Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer-Chapter 700: Nothing Special

The sense of contrast was undeniable.

Not long ago, these individuals had been battling Minato Namikaze on the battlefield, and now, in what seemed like an instant, he was becoming the Hokage of Konoha.

This kind of stark difference could break a person.

It might not be so bad for those with firm resolve, but learning such news could trigger feelings of profound inadequacy and doubt for those without.

Witnessing someone seize victory on the battlefield right before your eyes and then watching that same person ascend to the rank of Hokage—just the thought of it could be harrowing.

It was as if they once believed they were equals, only to realise their opponent had swiftly become a leader, while they might never even see that person's face again, as Minato was now Hokage.

In an instant, the ninjas of Iwagakure were awash with conflicting emotions.

Every heart was unsettled.

Of course, Iwagakure wasn't the only village to receive this news; other villages were also informed.

...

Sunagakure.

Inside the Kazekage's office.

Several people gathered around a wooden table, sitting silently, holding a meeting with the Kazekage.

The Third Kazekage sat at the head of the table, and Sunagakure's advisors, Chiyo and Ebizō, were on either side of him.

"Ahem…"

The Third Kazekage cleared his throat, drawing everyone's attention to him and breaking the quiet atmosphere.

"You all know why I called this meeting."

He began, his voice low and steady, though there was a subtle undercurrent of emotion as if he was suppressing his feelings.

"Konoha is about to hold its Hokage succession ceremony."

"This is no secret."

"Konoha has announced this event to the entire ninja world."

"Many people will be able to attend and witness it."

"Konoha is transitioning from the era of the Third Hokage to the Fourth Hokage."

"The Fourth Hokage is Minato Namikaze."

"With that said…"

"What are your thoughts?"

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The Third Kazekage paused after speaking, leaving the rest of the room to share their thoughts.

In truth, he wasn't entirely sure what to think himself.

The Third Kazekage wasn't particularly adept at planning or strategic thinking. Compared to other Kage, he relied heavily on his advisors and strategists, a common trait among Sunagakure's leaders. Without careful guidance, they were prone to making hasty decisions.

Had the Third Kazekage been more insightful, he wouldn't have been so easily deceived by Aoba. Sunagakure had never excelled in strategic thinking.

After the Kazekage spoke, the room fell silent again as everyone contemplated, as if their leader had posed a challenging question.

"I don't think there's anything unusual about this…"

One of the Sunagakure ninjas finally spoke up. "We all know that the Third Hokage was caught in a scandal, and he resigned in disgrace. With the Hokage position vacant, it's only natural that someone would fill it. This seems like a routine succession."

"I agree."

Another Sunagakure ninja quickly chimed in, echoing the sentiment. It was a simple matter: a vacant position had been filled. They didn't see why it needed further discussion.

"I think the same."

A third Sunagakure ninja was added.

"I agree as well," said Chiyo, who had been quiet until now. Her slow and deliberate tone seemed peculiar, but her words instantly quieted the others. All eyes turned toward her.

Chiyo's position in Sunagakure was highly respected.

In some ways, she held more authority than the Kazekage himself. She had been a critical figure in the village since the era of the First Kazekage.

When Chiyo spoke, few dared to contradict her. Even the Third Kazekage had no objections.

"Do you have something to add?" Chiyo asked, glancing at her brother, Ebizō, who looked drowsy as if he might fall asleep at any moment.

"No," Ebizō replied without hesitation, shaking his head. "Your opinion is my opinion."

The room fell silent once more.

The discussion, which everyone had expected to be intense, fizzled out.

The Third Kazekage looked around, seeing that everyone agreed, and nodded.

"So, it seems this is just a routine change of leadership in Konoha, largely due to the scandal surrounding the Third Hokage. I thought the same—it's clear that after such a scandal, the Third Hokage could no longer remain in power."

The Third Kazekage smirked slightly as he spoke, recalling the disgrace of the Third Hokage.

After such a scandal, the Third Hokage couldn't remain in his position. Even walking around Konoha might have invited ridicule. It was better for him to disappear entirely.

The Third Kazekage held nothing but contempt for the Third Hokage.

He had always harboured a deep jealousy of Konoha and had longed for his village to be as prosperous as theirs, but he had never managed to achieve that.

The Third Kazekage had attempted to attack Konoha on more than one occasion, but each time, it had failed. Now, the opportunity to mock Konoha's leadership brought him a sense of satisfaction.

"With Konoha's leadership in such disarray, the village is likely headed for a decline. Their Hokage has been humiliated, and now they've chosen a new one—Minato Namikaze. But who knows if he has the ability to lead Konoha into the future? Maybe we'll see Konoha get weaker," the Third Kazekage continued with a laugh.

"Konoha's choice of Hokage is certainly questionable," Chiyo added, her eyes narrowing in thought. Her face twisted as if recalling something unpleasant. "I thought Konoha's next Hokage would be Sakumo Hatake."

At the mention of Sakumo Hatake, the room grew even quieter.

Everyone in Sunagakure knew the significance of that name.

Chiyo's son and daughter-in-law had both died at the hands of Sakumo Hatake.

He was someone Chiyo hated deeply.

Yet, Sakumo Hatake was also the only Konoha ninja whose strength Chiyo acknowledged. She believed he was even more potent than the Third Hokage.

The room remained silent, as everyone knew this topic was sensitive for Chiyo. It was an unspoken rule that only she could speak about it.

"If Konoha had chosen Sakumo Hatake as their Hokage, the village might have had a brighter future. But to choose Minato Namikaze instead... They would have been better off giving the role to Jiraiya."

"Perhaps this has something to do with Jiraiya being a disciple of the Third Hokage."

"Orochimaru was also a disciple of the Third Hokage."

"After everything Orochimaru has done, he's no longer in the picture, and the Third Hokage can't remain in power. Jiraiya was probably affected by all of this as well."

"As for why Sakumo Hatake wasn't chosen as a candidate, there's probably more to the story. Overall, I think this transition marks the beginning of Konoha's downfall."

"Our priority should be to strengthen our village," Chiyo concluded. "When the time is right, we can strike Konoha."

Chiyo's analysis was straightforward. In her mind, Sakumo Hatake remained the most significant threat from Konoha. If he had become Hokage, the village might have thrived. But with Minato Namikaze in charge, she felt Konoha posed no serious threat.

"Minato Namikaze is just a child. He's barely out of the academy. Even if he has some talent, he won't have much influence."