Chapter 19 ( bonus )

Days passed, and Minato was chosen instead of Orochimaru.

Hiruzen said, "Minato, I believe you are the man who will carry the Will of Fire after me."

Minato replied seriously, "I will work hard to be worthy of your trust."

Hiruzen, with a grandfatherly smile, said, "I am sure you will make me proud."

In an underground lab.

Danzo said, "This choice will leave Konoha without a future."

Orochimaru, while working, replied, "It is too early to give up," then smiled like a snake, "If you aspire to power, you must be ready to use power."

A loud noise from people's discussions filled the main square in Konoha.

Guy, in disbelief, said, "R-really?" Then he ran quickly to find Kakashi, only to see him reading a book about death.

Guy asked, "What are you reading?"

Kakashi replied, "None of your business."

Guy, with a big smile, said, "I have great news for you. Minato-san has been chosen as the Fourth Hokage!"

A few days later, Hiruzen stood with the most important ninja of Konoha behind him. If you looked closely, you'd see Sinbad standing next to Kushina, who was in her full jonin attire.

Hiruzen removed the Hokage's hat and handed it to Minato. Minato, after wearing it, said, "Even if it costs me my life," then walked to look at the people who applauded as soon as they saw him.

Inside Minato's office.

There was a knock on the door. Minato said, "Come in," and Kakashi entered.

Minato said, "I need you to gather important documents about the peace process and return them. I received information that someone is trying to steal them to ignite the war again."

There was another knock on the door.

Minato said, "Come in."

Kakashi looked at the newcomer and saw Sinbad.

Minato, with a radiant smile, said, "Welcome, Sinbad-kun."

Sinbad, shielding his face from Minato's light, said, "How are you, Yondaime-sama?"

Sinbad looked at Kakashi and whistled, "You look like a woman whose husband left her and sold everything before he left, leaving her homeless."

Minato, considerately, said, "Stop it, Sinbad."

Sinbad, looking at Kakashi, said, "Kakashi, we are ninjas. Why are you acting like a crying child? Obito and Rin died as heroes, but your sadness will make them very sad."

Kakashi, angrily, said, "What do you know about what I feel? You've never faced loss."

Sinbad, sarcastically, replied, "That's because I'm not as weak as you, unable to protect those I love. My presence here in the Hokage's office, interrupting him and playing around, is due to my strength and importance. But you act like a little girl. If you can't overcome this sadness, you should quit being a ninja and go plant potatoes."

Minato, trying to mend things, said, "What Sinbad is trying to say is that you need to pull yourself together."

Sinbad said, "That's too soft, Yondaime-sama."

Kakashi said, "I will complete the mission. Excuse me."

The door closed with a sound.

Minato, looking at Sinbad reproachfully, said, "You shouldn't have been so harsh."

Sinbad replied, "He is deeply lost, and it saddens me."

Minato said, "I want you to be the leader of the Anbu."

Sinbad, looking surprised at Minato, pointed to himself, "Me!!!"

Minato said, "Yes, you."

Sinbad asked, "Are you sure? You know the Third won't agree."

Minato replied, "I know, but I want someone I trust to be my shadow and the village's shadow."

Sinbad bowed, "Even if it costs me my life, I will prove that this was the right choice."

Sinbad went to Hiruzen's house.

There was a knock on the door.

"Who?" Hiruzen asked as he opened the door and saw Sinbad standing before him.

Sinbad said, "An urgent matter, Sandaime-sama."

Hiruzen, worried, asked, "What happened? Is there an attack?"

Sinbad replied, "No, no, no, something more important."

Hiruzen, with a questioning face, asked, "What?"

Sinbad said, "The Hokage-sama has counted his sticks and found me to be the strongest and toughest, appointing me as the Anbu leader. I hate evil and detest its smell, and I swear to cut off the head of anyone who threatens the village at any level of danger. I prayed to my Lord to afflict you with me, you old council members."

Hiruzen's face turned red with intense anger. Sinbad then closed the door himself and went to Danzo in the root headquarters.

Inside the main hall of the root headquarters.

Sinbad said, "The Hokage-sama has counted his sticks and found me to be the strongest and toughest, appointing me as the Anbu leader. I hate evil and detest its smell, and I swear to cut off the head of anyone who threatens the village at any level of danger. I prayed to my Lord to afflict you with me, you old council members. From today until I am removed from my position, I don't want to see you set foot inside the Hokage building. From today, the root is completely disbanded, and if I see you try to wag your tail, I will relieve you of this life." Then he looked at the root ninja, "By order of Yondaime-sama, you are now under my command and part of the Anbu."

To be continued in the upcoming chapters...