(T/N: There is now a p.atreon for this work, and any new work I add will be dropped there first. check it out for an early release of up to 30 chapters edited smoothly. https://www.p.atreon.com/INeedRest)
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Two blurred figures darted across the rooftops. Colt would drop a feather at each small-scale battle they passed.
He would quickly help them, and return to running.
Jiraiya didn't even glance at them.
After so many years of peace, Konoha's ninja should see some blood.
However, he also admired Colt's actions.
Maybe that's why the old man was so optimistic about him.
Thinking of the Third Hokage, Jiraiya's eyes dimmed.
In the end, they were still a step too late.
When they arrived at the place, the Third had already closed his eyes forever.
There were still a few ANBU acting as guards, as well as Kakashi and Guy.
Colt gave a disdainful glance at these useless ANBU.
He approached the Third and closed his eyes.
"Old man, rest in peace."
'Without you, Konoha will be better and will prosper, so go in peace...'
Despite his hypocrisy, Colt really felt sad at this moment.
Seeing his bold behavior, several ANBU's were furious. Just as they were about to say something, they were stopped by Jiraiya.
"Let him pray, the two were close…"
Actually, even he also looked down on these people who were supposed to protect the Third Hokage.
They even let the ANBU be infiltrated without knowing it, allowing several undercover agents to approach the Third Hokage to set up the [Four Violet Flames Formation].
If it weren't for this barrier, today's outcome would definitely have been different.
Two minutes later, Colt stood up.
With the Third dead, Jiraiya became the highest-ranking person present.
Facing a barrage of questions from the ANBU, he seemed to have a headache.
"Don't ask me, ask that kid. He's the successor chosen by the Third."
Hearing this, everyone looked at Colt in surprise.
"Don't talk nonsense, there's no such thing," Colt waved his hand, denying Jiraiya's statement.
He continued:
"However, all the injured ninjas can be either sent here or to the Konoha Hospital. I'll help treat them."
Having said this, Colt also treated a severely injured Sand shinobi on the spot.
The Sand Village's forces had collapsed, and since they became captives, they were naturally worth more alive than dead.
Several ANBU looked at each other, bowed slightly, and disappeared.
Kakashi looked at Colt sitting next to the Third, feeling emotional.
'Has this kid already grown this much?'
He should have paid more attention to Naruto too.
Although the war lasted only a few hours, the blow to Konoha was enormous.
Even in the previous Ninja World Wars, no one had ever managed to infiltrate this deep into the village.
Only the night of the Nine-Tails' attack could compare.
Colt spent the whole day treating the wounded.
Not only the injured ninjas but also a large number of affected civilians.
After that, he even revealed that the famous doctor in the Konoha hospital, was actually just him using a [Shadow Clone].
And as such, when the shock faded, the entire staff of Konoha Hospital immediately started listening to his orders.
One wounded after another was brought over.
Colt created dozens of [Shadow Clones] and started to treat anyone he could.
At the end, when the [Shadow Clones] were released, his body shook from the strain.
Thanks to Colt's efforts, Konoha's ninja casualties were much smaller.
Meanwhile, Sunagakure fell into despair after learning everything.
They found the Kazekage's body dead.
This time they had lost heavily. Not only was their leader killed by Orochimaru, but countless ninjas from their side were also killed or injured.
What's even sadder was that they would have to bear the cost of Konoha's damages.
If the Third was still alive, they might still have had some hope.
After all, the Third was "famous" in the ninja world for his lenient policies, and he wouldn't be too harsh.
But now that the Third was dead, who knew what the new Hokage would be like?
Baki looked at his captive comrades one by one and returned to the village with a heavy heart.
He knew that when he came back the next time, it would be to sign a treaty of defeat.
Three days later, Konoha gradually returned to its normal operations.
Beneath the dilapidated ruins, life was returning.
Today was the day of the Third Hokage's funeral.
It was also a day to bid farewell to the others who died in the attack on Konoha.
Like everyone else, Colt came to the cemetery wearing a black uniform with a small flower on his chest.
"Colt-sama"
"Good day to you Colt-san"
Along the way, many ninjas who saw Colt would bow their heads in respect.
Although Colt was still a Genin, he had played an unparalleled role in the battle a few days ago and in the rescue efforts after the war.
Coupled with Jiraiya's remarks, many people already regarded Colt as the future Hokage.
A large crowd was already standing in front of the Third Hokage's tombstone.
Everyone had a somber expression, and some couldn't help crying.
No matter his failings in foreign policy or the handling of Root, no one could deny that the Third was a perfect elder figure to those who had never understood the darkness.
He had never treated his own people badly.
Orochimaru's plan had actually led to cementing the Third's bright image in people's hearts forever.
Naruto was covered in bruises with a bandage on his head.
His tears were flowing unconsciously.
Colt sighed and didn't step forward to comfort him. At this time, Naruto had to work through his grief on his own.
Before leaving, he glanced at Sasuke.
As in the original timeline, the several of them had still defeated Gaara, who was the vessel of Shukaku and even witnessed Naruto's strength.
Sasuke's mentality had quietly changed.
**********
Hokage building, in a parlor.
Jiraiya sat uncomfortably opposite the two elders.
"Jiraiya, now that Hiruzen is gone, the village cannot be without a strong leader. This is about the position of the Fifth Hokage..."
The speaker was Homura Mitokado, one of Konoha's elders.
"Wait, do you really think I'm fit to be the Hokage?" Jiraiya interrupted him.
Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane looked at each other, both revealing a look of helplessness.
Given a choice, who would want such an unruly man as a Hokage?
However, in the vast Konoha, besides Jiraiya, there were no suitable candidates now.
"I've already said it, the old man told me about the candidate he had in mind: Kamiyo Colt!"
Jiraiya sincerely said that he didn't want to be Hokage.
A hero should belong to the entire ninja world, so how could he be trapped in a small office?
"Kamiyo Colt?" Homura Mitokado frowned. He knew of Colt, who had shone brightly in this battle.
However, he was far too young.
Thirteen years old, still a Genin.
Letting a Genin be the Hokage would make them a laughingstock to other villages.
Seeing their attitude, Jiraiya hesitated, then quickly shared Colt's information with them.
The eyes of the two advisors widened.
"You're saying he awakened both the Senju Constitution and the Uchiha's Sharingan?"
"That's right." Jiraiya nodded firmly. "Not only do I know, but many ninjas who saw him fight also know it."
"Think about it, how special the old man treated him during his lifetime. Not only did he send Kosuke Maruboshi to take him on missions, but he also wanted me to accept him as a disciple."
"It's a pity that the kid doesn't think much of me."
In the end, there was still some regret in his voice.