Throughout history, many things have unfolded this way—sometimes, without needing to say much, when the time comes, everyone already knows.
Especially in the role of a leader!
These people are not actually Minato's subordinates. In fact, no ninja can really be anyone's subordinate. Even those from different clans, who are theoretically supposed to obey Konoha's commands.
Usually, this doesn't involve major right or wrong decisions.
For minor issues, where there are slight differences in decision-making, the higher-ups of each clan would generally take a step back, allowing the ninjas to follow the village's commands.
Even if it might mean making some sacrifices, all clans would look for the bigger picture.
After all, these clans form Konoha, and for many years, they have operated as a unit within the village. Living together and intermarrying among the major clans, they have long formed a single entity, and that entity is Konoha.
Currently, the Hokage holds the power to speak for all ninjas in the village, effectively making him the commander of all ninjas. Of course, there are exceptions, such as the Root Anbu under Danzo's direct control, which do not answer to the Hokage and essentially serve as Danzo's private army.
But let's put aside Danzo's exception for now.
In Konoha, all clan ninjas belong to the village, which is a well-known and undisputed rule.
However…
It must be mentioned.
In the hearts of the ninjas, the village's interest precede everything.
However, when it comes to issues involving clan interests, the clan still takes precedence over the village, as they are their kin, their blood, and their connection in this world.
For example, if the village were to order a ninja to annihilate their clan unless that ninja was senseless, nearly all would side with their clan interests because those are their family, their people, and the only blood connection they have in this world.
Oppression breeds resistance.
A countless number of times throughout history.
How many have risen in rebellion under unbearable oppression? And as the saying goes among the common folk, "When officials oppress, the people must rebel."
But…
It must be said some ninjas, deeply imbued, even in situations where they should rebel against such official oppression, still end up aiding the officials in annihilating their own families.
Regarding such matters…
Most clans are exceedingly disdainful!
Given these circumstances, Konoha's ninjas belong only to Konoha, and there are no private armies, setting aside Danzo for now. Therefore, Minato doesn't have subordinates of his own.
Yet.
After the Third Great Ninja War.
The ninjas present had almost all come to view themselves as Minato's subordinates.
This is a rather fascinating phenomenon, and even they can't clearly explain why they think this way…
After all, nominally, they are all Konoha's ninjas, and currently, they belong to Sakumo's command.
Sakumo was in charge of the ninjas participating in this war, being the commander of Konoha's ninja forces. Logically, these ninjas should be listening to Sakumo, but now they are willing to follow only Minato.
This is the influence of personal charisma!
If Minato wanted to avoid becoming Hokage, they would be the first to disagree!
But.
After these events.
Although Minato said nothing, they all felt that the time had come. Now is the moment to take over as Hokage, and there couldn't be a more suitable time than now—never before, and probably never again.
These ninjas have already begun to show their loyalty to Minato in advance!
After all, "As the king changes, so do his subjects." Once Minato becomes Hokage, he will definitely appoint his supporters. Konoha has just gone through a great battle, and with so much needing to be rebuilt and many positions vacant, many matters require more ninjas. This is all very important, and they also hope to gain some benefits here.
Everyone has nearly the same idea in their minds, but no one speaks it aloud. Instead, they silently agreed, and after Minato suggested a rest, they all stopped their tasks and sat down right there.
In their hearts, they understand that Minato isn't just letting them recover physically but hopes they return to Konoha with a more vibrant spirit to inspire the villagers and fill them with hope for Konoha's future. This would also greatly increase support for Minato.
Such actions might seem tactical, but they are not merely tactics, for these are real achievements of Minato. If he did not display them, many might not notice. Showcasing his achievements timely isn't a dishonest act, but rather perfectly reasonable.
Thinking this, none of them harbours any resentment; they are all willing to support Minato.
For a moment.
The ninjas swallow their military ration pills and start rapidly recovering their strength. They had been tense like a tightly strung bow during their journey, which could have lasted until they reached Konoha.
But as Minato said, if they entered Konoha in such a state and relaxed even slightly, the tension would immediately dissipate, followed by an overwhelming sense of fatigue and a slump in spirit, even possibly collapsing on the spot and ending up being pushed into Konoha's hospital.
By then, despite having won the battle, returning in such a state would undoubtedly affect the villagers psychologically, perhaps even making them believe the Third Hokage made a wise and brave decision, leading to a perception that although the events were the same, the sensations they elicited were different.
Watching the ninjas rest, Minato also takes a military ration pill, trying to recover as much chakra as possible.
He wasn't severely injured, but the excessive exertion had taken a significant toll, something that one or two military ration pills couldn't fix; what he needed was proper rest.
But at this crucial juncture, going back would mean a change in the Hokage position, and this was not the time to rest. He couldn't afford to sleep now.
Despite the hardship he must endure, missing this chance would lead to lifelong regret.
"Minato…"
Kushina looked at Minato with a flicker of distress in her beautiful eyes, clearly feeling his fatigue but unable to help him.
After much thought, what she could do was simply stay by Minato's side silently, ensuring his safety, as her condition was very good, allowing Minato to avoid any assassination attempts.
Assassination?
Kushina shook her head, thinking she was perhaps worrying too much. The current situation involved just the struggle for the Hokage position, which is not likely a matter of life and death, at least in her view.
According to her past understanding, Konoha's ninjas were all on the same side, so those who might assassinate Minato would be ninjas from other villages. However, ninjas from different villages had been repeatedly defeated and would not appear here anymore, making the upcoming journey quite safe.
Of course, that's what her rational mind thought. Still, emotionally, she remained vigilant by Minato's side, even worried about the ninjas around them who had been on the battlefield, fearing any of them might harm Minato.
"I'm okay."
Minato gently nodded to her in the present moment, his blue eyes, though tired, still sparkling with determination. His face remained pale, obviously heavily drained and nearly depleted.
This was unavoidable!
If Minato had not displayed such a formidable stance as Sage Mode to scare off the ninjas from Kumogakure, he would have faced a bloody battle.
The ninjas of Konoha couldn't have endured another battle!
Minato had no regrets about this. If given another chance, he would do the same, as it was the best solution for him. As long as no battle occurred, Konoha's ninjas would not suffer further casualties, which was the best outcome and what he most wanted to see.
"Mmm…"
Kushina pursed her lips and nodded. She didn't know what to say to comfort Minato. Usually, she had many things to tell him, but now, under these circumstances, she found herself unable to speak.
"I understand!"
Minato and Kushina exchanged a look, his slightly pale and dry lips curling into a reassuring smile, though it was tinged with undeniable fatigue.
"The next while might be troublesome…"
Minato spoke very politely, always well-mannered and courteous in his speech, even when speaking with those he was close to, never losing this gentle demeanour, which was quite rare.
"Mmm!"
Kushina nodded firmly, clearly understanding what Minato meant. On the way back, her chakra was still plentiful, ready to handle any situation.
She knew Minato was treating her as a trump card, not revealed earlier but kept in reserve.
This was a trust that involved putting his life in her hands!
Minato made this decision, not even fully aware of her capabilities, yet fully trusting her, which moved her deeply.
…
Meanwhile.
In the Hokage's office.
Knock knock knock…
A series of sharp, urgent knocks sounded, indicating that the person knocking was in a rush as if something urgent had occurred.
"Come in!"
Hiruzen's voice rang out in the office as he put down the scroll he was holding and looked up towards the door.
Just a moment ago.
After Koharu left.
Hiruzen had been pondering how to cancel Minato's bid for the Hokage position; the best outcome he could think of was still to offer Minato a half-sleeve Hokage robe.
It must be said.
The appearance of the half-sleeve Hokage robe solved a big problem for him!
Had it not been for Danzo's suggestion, dealing with Sakumo's situation would have been very difficult.
The half-sleeve Hokage robe, with only half a sleeve, seemed just a step away from the Hokage position, but that step was as vast as the heavens, impossible to cross.
There was no chance to achieve another half-sleeve.
Hiruzen and Danzo tightly controlled everything!
At this point.
Hiruzen could only think of the half-sleeve Hokage robe, a simple and crude method that offered a reward but not the ultimate one while also placing great restrictions, preventing any potential step-by-step progression.
But…
The half-sleeve Hokage robe didn't completely solve the problem!
After all, they had already given Sakumo a half-sleeve Hokage robe, and now giving another to Minato would make things too obvious.
Unless necessary, Hiruzen did not want to make it too obvious and let the villagers know he was clinging to the position of Hokage.
But now, it was indeed a time of necessity!
If he didn't give Minato a half-sleeve Hokage robe, then the only other thing he could offer was the position of Hokage itself.
Hiruzen felt he was in a tough spot!
He just wanted to stay in the Hokage's position for a few more years!
Why was it so difficult?
From the moment he obtained the position of Hokage, he had endured countless hardships, and now he had to use all sorts of methods to keep it. During this time, he felt he had aged several years.
Creak…
The door to the Hokage's office opened, and a young man rushed in, his expression serious and his brows furrowed with unease, seeming to have a lot to say. He walked quickly to Hiruzen's desk.
"Shikaku, what's the matter?"
Hiruzen stared at the young man in front of him with a puzzled look. He rarely saw such a serious expression on him and immediately felt that something must have happened.
This young man was Nara Shikaku, an advisor in the Hokage office!
"Something very serious!"
Shikaku nodded, seeming to organise his words. After several moments of hesitating to speak, he finally said slowly.
"According to the intelligence from Konoha's village defences, a large number of Anbu from the Root division have left the village, and their purpose is unclear. I suspect Danzo has made a significant move!"
Shikaku spoke gravely.
Monitoring the Root Anbu was one of the critical responsibilities of Konoha's village defences.
The Root division was established with the purpose of addressing internal issues within Konoha and rarely involved itself with matters outside the village. If Root Anbu were leaving the village, it certainly indicated that Danzo had made a decision.
And these decisions…
It could influenced the course of ninja world history!
"Hmm?!"
Hiruzen's brows furrowed deeply. He understood what such an event meant: Root Anbu leaving Konoha without any authorisation meant that Danzo was bypassing him, the Hokage, to undertake some secret activities.
Or it could be said…
These secrets were now surfacing.
Even the pretence of secrecy was abandoned.
In the past.
Danzo would at least inform Hiruzen of his actions.
Now, there was nothing.
"Danzo's heart is stirred indeed!"
Hiruzen was very aware of what Danzo wanted—the very position of Hokage he currently held. However, Danzo would not directly seize the position from him, as they had once made an agreement.
When he stepped down.
He would pass the position of Hokage to Danzo.
Hiruzen had no intention of breaking this agreement, especially since he had never planned to step down—when he was no longer Hokage, Danzo would surely be dead.
As such.
He would not concern himself with what happened after!
But it was precisely this agreement that allowed Danzo to do many things for him, eliminating many who wished to become Hokage.
Now, it seemed.
Danzo was likely sending out Root Anbu to handle these troubles for him!
But…
Hiruzen suddenly remembered something Koharu had said earlier.
Danzo had some problem.
Now he understood.
If Danzo was merely solving problems for him, he could have reported it, even though he would not have issued any overt instructions, but could have pretended ignorance.
But Danzo said nothing.
This indicated that Danzo's ambitions were not just about solving these problems; he might also be planning to eliminate him.
Danzo couldn't wait any longer!
Hiruzen could see it now; this time, Danzo might be attempting a coup. He would have to face not only Hatake Sakumo and Namikaze Minato but also his old rival and longtime friend, Shimura Danzo!