This announcement was like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, instantly creating a huge wave in Konoha Village.

The villagers were abuzz with discussion, some relieved that the case had been solved, but others shocked and terrified that the murderer was none other than Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin and a disciple of the Third Hokage. This also led to a quiet growing of doubts about the village's leadership.

Inside the Hokage's office, Minato Namikaze held the announcement, his brow furrowed, a shadow falling over his usually sunny face.

He looked at Wu Xian, who was standing in front of the desk, his tone filled with barely concealed anxiety: "Wu Xian, I understand your determination to fight crime and demonstrate your abilities. But... wasn't this matter handled too hastily? Orochimaru's identity is special; making it so public might cause unnecessary turmoil, especially for the Third Hokage..."

Minato Namikaze's concerns are not unfounded.

Orochimaru was the most beloved disciple of the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and his forbidden research experiments were a scandal that the village was reluctant to talk about.

To publicly announce his crimes and publicize his arrest in such a high-profile manner now undoubtedly tarnishes the Third Hokage's reputation and will also exacerbate the already delicate relationship between the Uchiha clan and the Hokage lineage.

Wu Xian met the Hokage's gaze, his eyes sharp and clear: "Minato, it is precisely because of his special status that we need to be open. Covering up and handling it discreetly will only breed rumors and make the villagers doubt the fairness and determination of the higher-ups. We are not fabricating facts, but simply stating the truth. Going public may be painful in the short term, but in the long run, it is a necessary step to rebuild the credibility of Konoha's judiciary."

"Minato, this is absolutely necessary. Making it public may indeed cause short-term disappointment among villagers regarding the lack of oversight from higher levels, but in the long run, it demonstrates your—the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze—determination to eradicate long-standing problems and uphold village rules! It sends a clear signal to everyone: in Konoha, everyone is equal before the law. No matter what glory they once possessed or what high position they held, once they violate taboos and harm the village, they will be severely punished!"

He stepped forward and continued his analysis: "This is precisely to establish your absolute authority as the new Hokage, complementing the new atmosphere you are trying to promote. Only by breaking down the old, blurred boundaries caused by personal relationships and seniority can you truly implement your Will of Fire."

Minato Namikaze rubbed his temples, a helpless smile on his face: "What you said may make sense... but such a direct public statement might... I think I'll have to go and explain to the Third Hokage myself to ease the situation."

"No, Minato."

Wu Xian's tone was resolute.

"At this moment, you must not take the initiative to explain or show weakness. What you should do most now is to immediately issue a formal statement on this matter in the name of the Hokage. You must publicly state your attitude, declare your firm stance on maintaining the village's order and safety, explain your core philosophy for governing the village in the future, and interpret to all the villagers the 'Will of Fire' that you understand and are determined to practice! This is a crisis, but it is also the perfect opportunity for you to consolidate your power and win the hearts of the people. You must take control of the discourse."

Wu Xian's gaze was profound, as if he could see through Minato Namikaze's inner struggle: "Hesitation and retreat will only make the old forces think you are weak and easily bullied, and make the people doubt your courage. You must let them see that a new era has arrived, and that you have the ability and determination to lead this era."

Minato Namikaze fell into a long silence.

He gazed out the window at the bustling village, countless thoughts flashing through his mind.

As Hokage, he not only had to consider the balance of power, but also the political maneuvering involved.

Wu Xian's strategy was undoubtedly radical and risky, like walking a tightrope, but it hit the nail on the head.

After a long while, he took a deep breath, and a determined look returned to his blue eyes, but the difficulty he felt had not completely disappeared.

"...Is it really necessary to announce the start of a new era in such a radical way?"

He seemed to be asking Wu Xian, but also seemed to be asking himself.

This is not merely a matter of handling the Orochimaru incident, but a choice of the future path, the impact of which will profoundly change the power structure of Konoha.

Wu Xian's final answer echoed clearly in his ears: "Minato, please remember, the one sitting here right now is the 'Hokage,' not just 'Namikaze Minato.' Every decision you make must be based on the Hokage's perspective, for the overall interests and future of Konoha. Personal feelings and concerns must sometimes give way to responsibility."

These words struck Minato Namikaze's heart like a heavy hammer.

He understood that he had reached a crossroads of change, and no matter what lay ahead, he had to make a decision that would have far-reaching consequences, balancing the advice of his close friend, the stability of the village, old ties, and the direction of the future.

"I see."

The Fourth Hokage's voice was steady and powerful.

The air in the Hokage's office seemed to freeze.

The act of Minato Namikaze putting on the straw hat was like a silent ritual, announcing the complete transformation of "Disciple Minato Namikaze" into "Fourth Hokage".

The last trace of hesitation in his eyes was replaced by sharpness and determination.

"Shikaku." Minato's voice regained its usual calmness and swiftness.

"exist."

Nara Shikaku, who had been standing quietly to the side observing, immediately responded.

"Immediately notify the Hokage's advisors, the Jonin team leaders, and the heads of all major clans in the name of the Hokage's office to hold an emergency meeting in the Hokage Building conference room one hour later. At the same time, schedule a village-wide broadcast address at 3 PM in the central square below the Hokage Rock."

"clear."

Without any hesitation, Shikaku turned around and went to make arrangements.

He knew in his heart that Minato was finally about to show the tough stance befitting his generation of Hokage.

Minato then turned his gaze to Wu Xian and Fugaku: "Fugaku-senpai, Wu Xian, Orochimaru's imprisonment is of utmost importance and absolutely cannot be compromised. I need the Security Force to dispatch its most elite forces, and I will also send additional direct subordinate ANBU to assist in the guarding."

"Don't worry, he is currently imprisoned in the sealed cell deepest underground in the security team's basement. The sealing jutsu was set up by the sealing team's ninjas, so there's no chance of anything going wrong."

Fugaku Uchiha gave a deep, resolute assurance, a barely perceptible glint flashing in his Sharingan.

This time, the Uchiha clan seized the opportunity to regain their prestige and even take it a step further.

An hour later, in the conference room of the Hokage Building.

The atmosphere was so heavy it seemed to drip water. The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, sat to Minato's left, silently smoking his pipe. Through the swirling smoke, his face appeared weary and complex.

Sitting next to him were advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, both of whom looked extremely grim.

Tap the screen to use advanced tools Tip: You can use left and right keyboard keys to browse between chapters.

You'll Also Like