---
The meeting room was thick with tension. Konoha's top leaders and advisors were gathered to decide the village's new Hokage, as Lady Tsunade remained in a coma. Shimura Danzo, sitting silently, seized the moment. He'd long awaited this chance to guide Konoha with an iron hand, steering it back to the strength he believed it needed.
Jonin Commander Shikaku Nara, however, knew the dangers of Danzo's leadership style. The village needed more than a war hawk—it needed someone who truly embodied the Will of Fire, someone who could lead Konoha into a peaceful future. Shikaku proposed a different candidate: Kakashi Hatake, a respected and renowned shinobi known throughout the lands.
"Kakashi has all the qualities of a Hokage," Shikaku reasoned. "He's experienced, respected, and has guided many of our best shinobi."
The Fire Daimyo and several others nodded, considering Kakashi's reputation and his calm, strategic demeanor. But Kakashi himself hesitated. "I appreciate your confidence, Shikaku, but I must decline. I'm not suited for this role. I believe there are others more qualified."
Shikaku's usually composed face showed a flicker of frustration, but he knew he needed another solution—and quickly. Danzo was already convincing the Daimyo of his own merits as Hokage. Desperation pushed Shikaku to make a bold move.
"There's one other person," he announced. "Naruto Uzumaki."
A ripple of surprise swept through the room. "Naruto is only a young ninja," protested one of the elders.
But Shikaku held firm. "Naruto defeated Pain alone and saved the village. He's Jiraiya's apprentice, a student of the Toad Sage. He's young, but he embodies the Will of Fire in a way few can match. He doesn't need a title to be respected; he's already proven himself."
The Fire Daimyo's eyes lit up with interest. "Jiraiya's student… Yes, I knew Jiraiya well. If this boy trained under him and defeated Pain, perhaps he truly does have the qualities of a Hokage."
Danzo tried to argue, pointing out Naruto's inexperience, but Shikaku and Kakashi both stood firm in their support, detailing Naruto's selflessness and strength in the face of unimaginable challenges.
After a moment of thought, the Daimyo nodded. "Very well. Naruto Uzumaki will be the next Hokage."
A murmur of agreement rose around the room, sealing the decision. Danzo sat in bitter silence, his plans unraveling.
As the meeting ended, Kakashi and Shikaku were tasked with informing Naruto of his appointment. Keeping the news discreet until the official ceremony, they made their way to Naruto's apartment that evening.
---
Naruto opened his door to see Kakashi and Shikaku waiting outside, their expressions serious. "Kakashi-sensei? Shikaku-san?" he asked, surprised. "What's going on?"
Kakashi stepped forward, nodding. "Naruto, we need to talk. May we come in?"
Inside, Naruto offered them seats, feeling the gravity of the moment.
Shikaku spoke first. "Naruto, the village council met today to decide a new Hokage. Lady Tsunade is still unconscious, and Konoha needs a leader."
Naruto's face grew serious. "So, who's going to be the next Hokage?"
Kakashi and Shikaku exchanged a look before Kakashi answered. "The Daimyo has appointed you, Naruto. You'll be the Sixth Hokage."
Naruto blinked, shock evident on his face. "Me? Hokage?"
"Yes, Naruto," Shikaku said, a small smile on his face. "You've earned this. You've shown Konoha that you have the strength, the heart, and the will to lead."
The weight of the news settled over Naruto. He'd dreamed of this moment, but now that it was real, he felt overwhelmed. "I… I don't know what to say…"
"There's no need to say anything now," Shikaku replied. "The village will find out at the ceremony. For now, let it sink in. Just know that you're Konoha's next Hokage."
Naruto could only nod, his heart racing as he tried to grasp the immense responsibility ahead of him.