10 The Yondaime Hokage

"I and the Hokage council discussed and have two candidates in mind, you can propose other candidates if you want to. The candidates we have chosen are Orochimaru and Namikaze Minato," announced Sandaime.

This announcement caused many smiles and drew cheers across the room.

Fugaku's face contorted with anger towards Hokage and his council which is mirrored by his clansmen present in the meeting, for not considering his (their clan head's) name despite his several contributions to the war and happiness for his friend Minato.

Many Uchiha jonin wanted to voice out their indignation and petition to add Fugaku's name to the fray. Fugaku signaled for his clansmen to be silent, the Uchiha jonin can only keep their grievances in their hearts.

Minato felt ecstatic at this development but also had discontent towards Hokage and his former teammates. Since Minato knew their prejudice against the Uchiha clan because of it they chose to ignore Fugaku's achievements and kept his name out of Fourth Hokage's candidature.

Minato, when Sandaime is guiding him, tried to reduce at least his opinion on the Uchiha clan, and the latter also showed some progress towards that. The yellow flash soon realized all his effort was for naught and showed a hint of disappointment at his predecessor.

Minato quickly covered his disappointment but Hizuren noticed but can only sigh in defeat.

After the commotion died down Orochimaru and Minato stood up with smiles particularly the toad summoner as he is only a step away from achieving his childhood dream.

A few minutes later

Hokage called for order and said "Since no new candidates are proposed. Let's vote for who will bring the 'Will of Fire' to new generations."

"First let's vote for Orochimaru to be your Yondaime Hokage. All in favor." Hizuren said and got ready to record their votes. In response only one hand raised up Danzo's, Hizuren scanned his eyes across the room for any other votes.

Orochimaru and Danzo scowled internally at the Uchihas for the failure of their plan to get the support of the Uchiha clan using their anger towards Hokage in response to their clan head's failed candidacy.

"All in favor of Minato as your next Hokage" Hizuren announced and raised his hand in support. Soon one by one Nara, Yamanaka and Akimichi clan heads supported Minato and all the clans like Hyuga, Inuzuka, Aburame, and Sarutobi also followed.

Next, all the shinobi's hands raised up. Everyone soon noticed a section of the room abstained from voting and all the shinobi turned their heads to look at the Uchiha clansmen who are acting oblivious to the surroundings.

Danzo stared at them in anger, Hiruzen noticing Danzo about to speak up interrupted his friend in darkness and said "Fu..".

"We support Namikaze Minato as our next Hokage," Fugaku said ignoring the Sandaime, and raised his hand and said in support of Minato's candidature with his clansmen in tow.

Minato looked gratefully at his friend and made a mental note to have a chat with him before taking up his office.

Hizuren cleared his throat pulling the room's attention to him, after taking a pause for a few seconds he continued "Shinobi of Konoha, the Yondaime Hokage of Konohagakure is Namikaze Minato and he will take his position in a month after his swearing-in ceremony".

Soon everyone started to leave. A few minutes later he signaled for an Anbu and gave the one in an Anbu mask a scroll and said "Inform Daimyō-sama of the results and bring back his approval letter."

Minato has a smile on his face and he pinched himself whether it was a dream or not. As soon as he exited the room he is swarmed by various clan heads congratulating him. Some ignorant shinobi even tried to set him up on dates with their sisters or cousins which resulted in people looking at them like fools.

Minato noticed Uchiha leaving the building from the corner of his eye so he hastily called out called "Fugaku-san" and swiftly moved out of the swarm of people surrounding him.

Fugaku hearing a familiar voice stopped in his tracks to see Minato rushing towards him. He signaled his clansmen to wait outside. "Congratulations Minato." Fugaku happily said to his blue-eyed friend.

"Thanks, Fugaku-san" Minato said with a smile.

Minato continued "I am sorry Fugaku-san. I know it's not fair to you. I tried to change Sandaime-sama's opinion of your clan".

Fugaku smiled at his friend's nature. He said "It's Sandaime who should say this not you Minato." with that he turned to leave.

"Fugaku-san come to dinner tomorrow at my house," Minato invited his friend before he made his leave.

Fugaku nodded and thought "Hizuren at least with your successor you've made the right choice."

Minato returned and said to his friends "Let's meet at Akimichi's restaurant tomorrow at lunchtime."

"Don't expect a discount Minato" said Choza and laughed out loud.

After nearly an hour everyone took their leave and Minato rushed home to share the happy news.

Minato entered the home and called out and received an "In the kitchen" response from Kushina so he realized Hiroto is out. He found Kushina in the kitchen cooking and soon rushed to hug her from the back.

"Kushina I became Hokage" Minato whispered in her ears.

Kushina turned and saw Minato in shock and hugged him tightly with tears of joy. Minato is also in the same state shortly after.

Minato and Kushina maintained the same state for a few minutes and they spent the rest of the time together till evening.

Hiroto and Itachi spent the rest of the day training as normal till the sky turned orange. Hiroto and Itachi are walking along the streets.

Hiroto noticed the celebration atmosphere and felt off. He looked at his best friend with an inquiring look if there is any occasion, Itachi can shake his head in denial.

They soon picked up the cause for it as the village is gonna have Yondaime Hokage. The new Hokage is Nazikaze Minato, the Yellow Flash becoming the youngest Kage.

Hiroto became ecstatic hearing this news. Itachi felt bad for his father as he has the same goal but nevertheless felt happy for Minato.

The kids soon rushed towards Hiroto's adobe. As the kids entered the house, "Mom, Dad " Hiroto called out.

Minato and Kushina made their way down the stairs. Hiroto on the sight of Minato rushed at him and congratulated him hugging him tightly.

A few minutes later Hiroto released his hug and Itachi congratulated him.

Itachi soon made an excuse to leave not to intrude on their family time together even though Kushina is insisting to make him have dinner.

At the Uzumaki-Namikaze household, they spent time together till late in the night enjoying one of their best days.