At ten o'clock that morning, Kizaru left home under Keiko's persistent reminders.
He had changed into the formal suit he usually wore for official occasions and carried the gifts she had prepared well in advance.
Kizaru met Tsunade near the centre of the village. After joining hands, the two headed toward the first shinobi clan on their schedule—the Hyūga clan.
Among the clans that had no familial ties or master-student relationship with Kizaru, the Hyūga had been the first to place their trust in him.
In return, Kizaru had deliberately chosen the Hyūga as the first clan he would visit.
The Sarutobi clan naturally did not need such formalities. His relationship with Sarutobi Hiruzen was far closer, and everything that needed to be discussed had already been settled between teacher and student.
At half past ten, Kizaru and Tsunade arrived at the Hyūga estate.
They were personally welcomed by the clan head, the senior clan elder, the head of the branch family, and Hyūga Hiashi, the clan's young heir. Several other important members of the clan had also gathered inside the main residence.
The Hyūga clearly placed great importance on Kizaru's visit. Everyone responsible for receiving them had dressed in traditional kimono, and the four people who welcomed them represented the very heart of the clan.
They politely escorted Kizaru and Tsunade into the main hall.
Although their expressions remained appropriately solemn, the delight in their eyes could not be concealed.
Kizaru's succession as Hokage meant that the Hyūga clan's decision to support him had been the correct one. The fact that he had chosen them as the first clan to visit only strengthened their belief that they had not misjudged him.
"The entire village has benefited from the reforms of the past three years," the Hyūga clan head said. "Konoha now enjoys peace and prosperity, and that is all thanks to you."
"Oooh, I wouldn't go that far."
Kizaru laughed, his tone as relaxed as ever.
"I was only able to accomplish anything because Sarutobi-sensei trusted me and everyone in the village supported the reforms. Konoha's prosperity belongs to my teacher and to all those who helped us. I merely did what little I could."
"You are far too modest, Kizaru!"
The four Hyūga representatives laughed in agreement, and the atmosphere in the hall remained exceptionally harmonious.
Seated beside Kizaru, Tsunade quietly watched her boyfriend converse with the seasoned elders of the Hyūga clan as though it required no effort at all.
At the same time, she carefully observed every change in their expressions.
After the customary pleasantries had concluded, Kizaru lifted the teacup before him and took a slow sip.
The smile on his face faded ever so slightly.
It was time to discuss the true purpose of his visit.
The four Hyūga immediately noticed the subtle change in his expression and posture. Their own demeanour became more serious.
"Just as the rumours around the village claim, Sarutobi-sensei intends to entrust the position of Hokage to me before the end of this month. Tomorrow's assembly is being held for that very purpose."
The Hyūga had already learned of the matter through several channels.
However, hearing the confirmation directly from Kizaru gave the four of them far greater reassurance.
The Hyūga clan head glanced almost imperceptibly at the elder seated to his left before returning his attention to Kizaru.
"Having you assume the responsibilities of Hokage is exactly what we have all hoped for. Under your leadership, I am certain that the village will continue to prosper and grow."
"Indeed," the clan elder added with a broad smile. "With you—the God of Shinobi—leading Konoha, the village may once again transform the entire shinobi world, just as it did in the era of the First Hokage."
"Oooh, that is far too much praise."
Kizaru laughed, appearing almost embarrassed.
"You're making this rather difficult for me."
Tsunade felt a faint chill run through her as she listened.
What a shameless group of flatterers.
"Konoha will undoubtedly become even more prosperous under the leadership of you and Princess Tsunade," the elder continued.
This time, it was not only Tsunade who felt uncomfortable.
Even the other members of the Hyūga clan appeared faintly embarrassed by the relentless praise. The young Hiashi subtly turned his head and looked away, pretending not to have heard anything.
Hiashi's father, the current Hyūga clan head, raised his teacup and took a drink to conceal his own expression.
After settling himself, he placed the cup down and looked directly at Kizaru.
"Kizaru, whatever orders you issue in the future, the Hyūga clan will offer you its full support."
Since the Hyūga clan head had stated his position so openly, Kizaru naturally intended to give an equally sincere response.
"Once I become Hokage, I won't have enough time to personally oversee the Academy. However, the reforms have only been in place for three years. They have yet to fully mature, so someone trustworthy must continue guiding them."
Kizaru paused.
The clan head and elder looked at him expectantly, but Kizaru's gaze moved toward Hiashi, who had been sitting upright and silent throughout the conversation.
"Hiashi has given me a great deal of assistance during the past three years. I have considerable faith in his judgement and abilities."
Kizaru's usual lazy expression grew slightly more serious.
"After I take office as Hokage, I would like Hiashi to become the head of the Academy and continue implementing the reforms in my place."
Ever since the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama, established the Academy, its administration had generally been handled either by the Hokage himself or by someone from a clan the Hokage trusted completely.
When Sarutobi Hiruzen first became Hokage, he had also served as the Academy's head.
At the time, Hiruzen had needed to cultivate a group of capable and loyal subordinates. He had personally involved himself in the Academy's affairs, regularly visiting to instruct students and establish bonds with Konoha's younger generation.
As Hiruzen's position became increasingly secure over the years, his authority stabilised and the people's trust gathered around him. Only then had he begun entrusting the Academy's daily affairs to members of the Sarutobi clan.
Yet Kizaru intended to hand that position to Hyūga Hiashi immediately after becoming Hokage.
This demonstrated not only Kizaru's confidence in his own authority, but also the depth of his trust in Hiashi and the Hyūga clan.
Just as Kizaru expected, the clan head and elder could not hide their delight upon hearing the arrangement.
Even Hiashi was visibly surprised.
That surprise soon gave way to genuine happiness, and the way he looked at Kizaru carried a little more emotion than before.
Hiashi's loyalty had not yet reached the point where he would willingly give his life for Kizaru without hesitation.
However, it was no longer far from it.
Kizaru trusted him enough to place the Academy and the continuation of the village's reforms in his hands. Hiashi could not help feeling moved by that trust, and a powerful desire to accomplish something worthy of it rose within him.
"Hiashi," the Hyūga clan head said, turning toward his son, "Kizaru has placed immense trust in both you and the Hyūga clan. You must never neglect your duties. See that his reforms are carried out properly."
"On the honour of the Hyūga clan, I will ensure that the Academy's reforms succeed."
Hiashi's expression was solemn, and every word was spoken with unwavering resolve.
"Then I'll be relying on you, Hiashi," Kizaru replied with equal seriousness.
Watching the exchange between Kizaru and his son, the Hyūga clan head was filled with joy.
Excellent.
This could not have gone any better.
As long as this relationship endured, the Hyūga clan would have nothing to fear for the next several decades.
Both the clan head and the elder were thoroughly satisfied with the position Kizaru had given them. They also understood that, considering Hiashi's current age and experience, being placed in charge of the Academy was already the finest appointment he could receive.
"There is one more matter," Kizaru continued.
The clan head and elder immediately grew expectant once again.
Could there be another appointment?
The position at the Academy had already exceeded their expectations. If Kizaru had prepared something more, then the honour he was granting the Hyūga clan would be almost overwhelming.
"After I become Hokage, I will need to establish my own Hokage Guard Platoon."
Kizaru looked toward the Hyūga clan head.
"I have heard that Hiashi's younger brother, Hizashi, is one of the Hyūga clan's most talented shinobi. I intend to appoint him as a member of my personal guard."
The Hyūga clan head's hands trembled slightly.
He had never expected Kizaru to extend this degree of trust to the Hyūga clan.
One of his sons would be placed in charge of the Academy, while the other would serve in the Hokage Guard Platoon.
There could be no clearer demonstration of Kizaru's faith in the Hyūga.
At that moment, the Hyūga clan head became convinced that Kizaru would undoubtedly become the wisest and greatest Hokage in Konoha's history.
At the very least, that was how he would forever be remembered by the Hyūga clan.
"Hiashi, go and summon Hizashi."
Suppressing his excitement, the clan head turned toward his elder son and gave the order.
Hiashi understood his father's intentions and nodded. He was just about to rise when Kizaru raised a hand to stop him.
"There's no need for so much ceremony between us."
Kizaru leaned back slightly, wearing his usual relaxed smile.
"Once I officially become Hokage, simply have Hizashi come and see me."
Since Kizaru had already spoken, the Hyūga clan head did not insist.
Instead, he offered Kizaru yet another round of praise.
From that day forward, the Hyūga clan became Kizaru's most unwavering supporters.
This loyalty was no longer based solely on Kizaru's overwhelming strength, his prestige, or his publicly recognised status as Hiruzen's successor.
It was born from the trust and sincerity Kizaru had shown them—trust that far exceeded anything the Hyūga clan had imagined.
Once the serious discussion concluded, the gathering returned to casual conversation.
Most of it consisted of the Hyūga elder praising Kizaru, while the clan head occasionally voiced his agreement.
Unlike before, however, those compliments now carried genuine emotion.
Kizaru and Tsunade remained at the Hyūga residence until after noon. They shared lunch with the clan before finally departing beneath the respectful farewells of everyone present.
After leaving the main residence, Tsunade linked her arm through Kizaru's as they walked out of the Hyūga compound.
"That was unbearable."
Once they were far enough away, Tsunade released his arm and rubbed her own as though trying to rid herself of a lingering chill.
"Hahaha! Aren't shinobi clans always like that?" Kizaru asked, amused by her reaction.
"If every day is going to be like this, how am I supposed to survive it?"
The longer Tsunade remained with Kizaru, the more openly she behaved like an ordinary young woman when they were alone. The commanding and prideful demeanour she displayed in public gradually disappeared.
Seeing her pout and complain, Kizaru stepped forward and wrapped an arm around her.
"Thank you for enduring it, Tsunade-nee-san."
With Tsunade held against him, Kizaru deliberately emphasised the last word.
Tsunade lightly jabbed him in the side with her elbow.
However, rather than pulling away from his warm embrace, she merely raised her head and gave him an exasperated look.
"It's still early," Kizaru continued. "Let's return home and rest for a while. We can visit the Nara clan this afternoon."
Keeping his arm around Tsunade and ignoring her half-hearted attempt to free herself, Kizaru headed home with a cheerful smile.
...
Compared to the Hyūga clan, the Nara clan Kizaru and Tsunade visited that afternoon was much easier to deal with.
Their conversation was simpler, more direct, and far less ceremonial.
The Nara clan—or, more accurately, the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance—had always remained loyal to the village's Hokage.
It did not matter who held the position.
As long as that person was recognised as Hokage, the three clans would offer their loyalty.
As representatives of Konoha's medium-sized shinobi clans, their military strength was not great enough to threaten the Hokage's rule. At the same time, their abilities were versatile enough that they could provide tremendous assistance in nearly every aspect of the village's administration and defence.
It was precisely because the three clans understood their own strengths and limitations so clearly that they had no need to place political wagers in the same manner as the Hyūga clan.
They only needed to wait patiently for the new Hokage to take office before pledging their loyalty.
They did not compete unnecessarily, did not seize more authority than they required, obeyed the village's leadership, and were extremely competent.
Those were the qualities the three clans had carefully established over generations.
Although the Nara estate was the second destination on Kizaru's schedule, it would have been more accurate to say that he was visiting the entire Ino–Shika–Chō alliance.
Within the alliance, the Nara clan—the "Shika"—was responsible for strategy and decision-making.
The Yamanaka clan—the "Ino"—handled intelligence gathering, communication, and information management.
The Akimichi clan—the "Chō"—provided direct military strength.
Among the three clans, the Yamanaka had the closest relationship with the Shimura clan.
Because of that connection, Kizaru had interacted with Ino–Shika–Chō frequently over the years. He was especially familiar with the Yamanaka clan.
In Kizaru's view, the fact that Yamanaka Ino had eventually married Sai in the original future might not have been based solely on love.
Sai had emerged from Root, while Ino was the heiress of the Yamanaka clan.
It was possible that, following Danzō's death and the decline of the Shimura clan, the Yamanaka had hoped to absorb some of the influence and resources Danzō had left behind in Root.
Of course, that speculation had nothing to do with why Kizaru had chosen to visit the Nara clan before the Yamanaka.
In this altered world, the possibility of the Shimura clan losing power was already extremely low because of Kizaru's existence.
Furthermore, Kizaru was not so narrow-minded that he would distrust the Yamanaka clan merely because of a theory concerning events from the original story.
The reason he had chosen the Nara clan first was much simpler.
The Nara were famous for their intelligence and were responsible for making decisions on behalf of the three clans.
Speaking with intelligent people was easy.
Speaking with intelligent people who possessed little political ambition was even easier.
At three o'clock that afternoon, Kizaru and Tsunade arrived at the Nara estate.
Unlike the highly centralised compounds of large clans such as the Hyūga and Shimura, the Nara clan lived in separate family homes scattered throughout their territory.
Even the residence of the Nara clan head was not particularly large. It was a simple, detached wooden house with a private courtyard.
The house was roughly the same size as Kizaru's residence within the main Shimura compound.
The Nara did not arrange anything resembling the Hyūga clan's grand reception.
Only the current clan head and his wife came to welcome Kizaru and Tsunade.
The four of them gathered around a table in a living room measuring approximately fifty to sixty square metres and began their discussion as though they were simply two families speaking about ordinary household matters.
After chatting casually for a while, Kizaru quickly moved to the main subject.
First, he made his position clear.
Once he became Hokage, none of the positions currently held by the Nara, Yamanaka, or Akimichi clans would be reduced.
If anything, the roles entrusted to the three clans would gradually increase.
For generations, the Nara clan had raised deer and supplied medicinal ingredients to Konoha Hospital. They had also contributed greatly to the development of medical ninjutsu and possessed extensive knowledge of herbal medicine.
At crucial moments, their medicinal expertise could provide solutions that conventional medical ninjutsu could not.
Because of this, Kizaru expressed his hope that the Nara clan would deepen its cooperation with Konoha Hospital.
The two sides could jointly develop new medicines, and if those medicines proved successful, the Nara clan would receive a share of the profits according to its contribution.
As the head of Konoha Hospital and the overall leader of its medical research projects, Tsunade formally supported Kizaru's proposal and extended the invitation herself.
The Nara clan head had spent years managing the clan's medicinal-material business. After hearing Kizaru explain the potential market for commercial medicines, he fully agreed with the proposal and expressed his willingness to participate actively.
Once the terms of cooperation had been settled, the Nara clan head made a formal declaration on behalf of Ino–Shika–Chō.
All three clans would fully support Kizaru's succession as Hokage.
Kizaru accepted the pledge with a smile and expressed his gratitude.
He then invited the Nara clan head to continue serving as an adviser to the Hokage and to take part in Konoha's administration after Kizaru assumed office.
The intelligence of the Nara clan was famous throughout the shinobi world.
Those whose abilities were recognised sometimes even participated in political discussions within the Land of Fire.
Some Nara shinobi attended political meetings as representatives of Konoha, while others were directly employed by officials of the Land of Fire as strategic advisers.
The Nara clan had proven one thing exceptionally well.
Shinobi did not need to rely solely on fighting and killing.
Those who knew how to use their minds could achieve just as much.
Faced with Kizaru's invitation and promise, the Nara clan head naturally expressed his gratitude.
He solemnly declared that he would devote himself to assisting Kizaru once Kizaru became the new Hokage.
Kizaru was delighted.
Genuinely delighted.
In his eyes, the Nara clan was practically the perfect treasure for any ruler.
Every member of the clan was intelligent and capable. They understood their own position, knew what was best for their clan, possessed little unnecessary ambition, and loyally completed whatever work was entrusted to them.
For Kizaru, who despised troublesome affairs and preferred to avoid unnecessary work whenever possible, a clan filled with such obedient and capable professional advisers was invaluable.
After the official discussion concluded, Kizaru and Tsunade did not immediately leave.
Just as they had done at the Hyūga residence that morning, they remained with the Nara family until after six in the evening.
Only after sharing dinner did they finally say their farewells and depart.
The only thing Kizaru regretted was that his former classmate, Nara Shikaku, had not been home that day.
Shikaku had left the village on a mission under the command of a senior jōnin.
After leaving the Nara residence, Kizaru and Tsunade both felt somewhat tired after an entire day of political discussions.
Their exhaustion was primarily mental rather than physical.
The two wandered through the village for a while before Kizaru escorted Tsunade home to rest.
Over the following days, Kizaru and Tsunade visited the village's various shinobi clans one after another.
As news of their formal visits spread, and with the village assembly approaching, confirmation that Kizaru would soon become Hokage quickly circulated throughout Konoha.
"Kizaru-sama is going to become the Fourth Hokage! Once that happens, none of the other hidden villages will dare provoke us again."
"I heard that during the campaign in the Land of Rain, Kizaru-sama wiped out thousands of Sunagakure shinobi all by himself. He even killed the Third Kazekage!"
"The Third Kazekage was supposed to be the strongest Kazekage in history. What a joke."
"With Kizaru-sama as Hokage, Konoha should enjoy at least several decades of peace."
"I'm telling you, once Kizaru-sama becomes Hokage, he should lead us in destroying all the other hidden villages. Kumogakure in particular. Those people are greedy and ambitious. We should eliminate them before they become a threat."
"Have you lost your mind? What good would another war bring us? Isn't life peaceful enough as it is?"
"You don't understand anything! If we don't destroy those villages while Kizaru-sama is still young, they'll start another war as soon as he grows old. The same thing happened after the First Hokage died!"
For a time, Kizaru's imminent succession became the most widely discussed subject among both Konoha's shinobi and its ordinary villagers.
Given Kizaru's overwhelming record of accomplishments, no one questioned whether he was qualified to become the Fourth Hokage.
Instead, most discussions concerned what kind of future Konoha would have under his leadership.
The shinobi clans and renowned ninja visited by Kizaru and Tsunade also responded with great courtesy, openly expressing their support for his succession.
Kizaru possessed overwhelming prestige and the genuine support of the people.
As a result, his path to becoming Hokage produced no serious political conflict, factional struggle, or public opposition.
There was only support—and the people's hope for a better future.
Before absolute strength, anyone harbouring dangerous ambitions could do nothing but lower their head.
They buried their schemes deep within themselves, hiding like rats in the sewers and never daring to emerge into the light.
--------------------------------------
Support me at patreon.com/Arthorain and read upto 50 Advanced Chapters and R-18 Content!
--------------------------------------
Update schedule: 7 chapters/week
Every 300 power stones = 1 Extra Chapter
By voting with [power stones], you can easily get double the number of chapters.