..." he thought.
"I'll keep that in mind. Thank you, Kakashi. And… keep watching."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
As Kakashi vanished, Minato turned back to the window.
The wind rustled the trees of Konoha gently.
There were dark clouds gathering—within the village, and far beyond.
And if the Fourth Hokage was to protect it, he would need more than speed.
He would need resolve.