When the turbulent winds that swept through Konoha spread across the entire Ninja World—
The Land of Fire, Konoha Village.
Reconstruction work was already underway.
The ruins left behind by Yuichi's Wood Style were being cleared at a rapid pace. Civilians gathered as the vines that had grown uncontrollably under Yuichi's power were cut away.
But instead of resentment, many stared in awe. Some even imagined hollowing out the massive vines and turning them into houses.
"This Wood Style… it might rival the First Hokage's himself."
Excitement and astonishment filled the village as the rebuilding continued.
The Hyūga Clan
In the Hyūga compound, Hiashi watched Hinata as she practiced Gentle Fist. Her movements faltered, her attention drifting.
Troublesome.
Ever since that day—when Yuichi had returned safely with her—Hinata had been absent-minded.
Everyone in Konoha had witnessed it: the hero who saved the Hyūga princess.
No one spoke of it openly, but Hinata's heart had clearly been swept away. She often slipped into daydreams, her cheeks reddening, a sweet laugh escaping at random.
Hiashi, who had once been young himself, understood too well. His daughter hadn't just been rescued—her heart had been stolen.
And how could it be otherwise? That scene—thousands cheering, Yuichi holding Hinata in his arms—was unforgettable. To Hinata, it would be etched in her memory forever.
Hiashi sighed. It was troublesome indeed. But instead of interrupting her distracted training, he turned and walked away.
Around the corner, a clan member awaited him.
"Hiashi-sama."
"How is the situation?"
"The meeting is still in progress."
"Mm."
Hiashi nodded, his gaze drifting upward. "Tell me—who do you think will become the new Hokage?"
"It should be Lord Jiraiya."
"As expected. But I believe Nagano Yuichi is also qualified."
"His strength, certainly… but he's far too young."
True. Never before had a twelve-year-old been chosen as Hokage. If it ever happened, it would set an eternal record.
Yet Hiashi did not dismiss the possibility.
That day, when he instructed Sarutobi Asuma to prioritize Hinata's safety, and then entrusted Yuichi with saving her… was it merely a father's decision?
Of course not. Hiashi was not just a father. He was also head of the Hyūga clan. Every choice weighed the clan's future.
Now, with Hinata clearly enamored, the prospect of her bond with Yuichi held even greater meaning. A connection to the Nagano boy might surpass the clan's ties to the Sarutobi.
In Hiashi's heart, the scales tipped slightly toward Yuichi. But he would wait—because the true answer had yet to be revealed.
Hokage Building – The Council Chamber
Within a vast conference room, Konoha's leadership convened.
Present were the two village advisors, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. Danzo sat silent in his place. Representatives from the Land of Fire, including the Daimyo himself, completed the assembly.
Homura spoke first, his tone grave.
"Third Hokage is dead. Konoha is unstable. Even the smallest misstep could invite an alliance of enemy villages. Sunagakure must also be dealt with. We need a Hokage—someone whose very name will keep the other villages in check."
The Daimyo leaned forward. "And who do you deem suitable?"
Homura exchanged a glance with Danzo, then said, "The most appropriate choice would be Jiraiya, disciple of the Third Hokage."
The Daimyo nodded. "Jiraiya… yes, an excellent candidate."
"But," Homura continued, shaking his head, "Jiraiya is not in Konoha. No one knows where he is."
(He withheld the truth: Jiraiya was already dead. Mount Myōboku had sent word to Hiruzen, but the Third had kept it secret. With his passing, that knowledge was buried with him.)
The Daimyo reclined in his chair. "Enough circling. Speak plainly, Homura. Whom do you wish to recommend?"
Homura clasped his hands. "I propose Sarutobi Asuma, son of Lord Third. He once served as one of the Twelve Guardian Ninja under your direct command, Daimyo-sama."
"However, Asuma would only serve temporarily, until we can locate Jiraiya or Tsunade. They remain the most fitting candidates."
Kakashi was deliberately excluded. Asuma was chosen.
This was no accident.
Before the meeting, Nara Shikaku had approached Homura and Koharu. He urged them to nominate Asuma, to ensure the Sarutobi clan remained central to Konoha's politics after the Third's death.
Asuma's candidacy would gain support from many clans—and most importantly, it would block Danzo.
Shikaku's true intent was simple: stall for time. Prevent Danzo from seizing power until Jiraiya or Tsunade could be found.
He knew Asuma would refuse the seat. And if Asuma refused, Kakashi would follow suit. That would leave only one name on the table—Yuichi.
Shikaku didn't intend to push Yuichi forward immediately. The boy was too young, his qualifications lacking. But in the meantime, simply delaying Danzo was victory enough.
Danzo narrowed his eyes when Homura named Asuma, but he said nothing. He remained still, as if the Hokage's chair meant little to him.
The Daimyo, however, studied him carefully. When Danzo offered no resistance, the Daimyo turned back to the others.
"Very well. Let Sarutobi Asuma act as temporary Hokage."
Outside
While Konoha rebuilt, Yuichi waited for the decision.
'It should be Kakashi…'
The Daimyo could appoint a temporary Hokage, but true succession required the approval of the Jōnin. Whoever served as acting Hokage would be Yuichi's next obstacle.
Until Tsunade returned, and until the truth of Jiraiya's death surfaced, Yuichi knew one thing:
Whoever took the Hokage's seat now… would have to be removed.
As for Danzo—Yuichi had already left him a "gift" during the Konoha Collapse. After that, no matter what Danzo schemed, the elders would not dare hand him the title of Hokage so easily.