When he arrived at the Hokage Building, instead of going to the office, Kiyosuke was led by the Anbu to the place where Hiruzen Sarutobi usually rested.
Pushing open the door, he saw Minato kneeling on one knee in front of Hiruzen Sarutobi. Hiruzen Sarutobi was kneeling in his seat. Seeing Kiyosuke's arrival, he smiled and said, "Come in, Kiyosuke."
"Oh."
Kiyosuke also knelt on one knee, guessing that there was something to be announced.
He heard Hiruzen Sarutobi cough and say, "I've called you two here mainly for one thing - who should succeed me as the Fourth Hokage."
In order to end the war quickly and reduce the pressure on the Land of Fire and Konoha, Hiruzen Sarutobi had to sign some treaties with Sunagakure and Iwagakure. The compensation from the Land of Wind was reduced, and the war with the Land of Earth was ended. To give an explanation to the Konoha ninjas and under the pressure of the Konoha high - level, he had to choose to step down.
The candidates fell on Orochimaru, Minato, and Kiyosuke.
Due to Orochimaru's personality, Hiruzen Sarutobi excluded him first. He knew this disciple too well and believed he was not suitable to be the Hokage. Both Minato and Kiyosuke were excellent candidates.
But choosing between them was a difficult decision.
Regardless of their strength and military achievements, both of them were heroes who ended the war. One was the Yellow Flash, and the other was the Flame Lord, which showed the ninja world's recognition of their strength.
The position of Hokage was no joke. Those who could become Hokage needed to have superb strength and outstanding leadership skills. They carried the responsibility of protecting the entire village, representing peace and tranquility, and could not be entrusted lightly.
"I'll follow the village's decision," Minato said softly.
Kiyosuke said, "I'm not interested in the position of Hokage. Sitting in the office approving documents is boring."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."
So you think I just sit in the office all day drinking tea and stamping?
Isn't that the case?
However, Kiyosuke's unwillingness to become the Hokage was beyond his expectation. Stroking his beard, he said, "In that case, then, Minato, I'll entrust the position of Hokage to you. I hope you can shoulder this responsibility."
"Yes!"
Minato lowered his head, but he wasn't very happy inside. He always felt that the position of Hokage was given to him by Kiyosuke.
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Kiyosuke and said, "Since you don't want to be the Hokage, I'll give you this as compensation."
He got up, took out a long robe with the character "Fire" embroidered on it from the cabinet beside him, and said, "The Fire - character God Robe. It also represents an honor not inferior to that of the Hokage."
It was very similar to the Hokage God Robe that Minato would wear in the future, but its color was as red as fire, with a large character "Fire" on the back.
To be honest, he didn't really want it...
But he still took it and asked, "Can it be made to look better? I don't care about the honor. Being cool is a lifelong pursuit."
Minato: "..."
Hiruzen Sarutobi: "..."
Why does this kid think so strangely?
Coughing, Hiruzen Sarutobi said, "You can take it to be altered yourself, but the character 'Fire' must be retained."
"Oh."
Putting it on, he found that the clothes were a bit too big. He would need to grow at least fifteen centimeters more to fit properly. He was only 165 cm tall now.
His face turned darker. He suspected this was prepared for Minato.
"All right, Minato, you need to get well - prepared in the next few days. As the Hokage, your tasks will be heavy."
"Yes."
Minato lowered his head. Hiruzen Sarutobi gave some more instructions, and then they left the Hokage Building together. On the way, Minato asked, "Kiyosuke, why don't you want to be the Hokage?"
"Why should I be?" Kiyosuke counter - asked. "I don't have a dream of becoming the Hokage. You know, the village is a mess right now. Minato - sensei, you'll have a lot to do in the future."
Minato smiled bitterly. He also knew that the aftermath of the war left a big mess, but since he was about to become the Fourth Hokage, it was his responsibility.
"The waters in the village are too deep. It's just a village, but it's as complicated as a palace intrigue drama. The position of Hokage is too troublesome. Minato - sensei, you have to be careful."
"I will. Do you want to come to my place for a meal? Kushina should be cooking at home."
"Sure. I'm not full yet. I'll go home and change my clothes."
"Okay. You know where my house is. Just knock on the door."
"All right."
Kiyosuke went home, changed into his usual clothes, and hung up the God Robe given to him by Hiruzen Sarutobi. He would wear it after altering it, and he definitely wouldn't wear it except on grand occasions.
It's too lame!
Leaving home, he saw a slovenly white - haired man sneaking around, preparing to climb over the wall into the hot spring.
"Lord Jiraiya." He greeted. Jiraiya turned his head, saw Kiyosuke, and said, "Oh, it's you, kid. What do you want?"
"Nothing, just saying hello. By the way, I'm going to Minato - sensei's house for a meal. Are you coming?"
"Not interested."
Jiraiya was unenthusiastic and didn't really want to go.
Kiyosuke whispered, "Minato - sensei is going to be the Hokage. Are you really not coming?"
"Is that so soon?" Jiraiya was taken aback. "How do you know?"
He didn't know this yet.
"Oh, I was also nominated for the position, but I withdrew voluntarily."
"Goodness, you actually withdrew?" Jiraiya knew about Kiyosuke's military achievements and that he was indeed qualified to be nominated for the Hokage. The position of Hokage was very attractive to young people. He didn't expect this kid to give it up?
"Of course. It's not interesting."
Kiyosuke looked down on the position of Hokage. As long as one's strength reached a certain level, no one would dare to mess with you. His strength had already reached that level, so what did it matter whether he was the Hokage or not?
Why look for trouble for himself?
"You're really like me in this regard. It's indeed not interesting. Let's go, let's go to Minato's place."
Putting his arm around Kiyosuke's shoulder, Jiraiya laughed heartily. He was in a great mood now. His disciple was going to be the Hokage. What could be more exciting than that?
The two came to Minato's door and knocked. Minato came to greet them.
"Jiraiya - sensei? Why are you here?" Minato asked in confusion.
"Of course, I came to see you. You became the Hokage but didn't tell me. If I hadn't met this kid Kiyosuke, I wouldn't have known." Jiraiya presented the gifts he bought on the way.
Minato took them and smiled. "I just got the news. And if Kiyosuke hadn't withdrawn voluntarily, I'm not sure if I would have become the Hokage."
After all, in terms of strength, military achievements, and status, Kiyosuke was on a par with him. Except for age and seniority, he was in no way inferior to Minato.
Even their looks were comparable...
He was really a strong rival!