Analyzing the Ninja World Starting from Konoha

Chapter 201 Keeping the Promise

Orochimaru knew very well that his and Danzo's human experiments could not be hidden from Hiruzen's eyes.

But what truly angered him was that the three generations of teachers were completely unable to understand their students' ideals of pursuing eternity and truth!

"Lord Danzo, can't you see it?"

Orochimaru's lips curled into a smile. "The Third Hokage's true intention was simply to use Minato as a puppet so that he and his disciple could continue to control Konoha from behind the scenes."

These words struck a chord with Danzo.

In his view, Hiruzen Sarutobi's recommendation of one of his grand-disciples to succeed him as the fourth generation clearly showed that he was unwilling to relinquish the power he held.

He outwardly abdicated, but secretly continued to control everything through the water gate.

"At this rate, Konoha has no future."

Danzo slammed his cane against the ground.

"It's too early to give up now."

Orochimaru turned around, a hint of excitement flashing in his eyes. "If our Wood Release experiment succeeds, seizing power in Konoha will be a piece of cake."

Danzo took a deep breath, suppressing his anger.

Orochimaru is right. Their Wood Release experiments are their biggest trump card right now, and they must not let the Hokage position slip away.

"For the sake of the village's future, I am prepared to use some tough measures when necessary."

Danzo said coldly, "When the time is right, we must use any means necessary. But now is not the time."

Danzo then turned and left Orochimaru's laboratory.

As Danzo walked out the door, he cursed inwardly: "Orochimaru is such a waste. If he had paid a little more attention to his image and had some influence in the village, he wouldn't have ended up without a single person supporting him at the Daimyo meeting!"

The next day, a large crowd gathered in front of the notice board in Konoha.

A brand new announcement was posted.

[The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, has officially resigned from his post, and Minato Namikaze has succeeded him as the Fourth Hokage!]

The news spread like wildfire throughout the entire village.

Might Guy saw the announcement immediately and excitedly ran all the way to find Kakashi.

On a secluded park bench, Kai finally found Kakashi.

"Hey! Kakashi! Kakashi!"

At that moment, Kakashi was looking down, engrossed in reading a book.

Kai snatched the book away, and when he looked closely, he was completely dumbfounded.

The book's cover prominently displayed the words "How Should We Die".

"What is this thing?!"

Give it back to me.

Kakashi snatched the book back, rolling his deadpan eyes: "Why are you in such a hurry to find me?"

Kai then remembered the important matter and excitedly shouted, "Kakashi! The selection for the Fourth Hokage has just been announced!"

It's none other than Minato-sensei!

Kakashi's eye suddenly widened, a look of disbelief flashing within it.

Without even saying goodbye, he turned and ran towards the cemetery.

He wanted to tell Rin and Obito this good news as soon as possible.

The next day.

The rooftop of the Hokage Building.

Sunlight streamed onto the spacious platform, where the core strength of Konoha Village was gathered.

Aoba, dressed in standard Jonin attire, stood beside Kushina.

Beside him were the heads of the major ninja clans, including the Hyuga, Uchiha, Nara, and Akimichi, as well as high-ranking ninjas from the village.

The square downstairs was densely packed with villagers and ninjas who had come to watch the ceremony.

-

All eyes were focused on the two figures in front.

Hiruzen Sarutobi, wearing the Hokage's robes, slowly removed the straw hat that symbolized the Hokage from his head.

The Third Hokage solemnly presented the Hokage hat, representing the highest authority in Konoha, to Minato Namikaze with both hands.

Minato was wearing a brand new white holy robe today, with the words "Fourth Hokage" written on the back.

He took the straw hat with both hands and slowly put it on his head.

Please!

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a step back, his eyes filled with satisfaction and anticipation.

"Fourth Generation (Eternal Sister)!"

Sunlight streamed through the edge of his straw hat, casting a play of light and shadow on his young yet resolute face.

"I am willing to give my life."

Minato's voice was steady and powerful, echoing above Konoha.

Others might take this as a polite way of saying something when getting a job.

But Aoba knew.

Minato Namikaze truly carried this belief to the very last moment of his life.

He turned around and faced the cheering Konoha villagers in the square below, a warm smile as bright as the sun blooming on his handsome face.

Down in the square, countless villagers erupted in thunderous cheers.

The shadow of war has not completely dissipated, but the streets of Konoha Village have regained some of their former vitality.

Shops gradually reopened, and children's laughter once again echoed in every corner of the village.

Of course, after Minato took over, the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi did not immediately retire behind the scenes. After all, the entire village was in dire need of rebuilding, and Minato alone could not handle the task.

Therefore, the Third Hokage remained in the Hokage's office as an advisor, assisting Minato in handling the mountain of post-war political affairs.

-

After all, although Shuimen is extremely powerful, he is still a novice in terms of political experience and village management.

Of course, some people say that this is a typical case of a third generation retiring but not truly resting on their laurels, clinging to power.

This is a matter of opinion.

On this day, Aoba had a rare moment of leisure and was relaxing in the living room of his former home, drinking tea.

"That idiot Kakashi, he's like a completely different person lately!"

Kurenai sat opposite him, munching on the snacks Aoba had brought back, and complaining angrily, "Ever since Obito and Rin's accident, he's been keeping to himself all the time. He barely even acknowledges when you greet him. It's infuriating!"

Qingye listened silently, holding her teacup, without saying a word.

A stone that can't be pushed aside, hands that can't be washed clean, Sharingan eyes that can't be turned off, and an intimate paradise that can't be let go.

Many people say Kakashi is a genius, but geniuses in the ninja world all suffer.

Although he was just an ordinary boy, his experiences were more profound than anyone else's. In his life, Kakashi lost his family, his friends, and his love.

The trauma of killing the person who cherishes you most on the battlefield cannot be healed by a few words from others.

Such a series of blows is indeed too heavy for a twelve-year-old boy.

To be honest, Aoba wouldn't be surprised at all if Kakashi turned to the dark side.

"Hong, outsiders can't help with this kind of thing."

Sitting in the main seat, Yuhi Shinku picked up her teacup, took a sip, and spoke in a calm voice.

"Kakashi has experienced far more than most people his age should have to endure. The path of a ninja is inherently accompanied by life and death. He can only emerge from the shadows on his own."

Zhen Hong sighed, a strange look in her eyes. "All others can do is reach out when he needs it, not forcibly drag him out."

Hong nodded as if she understood, but didn't say anything more.

Shinku put down her teacup and then turned her gaze to Aoba, who had remained silent.

"Aoba, the war is over. What are your plans now?"

To be honest, Shinku was very satisfied with this nominally adopted son.

From his low-key and patient demeanor during his time at the Ninja Academy, to his astonishing performance in the Chunin Exams, to his repeated meritorious deeds in the Third Shinobi World War, becoming a ninja capable of standing alone, and finally, single-handedly turning the tide of the Battle of Kikyo Mountain, defeating the Fourth Kazekage in a direct confrontation—

Aoba's growth rate far exceeded his initial expectations.

Today, Yamashiro Aoba is the most dazzling banner among the younger generation of Konoha.

The only thing that Shinku regrets is that she didn't make up her mind to formally adopt Aoba into the Yuhi family and change his surname.

What a pity!

But then I thought about it again. Aoba was able to make such a name for himself with the surname "Yamashiro". As his elder, I can say that I have not let down my friend's dying wish.

"Uncle Shinku, I'm planning to go out for a bit."

Aoba put down his teacup and said seriously, "Back in the Land of Honey, I promised the Spirit Lizards of the Azure Swamp that I would help them find a new habitat."

"Later, due to the outbreak of the Fourth Shinobi World War, this matter was put on hold. Now that the war is over, I should fulfill my promise. After all, the Lizard Clan helped me a lot on the battlefield."

Upon hearing this, Shinku nodded slightly, her expression becoming more serious.

"Keeping promises is a virtue of ninjas, and this is something we should definitely do."

But then his expression became more serious.

"However, Aoba, you need to be clear about your identity now. You are no longer the genin who could run around at will."

Shinku earnestly advised, "If you're only operating within the Land of Fire, that's fine, but if you're going to other countries, you must be extremely careful. Your every move now represents not only yourself, but the entire Hidden Leaf Village."

"And, most importantly..."

Shinku looked at Aoba and said, word by word, "We must report to the Hokage first."

Shinku knew, of course, that Aoba and Minato had a good personal relationship.

But personal relationships are personal relationships, and when it comes to matters at the village and national levels, there is no room for carelessness; no matter how small the matter, it is not a trivial matter.

That's the rule.

"I understand, Uncle Shinku."

Aoba nodded, stood up, and said, "There's no time to lose. I'll go report to the Fourth Hokage right now."

After saying that, Qingye turned and walked out of the house.

As he passed by Hong, he suddenly stopped, reached out, and vigorously ruffled her smooth, black curly hair, making it look like a bird's nest.

"Little girl, don't look so gloomy all the time, it'll make you get wrinkles."

"Yamashiro Aoba! You bastard!"

Hong instantly bristled, slapped Qingye's hand away, and bared her teeth, ready to pounce and bite him.

Aoba laughed and vanished from the spot with a Body Flicker Technique, leaving Kurenai stomping her feet in anger.

Seeing the two of them playfully bickering, Shinku and Aunt Nadeshiko exchanged a glance and both smiled with satisfaction.

Their relationship is still so good.

The only injured one, Red, angrily straightened her hair, muttering, "I'll definitely teach him a lesson next time!"

At the same time, a strange sense of unease rose in her heart.

Why haven't I grown up yet?

She's only a few years younger than Aoba, so why is there such a big difference in their ages?

Standing in front of him, I felt like a little child.

How annoying!

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