As the Third Hokage's voice echoed, everyone present suddenly changed expression. This was something they had not anticipated.
Almost everyone came with the intent to condemn the Third Hokage, hoping to force him to admit his mistakes.
But.
What they should have expected was...
Before they could say anything, the Third Hokage had already proposed stepping down.
This left them feeling a bit stunned! It felt like they were about to demand something, but before they could voice it, the demand was already met.
This gave them a strange sensation, like punching a sponge—soft and without any resistance, lacking the satisfaction of a solid hit.
This left them feeling somewhat unfulfilled.
For a moment.
Everyone at the scene stared at the Third Hokage standing on the balcony of the Hokage's office.
Each person's expression was highly complex, showing no excitement but rather a sense of melancholy due to the current situation.
They couldn't accept that the Third Hokage had become the figure described by Danzo and Orochimaru. Accepting that the Third Hokage said he would step down was even more challenging.
It was a special feeling as if they had high expectations for the Third Hokage, but these expectations were suddenly shattered. When they were about to express their disappointment, he calmly admitted it.
The scene fell silent as everyone looked at the Third Hokage. They didn't know what he would do next, but they all heard his words.
I am stepping down as Hokage! It is a simple sentence but with profound significance.
Everyone knew what the position of Hokage meant for Konoha. They also learned the Third Hokage couldn't continue in his role. However, when he voluntarily said he would no longer be Hokage, they felt an inexplicable complexity, as if an era was ending.
Many at the scene had lived through the Second Hokage's era. They remembered the chaos after the First Hokage's death, leading to wars and, ultimately, the Second Hokage's death, making way for the Third Hokage.
They had witnessed the succession of Hokages and now saw it again, feeling deeply uncomfortable.
...
On the balcony of the Hokage's office.
The Third Hokage observed the crowd's changing expressions, feeling almost no inner turmoil. He realized he had come to terms with everything and understood this was the right time.
He didn't know Orochimaru and Danzo were impersonated by someone else.
But deep down, he knew that after these two had done this, he could not continue as Hokage.
His era as Hokage was ending.
Sometimes, what sustains people is their spirit and determination.
When this spirit is alive, they are motivated to achieve their goals, whether fulfilling personal ideals or proving something to others.
But when this spirit fades.
Everything suddenly loses meaning.
The Third Hokage felt that now was the time. His attachment to the position no longer mattered. Even if he found other ways to stay, it would be meaningless.
In a way, he had hoped to compete with Danzo and keep him close. Without Danzo, the role of Hokage lost much of its appeal.
For the Third Hokage, Danzo was crucial!
"You did not hear me wrong."
The Third Hokage's voice continued, loud and resonant, filled with a unique charm that reached everyone, immersing them in the moment.
For some reason, the crowd suddenly felt a sense of tragic grandeur, as if the Third Hokage's departure was a monumental event.
"From now on, I am no longer your Hokage."
"I will no longer serve in Konoha."
"I have nothing to argue against Orochimaru and Danzo's words."
"If you think I should be imprisoned in Konoha, I have no objections."
"For Konoha..."
"My role ends here."
The Third Hokage's tone was calm, without pain as he spoke, as if he had come to terms with everything.
He felt relieved when he declared he would step down as Hokage as if a long-held burden had been lifted. Everything seemed more straightforward, without any particular emotions.
Even the sky seemed bluer, no longer clouded by anxiety.
He no longer had to play political games, especially not by suppressing the younger generation.
It felt like a great weight had been lifted for him, making him feel light and free, as if the world had changed.
He had never thought about life after retirement, believing he would be Hokage for life.
But now, things were different.
He looked forward to his retired life, wondering what Konoha would be like without him and who the new Hokage would be.
Even if he ended up in Konoha's prison, he could see the village from a different perspective and find a new meaning in life.
"In fact, I can now rest assured because Konoha already has a new Hokage candidate. He is well-suited for the position and capable of fulfilling the role. For a long time, he has been able to think like a Hokage. I believe everyone knows who this person is without me having to say it."
As he said this, the Third Hokage smiled a relaxed smile, looking visibly lighter as he removed the Hokage hat and let the wind blow through his hair.
Putting down the hat symbolizes letting go of his attachment to the position.
Wow! The crowd started talking, knowing precisely who the Third Hokage was referring to—the famous, highly regarded Minato Namikaze.
In fact.
As soon as Minato returned, people sensed a change was coming.
But when it happened, it still felt surreal.
This intense feeling was similar to their realization about the Third Hokage!
After the Third Hokage said this, he scanned the crowd, taking in the scene one last time without any regrets.
Then he turned and walked back toward the Hokage's office, not to return but to pack his things and leave.
The matter of choosing a new Hokage was no longer his concern.
The Fire Country's Daimyo and Konoha's advisors would discuss and decide on this matter.
He knew that a new Hokage would be appointed quickly as soon as he stepped down. He had never worried about this.
Should something happen to him, a new Hokage would be chosen. Whoever it was didn't matter to him anymore.
He walked away without leaving a trace.
Wow! The Konoha ninjas were stunned, looked at each other in disbelief, and discussed the events in hushed tones.
"He's really gone."
"The Third Hokage actually resigned!"
"This is so strange!"
"I had so much more to say..."
"This is truly bittersweet!"
"The end of an era for Konoha."
"..."
Everyone started talking amongst themselves, feeling deeply conflicted. They never expected to witness the Third Hokage's departure in such a manner.
But now, it was time to welcome a new Hokage.
This complex and sad emotion didn't last long. Everyone's attention shifted to Minato Namikaze.
The old Hokage was gone; the new one was about to begin.
Many clan ninjas present knew they had to work for Konoha's future, hoping to establish good relations with the new Hokage to secure their place in the village's latest order.
Minato had already garnered considerable support from the ninjas, with many seeing him as the new hokage.
Among the crowd, a pair of eyes were fixed on Minato.
It was Aoba.
After completing the exposé atop the Hokage Rock, his true self joined the crowd, observing the scene.
Seeing everyone gathered around Minato and treating him as the new Hokage, Aoba felt very satisfied.
Everything he had planned had gone smoothly despite minor discrepancies. The current situation was exactly what he had envisioned.
As long as Minato didn't refuse the position, he was sure to become Hokage.
Although the final decision required the Daimyo and Konoha's advisors, the result was already clear to many. Numerous ninjas had already begun congratulating Minato.
As time passed, the ninjas started to disperse, having witnessed a significant event. Despite the chaotic outcome, they felt a strange satisfaction.
Orochimaru and Danzo had left Konoha.
The Third Hokage had resigned.
This left everyone with a complex mix of emotions. Even though they knew a change was needed, they hadn't expected it to happen in such a way.
It felt like a farce, but it wasn't funny.
Many people left with heavy hearts, discussing the events on their way home.
"I should head back too."
Aoba smiled, feeling content. With Minato poised to become Hokage, he could live his desired life without disturbance.
He turned towards Ichiraku Ramen, feeling like celebrating with a bowl of delicious ramen.
Soon, Aoba arrived at Ichiraku Ramen and saw Teuchi happily preparing ramen.
"Teuchi, give me a bowl of ramen."
Aoba sat down and ordered without hesitation. Since coming to this world, Ichiraku Ramen has become his second home.
Besides the ANBU, he spent most of his time here.
With Konoha returning to its former glory after the Ninja War and recent events, the ramen shop was bustling. People were eating and discussing the recent developments.
"Right away!"
Teuchi responded cheerfully. Seeing Aoba made him even happier, as he knew that Minato becoming Hokage would benefit everyone.
It ensured his ramen shop's continued success in Konoha! "Aoba, you're finally here. I wanted to share the recent happenings with you. The higher-ups in Konoha have been facing a lot of scandals. It seems like Minato will indeed become the new Hokage."
Teuchi chatted while preparing the ramen, feeling comfortable discussing everything with Aoba without any pressure.
Even matters of the Hokage position could be freely talked about here.
Given the recent public discussions and the Third Hokage's resignation, talking about these topics felt natural and unpressured.
"Hahahahaha…"
Teuchi laughed heartily, feeling very satisfied with the Third Hokage's resignation.