**Chapter 193: The Confused Minato!**

As Namikaze Minato walked away from Tsunade's residence, his mind buzzed with everything Reiki had just said. The idea of the Hokage actually entrusting him with the Flying Thunder God Technique, not just for combat but as a signal of mentorship and, perhaps, something deeper, left him in a daze. Could Sarutobi Hiruzen indeed be seeing him as a potential Hokage candidate?

Reiki's words echoed in his mind: *"Brother Minato, you can fight for the position of Hokage."*

His dream to one day protect Konoha as its Hokage had been a distant goal, something he aspired to but always thought was years, even decades away. After all, he had assumed that powerful figures like Orochimaru or Tsunade, or even someone as well-respected as Hatake Sakumo, would be first in line. And yet, here was Reiki—sharp, insightful Reiki—suggesting that the Third Hokage might be positioning him as a contender in the present.

Minato's mind raced through scenarios, trying to make sense of it all. The Flying Thunder God scroll, now in his possession, felt heavier than before. It wasn't just a jutsu; it was a tool with potential implications for Konoha's future leadership.

As he reached the edge of the village and gazed over Konoha under the light of the evening, he took a deep breath. His dream of protecting the village as Hokage suddenly seemed closer, and yet he knew he had a long way to go to prove himself worthy.

---

Back in the residence, Reiki chuckled to himself as he tidied up after dinner. Minato's shock had been clear as day. Despite his incredible strength and talent, Minato was humble to his core and was, therefore, likely underestimating how much support he could rally if he were to step into the Hokage's shoes.

But Reiki also knew that the situation was far from simple. With the recent moves from Orochimaru and Danzo, tensions were rising among Konoha's elite, and the political game was shifting faster than ever. Sarutobi Hiruzen's uncharacteristic decision to hand over the Flying Thunder God Technique seemed like a message as much as it was a gift.

As he mulled over the night's events, Reiki thought of Orochimaru's recent attempt to probe his skills through his experiments with Hashirama's cells. If Orochimaru was becoming increasingly reckless, there was no telling what he might do next—especially if he felt the Hokage position slipping out of his grasp.

"Things are going to get messy," Reiki murmured to himself, already sensing the looming clash of ambitions.

---

Later, in the dimly lit quarters of the Root headquarters, Danzo listened to the report from his operative. Though he had called off monitoring Reiki, his mind remained restless. With Sarutobi Hiruzen showing open interest in Minato and Orochimaru's impatience reaching new heights, the political tension was palpable. Danzo knew that his hopes to maneuver into a position of power were being squeezed by Hiruzen's quick action and Minato's growing favor among the people.

*If Sarutobi Hiruzen is backing Minato, I need to escalate my plans.*

"Continue to watch Orochimaru's progress closely," he instructed his operative. "We may need his expertise sooner than expected."

The Root member nodded, disappearing into the shadows.

---

In the Hokage's office, Hiruzen looked at the empty tea cup on his desk, his thoughts also on Minato and the future of Konoha. Though he had many powerful ninja under him, he had seen something in Minato—a humility and strength that resonated with the Will of Fire. With Konoha in such a delicate place, he needed a successor who would embody and protect the village's ideals without becoming lost to ambition.

Just as he was considering his next move, a knock sounded at the door. One of his trusted ANBU stepped inside.

"Lord Hokage, the Council awaits your briefing on the upcoming missions."

Hiruzen nodded, dismissing his musings as he prepared to address Konoha's leaders. But in the back of his mind, he knew the game was just beginning. With Minato's confusion, Reiki's keen insight, and Orochimaru's ambitions, the coming days would test the village's strength—and its unity—like never before.

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