Naruto: Please Become The Hokage

Hinata Hizashi opened his mouth, about to speak—to defuse the tension that had built in the air. But before he could, a commotion near the Hokage Building stole everyone's attention.

The sharp sound of fists meeting flesh echoed, followed by pained groans and the flash of wild, crimson hair whipping through the air. The street hushed for only a moment before a familiar phrase rang out:

"The Blood-Red Pepper is at it again!"

A collective sigh spread through the crowd.

Since Princess Tsunade, there had been only one person in Konoha bold enough to pick fights in front of the Hokage's office—Kushina Uzumaki.

"What are you brawling about this time?!" a stern voice snapped.

A female ninja emerged from the building's entrance, her eyes sharp as blades. The guards flanking the doorway snapped to attention, snapping out of their stupor as she barked, "It's you again, Kushina! What are you waiting for?! Restrain her, now!"

"Let me go! I'm not done yet! I'll take on ten more!" Kushina thrashed in their grip, her face burning with determination and mischief.

She was no longer the bullied child who had arrived in Konoha years ago. Now, it was the village brats who lived in fear of her.

"Namikaze Minato, why didn't you stop her?!"

The scolding landed squarely on Minato, who only scratched his head with a sheepish grin.

"Master Koharu," Hizashi greeted respectfully, recognizing the formidable woman before him—Utane Koharu, a high-ranking Konoha elder.

Koharu's sharp gaze swept past him, dismissing him entirely. Instead, her eyes landed on Sarutobi Ryo.

"Sarutobi Ryo, come with me."

She didn't wait for a response before turning sharply, expecting him to follow.

As one of Konoha's senior council members—and a close friend of Sarutobi Biwako—her words carried weight.

"Yes, Lady Koharu."

Ryo followed without hesitation, his expression neutral. Hizashi sighed, offering a few quiet words of reassurance to his fiancée before watching the group disappear into the Hokage Building.

----------

The corridor was dimly lit, the walls lined with portraits of past leaders. The air was thick with the weight of decisions that had shaped the village.

"Ryo, there's no need to be so formal," Koharu said, her tone softening slightly. "You can call me Aunt Koharu."

"Yes, Lady Koharu," Ryo replied evenly, refusing the familiarity.

Koharu's brow twitched. "Do you have a problem with me, boy?"

Ryo's steps never faltered. "Not with you personally, Lady Koharu. I simply find some of Konoha's policies... flawed. Sending children to the battlefield, for example."

Minato's eyes widened at the blunt statement.

Koharu only hummed in response, her expression unreadable.

To her, Ryo was still just a boy—idealistic and naive. He would learn, like all before him, that the world was not so simple.

Ryo said nothing more. He understood that without power, his words held little weight.

Power...

The thought burned in his mind. He needed more.

----------

They reached the second floor, where an imposing office awaited them. Inside, seated with an air of authority, was his father—Sarutobi Hiruzen. Beside him sat his mother, Sarutobi Biwako, her presence just as commanding.

To the side, two more figures observed the gathering with careful eyes.

Mitokado Homura—serious and calculating.

Shimura Danzo—shrouded in his usual air of cold ambition.

Five of Konoha's most powerful figures in one room.

"Minato, Ryo..." Homura adjusted his glasses before speaking. "After careful evaluation of your past missions and abilities, the council has decided—"

Minato already knew what was coming.

"You will be promoted to Jonin," Homura confirmed. "Minato, once you achieve this rank, you will be given your own squad."

No one in the room doubted his worth. Minato Namikaze, the genius who had mastered the Second Hokage's Flying Thunder God technique, was destined for greatness.

The discussion shifted to Kushina's upcoming assignments, though she was still being held in solitary confinement for her latest brawl.

Then, the attention turned to Ryo.

Hiruzen cleared his throat, standing as all eyes fell on him.

"For Ryo, I believe the best path forward is through Anbu."

Koharu nodded approvingly. "Yes. He will learn discipline and responsibility there."

Danzo, however, smirked darkly. "He's not dark enough."

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed slightly, but he said nothing as Danzo leaned forward.

"A boy like him… too pure. I doubt he'll last long in Anbu. Why not let him lead a team like Minato?"

Danzo's gaze flickered toward Yamanaka Hui, interest gleaming in his eyes. "That one... now he would make a fine addition to my old unit."

Ryo stiffened. He knew exactly what Danzo meant.

Root.

Danzo had no interest in him—but Yamanaka Hui? He had caught the old man's attention.

"Danzo," Hiruzen said warningly. "That is not up for discussion."

"Why not let them take the Jonin exams together?" Koharu suggested. "If they pass, they enter Anbu and undergo further testing."

No one objected.

And just like that, it was decided.

As the meeting concluded, something flickered in Ryo's vision.

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[Will of Fire System Activated]

[Main Story Quest Unlocked: The Road to Anbu]

[Objective: Before the Third Ninja War, pass the Jonin and Anbu assessments, join the Anbu, and claim the title of Sixth Squad Captain.]

[Reward: Real Power.]

Ryo clenched his fists.

This was just the beginning.