Minato Namikaze felt the weight of the Hokage's hat more than ever.
Assigning Uchiha operatives and others to the ANBU had been one of the few executive decisions he made without directly consulting the Third Hokage or the Konoha Council. It marked the first time he asserted his authority as the Fourth Hokage in earnest.
But Hiruzen Sarutobi and the elders pushed back faster than he anticipated. ANBU, once a tool of Konoha's stability, had become turbulent. Transfers, removals, and quiet power plays left the corps divided. Reports from ANBU captains, detailing dismissals and reorganizations, kept piling up on Minato's desk.
According to Kakashi's latest update, there were many unfamiliar, cold, and taciturn individuals integrated into ANBU ranks. Their presence raised red flags.
"They're from Root," Minato had concluded grimly.
Though Root had supposedly been disbanded after Minato became Hokage, he was under no illusions. Danzo Shimura had not relinquished his grip. And Sarutobi-sensei… his influence still loomed large.
The current ANBU commander was an appointee of the Third Hokage. It was unlikely they would approve of these rapid internal shifts—or at least, Minato thought so. Yet, dismissals were being processed without protest. The approval lines skipped protocol entirely and landed directly on Minato's desk.
"No resistance at all…" Minato muttered. "As if they're expecting me to approve without question."
He sighed, brows furrowed. "I expected this fight... but not so soon. And not this subtle." His voice dropped as he looked out the window. "That man's reach is terrifying…"
Kakashi's team, one of the few not compromised by Root integration, had been slowly isolated within the ANBU framework. They were assigned high-risk missions back-to-back, with fewer backup resources and even less intel.
Minato ran a hand through his hair. These were not just dangerous missions—they were potential death sentences.
Still, he endured it. He hadn't come this far to buckle under pressure. Besides, he had trump cards. Uchiha Kai, one of his more unorthodox allies, had recently brought him disturbing intelligence about Orochimaru—an investigation that might shake the very foundations of Sarutobi's legacy.
Minato had personally gone to the last known battle site where Kai had confronted enemy operatives. The residual chakra traces didn't lie. Orochimaru had been there.
Night fell while he worked, shadows stretching long across the Hokage office. With a quiet sigh, he set down his brush and stacked the completed mission files for his aide.
It wasn't like him to leave work unfinished. But these days, he had another priority.
Kushina.
Her pregnancy had progressed steadily. If all went well, she would give birth in October—just two or three months away.
Since the beginning of the third trimester, Minato had stopped working overtime. Time with Kushina had become precious. Irreplaceable.
He considered himself blessed: a mentor like Jiraiya, a prodigy like Kakashi as a student, and friends like Kai. Even Hokage at such a young age—he never forgot how lucky he was.
But Kushina… she was the true miracle in his life.
As he opened the door to their home, lights flooded his vision. The warmth of cooked food lingered in the air, and a familiar voice called out from the living room.
"Yo, Minato. You're back."
"Sensei?" Minato blinked. "Jiraiya-sensei? When did you get back to the village?"
Jiraiya grinned and waved him over. "Come sit! Just returned today. Last time we talked in the Land of Grass, you mentioned your ambitions. I heard you'd actually become Hokage while I was in the Land of Hot Water. Figured I should drop by and say congratulations. You're not tired of this old man yet, right?"
"What are you saying, sensei? We're both thrilled you came." Minato smiled warmly.
From the kitchen, Kushina emerged wearing an apron, holding a steaming dish.
"Master Jiraiya, it's been a while," she said cheerfully.
"Whoa, Kushina," Jiraiya chuckled, "married life suits you. You're like a whole new woman."
Kushina smiled sweetly, but as she set the plate down, she leaned close to Minato and muttered mischievously, "He doesn't seem to remember I could knock down Jonin when I was twelve."
Minato laughed nervously. "Sensei, behave."
Jiraiya froze for a moment under Kushina's bright grin, then cleared his throat and sat straighter.
"I take that back, Minato. You're doing great. She's still scary."
The three of them enjoyed dinner together. Jiraiya avoided teasing Kushina again, wisely aware of her legendary temper. Minato didn't speak much during the meal—he was saving something for later.
Once dinner was finished, Jiraiya sipped tea contentedly.
"Kushina, your cooking is still unbeatable."
"I'm glad you like it," she smiled. "We've heard you helped Kakashi's team out recently. They ran into some trouble, right?"
"Ah, that?" Jiraiya waved dismissively. "Just some small fry. Not worth mentioning. You becoming a dad soon—that's the big deal."
Minato returned from washing dishes, drying his hands. "Speaking of which… we picked a name."
Kushina placed her hand gently on her belly. "We'd like to name him after the hero from your book, Sensei. Naruto."
Jiraiya blinked, then his grin softened. "You sure? That's a name with a lot of weight."
"We know," Minato nodded. "That's exactly why."
Later, as Kushina retired for the night, Minato and Jiraiya stepped out onto the balcony. The moon hung low over Konoha.
"I knew you wanted to talk," Jiraiya said.
Minato nodded. "Sensei… I'm tired. Not physically. Mentally. The power plays, the backdoor deals, the hidden hands… it's exhausting."
He didn't mention everything—not Kai's intelligence, not Danzo's continued manipulation. Some truths were better kept in the dark, for now.
Jiraiya listened quietly. He was no fool—he'd once been offered the Hokage seat himself and turned it down for good reason.
He could read the signs. Danzo. Root. The Third's lingering influence. Orochimaru's shadow.
"I know," Jiraiya finally said. "Konoha's not as clean as we want it to be. But it needs someone like you right now. Someone who believes in doing the right thing, even if it costs something."
He clapped Minato's shoulder. "You're the Toad Sage's disciple. Don't let this place change you. Stick to your ideals, Minato."
Minato looked at him with gratitude in his eyes. "Sensei… if someday—"
"Don't say it," Jiraiya interrupted, smiling gently. "Whatever happens, you've got my support. Always. As a fellow shinobi of Konoha… and as your teacher."
Minato nodded slowly, his expression calm.
"Thank you, sensei."