"Lord Hokage, good evening…""Lord Hokage…""..."
As the setting sun bathed the village in warm light, Namikaze Minato left the Hokage's office. On the street, he was greeted with respect by merchants and villagers alike.
He watched children playing and vendors shouting out their wares. It was only during moments like this that he could cast off the burdens of his political duties. He smiled and returned each greeting with warmth.
Although he had only been in office for a short time, he had already enacted several policies that greatly benefited the civilian population. As a result, his reputation as Hokage had risen even higher among the common folk.
However, Konoha's resources and budget were limited. When resources were shifted to aid the civilians, the ninja clans naturally received fewer benefits. While they weren't outright opposing him, they also weren't offering their full support. This delicate balance was a constant source of pressure for Minato.
Just as he reached the front door, footsteps echoed from inside before he could even knock.
"You're back…" With a sudden thud, the door swung open.
Kushina Uzumaki flung herself into his arms, hugging him tightly. The warmth of the embrace helped him finally relax.
"Come in quickly! I made something delicious this time. I even learned some tips from Mikoto—try it!" As lively as ever, Kushina pulled Minato inside with her usual energetic flair.
Minato took a bite, and the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.
"It's good—better than last time."
"Really? Let me try… Ah! So salty! Minato, you lied to me!"
She pounced on him, and the two broke into playful chaos.
…
After the commotion settled, Minato lay on the sofa with Kushina in his arms, gently stroking her fiery red hair. They enjoyed the rare peace and quiet that belonged only to them.
"Something troubling you?" Kushina raised her head from his chest, concern in her eyes.
Minato smiled apologetically and brushed a hand against her cheek.
"Sorry for bringing my worries home. I didn't mean to make you anxious… but I'm close to solving it. Elder Danzo gave me some advice."
Kushina chuckled. "That old schemer—he's sneaky, but smart."
Minato let out a wry smile. "He's an elder, so I have to show respect."
Kushina scrunched her nose in defiance. "He doesn't care, so why should I? Especially after he tricked me last time!"
Minato chuckled and patted her head.
Kushina pressed her face to his chest, muttering softly.
"He doesn't mean me any harm. He doesn't mind me calling him names to his face…"
Because of the Nine-Tails, Kushina could sense people's malice or goodwill. Around those she trusted, her true, unrestrained self would shine through.
"He's a wise elder…" Minato's tone carried a hint of complexity.
…
Meanwhile, in the dark, narrow corridors of the Root headquarters, Danzo walked steadily, the flickering candlelight casting shadows on his face. His figure seemed shrouded in an ominous aura.
Following closely behind him was a ten-year-old boy.
"Itachi, what do you think of Root?"
After Shisui Uchiha left, Itachi Uchiha had naturally become the bridge between Danzo and the Uchiha clan.
"Root is Konoha's foundation. It provides nourishment and strength to the village, helping it grow," the young boy answered, his voice carrying an unusual maturity for his age.
"Hmm. From now on, you'll stay at my side. No need to remain in the shadows."
"Yes, sir."
Danzo said no more. Itachi's formal response was to be expected from someone who had attended the Ninja Academy.
Danzo's only concern now was whether Minato could break free of Konoha's old constraints and make real changes. If not, he would be just another cog in the wheel of endless cycles.
...
The next morning, Danzo was summoned by the Hokage again.
Minato paused his work and waved dismissively. "Leave us."
Four ANBU members emerged from the shadows, including the familiar faces of Kakashi and Shisui.
Before they left, Danzo stopped them.
"Itachi, stay behind."
This caught everyone's attention, especially Shisui, who hadn't expected Danzo to favor Itachi so openly.
Now, only three remained in the Hokage's office.
"He's a promising young shinobi. I'd like him to inherit Root's ideology," Danzo explained.
Even Itachi felt a flicker of surprise at those words.
Minato glanced at the young boy and smiled. "For the elder to recognize you, you must be quite exceptional."
Without probing further, Minato turned serious. "As for the plan you mentioned yesterday, I've given it some thought. It's too aggressive. A single misstep could backfire."
Danzo inwardly grumbled. Asking you to use genjutsu to control the Land of Fire's nobles was already my 'gentler' suggestion…
But he knew better than to say that aloud. Danzo understood that Minato's worldview and upbringing wouldn't change easily.
"You're right. It is a bit aggressive. But we can use more subtle methods without disrupting the current power structure.
"See these three towns? They're key trading hubs in the southern region of the Land of Fire.
"The best trade spot in the south, however, is at this crossroads." Danzo pointed to a location on the map.
"We could establish a hidden market town here. Charge taxes, resell goods—within six months, Konoha's financial strain will ease."
Minato studied the map carefully. Danzo was right. The location was indeed a major transportation hub. If a market town was built there, it would generate significant revenue.
However, the map also marked it as noble-owned land.
"That noble won't agree," Minato said, clearly troubled.
"Itachi, the report."
"Yes, sir." Itachi produced a scroll and handed it to Minato.
The report detailed the noble's corruption and the suffering of the local villagers.
Minato frowned as he read.
"All you need to do is make the decision. Leave the rest to me… The villagers will thank you for it."
Danzo's calm voice carried an almost hypnotic allure, like the whisper of a devil.
----------------
Pls Drop some Power Stones
Read more than +100 chapters and support me on Patreon
Patreon(.)com/Jixo