43 The Fourth Hokage

In the midst of the misty morning light, a slightly sleepy "Who is it?" broke the morning calm.

Satoru rubbed his sleepy eyes and opened the door, confused.

He saw Kakashi standing outside with a serious expression.

Kakashi's voice echoed in the morning air: "The inauguration ceremony of the Fourth Hokage is about to begin, so please hurry."

"This morning?" Satoru was slightly surprised, then he realized that Hanzo was already standing beside him.

"Good morning, Satoru." Hanzo nodded slightly at him.

"Since it's almost starting." Satoru yawned, "Let's get ready to go."

He began to shower.

The water gently swept over his cheeks, washing away the fatigue from the night and slowly clearing his mind. After showering, he straightened his clothes and walked out of the room with high spirits. Kakashi had been waiting outside the door for a long time.

Several other Amegakure ninjas were already waiting outside the door.

Some walked side by side towards the Hokage Building.

Along the way, the whole Konoha was immersed in a festive atmosphere. The villagers came out of their houses one by one and gathered on the streets, discussing the upcoming inauguration ceremony of the Fourth Hokage.

Children chased and played enthusiastically with smiles on their faces, while adults communicated and shared their hopes and visions for the village's future.

They passed through the bustling crowd and arrived in front of the Hokage Building.

From a distance, Satoru's eyes were captivated by the four majestic statues standing atop the Hokage Building, carved into the rocks, as if telling legendary tales and emanating a thick historical atmosphere.

He first noticed these four statues when he entered Konoha.

"What's that?" Satoru pointed to the statues and asked Kakashi with curiosity beside him.

Kakashi looked at the four statues, with a hint of admiration on his face, and answered, "Those are the Hokage Stone from past generations. When each generation of Hokage, they carve their own portrait into the Hokage Stone to be remembered for their contributions and dedication to the village. This is the highest honor of Konoha."

As Satoru heard this, surprise filled his eyes. He carefully examined the four statues and found that the one at the end bore a striking resemblance to Minato's face. He couldn't help but hold his breath: "This is truly fascinating."

Arriving under the Hokage Building, he found many people had gathered below. Everyone's eyes were focused on the Hokage Building, anticipation shining in their eyes.

"It's truly alive, much more alive than when we were in Amegakure." Satoru looked around and said to Hanzo beside him with emotion.

Hanzo heard this and agreed: "Yes, this is Konoha."

As time passed, the sun slowly rose, and a figure gradually appeared atop the Hokage Building. It was a middle-aged and elderly man wearing a red and white robe, his figure solemn under the sunlight.

It was none other than the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi.

He stood calmly atop the Hokage Building, facing the entire Konoha, his eyes gazing into the distance, showing his deep attachment and great hope for the village.

As Hiruzen's figure appeared atop the Hokage Building, all of Konoha fell silent.

Hiruzen spoke slowly. Despite his slightly older age, his voice was full of energy: "Today is the succession ceremony of the Fourth Hokage."

His words spread throughout Konoha, filling everyone with joy.

Hiruzen continued: "Konoha has experienced ups and downs and has always stood firm. This is not only because we have strong ninja power, but also because we are united in protecting this home. Today, we will welcome a new Hokage, and he will take on the important responsibility and lead Konoha towards a brighter future."

The villagers were moved by his words and stood up one by one.

Hiruzen paused for a moment, took a deep breath, and continued: "The Fourth Hokage, this is not just a title, but also a responsibility. He needs to lead Konoha towards a brighter future and protect us. Our homeland cannot be tampered with, and I believe the new Hokage will be able to fulfill this important task and bring a better tomorrow to Konoha."

"As long as there are leaves flying, the fire will burn. The shadow of fire will illuminate the village, and let new leaves sprout. When you want to protect yourself and become someone cherished, the true strength of a ninja is displayed."

"Wherever leaves are flying, the fire will never be extinguished!"

As Hiruzen finished speaking, all of Konoha began to cheer and applaud one by one.

In the eyes of everyone filled with excitement and hope, the figure of Minato gradually appeared at the top of the Hokage Building.

Today, he wore a red and white robe with the emblem of the Will of Fire embroidered on it, looking bright and handsome. The title of Fourth Hokage shone brightly on the back of his robe, symbolizing hope and a new beginning.

Hiruzen looked at Minato with a gentle gaze, a proud smile on his face. Slowly, he reached out his hand and removed the hat on his head, symbolizing the authority of the Hokage. This hat had become a witness to the history of the past. The glory and splendor of the Hokage would now be passed on to his new successor.

Hiruzen solemnly handed the Hokage hat to Minato: "Minato, the future of Konoha is entrusted to you."

Minato took the Hokage hat and held it in his hands. His face was serious, with a bright light shining in his eyes, he solemnly replied: "I am willing to sacrifice my life to protect the peace and prosperity of Konoha."

Immediately, he put on the Hokage hat on his head. The hat and robe faced each other and looked very eye-catching.

He stood there calmly, sharing the fate of everything. Minato straightened his back, facing everyone. At this moment, he was no longer a young ninja, but the new leader of Konoha, the Fourth Hokage.

Namikaze Minato.

"Minato-sensei..."

Kakashi looked at him standing on top of the Hokage Building with joy, but suddenly he seemed to think of something, and his expression stopped. Amidst the joyful cheers of the people around him and the strange looks in Satoru's eyes, he left this place.

"Where did he go?" Satoru looked at Kakashi's departure, with a little curiosity on his face.

"You stay here, I'll go for a walk." This time, Satoru said to Hanzo.

"Alright, Satoru." Hanzo replied.