Returning to the courtyard, Reiki looked at Tsunade, who had a smile on her face.
Reiki recounted all the events that had happened outside.
"Hahaha..."
"I heard their conversation outside, and I can just picture the dark faces of Danzo and the Hokage," Tsunade said, laughing.
"Teacher, Danzo and the Hokage should be quite busy now," Reiki added with curiosity. "What happens next?"
Since Tsunade had made such a choice, she probably had some plans for what was coming. Besides, Minato was currently training Kakashi and the others, so it seemed they could remain in the village for a while.
"There's not much to plan next," Tsunade said plainly. "Orochimaru has been very active in the village lately. I think I'll go have a drink with him and bring Jiraiya along."
"Lord Orochimaru?" Reiki's interest was piqued. "I see."
Tsunade, in good spirits, left the courtyard with a bottle of sake.
"Reiki, Teacher's going to meet Lord Orochimaru to discuss when he'll become Hokage, right?" Nozuki said with a grin. This girl often spoke without much thought but seemed to understand Tsunade's intentions.
"First, we need to become stronger ourselves," Reiki reminded her. "By the way, Nozuki, how has Brother Minato been lately?"
"Brother? Oh, he's as passionate as ever about everything," Nozuki said. "At home, my sister-in-law calls the shots, so he doesn't dare slack off. But why did you suddenly ask about him?"
"We were just talking about Lord Orochimaru and the position of Hokage, and now..." Nozuki's confusion was evident.
"It's nothing, just curious. If Brother Minato has time tonight, could you invite him over?" Reiki requested, already forming a plan in his mind.
"Okay! I'll go call him. Should I tell Shisui too?" Nozuki replied before dashing away, full of energy. Watching her, Reiki couldn't help but smile. Youth and its boundless enthusiasm—truly refreshing.
Setting his emotions aside, Reiki walked back into the living room. Ahead lay challenges beyond just dealing with the root organization. They would be facing Konoha's entrenched top brass as well.
"Shizune, Kurenai, let's go shopping for groceries. We'll have a feast tonight," he said. The three left the courtyard together.
That evening, the courtyard was lively, with a barbecue grill set up and tables filled with delicious dishes.
"Reiki, did you make all this? It's amazing!" Uzumaki Kushina said cheerfully. At home, she was the one doing most of the cooking, so this was a delightful change.
"It's just some simple dishes," Reiki replied modestly. "Sister Kushina, you're too kind."
The party continued late into the night, and everyone stayed over to rest. In the small courtyard, Reiki and Minato were tidying up.
"Brother Minato, do you want to become Hokage?" Reiki asked as they sat on the steps after cleaning.
"Of course," Minato replied without hesitation. "My goal is to become Hokage and make the village better!"
"How about competing with Lord Orochimaru for the position of the Fourth Hokage?" Reiki suggested. Minato's fingers twitched slightly at that.
"Brother Minato, you have the strength to do it, and I know you'd put the village first. I support you," Reiki continued, seeing Minato's silence.
"But... Lord Orochimaru is the only candidate. He's the expected Fourth Hokage. Also, typically, the selection period for Hokage candidates is around two years. Given the current state of the Sandaime, we're almost at that two-year mark," Minato said, his understanding of Konoha's political climate clear. However, he was often too optimistic and had been shielded from the darker realities of village politics.
"The Sandaime might not choose Lord Orochimaru," Reiki said, handing Minato a scroll.
"Master Danzo?!" Minato's eyes widened as he read the document. The fact that an eight-year-old like Reiki could access such information was astonishing.
"Did Tsunade-sama ask you to give this to me?" Minato guessed.
Reiki nodded. "Yes, Teacher told me to."
Minato seemed to piece things together on his own. "And the Sandaime gave you the Flying Thunder God, right?" Reiki reminded him. "Considering his attitude towards you, doesn't it tell you something, Brother Minato?"
Minato fell silent. Sarutobi Hiruzen's reliance on him was indeed unique. Even when there were no missions available at the office, the Sandaime would seek him out personally. Recently, he had even entrusted Minato with important missions, including a major daimyo escort assignment. Paired with Tsunade's endorsement and Jiraiya being his mentor, it began to make sense.
"Brother Minato, the Sandaime hopes that a capable and devoted person will lead Konoha. Lord Orochimaru has different ambitions. The Sandaime might disapprove of Danzo's methods. So, Brother Minato..."
Reiki left the thought hanging, giving Minato time to reflect. In Konoha, there were many powerful figures, but only one could become Hokage. Hatake Sakumo, due to the incident with Sarutobi Shinnosuke, was out of the question. Jiraiya and Tsunade were not interested in the position. Orochimaru's association with Danzo made the Sandaime uncertain.
"I understand," Minato finally said, deep in thought.
"Good. I'll head in now. Brother Minato, get some rest too," Reiki said, walking inside.
Minato remained seated in the courtyard, holding the scroll and contemplating everything he'd just learned.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 470 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
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