Chapter 286: The New Generation
Chapter 286: The New Generation
A few days later, though the Third Shinobi World War had yet to officially end, Konoha was beginning to emerge from its shadow. On this day, an event took place—one that wasn't earth-shattering but still carried significant weight.
Namikaze Minato, the closest friend of the Fourth Hokage Tonari and once a strong candidate for the position himself, was getting married.
Although Minato was no longer Hokage, his close ties to Tonari, coupled with Tonari's deliberate effort to spread the news, meant that nearly the entire village knew about the wedding. In fact, it could be said that everyone did.
The newly established Konoha News Department played a crucial role in this, showcasing its power in shaping public opinion. Originally, Minato and Kushina had wanted a simple ceremony, but Tonari had dismissed the idea outright.
"I'm making your wedding this grand. If we don't let everyone know, wouldn't that be a waste of all my effort?"
And so, on the day of the wedding, nearly the entire village gathered at the largest square in front of the Hokage Building. Whether they had received an invitation or not, they still came to witness the event.
The war had taken its toll, leaving behind scars that wouldn't fade easily. But today, people could set aside their grief and celebrate something beautiful. It was exactly what Konoha needed—a reminder of life moving forward.
The ceremony was grand, set on a raised stage before the entire village. The lineup of the wedding party itself was impressive.
Minato's best men included Tonari, his student Hatake Kakashi, the ever-reliable Nara Shikaku, and the other two members of the Ino-Shika-Chō trio, Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi. Hyuga Hiashi also stood among them, representing his clan.
If Uchiha Fugaku had been present, he likely would have been green with envy. But as he was already married with children, he was spared the sight.
Kushina's bridesmaids included Reika, Tonari's assistant, as well as Nara Yoshino, Shikaku's fiancée. Other notable women from the Akimichi, Yamanaka, and Hyuga clans also joined, forming a strong presence beside her.
Tonari had personally arranged for many of them to be there, knowing that Kushina had few close female friends in Konoha. The Fourth Hokage's request wasn't something people could easily turn down, and in truth, many saw it as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Kushina, Minato, and Tonari himself.
Beyond the wedding party, the guest list was equally remarkable. Every major clan in Konoha attended, each presenting lavish wedding gifts. Some of them were so valuable that even Tonari nearly felt blinded by their worth.
Fugaku was absent, but his wife, Uchiha Mikoto, attended with their son, Uchiha Itachi, and another young prodigy, Uchiha Shisui.
Jiraiya, Minato's mentor, officiated the ceremony, granted leave from the battlefield for this special occasion. Even Orochimaru had emerged from his lab to make an appearance, a rare sight indeed.
Among the honored guests was also Hiruzen Sarutobi, the former Third Hokage. No longer burdened by leadership, he looked more relaxed than he had in years. His once-dark hair had turned completely white, and deep wrinkles lined his face, but there was a newfound ease in his demeanor.
As the ceremony proceeded, Minato and Kushina exchanged vows before the village, sealing it with a kiss. The entire square erupted in cheers.
With the wedding marking the end of an era, Konoha officially lifted its wartime policies.
The Chūnin Exam was reinstated as the standard for promotion. Academy students now faced stricter graduation requirements, and only the most exceptional Genin could advance quickly. Though Kumogakure and Kirigakure had yet to surrender, and thousands of Cloud-nin still remained on the border, the war was effectively over.
With the return to peacetime, Konoha could now focus on rebuilding. Unlike in the original timeline, the village was now far stronger, largely thanks to Tonari's influence.
Orochimaru had never defected.
Might Duy had never died.
Danzo was eliminated, yet the Root division remained intact, operating from the shadows under Tonari's control.
Root's presence was now concealed within ANBU, making them all but invisible.
Tonari's grip on Konoha was stronger than ever.
In the public eye, he was the Hokage who led the village to victory.
In the shadows, he controlled an elite force that handled the village's dirtiest work.
With wartime policies lifted, Tonari took the opportunity to promote talent. His first act was to elevate Might Duy to the rank of Chūnin, bypassing the usual exams.
Duy's strength was undeniable, despite his inability to use ninjutsu. Tonari had personally sparred with him and knew firsthand that once Duy opened the Sixth or Seventh Gate, his Taijutsu alone could rival that of an Elite Jōnin.
Handing Duy the green vest of a Chūnin, Tonari offered his congratulations.
"Duy-san, congratulations."
Tears streamed down Duy's face as he clutched his son, Might Guy, in a tight embrace.
"Father! This proves that hard work and youth will never be wasted!"
Tonari resisted the urge to cover his ears. The combined enthusiasm of father and son was overwhelming.
But he had one more offer.
"Duy-san, since you've always worked alone, forming a team will be difficult. I have a suggestion—why not become an instructor at the Ninja Academy?"
Duy's eyes shone with excitement.
"An excellent idea! I will train a new generation of hardworking shinobi!"
With Duy as a teacher, students who lacked ninjutsu talent would finally have a path to becoming real shinobi.
As Konoha moved forward, Tonari felt something shift within him.
Originally, becoming Hokage was merely a stepping stone to power—another tool to help him grow stronger.
Yet, somehow, without realizing it, he had become truly invested in Konoha's future.
Perhaps, he had already taken root in this world.
As he stood atop the Hokage Rock, overlooking the village, a familiar voice called out from behind him.
"What are you thinking about?"
Startled, Tonari turned instinctively, swinging a fist at the intruder.
A flicker of yellow light, and the punch hit nothing but air.
"Come on, Tonari," Minato laughed. "You still get jumpy when I teleport behind you?"
Tonari scowled. "I've told you a hundred times—don't do that."
Minato scratched his head sheepishly before stepping forward. "I was looking for you. I went to your office, but you weren't there."
"What's got you so excited?" Tonari asked suspiciously. "Don't tell me… Kushina's pregnant?"
Minato's eyes widened.
"How did you know?!"
Tonari stared in shock as Minato grabbed his shoulders, practically bouncing with excitement.
"Tonari! I'm going to be a father!"
Tonari felt his entire world tilt.
He wanted to slap himself.
His damn mouth… Had he just jinxed it?
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