Chapter 83: Fourth Hokage (Ten‑Thousand‑Word Chapter)

After the New Year Festival, the Third Hokage set out for the capital of the Land of Fire, accompanied by his three advisors and the Minister of the Administrative Department Nara Lukyu.

Everyone knows that when they return this time, everything will be different.

Because after that, Leaf Village will enter a brand‑new stage—a new era under the Fourth Hokage!

In the early morning, light snow began to fall over Leaf Village's sky again.

Wearing a Leaf Village uniform, Orochimaru stepped out of the laboratory into the forest, quietly watching the snowflakes drift down.

The last night's revelry had nothing to do with him; he had no interest in dealing with those boring celebrations and preferred to spend his limited time on his own research.

As for this Hokage election, he no longer cared much about what the final result would be.

Though a few thoughts lingered inside, after all, this had once been within his easy reach.

And as a member of Leaf Village, he naturally harbored a dream of becoming Hokage.

But after Danzo, driven by personal greed, leaked many things that should never have been spread, everything had already changed.

"But he's still that confident."

Thinking of Danzo, Orochimaru shook his head; confidence is good, but overconfidence is arrogance.

At least Orochimaru found Danzo's arrogance incomprehensible; in his view, Danzo should have already faced reality.

After all, a person experiences three stages of growth in a lifetime.

The first is realizing that the world does not revolve around oneself.

The second is realizing that one lacks the power to change the world, unless you are Senju Hashirama or Madara Uchiha.

The third is seeing reality clearly yet not wasting time, striving within one's abilities to live on and improve everything around oneself.

However, Orochimaru saw no such change in Danzo; he seemed to always believe the world should revolve around him.

"Is it that his teacher was too kind to him, or that his arrogance has already led him astray?"

Danzo had already lost his foundation, yet still thought he could control many things.

He had seriously set a trap for Orochimaru, but kept believing he could still save everything.

Even now, he still fantasized about commanding the ANBU, preparing himself to challenge the Hokage later.

One can only say that power is alluring, and perhaps his teacher truly felt indebted to this person buried deep underground, who does the dirty, hard work for Leaf Village.

Shaking his head, Orochimaru was too lazy to keep pondering this person who would eventually send him to his grave.

Orochimaru thought that his current value lay in his ability to continuously provide material; otherwise, Orochimaru would be too lazy to even bother with this person whose arrogance had reached its extreme.

"Minato Namikaze, huh, huh."

Minato Namikaze's name has lately been echoing in everyone's ears; evidently, this disciple of Ziraiye will become a new candidate.

As for this youngster, Orochimaru held no prejudice.

If he were elected Hokage, it would inspire the younger generation of ninja and bring a fresh wave of vigor to the village.

Moreover, Minato Namikaze is a common‑born ninja, and compared to his own teacher who is the Third Hokage, while he himself is already one of the Legendary Sannin, his commoner status would be even more thorough.

"After all, many see me as a big figure, while he still stands alongside everyone else."

Watching the blazing sun rise in the distance, Orochimaru felt unusually calm inside.

He didn't know whether Minato Namikaze could become Hokage, and he no longer cared much about whether he could be a competent Hokage.

For him now, becoming Hokage was merely a childhood dream.

Even if he never became Hokage, it would just mean the dream of a Leaf ninja had shattered.

Perhaps since the day he defined his 'life purpose', he no longer confined himself to the identity of a 'Leaf ninja'.

——

"What are you looking at?"

"Some intel sent from within the clan; do you want to see it?"

"Whatever, speaking of which, you're basically the actual controller of the clan now, right?"

"If you want, you are too."

On the second day of the New Year Festival, Yuzhi was at home, looking at several scrolls on the table, then laughingly said to Hikari.

Hikari had actually known for a long time that Yuzhi's status within the clan was unusual, after all those who wielded real power kept visiting, and he also constantly attended clan meetings.

However, she never asked or said anything, merely watching the changes within the clan.

And she still had some confidence in Yuzhi; after all, having endured such suffering, she figured he wouldn't let others repeat the same mistakes.

The facts proved it: in just a few months Yuzhi had made the clan different, which is why she casually mentioned it twice.

Yet Yuzhi's words made her roll her eyes, though she said nothing and instead sat beside him, peering at the scrolls' contents.

The first scroll was compiled by representatives of the lower‑rank clan members attending the clan meeting, gathering many ideas to send to all participants.

After all, the material was somewhat extensive, so giving everyone a preview in advance would save a lot of time during the clan discussion.

"There are quite a few ideas, and they all seem pretty good."

Hikari glanced at them and muttered softly.

"It's good, and all very practical, but unfortunately not everything here can be approved."

Yuzhi shrugged, laughing as he said.

"Although the clan has various businesses, and Leaf Village is now heavily assisting the reconstruction of the Uchiha."

"But the money is limited, and many aspects need to be considered."

"Naturally, we have to cut out some less important or unnecessary matters."

"Is that so?"

Hikari didn't really understand these either, but she knew many things required money, which made her curiously ask.

"Then why not just make more money, so we can keep investing?"

"Make more money?"

Yuzhi gave the girl a somewhat amused glance; everyone likes money, but developing a new track isn't easy.

Uchiha Clan indeed has money, but most of the Uchiha's business is still tied to Leaf Village; in fact, not only the Uchiha, all families are like that.

During the Warring States period, the great families seized many resources, especially iron ore, an essential material for weapons; the village naturally cannot let it continue.

Although Big Head still handles the Lord's allocations and the ninja world's mission shares, this is also an important component of the village's finances.

Each great family receives a portion of the annual dividends and a certain weapons quota each year, but that's all.

Wanting to make more money is truly a difficulty beyond the ordinary.

"The idea is good, but not very practical."

"Just sell weapons."

Hikari doesn't know what Yuzhi is thinking; her knowledge of the village isn't that thorough, so she asks curiously.

"The Uchiha Clan used to sell weapons before; why not continue now?"

"Sell weapons?"

Yuzhi almost rolled his eyes at that remark.

"Let's not even talk about how much stock we have; even if we have, selling to anyone is a problem, okay.

Hold on, sell to whom? Huh, it seems there really are people who could buy."

—

In the capital of the Land of Fire, inside the Lord's palace.

The Third Hokage sat with a few assistants; the four of them wore different expressions.

Nara Shikaku didn't dare speak at all, especially when he saw the sallow Danzo, he dared not say anything.

This Hokage's assistant looked terrible from early morning; his gloomy expression seemed capable of devouring people!

Danzo's mood was indeed terrible, because he never dreamed that after he had thoroughly trained Itachi Uchiha yesterday…

He was preparing to set out for the Land of Fire's capital that night, when the Third Hokage came with people to question his human experiments!

He could not admit anything about this, especially since the Third Hokage halted it, and Orochimaru's deeds were also displayed there.

Even if everyone knew what he was doing, he would never admit it.

However, what surprised him more was that, whether he confessed or not, his three old classmates and old friends seemed to have already judged him.

They even issued the severest warning to him, which made Danzo both angry and embarrassed, and he wondered whether rumors about his movements were spreading.

Yet when he learned that Uchiha Haori had been attacked last night, he could no longer control his emotions.

"I, an old man, have done nothing; why suspect me?"

Although Danzo knew in his heart that he had caused too many messes, so whenever a problem arose, he was the first thought.

But this matter truly had not the slightest connection to him; even if he had ideas, he currently couldn't act on them!

Unfortunately, no one believed him, not even those old classmates and old friends.

"I only regret that I'm not the Hokage."

Danzo, seated inside the Lord's palace, clenched his fists; he now only wishes that Orochimaru could become Hokage.

That way, he could command the ANBU and prepare for his own future path to become Hokage!

"What a pity, the Third Hokage has done quite well."

The Land of Fire's Lord, seated at the front, fanned his hand with a look of regret and said, knowing the purpose of the Third's visit.

In fact, the Lord doesn't really care who becomes Hokage.

Because ninjas fight life and death, it doesn't affect the nobles and Lords much.

If the village wins, it boosts their prestige; if it loses, it's just embarrassing but no one dies.

Of course, these ninjas only outwardly respect them; the main reason is they can earn money.

After all, not everyone can be like the Land of Wind's Lord; ninjas who don't earn money can't do much.

In the Land of Fire, if you don't earn money, perhaps a blood relative of his would step up to continue as Hokage.

As for where he is, whether dead or alive, no one cares.

Nevertheless, the Third Hokage still respects him, and having won so many Ninja World Wars gives him extra prestige.

This makes him a bit regretful, because he doesn't know what the next Hokage will be like.

However, Danzo, already in a terrible mood, instantly shot a glance at the Land of Fire's Lord upon hearing that remark.

In that instant, the adult's face stiffened; he then lifted his fan and fanned himself, using it to mask his embarrassment and fear.

He had also heard of Danzo's notorious reputation.

"If you trace it back, it's because the Third Hokage's ideas were too naive, forcing the village into that situation."

Danzo stayed cold without speaking, while the Third Hokage kept his eyes closed, saying nothing.

"The Hokage we need now is one who can lead the village's reform, one who upholds the ninja code; we need such talent."

"Is that so?"

The Land of Fire's Lord gently fanned his fan.

"Is there a suitable candidate?"

The Third and others glanced at Danzo, as if to see what he intended.

"The person I recommend"

And Danzo, still with a cold face, said very seriously,

"It is Orochimaru, who is called one of the Legendary Sannin."

As soon as Danzo finished his recommendation, the Lord's officials began murmuring.

Orochimaru's reputation is such that few in the ninja world don't know him.

His achievements and strength are top‑notch; under normal circumstances, he would be an excellent choice.

But the problem is that recently his reputation has run into a huge issue.

What does the Third Hokage think?

The Land of Fire's daimyo also knows this, and he's panicking over Orochimaru.

But all he can do is merely give the new Hokage a proper name; he truly has no authority to interfere in anything else.

Therefore he could only look to the Third Hokage, though he also felt uneasy.

He hasn't forgotten that Orochimaru is none other than this Third Hokage's disciple.

"It's over; I hope this Orochimaru isn't as bad as imagined."

"It can be said that Orochimaru was indeed a genius with extraordinary talent during the war-torn era."

Upon hearing this, the Third Hokage slowly opened his eyes, and then he slowly spoke.

Upon hearing those words, Danzo showed a faint smile, while the daimyo's smile froze a bit.

However, none of them expected that the Third Hokage's next words would turn things completely upside down for both of them.

"However, he harbors malice and ambition in his eyes; I cannot entrust him with the responsibility of the Hokage."

"Third Hokage!"

At this moment, Danzo couldn't hold back and shouted loudly.

This concerns his future; how could he possibly give up just like that?

Moreover, Orochimaru isn't the Third Hokage's disciple; he originally supported that person, so why did he change his mind now?

Who in the Leaf Village could replace Orochimaru?

Suddenly, Danzo thought of someone, and the Third's following words also proved this point.

"I recommend Minato Namikaze."

The Third ignored Danzo and slowly began to speak.

"He is Jiraiya's disciple, which also makes him the Third's grand-disciple."

Tenshin Koharu spoke up at the right moment, and Mito Mon'en likewise explained to the daimyo alongside her.

"That's the elite ninja known as the Golden Flash."

At this moment, Danzo was completely dumbfounded, realizing he seemed to have been left out.

The other two were aware of this, but he alone didn't know Sarutobi Hiruzen's decision, which he could not bear at all.

Moreover, seeing that the Land of Fire's daimyo also seemed interested, he instantly flared with anger.

"Minato is still too young!"

At this point, Danzo couldn't worry about anything else; he stood up and spoke, and his attitude startled the Land of Fire's daimyo.

He remembered that these four were classmates or friends, so why do they look so tense, and why hadn't they worked this out beforehand?

"But he won the victory at the Shenwubi Bridge battle."

The Third Hokage also promptly stood up, looked at Danzo, and spoke.

"Moreover, he was a great contributor who guided the end of the Third Shinobi World War."

"I object!"

Danzo shouted loudly, staring directly into the eyes of the Third Hokage as he spoke.

"If we're going to talk about it, the Shenwubi Bridge battle, that Uchiha..."

However, his words stopped halfway, as he was unwilling to say Yuzhi's name no matter what.

For a moment he froze in place, especially seeing the Third Hokage's unquestionable gaze, he just knew.

His dream, once again, shattered.

"Lord Yuzhi, are you serious?"

In Yuzhi's home, Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Kyuu both asked, somewhat dazed.

After they got up, they each began busying themselves with their own tasks, and they now have a lot on their plates.

Whether it's figuring out how to inventory and store the supplies obtained from the Leaf Village, arranging internal patrol teams, or dealing with the Police Department's issues, everything keeps them swamped.

Once they have authority, they act on it; this is the rule Yuzhi set for them.

Either they step up, or they get out; that's the clan's current rule.

They now count as the clan's most prestigious and influential figures, so naturally they must make a statement.

They are a bit tired, but truly participating in and deciding the clan's development and construction makes them inwardly thrilled.

Of course, they also began doing what Yuzhi had mentioned before—cultivating and promoting talent to help them do more.

There's too much to do, and human energy is limited; no one can handle everything personally, so they just need to oversee the big picture and leave the rest to others.

This not only eases their burden but also trains more talent, allowing more clan members to participate, which is an improvement for the clan.

However, cultivating talent isn't something that happens overnight; even if they've started, it still takes time.

However, while they were swamped, Yuzhi had someone call them over.

At first they thought it was something major, but after coming over they realized the matter was indeed important.

However, there are some unreliable aspects.

"It's serious; before the Leaf Village was even established, the Uchiha clan had always done it this way, right?"

However, Yuzhi simply nodded and smiled as he spoke.

"I know, things are different now; the overall situation is basically that ninja villages are selling large amounts of weapons and supplies to achieve results."

Individual investors usually target private weapons dealers, but some individual investors may not dare to approach those private dealers.

Because everyone knows that those people, for money, will do anything and sell anything.

Yuzhi's words made Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Kyuu nod, as private weapons dealers have no scruples whatsoever.

Their goal is only money; with money they can hire powerful ninjas to protect them, and with money they can make a living in the ninja world.

Therefore, never expect them to have any integrity; even if you're not strong enough, it's not impossible for them to take your money and not deliver the goods.

It's truly not easy to find people who avoid retail investors yet still have demand for weapons and supplies.

"Sir, do you have a goal?"

Uchiha Xiu pondered for a moment before speaking, but his gaze flicked to Hikari, who was still looking at the scroll beside Yuzhi.

He couldn't help but complain inwardly, what the hell is going on?

Uchiha Ying is indeed strong, and her relationship with Yuzhi is far from ordinary.

But is it really appropriate to let this person see the clan meeting's discussions and some other secret documents just like that?

Of course, they dare not speak about or ask about this summarized morale.

Although it seems somewhat absurd, at least this hidden clan leader is still quite reliable.

"I don't know, how much do you two know about Mist Village?"

Yuzhi heard the question and directly countered with a sentence.

"Mist Village?"

Upon hearing that name, the two exchanged a glance; the Uchiha clan and Mist Village have quite a history of entanglements.

Not to mention the distant past, the legendary tales of Madara Uchiha and Mist Village—during the three great ninja wars, the Uchiha faced off against Mist Village.

As for the people of that village, they harbor no goodwill toward them, and they don't really understand why Yuzhi would bring up this village.

"Yes, Mist Village."

Yuzhi nodded, then began to spout nonsense.

"Back when I was constantly opposing Mist Village in Whirlpool Country, I had already noticed something."

"They seem utterly discordant; often when we ambush a squad, their people are nearby watching."

"Yet they follow 'when an ally is in trouble, I stand unmoving like a mountain'—they only appear after we've wiped out the enemy."

"Especially the Kaguya clan; their dissatisfaction with Mist Village has reached an extreme."

Yuzhi's words stopped there; he couldn't go on further.

But his words are true; that bunch of bone‑playing Kaguya are indeed extremely dissatisfied with Mist Village, after all they rebelled in the original story.

If that rebellion weren't an accident, it would likely have happened these past few years; after all, when Orochimaru picked up Kimimaro, he was still quite young.

Orochimaru hasn't left Leaf Village yet, and rebellion is never an overnight affair; beforehand there must have been many preparations to make.

Thus, after Hikari hinted at it, he realized that if he were to sell weapons and supplies, the Kaguya clan would be the ideal buyer.

The Kaguya clan really is somewhat like Leaf Village's Uchiha, except they're even more insane.

They were early on driven to the village's outskirts, and their bravery and belligerence often led to clashes with the villagers.

In the end they chose to directly rebel and kill the Mizukage, but unsurprisingly they were themselves struck down, causing not a ripple.

To be frank, given the Kaguya clan's precedent, Yuzhi truly can't fathom why the Uchiha haven't learned a thing.

"Sir, do you mean the Kaguya clan might rebel?"

Uchiha Shin paused upon hearing that, then lowered his voice to ask.

"It's possible; on the battlefield they've ignored orders more than once or twice."

Yuzhi nodded, then spoke.

"Of course, these are merely my personal speculations; we still need to investigate thoroughly."

"If I'm not mistaken, I think they'd be a decent potential buyer."

"If that's the case, then they naturally are."

Uchiha Xiu and Uchiha Shin actually aren't that convinced by what Yuzhi said; Yuzhi can guess they'll rebel, but can Mist Village guess?

Moreover, rebellion is such an important matter that even if one had the idea, it should be kept hidden.

But since Yuzhi said that, they naturally went along with it.

As for the investigation, they'll still go ahead with it; after all, it's not a big deal.

"However, Lord Yuzhi, our own stockpile may not be enough to satisfy them."

Uchiha Shin thought it over and eventually raised a rather thorny problem.

"Although each great family has a certain weapons quota, control is usually strict."

"If what you say is true, sir, then our stockpile is simply insufficient."

"That's why I've always said that Uchiha Fugaku and those elders have something wrong with their heads."

Unexpectedly, upon hearing this, Yuzhi turned and began cursing the dead who had passed their seventh day.

"When the Uchiha chose to stay, their purpose was peace as well as integration into Leaf Village."

"But look at your current ideas, and the police department before reform—these are vivid, obvious examples."

"A cake can't be eaten by one person alone; only when everyone gets a share can there be peace."

"And you don't think—if something really happened, the cake has already been divided among us."

"Is that an individual matter, or a matter for everyone?"

Uchiha Shin and Uchiha Xiu aren't stupid; upon hearing that, they already understood the meaning.

"Once the cake is divided, if a problem truly arises it's naturally not the Uchiha taking the blame; rather, whoever investigates will be at odds with everyone."

"After all, if you really discover something, it would be impolite toward everyone who ate the cake."

"We can eat the big pieces first, have a bit more, but we can't eat exclusively."

Yuzhi lightly tapped the table, completely ignoring Hikari's gaze from the side.

"Now the police department's personnel have received a huge expansion; how does that affect us?"

"Just secure the key positions; when the police department expands, it will return to what it should be, and those who join will receive what they deserve."

"Then who would still isolate us, who would still oppose us?"

Although the Police Department assigned many squad captains elsewhere, even some positions that came into contact with high-level officials were also assigned elsewhere.

Translation: "Although the Police Department assigned many squad captains elsewhere, even some positions that came into contact with high-level officials were also assigned elsewhere."

This line is English instruction, not Chinese. So skip.

Make sure it's one line.

But the department head remained in their hands, and the company captains were basically under their control; this indeed had no impact on them, and instead even increased their influence.

Translation: "But the department head still remained in their hands, and the company captains were basically under their control; this indeed had no impact on them, and instead even increased their influence."

English instruction, skip.

Therefore, regarding Yuzhi's words, the two of them remained silent, already knowing what to do.

Translation: "Therefore, regarding Yuzhi's words, the two of them remained silent, already knowing what to do."

English instruction, skip.

This time, the Uchiha Clan can take the lead, figure out what Kaguya really wants, and if possible, naturally get a share first.

Translation: "This time, the Uchiha Clan can take the lead, figure out what Kaguya really wants, and if possible, naturally get a share first."

English instruction, skip.

As for the future, that naturally means bringing more people in.

Translation: "As for the aftermath, it is naturally to bring in more people."

We'll translate: "As for the aftermath, it is naturally to bring in more people."

Although the benefits will be shared, the risks are shared as well, and they can still earn everyone's goodwill.

Translation: "Although the benefits will be shared, the risks are also shared, and one can still gain everyone's goodwill."

We'll translate: "Although the benefits will be shared, the risks are also shared, and one can still gain everyone's goodwill."

Even in the subsequent distribution, the Uchiha Clan can continue to take a larger share.

Translation: "Even in the subsequent distribution, the Uchiha Clan can continue to get a larger share!"

We'll translate: "Even in the subsequent distribution, the Uchiha Clan can continue to get a larger share!"

"We understand."

Translation: "\"We understand. \""

We need to keep quotes. We'll output: "\"We understand. \"" but the line includes the quotes. We'll output: "【248】 "We understand."" Actually we need to keep the quotes as part of translation. So output: "【248】 "We understand.""

But we need to keep the number and translation on same line. So: 【248】 "We understand."

The two of them immediately nodded, and they had already thought about what the follow-up would look like.

Translation: "The two of them immediately nodded, and they had already imagined what the aftermath of doing this would be like."

We'll translate: "The two of them immediately nodded, and they had already imagined what the aftermath of doing this would be like."

Having gained everyone's approval, isn't this a way of paving the road for the Hokage?

Translation: "Having gained everyone's approval, isn't this a way of paving the road for the Hokage?"

We'll translate: "Having gained everyone's approval, isn't this a way of paving the road for the Hokage?"

"Understood; the Leaf Village will soon have a new Hokage, so do your best."

Translation: "\"Just understand, Leaf Village will soon have a new Hokage appear, so do it well. \""

We'll translate: "\"Just understand, Leaf Village will soon have a new Hokage appear, so do it well. \""

Yuzhi looked at the two of them and couldn't help but smile as he spoke.

Translation: "Yuzhi looked at the two of them, and he couldn't help but smile and say."

We'll translate: "Yuzhi looked at the two of them, and he couldn't help but smile and say."

"Perhaps there will be some new changes in the future."

Translation: "\"Who knows, there might be some new changes in the future. \""

We'll translate: "\"Who knows, there might be some new changes in the future. \""

Chinese -> translate.

"Sir, what do you think this Hokage will be."

Upon hearing this, the Uchiha Clan hesitated a moment, then spoke up.

This line is English instruction? Actually after 【314】 line, there is 【316】 line: "There is a typo:..." That's instruction, skip.

We'll translate: "Upon hearing this, the Uchiha Clan hesitated a moment, then spoke up."

"\"No surprise, it's Minato Namikaze. \""

Translation: "\"Without any mishap, it is Minato Namikaze. \""

We'll translate: "\"Without any mishap, it is Minato Namikaze. \""

Yuzhi had nothing to hide; he laughed and spoke.

Translation: "Yuzhi had nothing to hide at all, and he spoke with a smile."

We'll translate: "Yuzhi had nothing to hide at all, and he spoke with a smile."

"\"He has no ill feelings toward the Uchiha Clan, and he also hopes I can help him more. \"" Note missing closing quote in Chinese; we'll close it.

This line is English instruction? Actually after 【329】 line, there is 【331】 line: "Note: The line ends with a comma?..." That's instruction, skip.

We'll translate: "\"He has no ill feelings toward the Uchiha Clan, and he also hopes I can help him more. \""

Becoming Hokage fits perfectly with our strategy to rebuild the clan and change its image.

Translation: "His becoming Hokage fits our strategy of rebuilding the clan and changing its image."

We'll translate: "His becoming Hokage fits our strategy of rebuilding the clan and changing its image."

As for the future, once everything stabilizes, perhaps we can do something else.

Translation: "As for the future, once everything stabilizes, we might be able to do something else."

We'll translate: "As for the future, once everything stabilizes, we might be able to do something else."

Minato Namikaze hoped Yuzhi would join his team; Yuzhi neither refused nor acknowledged it.

Translation: "Minato Namikaze hoped Yuzhi would become his entourage, but Yuzhi neither refused nor acknowledged it."

We'll translate: "Minato Namikaze hoped Yuzhi would become his entourage, but Yuzhi neither refused nor acknowledged it."

After all, his personal creed is 'A true man cannot tolerate lingering in obscurity'; how could he possibly agree so easily?

Translation: "After all, his main mission is 'How can a great man endure being beneath others?' How could he possibly agree so easily?"

We'll translate: "After all, his main mission is 'How can a great man endure being beneath others?' How could he possibly agree so easily?"

In Yuzhi's view, explaining things through cooperation is best, and he will later make this idea clear to him.

Translation: "In Yuzhi's view, the current model is best explained through cooperation, and this idea will gradually become clearer to him in the future."

We'll translate: "In Yuzhi's view, the current model is best explained through cooperation, and this idea will gradually become clearer to him in the future."

"\"After all, I've already told him. \""

Translation: "\"After all, I have already told him. \""

We'll translate: "\"After all, I have already told him. \""

Yuzhi secretly thought it was amusing.

Translation: "Yuzhi secretly thought it was amusing."

We'll translate: "Yuzhi secretly thought it was amusing."

"\"Who doesn't have a Hokage dream? \""

Translation: "\"Who doesn't have a dream of becoming Hokage? \""

We'll translate: "\"Who doesn't have a dream of becoming Hokage? \""

——

This line is just an em dash. We need to output translation. Probably just an em dash as well. We'll output: "——" (same). So line: 【267】 ——

Time flew by; a few days later, the Third Hokage and others returned to the Leaf Village and immediately summoned Minato Namikaze.

Translation: "Time passed quickly; a few days later, the Third Hokage and others returned to Leaf Village and immediately summoned Minato Namikaze."

We'll translate: "Time passed quickly; a few days later, the Third Hokage and others returned to Leaf Village and immediately summoned Minato Namikaze."

When he left the Hokage's office, it was already noon.

Translation: "When he left the Hokage Office, it was already noon."

We'll translate: "When he left the Hokage Office, it was already noon."

Back home, Minato Namikaze still wore a smile; he had already received clear information today.

Translation: "Returning home, Minato Namikaze's face still bore a smile; he had today received clear information."

We'll translate: "Returning home, Minato Namikaze's face still bore a smile; he had today received clear information."

He is now the actual Fourth Hokage; all that remains is for the Third Hokage to announce the news to the whole village.

Translation: "He is now the Fourth Hokage in actuality, and now only the Third Hokage remains to announce the news to the whole village."

We'll translate: "He is now the Fourth Hokage in actuality, and now only the Third Hokage remains to announce the news to the whole village."

Regarding this matter, Minato actually still feels a bit dazed inside.

Translation: "As for this matter, Minato actually still felt somewhat dazed inside."

We'll translate: "As for this matter, Minato actually still felt somewhat dazed inside."

Because he never expected things to go so smoothly, but he clearly knows one thing: the smoothness is entirely thanks to Yuzhi.

Translation: "Because he didn't expect things to go so smoothly, but he clearly knows one thing: the smoothness is entirely thanks to Yuzhi!"

We'll translate: "Because he didn't expect things to go so smoothly, but he clearly knows one thing: the smoothness is entirely thanks to Yuzhi!"

Although in this whole matter Yuzhi merely gave him a heads‑up, letting him grasp the current situation.

Translation: "Although in the whole matter, Yuzhi merely gave him a hint, letting him understand the current situation."

We'll translate: "Although in the whole matter, Yuzhi merely gave him a hint, letting him understand the current situation."

As the saying goes, 'Those in the maze are confused; those outside see clearly.' As an outsider, Yuzhi naturally sees what others cannot.

Translation: "But as the saying goes, 'Those involved are confused; those on the outside see clearly.' As an outsider, Yuzhi naturally sees what others cannot."

We'll translate: "But as the saying goes, 'Those involved are confused; those on the outside see clearly.' As an outsider, Yuzhi naturally sees what others cannot."

Yet he himself is trapped in his own preconceptions, and for a moment he couldn't see many things clearly.

Translation: "But he himself had fallen into his preconceived notions, and for a moment could not see many things clearly."

We'll translate: "But he himself had fallen into his preconceived notions, and for a moment could not see many things clearly."

"\"Really, we have to thank Yuzhi. \""

Translation: "\"Really, we must thank Yuzhi. \""

We'll translate: "\"Really, we must thank Yuzhi. \""

Minato Namik

Translation: "Minato Namikaze felt deeply grateful inside, although he also knew that even if Yuzhi didn't say anything, he would still likely have an opportunity."

We'll translate: "Minato Namikaze felt deeply grateful inside, although he also knew that even if Yuzhi didn't say anything, he would still likely have an opportunity."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "But he would absolutely not be so thoroughly prepared, nor would he let the Third Hokage make a decision so quickly."

We'll translate: "But he would absolutely not be so thoroughly prepared, nor would he let the Third Hokage make a decision so quickly."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "\"However, Yuzhi's idea is probably not that simple. \""

We'll translate: "\"However, Yuzhi's idea is probably not that simple. \""

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Minato Namikaze also carefully recalled in his mind the words Yuzhi had said when giving him a hint; that sentence 'Who doesn't have a dream of becoming Hokage?' made him understand many things inside."

We'll translate: "Minato Namikaze also carefully recalled in his mind the words Yuzhi had said when giving him a hint; that sentence 'Who doesn't have a dream of becoming Hokage?' made him understand many things inside."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Perhaps Yuzhi's heart is also full of longing for the Hokage position?"

We'll translate: "Perhaps Yuzhi's heart is also full of longing for the Hokage position?"

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "However, he does not think this is a bad thing; on the contrary, he is even happier."

We'll translate: "However, he does not think this is a bad thing; on the contrary, he is even happier."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Being full of longing for the Hokage position actually shows that Yuzhi's recognition of Leaf Village comes from the heart."

We'll translate: "Being full of longing for the Hokage position actually shows that Yuzhi's recognition of Leaf Village comes from the heart."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "He has always hoped that Yuzhi could become the clan leader of the Uchiha Clan, because the relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Leaf Village is truly too awkward."

We'll translate: "He has always hoped that Yuzhi could become the clan leader of the Uchiha Clan, because the relationship between the Uchiha Clan and Leaf Village is truly too awkward."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "As for how to treat the person who gave him a hint, Minato Namikaze actually had already figured it out in his heart."

We'll translate: "As for how to treat the person who gave him a hint, Minato Namikaze actually had already figured it out in his heart."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Making him his entourage would probably be unrealistic; the members of the big clan would not easily agree to his idea."

We'll translate: "Making him his entourage would probably be unrealistic; the members of the big clan would not easily agree to his idea."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "This point was only realized after his teacher Ziraiye reminded him."

We'll translate: "This point was only realized after his teacher Ziraiye reminded him."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "\"Too excited, I overlooked this point. \""

We'll translate: "\"Too excited, I overlooked this point. \""

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Minato Namikaze is also a young man; sometimes when overly excited, he tends to take things for granted."

We'll translate: "Minato Namikaze is also a young man; sometimes when overly excited, he tends to take things for granted."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Besides the First Hokage, which clan would be so obedient and compliant?"

We'll translate: "Besides the First Hokage, which clan would be so obedient and compliant?"

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Becoming a supporter, becoming one's ally, is the most practical approach."

We'll translate: "Becoming a supporter, becoming one's ally, is the most practical approach."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "However, he also somewhat understands why the Second Hokage tried every means to let all clans integrate into Leaf Village."

We'll translate: "However, he also somewhat understands why the Second Hokage tried every means to let all clans integrate into Leaf Village."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "The existence of clan ninjas is sometimes beneficial to Leaf Village, but sometimes not."

We'll translate: "The existence of clan ninjas is sometimes beneficial to Leaf Village, but sometimes not."

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "\"These matters must be made clear to Yuzhi and everyone else. \""

We'll translate: "\"These matters must be made clear to Yuzhi and everyone else. \""

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Minato Namikaze secretly thought to himself, he is naturally a very intelligent person."

We'll translate: "Minato Namikaze secretly thought to himself, he is naturally a very intelligent person."

Chinese -> translate.

Note: missing closing quote? We'll translate as: "\"Even if we have to compete for the Hokage position, it's no problem; everyone is a member of Leaf Village. \""

We'll translate: "\"Even if we have to compete for the Hokage position, it's no problem; everyone is a member of Leaf Village. \""

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "\"What I need to do is unite everyone to develop Leaf Village well and fulfill my duties and responsibilities as Hokage. \""

We'll translate: "\"What I need to do is unite everyone to develop Leaf Village well and fulfill my duties and responsibilities as Hokage. \""

Chinese -> translate.

Translation: "Future work is not easy, but his heart is also full of vigor."

We'll translate: "Future work is not easy, but his heart is also full of vigor."

He decided to personally visit Yuzhi later, to avoid causing any misunderstanding that would make others think he was too proud.

If Yuzhi knew what he was thinking, he'd probably be depressed for having thought so much for nothing.

At the same time, I have to complain again—this guy with thick eyebrows and big eyes is really not a novice.

He slowly walked into the living room and saw Kushina preparing food.

Such a warm scene pulled all his thoughts back, and he couldn't help but smile.

"What are you doing standing there like an idiot?"

Kushina immediately sensed something, turned her head, saw it was Minato Namikaze, and walked over with a smile.

"The Third Hokage just came back and summoned you—what's up? Did he scold you?"

Minato Namikaze found it a bit funny, he slightly opened his mouth to explain, but Kushina didn't give him any chance.

"It's fine, it's fine—these things don't need to be worried about."

"No, it's not like that."

Minato Namikaze pretended to be stern and shook his head.

"Then what is it?"

Kushina became even more curious.

"That..."

Minato Namikaze was happy inside, but he deliberately put on a straight face and said.

"He wants me to be the Fourth Hokage."

"Oh, the Hokage thing isn't a big deal."

Kushina hadn't reacted yet, and she kept trying to comfort Minato Namikaze.

But as she spoke, she immediately sensed something was off, she widened her eyes and asked.

"Wait! What did you just say?"

"Hmm."

Minato Namikaze lightly laughed and nodded, then his expression grew much more serious.

"I have been ordered, and I am about to succeed as the Fourth Hokage."

Kushina froze; after a while she recovered from the shock, then she hugged Minato Namikaze tightly.

"Congratulations! Congratulations!"

"Hokage! This is really the Hokage!"

"This is not only Minato Namikaze's dream, but also hers."

"Originally she thought this Fourth Hokage had nothing to do with Minato Namikaze, after all, Orochimaru's prestige in the Leaf Village was enormous."

"But she never expected that the one who would ultimately succeed would be Minato Namikaze!"

And as Minato Namikaze held Kushina, his heart was full of warmth, and he now felt ever more hopeful about the future. —

The next day, when the news that Minato Namikaze had become the Fourth Hokage spread throughout the Leaf Village,

the whole Leaf Village fell into an uproar, although everyone knew this young war hero had also participated in the election.

Moreover, everyone liked this young man, but few truly believed he could defeat Orochimaru.

Yet now he has pulled off an upset, and this truly made everyone feel exhilarated!

Although the Hokage Rock had not yet been carved, and this Fourth Hokage had not yet officially taken office in the Hokage Building, the Leaf Village was already immersed in cheers.

Yuzhi naturally also received this news, and he also got an invitation from Kakashi to attend the Fourth Hokage's banquet.

As for this, Yuzhi had no objection.

Coincidentally, he still planned to talk with the Fourth Hokage about some ideas regarding Mist Village.

Selling weapons and supplies to the Kaguya Clan also counts as turning waste into use.

Especially since Yuzhi knows Obito will turn Mist Village into his own base, giving that nuisance who disrupts his life a little payback is certainly not wrong.

"I just don't know if that isolated Blood Mist Country will still appear."

Yuzhi is actually also curious about this; in the original story, Obito seemed to have sacrificed everything to take revenge on Mist Village, ruining an entire generation there.

Now Rin is still alive, Kakashi is fine, and Mist Village hasn't caused any destruction.

This guy has completely placed his hatred on himself; Mist Village might actually have escaped disaster.

"I'm really a good person—I've unknowingly saved Mist Village a life."

Thinking of this, Yuzhi couldn't help but feel conflicted—he actually wished Mist Village would die, because he had suffered many beatings from them in the past.

However, compared to these things, Yuzhi is most interested in what Hikari reminded him of yesterday—the matter recorded in those scrolls.

"The former Clan Leader's son seems to have had some contact with a mysterious person."

"Itachi Uchiha?"

"Mixed together with a mysterious person?"

"Could it be Obito Uchiha?"

After seeing this information, Yuzhi also couldn't help but fall into deep thought.

He has no hero complex; Obito paid him no mind, and in the future he wiped out the whole clan—regardless of age or gender, whether kind or not, Itachi included—so he wouldn't bother paying attention anyway.

Although things could possibly change now, he has seen Itachi more than once; this kid thinks deeply, no one knows what he's pondering all day, and he wouldn't speak of it.

Most importantly, Yuzhi killed his father, so he has no interest in touching any bad luck.

But now that he's in contact with some mysterious person, it's hard not to catch Yuzhi's attention—after all, this kid's talent is still quite good.

"What are you thinking about?"

Hikari had just come back from outside, saw Yuzhi sitting there deep in thought, and couldn't help but ask curiously.

"It's not anything else—it's about what you reminded me of yesterday, that little brat Itachi Uchiha."

Yuzhi rubbed his brow and muttered a complaint.

"This little brat, really gives no peace of mind."

"Hikari didn't speak. Although she didn't mind killing Uchiha Meiqin, having her act against a five-year-old child, she couldn't do such a thing."

"Forget it, let's observe first; it would be best to figure out who we're in contact with, and I also want to visit that former Clan Leader's wife."

"Yuzhi quickly tossed aside his worries; as for how Itachi Uchiha would develop, he couldn't be bothered, but this matter still needed communication with Uchiha Meiqin."

"By the way, you went to check the location; any news?"

"Although Yuzhi made no demands, he still lived here; Uchiha Xin and Uchiha Xiu couldn't stand it."

"Therefore they proposed preparing to help Yuzhi rebuild a house; regarding this, Yuzhi didn't refuse, but instead let Hikari choose the location."

"Anyway, she seems unlikely to part from him, and having someone cook is not bad; Yuzhi naturally left it to her."

"I've already looked; I chose a place not far from here."

"Hikari nodded, and then her expression became somewhat solemn."

"The surroundings are still those same neighbors; I think this environment would be better, what do you say?"

"I also think it's not bad."

"Upon hearing this, Yuzhi immediately understood Hikari's meaning; he looked at her seriously and spoke slowly."

"Rest assured, I won't forget my original intention, after all"

"With you here, how could I possibly forget?"

"Thanks for the reward from the not-big-not-small sparrow, thank you, thank you."

"Thanks for everyone's support, subscriptions, and monthly votes, thank you all."