Seven days later, the weather was fair and the sun shone brightly.
Today was a good day.
Early in the morning, Konohagakure's villagers left their homes, heading towards the Hokage Residence.
Their purpose was to witness Minato Namikaze's inauguration as the Fourth Hokage of the village.
This was a major event for the entire village. Regardless of whether they had other plans, they all converged on the Hokage Residence.
The bright sunlight spilled from the sky, casting a golden glow over Konohagakure, as if symbolizing Minato's title and hinting that Konohagakure's future would only get better.
At nine o'clock in the morning, the auspicious time had arrived.
On the rooftop balcony of the Hokage Residence, everyone gathered. On such an important day, Kushina naturally wouldn't be absent, and Veigar was also among them.
The heads of the major ninja clans, Root leader Danzō, and Konohagakure's elders, Koharu and Homura, were also present.
Thump, thump, thump...
Footsteps echoed from inside the Hokage Residence. Everyone looked over to see Minato, dressed in a Hokage robe with the words "Fourth Hokage" printed on it, walking half a step behind Hiruzen.
"Minato, you look so handsome today..."
Minato, following behind Hiruzen, looked at Kushina, causing her to instantly become infatuated.
However, everyone had to admit one thing: Minato truly looked handsome today. His gentle smile, charmingly handsome and sunny face, attracted the attention of many marriageable young women, filling their hearts with regret.
"How could such a good man like Minato fall for a fiery little pepper like Kushina?"
Well!
Kushina had just made it onto the enemy list of all the marriageable young women in the village, though Kushina herself was unaware.
At this moment, her heart held only one emotion: pride, immense pride for Minato.
On the balcony, before everyone's eyes, Minato received the Hokage hat from Hiruzen and placed it on his head.
"Fourth, Konohagakure is now entrusted to you!"
Hiruzen admonished him earnestly.
"I will give my life!"
Minato also gave his solemn assurance.
Veigar, witnessing the Fourth Hokage's inauguration, noticed a flicker of expectation deep in Hiruzen's eyes.
"The plan is entering its countdown to official launch."
"Lord Third, don't disappoint me!"
Minato turned and walked to the edge of the balcony, facing the Konohagakure villagers gathered around the Hokage Residence, and spoke with resounding conviction:
"From today on, I am the Fourth Hokage of the village, Minato Namikaze!"
As his voice fell, Minato took off his hat and held it in his hands.
"Wow..."
"Lord Fourth..."
...
The entire Konohagakure erupted in earth-shattering cheers. At this moment, nothing more needed to be said; it was a time for unbridled celebration!
A gentle breeze stirred, ruffling Minato's bright golden hair.
Looking at the villagers cheering for him, Minato's lips curved into a smile.
These passionate cheers made him feel that even sacrificing his life for them would be worth it.
"I will protect Konohagakure."
...
Half a month later.
The day before Minato and Kushina's wedding.
Minato returned home exhausted after work, where Kushina had already cooked dinner.
Seeing Minato's weariness, Kushina's heart ached:
"Minato, you've been working so hard as Hokage."
The worried Minato immediately shook his head upon hearing Kushina's words, saying:
"Ah! It's nothing."
"The village's situation hasn't been good lately, so it's been a bit tough."
"Let's eat first!"
Kushina nodded:
"Mm."
Forcing himself to appear cheerful, Minato said to Kushina:
"We're getting married tomorrow, so you need to keep smiling!"
Kushina immediately blushed.
"You tease."
The joy of their impending marriage dissipated the worries in Minato's heart.
After dinner, Minato lay alone in bed, his mind replaying his experiences as Hokage over the past half-month.
He also recalled what Veigar had said to him.
"Third, Veigar..."
Late into the night, Minato succumbed to his exhaustion and fell into a deep sleep.
Meanwhile, an elite squad from Kirigakure stealthily infiltrated Konohagakure, undetected by anyone.
"Have you locked onto the target's location?"
The captain of this Kirigakure squad, Shou Mizushima, his face clouded with annoyance, asked after they rendezvoused at an inn.
"Captain, the target's location has been confirmed, but there's hardly an opportunity to strike."
Satoshi Matsuo, a Kirigakure Jonin, looked troubled.
Taizan Shimazaki, another Kirigakure Jonin, added:
"Tomorrow is the day of the Fourth Hokage's wedding. We absolutely cannot miss this opportunity."
Shinya Etō, holding a long sword, nodded in agreement:
"Agreed."
Shou Mizushima looked at his three teammates and nodded:
"Then it's decided. We move tomorrow."
...
On the day of the wedding.
The entire village celebrated. Kushina wore a beautiful wedding dress.
At Minato's home, Veigar offered his wedding blessings. As Minato's disciples, Kakashi and Rin were naturally also present.
Rin looked at Kushina in her wedding dress, her face filled with yearning.
But when she noticed Kakashi beside her, she immediately said with a sweet smile:
"Kakashi, Minato-sensei is getting married today, so don't be so stiff-faced!"
"Smile!"
Kakashi's gaze shifted to Rin Nohara, then he forced a very strained smile.
At this moment, Veigar also turned his head and said to Kakashi:
"Kakashi, Rin's right. Minato-sensei is getting married today. No matter what, you should be happily smiling."
At the same time, Veigar set an example for Kakashi, flashing an extremely cheerful smile that made Kakashi roll his eyes and directly turn his head, choosing to ignore him.
Out of sight, out of mind?
"Minato, we're married."
Nestled in Minato's arms, Kushina smiled radiantly.
"Mm, we're married!"
Minato, tightly embracing Kushina, was immensely happy.
The wedding ended, and the guests dispersed.
Under the twilight, Veigar, Kakashi, and Rin left together.
Seeing Rin's blissful expression, Veigar felt like he, the big third wheel, was...
Perhaps not quite fitting in.
"Kakashi, I have something else to attend to. I'll leave Rin in your care to take her home."
Without waiting for Kakashi or Rin to react, Veigar had already vanished from their sight.
Watching Veigar leave, Rin's sweet smile grew even sweeter.
"Kakashi..."
Rin, her small face flushed with shyness, walked closely beside Kakashi, constantly debating in her mind.
"Should I reach out? Should I hold his hand?"
A boy and a girl walking down the street. If it were anyone else, they would have made a move long ago. Unfortunately, Rin was with Kakashi, the unfeeling stoic!
——————————
Want to read the whole story? Head over to my Patreon ——— patreon(.)com/PrimalDemon [remove the parentheses ( )]
This fanfic has been fully translated!