As the enthronement ceremony approached, the Fire Capital was completely reshaped within a single month.
The shadow of war seemed to have dissipated, and prosperity was visible to the naked eye.
The expanded streets were wide and clean, with shops lining both sides.
Caravans from various countries, guided by guards, orderly entered the designated trade zones.
The air was filled with the aroma of food, intertwined with the clang of blacksmiths, forming a picture of human life and activity.
Children chased and played, their faces full of laughter.
All these thriving scenes originated from the young Daimyo who was about to be enthroned, Arashi.
He used an iron fist to reshape the order of the Fire Capital.
Only a few rats still trembled, hiding in the shadows.
Order brings safety.
Safety fosters prosperity.
But beneath this prosperity, an undercurrent was quietly surging toward the center of power in the Fire Capital, the Daimyo Manor.
Study room.
Arashi stood before a huge map, his gaze calmly surveying the entire territory of the Land of Fire.
Just then, a voice from outside the door sounded.
"My Lord, the Third Hokage has arrived."
Finally, he came.
Arashi regained his composure and said, "Let them in."
"Yes."
The door was pushed open, and two figures entered, one after the other.
Leading the way was Hiruzen Sarutobi, dressed in the Hokage's ceremonial robe.
He deliberately restrained his powerful aura, his face covered with wrinkles, his eyes cloudy, looking decrepit and older than in the manga, completely lacking the demeanor of the Ninja God he once was.
Minato Namikaze followed closely, with dazzling short golden hair, bright eyes, and a perpetually humble and gentle smile on his face.
The two entered the room and bowed deeply to Arashi.
"Konoha's Hiruzen Sarutobi greets Daimyo-sama."
"Konoha's Minato Namikaze greets Daimyo-sama."
Arashi turned around, a gentle smile on his face. "Please rise, both of you, no need for such formalities."
He gestured with his hand.
"The Third has toiled for the country, and Jōnin Minato is even more a pillar of the nation. Please, have a seat."
"Thank you, My Lord."
The two sat down as instructed, their postures respectful.
Hiruzen's gaze subtly swept across the study room, finally resting on Arashi, a chill in his heart.
He was even more composed than described in the intelligence. Not only did he show no youthful impetuousness, he was remarkably calm.
The bloody struggles he had endured recently seemed to have left no trace on him.
Arashi said lightly, "Someone, bring tea."
The side door of the study was gently pushed open, and a maid entered, carrying a tea tray.
She kept her head down, her steps light, serving tea to Hiruzen and Minato with meticulous movements, so elegant she hardly seemed like a maid.
Minato politely thanked her, his gaze involuntarily drawn to the woman's profile, struck by her beauty.
However, the moment Hiruzen next to him clearly saw that face, his pupils sharply constricted.
His hand, holding the teacup, tightened abruptly, spilling tea, but he did not notice.
Kiyotsuki Yui.
He would never mistake that face.
The most dazzling pearl of the Fire Capital, the sole daughter of the Kiyotsuki Family, which was destroyed for backing the wrong side.
How could she be here, and wearing a maid's uniform?
How ruthless.
Although Minato did not recognize Kiyotsuki Yui, he keenly caught the Third's lapse in composure.
His heart tightened, and when he looked at the maid again, his eyes held a hint of scrutiny.
After setting down the teacups, Yui did not retreat but walked behind Arashi, standing with her hands at her sides, like a statue.
This silent gesture was like a heavy hammer, striking Hiruzen's heart.
The speech he had prepared all the way here now felt stuck in his throat.
Arashi's face showed concern. "Third, you look a bit unwell? Is it the fatigue from the journey?"
Hiruzen snapped back to attention, quickly composed himself, and forced a smile. "Indeed, I am a bit tired. I'm old and useless now, please forgive me, Daimyo-sama."
Arashi immediately blamed himself. "Oh, it's my fault. How could I let an elder like you, who has toiled for the country all his life, make such a journey personally?"
"No hardship, no hardship," Hiruzen humbly replied, but inwardly, alarm bells were ringing. Is he implying I'm old and should retire?
I cannot be led by him any longer.
Setting down his teacup, Hiruzen decided to stop beating around the bush and get straight to the point. "Daimyo-sama."
He suddenly stood up, his expression becoming incredibly solemn.
"Although we ultimately won this great war, the Village also paid a heavy price."
"Countless excellent ninja died on the battlefield, countless families were shattered, and the Village is in ruins, waiting to be rebuilt."
His voice was hoarse, his words filled with sorrow, as if from the bottom of his heart.
"As Hokage, I bear an inescapable responsibility for all of this."
"It was I who failed to protect them better. It was I who failed to lead the Village to a brighter future."
At this point, he bent down, his head almost touching his chest, his posture extremely humble.
"Therefore, I have come today to resign from my position as Hokage to Daimyo-sama."
"I humbly request, My Lord, to allow me to step down as Hokage. I am willing to bear full responsibility for the losses caused by this war."
As his voice fell, the study room plunged into dead silence.
Minato also hastily stood up, his head bowed, his eyes complex.
This was the script that Hiruzen had discussed with him before coming.
Arashi instantly saw through Hiruzen's intention, a hint of mockery flashing in his eyes.
To retreat in order to advance?
A good plan.
He would take responsibility upon himself, presenting a noble and upright image.
If Arashi did not agree, he could then propose restoring the budget to appease the Village.
If Arashi agreed, he could legitimately nominate Minato to take over, and if he could also bring back news of no budget cuts, his position would be instantly solidified.
Thinking more deeply.
Minato was already from the Hokage faction. Whether Hiruzen retired or not, Konoha's power would still circulate within the Hokage faction.
He had calculated well.
Arashi pondered for a moment, then his gaze passed over Hiruzen and fell upon Minato. "Jōnin Minato."
Called by name, Minato immediately responded, "Here."
"What do you think of the Third's decision?"
Minato instantly felt immense pressure.
This question was difficult to answer.
To say he supported it would be disloyal.
To say he opposed it would go against the purpose of their visit.
Minato pondered for a moment and replied, "Hokage-sama is wholeheartedly devoted to public service. I do not dare to comment presumptuously on his decision."
"However, I believe that the Village, having just gone through a major war, needs stability most right now."
"Regardless of who leads Konoha in the future, the stability of the Village must be the top priority."
This answer both expressed respect for Hiruzen and highlighted the potential risks of changing the Hokage, skillfully kicking the ball back.
"Well said."
Arashi praised, then looked back at Hiruzen.
He slowly rose and walked in front of Hiruzen, helping him up, his tone sincere.
"Third, what are you doing."
"You have toiled for the Land of Fire, for Konoha, your entire life. Your achievements are outstanding, you are a pillar of the nation. How can the losses of war be borne by you alone?"
"That's not fair."
Hiruzen's heart swelled with joy, believing his strategy had worked.
It seemed this young Daimyo still understood how to weigh the pros and cons and would not easily allow Leaf to fall into turmoil.
"However."
Arashi's smile remained unchanged, but his tone suddenly shifted. "You are also right, Konoha indeed needs change, needs to be responsible for the future."
"Your willingness to step forward and bear this responsibility, this magnanimity, I admire."
He patted Hiruzen's shoulder intimately, saying each word distinctly:
"Your resignation, I accept."
(To be continued.)
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