Early morning, inside a cozy little house, a successful husband, and a gentle, virtuous wife.
Smack.
"Stop fidgeting, Minato. Today is your Hokage inauguration ceremony—be serious, okay?"
Kushina lectured Namikaze Minato. It was a scene rarely seen in the ninja world.
Minato was dressed in a handsome Hokage robe, with the words "Fourth Hokage" embroidered on the back—five bold characters.
Looking at how dashing he was, Kushina couldn't help but blush.
"Kushina, come with me. According to the rules, the Hokage's wife can appear alongside him."
"Ah, no, no! We're not married yet. That wouldn't be proper."
Blushing, Kushina waved her hands frantically.
Even though she really wanted to go, she couldn't let something like this leave even the slightest imperfection on such an important day for Minato.
Minato took her hand, gazing at her affectionately.
"At that moment, it would be most imperfect if you weren't there."
"Minato…"
As they looked into each other's eyes, the distance between them grew smaller and smaller.
Kushina closed her eyes.
"My, my… how blissful."
A sudden voice cut in, instantly startling the sweet couple apart.
Both of them flushed red as they turned toward the source of the voice.
Outside the window,
Hyūga Hiyasu stood there with an extremely unhealthy grin.
Smack.
"Damn it, who hit me?!"
"I hate it most when people interrupt moments like this."
Inuzuka Ryoha stepped out from behind him.
Judging by the leaves on his body, he'd clearly been crouching there for quite a while.
Sharp-eyed as always, Minato had noticed them long ago.
But at this point, he wasn't sure which was worse—being interrupted, or being secretly watched the whole time.
"Ryoha, just wait. Wherever you and Rinko go in the future, I'll follow."
"You dare?!"
"Watch me."
Ryoha's white aura and Hiyasu's colorless aura clashed fiercely.
"Minato, congratulations. This is my gift."
Aburame Shiken walked past them and approached Minato and Uzumaki Kushina.
Minato took it and looked.
"No, this is far too valuable."
Seeing Minato trying to return it, Kushina immediately became unhappy.
This spendthrift—he clearly didn't understand the importance of saving money.
"Let me see… what is it… Sorry, Shiken, this really is too valuable."
Kushina took just one glance before respectfully handing it back.
"It's only one billion ryo. Just small change to me. Besides, once you become Hokage, you'll understand Konoha's biggest problem. This is the best remedy."
Shiken pushed it back again.
It's just pocket money. If you don't take it, I'd have to go through the trouble of picking another gift—that's far more annoying.
Orochimaru: I can confirm that Aburame Shiken is genuinely rich, so don't pity him—just spend his money freely.
A coal tycoon monopolizing an entire country—just how rich is that? It's unimaginable.
Oh, right—does the Land of Earth have coal? No.
Does the Land of Wind have coal? No.
Does the Land of Water have coal? No.
Does the Land of Lightning have coal? Also no.
So it turns out I didn't monopolize one country—I monopolized an entire world.
Aburame Shiken lightly adjusted his sunglasses, the kind worn by the world's richest.
"I don't like money. I've never touched money. Money is just a string of numbers."
Uchiha Kamito also neatly bypassed the two clashing figures.
"Minato, here—this is my gift."
Minato looked at the paper map and key in his hand.
Taking a closer look,
it was actually a map covering hundreds of miles around Konoha.
"Kamito, what is this?"
"The Police Force's Heavenly Net Plan. After years of effort, it now covers every aspect of Konoha. With that key, you can know everything that happens in the village—no matter how long ago. Every year, every day, every minute, every second is recorded. As Hokage, you'll never be deceived by those below you again."
"Kamito, this is truly…"
"Don't rush to thank me. This is still managed by the Police Force. I've just given you access—you don't have decision-making authority."
"Even so, Kamito, this is a huge help."
Minato tightened his grip on the key. He knew how valuable this would be for his work as Hokage.
"And me, Minato—this is for you."
"And mine—take it."
Minato received two more items.
"These are…"
"Inuzuka Logistics routes—guaranteed safe. My clan guards these routes at all times. Whenever you assign missions in the future, use these paths—safe and efficient."
"A lifetime VIP card for the Hyūga Clan's therapy center. This is the only one in Konoha. With this card, no matter who goes, all expenses are charged to me. Minato, I'm giving you my greatest trust—don't take advantage of it."
"Hahaha, thank you all."
Minato pulled the four of them into a hug, a smile forming at the corners of his eyes.
Having you all is truly wonderful.
Watching Minato hug the four of them, Kushina suddenly felt like she was the extra one.
Why are all of you giving such valuable gifts? Are you trying to outdo me?
After complaining in her heart, she lowered her head and looked at her stomach.
"Little belly, you've got to do your best. Let's give Minato the greatest gift together."
Naruto, not yet conceived: Mom, Mom, no! I'm the product of your love with Dad, not some gift!
...
Hokage Building.
The Third Hokage looked at Minato in his Hokage robe, pausing for a moment.
It was as if Minato had always been meant to be the Fourth Hokage.
After handing over the Hokage hat,
"Minato, Konoha is in your hands now."
"Don't worry. I won't let you down."
Minato took the Hokage hat and placed it on his head.
Holding Kushina's hand with his left, he stepped forward to the edge of the platform atop the Hokage Building.
Looking down at the densely packed villagers below,
These are the people I must protect from now on.
Minato thought, his expression growing firm.
Raising his right hand to the sky, index finger pointing upward,
"From today onward, I am Konoha's Fourth Hokage!"
There was a brief silence below, then a massive cheer erupted.
"ROAR!"
At the same time, the villagers all raised their right hands and pointed to the sky, as if declaring something to the heavens.
"So cool."
On top of the Hokage Building, a group of people smiled.
They stepped forward in unison, standing behind Minato, raising their right hands to the sky.
They were:
Hyūga Clan: Hyūga Hiashi, Hyūga Hiyasu, Hyūga Hizashi.
Uchiha Clan: Uchiha Kamito.
Aburame Clan: Aburame Shiken, Aburame Shibi, Aburame Shikuro.
Inuzuka Clan: Inuzuka Ryoha, Inuzuka Rinko.
Nara Clan: Nara Shikaku.
Yamanaka Clan: Yamanaka Inoichi.
Akimichi Clan: Akimichi Chōza.
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched the awe-inspiring scene before him, speechless for a long time.
Perhaps Minato becoming Hokage truly was the best choice for Konoha.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
+100 chapters and support me on Patreon(.)com/Jixo