Orochimaru proposed restarting the research on Hashirama Senju's cells to Danzō, but Danzō surprisingly rejected the idea.
Orochimaru was stunned.
The Third Hokage had terminated the experiments on the First's cells. Yet Orochimaru continued his secret collaboration with Danzō, conducting the experiments in the shadows.
Danzō supplied the test subjects—eventually even bringing sixty infants from villages around Konoha.
Orochimaru extracted genetic material from the First Hokage's corpse and injected it into the sixty babies. The rejection was severe. They died. One after another.
Orochimaru wanted to continue. Danzō told him to stop.
The missing shinobi and vanished infants from the surrounding villages had already drawn Hiruzen Sarutobi's suspicion.
What Orochimaru didn't know was this: one of those sixty infant test subjects had survived. Danzō secretly took him into ROOT. The child became a shinobi. Codename: 'Kinoe'.
That shinobi, codename 'Kinoe', would later be known as Yamato.
The reason Danzō refused to restart the experiments was simple: he already had one successful subject.
These were sensitive times. Orochimaru hadn't become Hokage. If they started the research again and people went missing, they'd draw attention. Trouble.
Soon, Hiruzen Sarutobi would no longer be Hokage.
The only reason Danzō could operate so freely within Konoha was Hiruzen's tolerance.
The newly appointed Fourth Hokage would not be so lenient.
…
Three days later.
A crowd gathered before the announcement board in front of the Hokage Building.
Qianyu and Kushina Uzumaki arrived at the scene.
"Qianyu, it's so crowded over there. The announcement board, right? Did they post something important? Let's go see!"
Qianyu nodded. "Alright. Let's take a look."
He already had a good idea what the announcement was.
Qianyu's reputation preceded him. People saw him. They parted. A path opened.
It was less out of respect. More out of fear.
Qianyu and Kushina walked to the front of the board. The notice was clear:
[Effective today, the current Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, resigns from the position of Hokage. Minato Namikaze succeeds him as the Fourth Hokage.]
Kushina's eyes went wide. "What? The Third is stepping down? Just like that? And that… that pretty-boy is taking over?"
Just as I thought, Qianyu mused to himself.
He led a bewildered Kushina back home.
The moment the door closed, she pounced. "Qianyu. You know something. Spill it. Now."
The look on her face was pure gossip.
Qianyu explained. "It's straightforward. First, the Third is old. Too old for the job. Second, his decision on the war reparations—or lack thereof—from Suna and the other villages that invaded the Land of Fire… it didn't sit well. Stepping down is his way of taking responsibility. Giving an answer to the village."
Kushina pouted. "But why Minato? Everyone was saying Lord Orochimaru would be next. I thought so too!"
Qianyu recounted the analysis he'd shared in Orochimaru's base, repeating it for Kushina.
Her head spun. "It's that complicated?"
Qianyu gave her the simplified version. "In short: Minato is the Third's man. As Hokage, he'll continue the Third's policies. That's why he got the hat. Clear now?"
The lightbulb went on. "Oh! I get it now."
But then her expression soured again. "Still… I think you'd be a much better Fourth Hokage."
Qianyu flicked her forehead gently, a wry smile on his lips. "You know that's impossible. I'm not even on their shortlist. To them, I'm a useful tool. Not the one who wields the tools."
He lowered his voice. "And… our time in Konoha is running out. We'll leave eventually. This place… it's not our home."
Kushina wrapped her arms around his, resting her head on his shoulder. A happy smile graced her lips. "Wherever you go, I go. Home is wherever you are."
…
The succession ceremony was rushed. The announcement went up in the morning. The ceremony was that same afternoon.
As an important member of Konoha, Qianyu was invited to attend.
"Kushina, want to come watch?" he asked.
She shook her head. "Not interested. I'll stay here and think about dinner. Oh! Bring Kakashi back with you. That kid's been acting weird lately, avoiding meals here."
Qianyu nodded. "Alright. I'll bring him after."
He left home and made his way to the Hokage Building.
The streets around it were packed. A sea of people waiting to witness the moment.
Qianyu went up to the rooftop.
Besides Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Jiraiya, several of Konoha's core elite jonin were present.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio. Fugaku Uchiha. Hiashi Hyūga.
Danzō was, of course, absent. Probably still fuming in some ROOT basement.
Orochimaru wasn't there either. He'd have zero interest in this spectacle.
Qianyu didn't really know anyone here. He stood in the farthest corner, watching silently as the proceedings began.
Hiruzen removed the Hokage hat from his head. He stepped forward, facing Minato. He handed the hat over.
Minato accepted it with both hands. He placed it on his head.
Hiruzen looked at him, pride and relief in his aged eyes. "I leave it to you… Fourth."
Minato's voice was firm, solemn. "I pledge my life."
He turned. Walked to the edge of the rooftop. Looked down upon the cheering masses of Konoha.
The ceremony ended. Qianyu turned to leave.
"Qianyu."
Minato stood before him. His expression was earnest, sincere.
"Please guide me well from now on. Let's work together, give our all for Konoha."
Qianyu's reply was measured, detached. "There's nothing to guide. You are the Fourth Hokage. I am a shinobi. I follow orders. Now, if you'll excuse me. I have matters to attend to… Lord Fourth."
A flicker of movement.
Qianyu was gone.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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