Konoha was in the middle of a power shift.
Many people saw it. Many understood it.
However…
Everyone originally assumed Tsunade would pass the mantle to Kyoichi.
To their surprise, the one stepping up wasn't Kanda Kyoichi—but Namikaze Minato.
Not because Minato was weak.
On the contrary, as one of Konoha's strongest jōnin, Minato's combat power, command ability, and leadership were all exceptional. His reputation was solid—otherwise, he wouldn't be called one of the "Twin Stars of Konoha."
But…
Kyoichi's brilliance simply overshadowed everyone.
Minato had only truly shone during the Third Great Ninja War.
Later, during the battle against Madara, although his contributions were immense and helped Konoha tremendously, in terms of prestige alone, he couldn't compete with Kyoichi.
Naturally, he wasn't seen as a contender.
Minato himself had never considered it—
until things progressed to this point.
Then he realized something—
Kyoichi never intended to be Hokage.
He wanted Minato to take that position.
At first, Minato refused.
But Kyoichi's reasoning made sense. Everyone had things they wanted to accomplish. For Kyoichi, the things he wanted to achieve during Tsunade's term were already complete.
As for the things he hadn't accomplished yet…
Right now, they couldn't be done while trapped in the Land of Fire.
The Ōtsutsuki, the western lands, the unknown beyond the borders—these required exploration.
Remaining in Konoha would only hold him back.
However—
Kyoichi wanted to leave quietly?
Absolutely not!
Once Kushina safely gave birth, Minato dragged Kyoichi into an emergency meeting.
A meeting specifically to discuss the Hokage succession.
Tsunade sat at the head of the table.
Below her were not just the clan leaders—every jōnin and special jōnin was present.
There were simply too many chūnin.
If they held a full chūnin meeting, they'd block the entire Hokage building. Since this wasn't the formal handover, involving them wasn't necessary.
Tsunade spoke first.
"Everyone. Four years ago, I was entrusted with stabilizing Konoha during the war, and so I took the Fourth Hokage seat.
"Now, four years have passed. The war is over, the village is stable, and our reforms have succeeded. My task is complete."
She leaned sideways, resting her arm on the table.
"You all know I have a temper. There are things I can't stand, and things I don't handle well. Without Kyoichi helping me, Konoha would've made plenty of mistakes.
"So—I've decided to step down. My resignation has already been submitted to the capital."
This was the first time Tsunade openly declared it.
The jōnin exchanged glances.
Most had already sensed this coming, so they weren't shocked—
but they didn't expect the day to arrive so soon.
Minato's baby had barely been born!
They thought she would at least stay another year or two.
After a short pause, Yamanaka Inoichi asked:
"Tsunade-hime, do you have a plan after stepping down? And… will Kyoichi-sama remain in Konoha?"
Kyoichi smiled.
"Konoha doesn't need me glued here. My Flying Thunder God is reliable—coming back only takes a moment. If anyone dares attack us, Tsunade and I will be here instantly."
Inoichi's concern was understandable.
Even though Kyoichi didn't personally handle most ANBU affairs, he had established many of their most important regulations.
ANBU's communication network, patrol schedules, shift systems—
all created by Kyoichi.
The Flying Thunder Formation Squad?
That had been developed by Kyoichi and Minato together.
Back then, people underestimated the technique.
Now?
Everyone saw how vital it was.
Because of this, everyone wanted Kyoichi to stay.
But Kyoichi shook his head.
"Thriving in hardship, decaying in comfort. If I stay here forever, that may not be a good thing. Besides, the blueprint is already drawn. All you need to do is follow it."
Minato quietly cut in.
"That's true, but… what if something unexpected happens?"
He didn't finish the sentence.
He still lacked confidence.
After all—Kyoichi's accomplishments were monstrous.
Minato worried he couldn't live up to the foundation Kyoichi had built.
Tsunade reassured him.
"Minato, you don't need to worry. Konoha's foundations are stronger than ever. Kyoichi and I don't even have new ideas anymore. We want to see the outside world—see how others live, what they've built. Maybe we'll find inspiration."
Leaving Konoha was not just for fun—
though that was part of it.
The real reason was the same as Kyoichi said:
Their worldview needed to expand.
The shinobi world was too small.
Too limited.
Traveling might give them new visions for the future.
Staying in one place forever was not a path to growth.
This was Tsunade's truest conviction.
The Third Hokage spoke next.
"Tsunade and Kyoichi are only going abroad for research. They'll come back. And Minato—you and Kyoichi can use Flying Thunder God. Worst-case scenario? Just ask for help. It's simple."
He added:
"Besides, your abilities are widely acknowledged by everyone."
He only wanted Minato to stop doubting himself.
Jōnin nodded one after another.
When it came to a successor, besides Tsunade and Kyoichi, Minato was clearly the best candidate.
Orochimaru?
His experimentation scandal disqualified him.
And he himself had no interest.
Jiraiya?
He ran away so fast that he left burn marks on the ground.
He disappeared again on the third day after Minato's baby was born.
So…
Naturally, Minato was the rightful choice.
"I support Minato-sama."
"Me too."
"As do I."
Voices echoed around the room.
Minato froze for a moment, then bowed deeply to everyone.
Kyoichi and Tsunade finally relaxed.
Even though Minato was already handling most Hokage duties, they were still afraid he'd back out at the last minute.
Because—
The Hokage position…
Was exhausting.
Stressful.
And crushingly heavy.
Anyone who didn't love the job would eventually break.
As for Kyoichi?
He had zero interest.
He loved reorganizing the village, improving systems, innovating—but handling mountains of paperwork every day?
He'd rather teach at the academy.
Or better yet—
Travel.
Explore the western countries, the east of the Land of Water, the south of the Land of Rivers… he wanted to see all the places this world had kept hidden.
Become Hokage?
That would kill every opportunity.
As Tsunade said—
Only a fool would want to be Hokage.
And Minato…
was exactly the kind of idealistic "fool" who could truly lead Konoha well.