10. The Will of Fire !!!

The second day of the new year.

Konoha villagers gathered in front of the Hokage building. Today was the day of Konoha's Hokage inauguration ceremony.

Due to the peaceful times, the process for Namikaze Minato to become the Fourth Hokage of Konoha was very tedious. However, there was an enthusiastic old man who helped him with everything.

Whether it was the Jonin vote of confidence or the appointment by the daimyo of the Land of Fire, the previous Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, handled almost everything for the Namikaze family.

This even included concerns about Minato Namikaze's wife, Kushina Uzumaki, who would give birth to their child in the future. Sarutobi Hiruzen had to figure out how to deal with the dangerous situation of Kushina giving birth while hosting the Nine-Tails.

So, as it turns out, there is no one in this world who is purely chosen by fate. Someone is always carrying the burden for you.

...

Itachi took Beiyuan to watch. The crowd was so dense that the event felt like a bustling market in a small town. After all, this was Konoha's grandest event.

If not for Sarutobi Hiruzen's resignation, some ninjas might never have witnessed such a grand ceremony in their lifetime.

Some people, like the familiar face of the chef from Ichiraku Ramen, were fortunate to witness history alongside other villagers.

Oh... destiny.

Uchiha Fugaku stood within the Hokage Building. Although the Uchiha family didn't hold high-ranking positions in Konoha's administration, as the police force captain, he still had a seat in the viewing area.

All the villagers gathered at the venue were intently watching the Hokage Tower. Becoming Hokage was the childhood dream of every Konoha ninja. For adults, it symbolized the ultimate goal of maturity and responsibility.

"Now that the war is over, isn't the Fourth Hokage too young, being only in his twenties?"

"Hey, hey, hey! Use your head when you say that! Without the Fourth Hokage, the war wouldn't have ended so quickly!"

"You idiot! That's not what I meant. I just think Lord Jiraiya or Lord Orochimaru would've been more suitable!"

"But the Fourth Hokage is the greatest hero of the Third Shinobi World War!"

The two ninjas bickering suddenly began trading blows.

"...A fight broke out," Itachi muttered dully, tilting his head.

"..."

The onlookers quickly intervened, trying to separate the two. Despite this, the fighters continued yelling at each other.

Masked Anbu operatives and members of the police force soon arrived.

"They caused a disturbance in the village, so they should..."

"Our mission was only to bring them to the police force," said the Anbu leader, waving dismissively. "Dismiss!"

"..."

The Anbu members disappeared in an instant, leaving the police force to escort the two combatants away.

This minor commotion was soon forgotten, as a familiar figure stepped out onto the Hokage Building balcony. It was the little old man who had led Konoha through two great ninja wars.

"I am the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, of the Hidden Leaf Village..."

"Wow!"

"Lord Hokage!"

"Long live!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen's prestige in Konoha was immense. To the villagers, this old man with his pipe was the only Hokage they had ever known.

"Quiet, I have a few words to say!"

The old man's voice wasn't loud, but it was enough to calm the entire venue. The villagers fell silent.

Beiyuan found Hiruzen's words vaguely familiar, as though he'd heard them before. When exactly?

"I am the host of today's Hokage inauguration ceremony," Hiruzen began.

"Since the outbreak of the war, many of our friends and relatives have fallen on the battlefield. It was their sacrifice that paved the way for Konoha's victory."

"Everyone dies, and we only live once... even me, no exception."

"The new generation of shinobi has proven themselves capable of taking on their responsibilities. The Will of Fire has been passed on."

"Everything we do is for the future of the village, to keep the Will of Fire alive."

"Where the leaves dance, the fire burns bright. The fire's warmth will continue to illuminate the village, and from it, new leaves will sprout."

As Hiruzen spoke, his voice faltered, and his eyes grew moist. Many in the crowd were visibly moved, some shedding tears. A young man in green tights was openly crying, struggling to hold back sobs.

Itachi seemed deeply moved as well. His eyes turned red, and he whispered to himself, "The Will of Fire..."

Hey, hey! Don't do this, kid! You're creeping me out! Beiyuan thought nervously.

"Squawk..."

Beiyuan sent a pulse of chakra into Itachi's body to calm him down. The speech had made the little boy too emotional, but the surge of chakra seemed to steady him.

Itachi's eyes, now glowing red, revealed two faint tomoe.

Beiyuan was shocked, 'Is this supposed to be how you awaken a Sharingan?'

"Beiyuan, let's go back and talk about this," Itachi whispered, clutching the crow close to his chest.

...

Across the ninja world, the ideals of loyalty and duty were rarely so openly discussed. These were timeless human values, but in the ninja world, deception and pragmatism often overshadowed them.

Itachi, though... he seemed to have taken the lesson to heart.

The ceremony continued as Sarutobi Hiruzen removed his Hokage hat and handed it to Minato Namikaze. "My duty is done. Minato, it's your turn now."

"Yes, Lord Third!"

Minato took the hat and placed it on his head.

Sarutobi Hiruzen clapped his hands and declared loudly, "From now on, the Yellow Flash who struck fear into the ninja world will lead Konoha as the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato!"

The crowd erupted into applause, cheering for their new leader.

Minato offered a modest wave, his smile calm and warm. Unlike his predecessor, he preferred actions to long speeches.

From the audience, Minato noticed his wife, Kushina Uzumaki, beaming with pride. Her enthusiasm warmed his heart.

"From today forward, I'll do my best!" Minato said, bowing slightly.

"Yes, Lord Hokage!"