In the Land of Fire's capital, within a solemn chamber of the daimyo's estate, four of Konoha's top advisors sat quietly. Their expressions were subdued—not from uncertainty, but because they already knew the purpose of this meeting.
Nara Shikaku, seated respectfully, lowered his gaze, mindful of the weight of the decision to come.
"It's a pity. The Third Hokage has served well," murmured the Fire Daimyō as he gently fanned himself, gazing over the reports laid before him. "During his reign, the Land of Fire emerged victorious from two great wars."
The daimyo's voice carried both admiration and political distance. He had always respected Hiruzen Sarutobi—not merely for his strength, but for how his leadership brought stability and preserved the prestige of their nation.
Yet, the time had come to choose a new Hokage.
Danzo Shimura's eyes flickered as the daimyo spoke, his demeanor calm, but his posture tense.
"The Third Hokage's idealism has weakened the village," Danzo said, voice low and resolute. "We require someone with strength and resolve—someone who will uphold the shinobi code without hesitation."
The daimyo tilted his head, intrigued. "And do you have someone in mind?"
"I do," Danzo replied, firmly. "Orochimaru—one of the Sannin. His genius is unmatched."
At once, murmurs erupted from the daimyo's attendants. Orochimaru's name stirred unease, even among non-shinobi. Stories of his prowess on the battlefield were widespread, but so were the rumors of his dark experiments—rumors that had grown louder in Konoha of late.
The Fire Daimyō cast a glance at Hiruzen. "And what do you say, Third?"
Sarutobi opened his eyes slowly. "Orochimaru is indeed a genius. In wartime, his tactics and power were invaluable."
Danzo's expression shifted into a subtle smile—until Hiruzen continued.
"But his heart is clouded by ambition... and darkness. I cannot entrust the future of the village to someone whose ideals threaten its soul."
Danzo stood abruptly, brows furrowed. "Hokage-sama, you—!"
Hiruzen silenced him with a raised hand and turned back to the daimyo. "I recommend Minato Namikaze."
The room fell silent.
"Jiraiya's student?" Koharu Utatane asked, surprised.
"The one they call the Yellow Flash," said Homura Mitokado, nodding. "His deeds in the Third Shinobi World War speak for themselves."
The daimyo leaned forward, fanning himself again. "I've heard of him. The Iwagakure forces still fear his name, do they not?"
"Yes," Hiruzen said. "He was key to our victory at Kannabi Bridge. And it was Minato who brokered the ceasefire with Iwagakure, ensuring a favorable end to the war."
Danzo clenched his jaw. "He's too young. He lacks the political experience—"
"But he has the heart," Hiruzen cut in, his voice firm. "And the will to protect Konoha without sacrificing its values."
The daimyo looked around the room. The advisors nodded in quiet agreement.
Danzo sat down slowly. He understood—he had lost this battle.
Back in Konoha...
Minato Namikaze stood on the balcony of his home, snow falling gently around him. His mind was restless.
Only two days remained before the announcement of the next Hokage. Ever since the Third had departed for the capital, Minato had found it difficult to focus.
Usually, he would spend these hours reading or preparing for his next mission. Tonight, however, he watched the snow.
"Minato, still awake?" Kushina's voice broke the silence. She stepped onto the balcony, brushing flakes from his shoulders.
He turned, offering a soft smile. "Just... thinking."
Kushina gave him a disapproving look, half-serious. "You've been like this all week. Don't tell me you're nervous."
"A little," he admitted.
She sighed, adjusting the collar of his cloak. "Well, if you ask me, you're already acting like a Hokage—worrying too much, brooding over politics, standing in the cold..."
Minato chuckled, but her next words caught him off guard.
"And why'd you send Kakashi to Anbu? He's been through so much already."
Minato's smile faded. "I know... But I thought it would help him rebuild his focus. The Anbu assignments give him structure. And... I trust he'll do well."
Kushina folded her arms. "Maybe. But sometimes what a kid needs isn't duty—it's healing."
Minato nodded. Deep down, he agreed. But Uchiha Shisui, recently promoted and rising within Anbu, had already begun pushing reforms behind the scenes. Kakashi's presence could balance that influence. Minato hadn't told Kushina everything—not yet.
He looked at her, then at the moon overhead.
Whatever happens in two days, he would face it—whether with certainty or doubt.
But with Kushina beside him, and a village to protect, he began to find peace in the falling snow.