Chapter 173: The Fourth Hokage, the First Commander

Yuto, dressed in his ANBU uniform, stood atop a tree, gazing at the bustling village below. His thoughts drifted back to what Hiruzen had told him.

—"Compared to the Hokage succession ceremony in Konoha, the Flowing Fire Festival is nothing!"

The Third Hokage wasn't wrong. His words weren't just out of bias for his homeland; they reflected the truth.

As the most economically developed and populous nation in the shinobi world, the Land of Fire had the wealth to support the grandest celebrations.

For both Konoha and the Land of Fire, the Hokage succession ceremony was the celebration.

The passing of the torch, where a mere 23-year-old Minato Namikaze would inherit the power from Hiruzen Sarutobi and become the leader of a new era, was an event rare in the world. This sent a chilling message to the outside world: Konoha's education system was perfect, and talented individuals would continue to emerge endlessly!

The Will of Fire burns eternally—this was the essence of Konoha's succession ceremony.

On the platform, Minato slowly ascended to the top. It seemed that the greater the event, the more the rituals and processes had to adhere to ancient traditions. The platform wasn't built using shinobi techniques but by ordinary workers, brick by brick. Minato had to walk up the stairs step by step, without using techniques like the Body Flicker or Flying Thunder God.

The most difficult process would yield the sweetest fruits. The shinobi world adhered to this principle as well.

On the platform, the old Hiruzen calmly watched as Minato approached.

A new Hokage robe was held in Hiruzen's hands, and Minato solemnly accepted it.

Under the watchful eyes of countless people, Minato donned the robe. Hiruzen embraced him, whispering a few words into the young man's ear before stepping down from the platform.

A land cannot have two kings.

From that moment on, Hiruzen could no longer wear the Hokage robe representing Konoha's authority. While he remained highly respected, he could not break the village's most sacred rule.

Konoha shinobi, villagers, foreign merchants, the Daimyō and high officials of the Land of Fire, and strong individuals from the other four great shinobi villages—all witnessed this moment.

The Third Hokage had retired, and the Fourth Hokage officially took power!

Minato Namikaze would become Konoha's new ruler. His face would be carved into the Hokage Rock, and his name would echo across every corner of the shinobi world, instilling fear in all those who dared to oppose the Land of Fire… until Konoha's history eventually faded into dust with time.

"How wonderful," Yuto murmured as he watched Minato bask in glory.

"Jiraiya has taught a perfect student." The scent of orange filled the air as Tsunade leaned beside Yuto.

"Yuto, I remember the night we first met, you said your dream was to become the Hokage who protects everyone. Has that dream changed?"

"My dream, huh…" Yuto's voice was soft.

"Sensei, your student has never wavered."

Tsunade chuckled as she patted Yuto's head. Now reaching only his nose, she no longer had the imposing air of the "Big Sister" she once was.

In response, Yuto gently patted her head back.

…

The transfer of power between the Third and Fourth Hokage was seamless.

After the succession ceremony, Hiruzen moved out of his former office. He still worked in the Hokage building, but not in his old space.

A month before the succession, Minato had shadowed Hiruzen, learning the ropes while attending several dinners with the heads of the major shinobi clans. He also had private meetings with each of the five ANBU captains. The reins of Konoha had been smoothly handed to Minato.

On his first day in office, the Fourth Hokage Minato Namikaze issued his first order: "Establish the position of ANBU Commander, and appoint Yuto Hyuga as the first Commander of ANBU!"

As Minato's most trusted subordinate and the only one who could be called a friend, Yuto became the first to share in the fruits of victory.

Hiruzen, Yuto, and Tsunade all became advisors, along with the still-serving Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and Danzo Shimura, forming a six-member advisory council.

Immediately, a series of orders were issued from the new Hokage's office, covering all aspects of village life.

The extension of the shinobi academy's education, reforms in Konoha Hospital, new regulations for village missions…

These orders had been discussed and planned a month before Minato's succession, waiting for the Fourth Hokage to officially announce them—a burst of new changes with his arrival.

As these orders were carried out, Minato's influence as Hokage spread throughout Konoha. Although it didn't yet reach the level of Hiruzen's authority, as time passed, both villagers and shinobi would recognize Minato as the "one and only leader."

With a new leader, the power of Danzo was greatly diminished. Although he was resentful, seeing Hiruzen fully supporting Minato left Danzo, as a subordinate, with no choice but to fall silent.

Following the succession ceremony, Yuto's status began to rise dramatically.

He was Konoha's first ANBU Commander and one of the six Hokage advisors. The term "influential" didn't even begin to describe Yuto's rapid rise. If one had to assign him a title, "The Hand of the Hokage" would best suit his current position.

Now, many people would subconsciously overlook his branch family status. To the village and the outside world, Yuto had gained the full trust of the Fourth Hokage. Having climbed to this position through hard work, his loyalty to the village was considered greater than his loyalty to the main Hyuga family. He was no longer seen as just another member of the Hyuga clan but simply happened to possess the Byakugan.

For any branch family member, this would be a perfect conclusion.

But Yuto was far from satisfied with this level of freedom.

His right eye… began to ache faintly again.

To break the Caged Bird seal, Yuto had betrayed comrades and killed clan members. In gaining power, he had also pushed himself to the brink of death… and into opposition with the entire Hyuga clan.

Perhaps today's cruel predicament had been sealed the moment, twelve years ago, when he witnessed his parents' deaths.

The difference was, at that time, Yuto was just a human who lost everything because of transmigration, with barely any chakra, who felt doted-upon as a child by parents for the first time of his life.

But now, he was seen as "The Hand of the Hokage," the first ANBU Commander of Konoha. His sensei was Tsunade, he was close friends with Minato Namikaze, and his power in his normal state was considered unmatched beneath the Kage level. With little effort, he could uncover all of Konoha's secrets. With a wave of his hand, he could summon hundreds of warriors.

He was no longer the helpless, trembling child.

No one could stop him now.

(End of Chapter)