"Third Hokage-sama, did you summon me?"
Namikaze Minato knelt respectfully upon entering the Hokage's office. Bowing his head before Hiruzen Sarutobi, he could feel the weight of the moment.
The past two days had passed quietly. Minato had chosen to keep himself occupied with daily tasks rather than dwell on political undercurrents. He found that staying close to the people, listening to the sentiments of the village, helped him remain grounded.
In that silence, he'd grown more appreciative of the hidden workings around him—particularly the calculated influence of Uchiha Kai and Uchiha Fugaku.
It was as though every move had been anticipated by those two. And despite the volatile political environment, Minato realized he now held the upper hand. The discovery filled him with a quiet confidence. Still, he had told Kushina nothing. He preferred to wait until things were certain.
This morning, however, he had been summoned by the Third Hokage himself. And now, standing in front of him, Minato sensed something significant.
Sarutobi Hiruzen didn't waste time.
"Minato, I'll be direct." His tone was calm but weighty. "I've always believed you embodied the Will of Fire. You've proven yourself on the battlefield, and during the negotiations in the Land of Grass. You've demonstrated leadership and wisdom... and you have the people's trust."
He paused for a breath.
"That is why I've decided to entrust the future of Konoha to you. Will you accept the title of Fourth Hokage?"
Even though Minato had suspected this, the words still stirred his heart.
He had waited a long time for this moment. The seed of ambition had been planted during his mission with Uchiha Kai half a year ago, and nurtured with Jiraiya's encouragement. After his return to the village, Kai's maneuvering and Fugaku's subtle endorsements had only made the momentum unstoppable.
Minato had quietly accepted the Uchiha's scapegoating of Orochimaru for various internal issues. He hadn't intervened as the clan subtly reshaped public opinion. These were not choices he'd expected to make. But he had made them—for Konoha, and for Kushina.
Taking a deep breath, Minato straightened and answered, "I will live up to your trust, Lord Third. I accept."
"Good." Hiruzen nodded. "Prepare yourself. The succession ceremony will take place in the spring. But Minato… the road ahead will be difficult. There are those who supported Orochimaru's candidacy. They won't step aside quietly."
Minato understood. The Third wasn't just speaking of politics. He was speaking of the power blocs behind the scenes—elders, council members, and vested interests who had lost face.
"I'm ready, Lord Third," Minato said firmly.
Hiruzen smiled slightly. "Then I believe you'll be a Hokage worthy of your name."
After a long day, Minato returned home. Kushina was cooking dinner, and the aroma filled the house with warmth.
She turned and smiled. "What are you doing standing there like a lost genin?" she teased. "I heard you were called to the Hokage's office. Did you get scolded or something?"
Minato chuckled. "Not quite."
Kushina raised an eyebrow. "Then what was it?"
"Well…" Minato hesitated, then broke into a wide grin. "I've been chosen to become the Fourth Hokage."
Kushina blinked. "That's not funny, you know—wait... what?!"
Minato nodded. "It's official. The ceremony will be in the spring."
Her expression shifted from surprise to joy in a heartbeat. "Minato, that's amazing!" she exclaimed, throwing her arms around him.
Becoming Hokage had always been their shared dream. Now, it was real.
As she held him, Minato felt a deep peace. But he also knew—some secrets would remain buried. For the sake of peace. For the village.
After all, every shinobi has secrets.
That night, Uchiha Kai waited until the house lights dimmed before slipping into the dark. Cloaked and masked, he created a shadow clone to sleep in his place, then vanished into the night.
The Uchiha district was quiet, save for a few Konoha Police Force patrols. Avoiding them with ease, Kai made his way to the edge of the village—back to the quiet meeting point near the forest clearing.
A figure was already waiting there.
As Kai approached, both removed their masks.
"Patriarch Fugaku," Kai greeted calmly. "You came early."
"I couldn't sleep," Fugaku admitted. "This gamble we've taken… I fear it might all collapse."
"That's why I told you to focus on gaining support from smaller clans and civilian shinobi," Kai said. "If we fall, it shouldn't be because we failed to prepare."
Fugaku chuckled dryly. "You've always planned with both hands. That speech during the commemoration half a year ago—when you defended Hatake Kakashi so openly—I knew then that you were showing your cards to more than just me."
He narrowed his eyes. "I've always wondered, Kai… what would you have done if I hadn't caught on to your plans?"
Kai looked up at the pale moon. Its glow reminded him of the illusion Fugaku once cast on him—of his own Mangekyō Sharingan, and the full red moon it mirrored.
If Fugaku hadn't noticed… the bloodshed would've been far worse.
"I think you know," Kai replied softly.
Fugaku nodded, then looked toward the shadows. "What do you think the result will be tonight?"
"I don't know. But when Minato arrives, I believe we'll have our answer."
"And if not?" Fugaku's voice was measured. "I want dialogue, Kai. Not conflict."
Kai said nothing, but the cloak he wore shifted, revealing part of his combat gear.
Fugaku noticed.
Though he didn't want a fight—not against another Mangekyō wielder—he wouldn't shy away if it came to it.
The air grew still. Then, both men sensed a chakra presence. A masked figure appeared, scanning the area before approaching.
Removing his mask and hood, the newcomer revealed his familiar blond hair.
"Sorry for the delay," said Namikaze Minato. "I had to be cautious."
"You're just in time," Fugaku replied, his tone tense. "Well? What's the result?"
Minato smiled. "The Third made his decision. I'll be Hokage by spring. We've succeeded."
Kai and Fugaku exchanged a glance.
The gamble had paid off.