After Hakken finished speaking, the spacious Hokage's office fell silent.
Minato stared blankly at the youth before him. To be the first Hokage to expand Konoha's borders? Konoha… stagnant for decades… The words stung. Yet upon reflection, the truth was undeniable.
Three great Shinobi World Wars. What had Konoha gained? What had it lost? It was a question demanding deep thought. Perhaps the First and Third Shinobi World Wars had been forced upon them, but during the Second, Konoha poured everything into the conflict and still failed to secure a decisive victory. Even after exhausting all resources, they couldn't crush Amegakure.
Expanding its borders… For a village that had stagnated for decades, it would be a monumental achievement worthy of the history books.
But Hakken…
Slowly raising his head, Minato's gaze cleared from its shock. The youth before him was already walking toward the office door, sword in hand. Hakken. What the teacher wanted was never this. Simply watching your growth, watching you transform Konoha, watching you reshape the entire Ninja World.
That alone already filled him with contentment. Whatever you gained along the way was your contribution. Just watching you was enough. When you fully grew, he would entrust everything he had protected to you.
That was his only wish. Those honors belonged to you.
"Hakken."
As the youth's footsteps neared the doorway, Minato's gentle voice reached him.
Hm?
Tilting his head, the youth turned back in confusion.
"When Naruto is born, can you be his big brother?"
With hope in his voice, Minato spoke the words long buried in his heart. When Naruto is born, can you be his big brother? The phrasing was gentle, yet its meaning went far deeper than the surface.
Naruto's big brother was one identity. The other identity was Minato's child.
Minato had reviewed Hakken Yoru's records countless times. Whenever he saw "orphan" listed under identity, his heart ached for Hakken. Children like Hakken found it difficult to truly open their hearts, something Minato understood well. Without parents, adrift since childhood, he had only Itachi besides Anko. That was why he treated Itachi so well.
Bit by bit, he worked to earn this child's acceptance. To let him know he wasn't alone.
Though they'd only truly known each other for a short time, it felt as if they'd been connected for much longer.
Now was the time to say it—to make up for a regret, to speak the words that might offer comfort when it mattered most. Even if it only brought a flicker of warmth, it would be enough.
He stopped at the doorway.
Hakken froze.
Naruto's name came from a protagonist in one of Jiraiya-sensei's novels. Minato hoped his son would one day grow into a great ninja like Jiraiya himself. So when Minato mentioned Naruto, Hakken wasn't surprised.
Nor was it the idea of being Naruto's brother that made him pause. He understood perfectly what Minato meant. But words like that—no one had ever spoken them to him before.
Still not enough?
Minato gave a wry smile. "Truthfully, I just worry Naruto won't have a companion. I'm afraid he'll be lonely—nothing more. If you don't want to…"
Gulp.
The burn of strong liquor ran down his throat. Hakken lifted his gourd and took a deep swig, then turned around. The redness at the corner of his eyes—whether from the alcohol or the heat—made him look almost vulnerable.
"Fine! But Minato-sensei, when the time comes, remember to add two more bowls and chopsticks at home."
He grinned faintly. "Also, Anko's cooking is awful. If she teams up with your wife, our stomachs might just explode."
He had agreed.
Minato opened his mouth to say something more, but the youth at the doorway had already stepped out.
Between master and disciple, words weren't always necessary. That was probably what Hakken believed.
But between father and son…
Minato shook his head, a soft sigh escaping his lips. Then, that familiar, gentle smile—the Yellow Flash's smile—returned to his face.
"That day will come."
...
Konoha, outside the Sarutobi residence.
A slightly weary figure was making his way home. Just as he was about to enter, a shadow blocked his path.
Danzō?
Lifting his gaze, Hiruzen Sarutobi blinked in mild surprise. It had been a long time since this old comrade had come by.
"Hiruzen, my name should be on Konoha's Wall of Honor."
Well, that's bold of you.
So even Danzō had his eyes on that wall?
But I'm not even on it myself—what makes you think you deserve to be?
"This isn't my concern anymore. In fact, I don't even have the qualifications to be up there."
Hiruzen's tone turned cold.
The Konoha Wall of Honor.
Perhaps the Hokage Rock was the village's most iconic landmark, but that only meant you'd once been Hokage—nothing more.
The Wall of Honor was different. It stood at the village's very center, where people came every day to read about heroes' deeds and pay their respects. It was far more tangible than the Hokage Rock.
"You're not on the wall?"
Danzō looked at his old comrade in disbelief, a sneer tugging at his lips.
Figures. I never thought you deserved it anyway.
Of all Konoha, Danzō probably despised Hiruzen the most. Even now, he still believed that if he'd stepped forward back then, the Hokage's seat would have been his.
But reality had likely gone something like this—
When the enemy closed in, Danzō volunteered to stay behind.
Then the Second Hokage had patted him on the shoulder with a faint smile.
"Alright, Danzō. Konoha will remember you. Go."
"Saru, we're heading back to the village."
Yeah.
Did the Second not see Danzō's true nature?
He wasn't blind—ambition was something you could see clearly in someone's eyes.
In both strength and ability, Danzō was no match for Hiruzen. The Second Hokage had understood that well. That final test had probably been meant for Hiruzen all along.
"Just because I couldn't make it up there, you think you can?"
"For example, what exactly have you done for Konoha?"
Hiruzen stroked his beard, realizing he wasn't as upset as he'd expected to be.
He still had time—his old friend didn't.
And with that realization came a subtle sense of satisfaction.
"Hmph! I've rendered great service to Konoha."
Danzō's tone dripped with disdain.
"Then be specific. Give me an example. If you can name one, I'll march straight to the Hokage's office and speak to Minato myself."
Hiruzen's face softened into a polite smile—he wanted to see Danzō squirm.
You really think I wouldn't dare?
Sure, some of those things couldn't exactly be carved onto the Wall of Honor—but they were still accomplishments!
He wasn't stupid; he knew those deeds could never be made public. But the villagers had to know of his "contributions." A little embellishment wouldn't hurt.
Straightening his back with pride, Danzō began to speak.
"I founded the Root Division—operating in the shadows of Konoha, protecting the village from every potential threat!"
"Sakumo Hatake—his power and influence exceeded acceptable limits. That's why he had to die!"
"And the Senj—hey, what the hell are you doing?! Why are you covering my mouth, Hiruzen? Have you lost your damn mind?!"