To figures like the Third Hokage and Homura Mitokado, Haseo was without question the most prototypical junior—a position he filled with perfect conformity to type—and yet still not someone they particularly liked.
There were reasons related to personality and also differences in conduct. Overall, Haseo simply wasn't on the same wavelength as the village elders, and for a long time, mutual disdain had existed between them.
Yet no matter how much they disliked him personally, their individual preferences had to give way to the greater good of the village. For these two advisors, Konoha always came first above all else.
Therefore, at this moment, they could only choose Haseo as the Fourth Hokage.
The nature of this decision was actually similar to why they had previously selected Tsunade as the Fifth. The two elders didn't really like Tsunade either… though in her case, it was mostly due to herself—after all, shouldn't the Hokage avoid being a gambler?
Even though having a gambling Hokage was essentially Konoha's original tradition.
Anyway, appointing Haseo as the Fourth Hokage was something the two advisors had already decided upon long ago, even going so far as to have already sent Danzo Shimura packing toward the seaside to drink cold northwest winds.
Leaving aside his abilities as a ninja, several dozen days ago, the absolute necessity for Haseo to claim the title of Fourth Hokage lay in his military feat of defeating the Mist forces. And now, if the Fourth Hokage weren't Haseo, then no one else would be capable of maintaining control over Konoha.
The reason for this was because Haseo had personally slain the Third Raikage of Cloud.
Not all achievements weighed equally; especially since Mist had already been weakened during the previous great war, defeating Cloud carried more weight than defeating Mist… although Haseo had never actually launched an attack on Kumo's stronghold.
Konoha and Kumo had long stood as equal rivals, yet during both the Second and Third Great Ninja Wars, the conflict against Mist remained just a "secondary front."
The symbolic weight of slaying the Third Raikage was immense in itself. What elevated this feat to become the top achievement, however, was that the Third Hokage himself had previously fallen at the hands of a Raikage.
Narrow words like vengeance or retaliation couldn't properly describe Haseo's actions. Truthfully, he didn't harbor any personal hatred towards the Third Raikage—he simply meant that by killing the Raikage, he had restored what Konoha had lost on the battlefield.
Was it prestige? Tradition? Dignity? Or maybe something more abstract—like the Will of Fire?
It was difficult to put into precise words, but the fact remained—Haseo had cleanly and decisively defeated the Third Raikage, seemingly reaffirming Konoha's position as the strongest among the great ninja villages.
After losing the Third Hokage, Konoha quickly produced someone who could stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the Third—this was terrifying for enemies, but entirely natural for Konoha ninja.
Such a person was undoubtedly destined to become the Fourth Hokage.
If Haseo did not take up the mantle of Fourth Hokage now, things would quickly become very awkward… besides him, who else could possibly qualify?
Originally, becoming Hokage didn't require exaggerated feats—simply cultivating a successor through routine procedures would suffice. Yet Haseo's existence had raised the bar for becoming Hokage infinitely higher.
Jiraiya, Tsunade, Orochimaru? All legendary names—but with Haseo in the picture, none of them could command the same level of consensus anymore.
Although the initial push for Haseo to become the Fourth (the Hokage) came from the elders, it had now turned into a necessity.
Haseo had done more than enough to deserve the title, and yet he was still just a Jonin. What if someone who literally did nothing ended up as Hokage?
You can't pull off something that shameless, right?
"Thank you for the elders' and the villagers' trust, but this is a serious decision. I need more time to think about it carefully… Being Hokage wasn't part of my career plan."
The inevitable had finally come, but facing the Elders, Haseo gave only this measured response.
It wasn't intentional stubbornness. First, Haseo needed to keep some composure—there was no need to agree immediately since he wasn't actually eager for the role. Second, faced with the moment itself, he truly felt some regret, so he wanted to test whether any negotiation was still possible.
Determination was one thing. Emotions were another. They didn't mix.
"Haseo, now isn't the time for jokes. You can act however you like normally, but this kind of serious matter shouldn't be treated lightly," Koharu Utatane seemed quite dissatisfied with Haseo's attitude.
"Erm, well... Isn't this supposed to be a choice? Accepting, refusing, or considering—those should all be options. So how could my answer possibly be considered joking or frivolous?" Haseo felt once again that these people weren't being reasonable.
"Haseo, we don't see this as a question of choice. When no one else qualifies, what is there to refuse?" Homura Mitokado spoke more calmly, yet his tone was firm.
In fact, he seemed to think Haseo was the unreasonable one.
Haseo fell silent, then shifted his gaze eastward, looking far beyond the horizon:
Danzo, I'm stuck here getting strong-armed into being Hokage. This hurts, man. Got any thoughts?
Haseo also knew that if he refused the position, it would simply remain empty. The reason there was no one else for the job seemed tied directly to his own actions, so he had no choice but to accept.
It had all started from a misunderstanding anyway. Haseo had just wanted to act arrogantly before retiring early. He hadn't expected things to spiral this far.
"If that's how it is, then go ahead and handle the arrangements yourselves. Why pretend to inform me?
And please, don't take things too seriously. Though the title 'Hokage' sounds impressive, administratively speaking, it's basically a glorified village chief—maybe a small-town mayor at best. I only dislike the hassle—but not because I doubt my ability."
Homura and Koharu exchanged glances. Now what? They were already starting to regret choosing this man as Hokage.
Still, the matter had already been decided.
Thus, the Elders proceeded to make the necessary preparations. Becoming Hokage was a solemn occasion requiring proper formalities.
As for Haseo, after the interruption, he could do nothing but stay put and listen to Shikou, the logistics officer, give updates regarding the village's current affairs... Primarily concerning personnel transfers between the village and various battlefields, and logistical supply issues.
In short, Haseo was already acting like Hokage anyway.
After finishing all the scattered tasks, Haseo finally managed to leave and enjoy the long-awaited rest he had dreamed of.
After exiting the Hokage's office building, Haseo briefly concealed himself.
By then, most people outside had already dispersed.
Soon after, Haseo noticed Homura Mitokado waiting outside, as if he had something more to say.
"Advisor, is there anything else?"
Haseo walked over. The two strolled side by side as they continued forward, talking.
"Yes, there's one rather important matter.
Haseo, even though your reputation in the village is high right now, you still lack a rooted sense of belonging. After all, you're not originally from Konoha... and this isn't a secret either."
"So you mean my registration is an issue. If that's the case, then—"
Homura immediately stopped Haseo mid-sentence, well aware that whatever inappropriate remark might follow would only cause trouble. He continued directly, "What I'm saying is, since you're set to become Hokage, everything must be handled impeccably... Our plan is to hold your wedding with Tsunade before the official Hokage ritual.
Tsunade is the granddaughter of the First Hokage and the disciple of the Third Hokage. Her presence at your side speaks for itself."
Marrying Tsunade would firmly establish Haseo as one of Konoha's own, since marital bonds carried weight even in the Ninjutsu World. Of course, no one would foolishly try to use Haseo's origins against him now, but Homura wanted to be prepared for any possibility.
Faced with Homura's suggestion, Haseo quickly shifted his focus elsewhere and asked a strangely unexpected question:
"Hold on—haven't I already gotten married?"
"..."
Homura finally felt genuine admiration for Haseo: "If you're referring to an actual ceremony and formal marriage, I don't believe so."
"Oh? I thought ninja didn't care much about such formalities. We're warriors living unpredictable lives—every meal could be our last."
"Ah... Male ninja probably aren't particularly concerned."
There seemed to be some unspoken implication behind those words.
In that moment, Haseo almost came off like a bit of a player.
"Well then, I guess I must've missed my chance earlier. Actually, now seems like a pretty good time. But... why didn't you bring this up sooner?"
"It's better discussed privately. Otherwise... someone might end up heartbroken."
Haseo gave Homura a strange look... Was this old pervert misunderstanding something?
I swear on my honor—I've always been a decent man through and through.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ Every 50 Powerstones = **4 Bonus Chapters** this weekend!
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>