After Kakashi finished bowing, the villagers erupted once more into cheers and applause. The handover ceremony of the Sixth Hokage had officially concluded. From this day onward, Kakashi Hatake would carry the mantle of the Sixth Hokage, a responsibility that came with both honor and immense pressure.
Lin looked up at Kakashi, a bright smile spreading across her face. "Kakashi… you've really become a Hokage!"
Obito nodded solemnly. "Yeah… he's fulfilled my unfinished dream. How incredible."
Fugaku Uchiha turned to Sasuke, who stood silently with his arms crossed. "Sasuke, from today, you have a Hokage as your teacher," he said.
Sasuke waved dismissively. "Doesn't matter. I'm not interested in village politics."
His eyes, however, drifted to his older brother, Itachi, who remained in the shadows, quietly observing the ceremony. Itachi had never sought the spotlight; he had always chosen to protect Konoha from the shadows, sacrificing personal recognition for the safety of the village. Sasuke realized that Itachi's silent vigilance represented the truest form of a shinobi. And as for Hokage—the figure in the light—Naruto was more suited to that role anyway. He had always loved the limelight.
Shisui exhaled deeply. "From today on, training duties really fall to me and you, Itachi."
Itachi merely smiled and nodded, a quiet acknowledgment of the responsibility he bore.
Nearby, Shikamaru rubbed his temples and muttered, "Finally… it's over. Being a Hokage involves so many steps and procedures. It's exhausting just watching it."
Ino smiled brightly. "Should we go over and congratulate Kakashi later?"
Chōji grinned. "Absolutely! I even brought my favorite potato chips for him. Congratulations, Kakashi!"
Shikamaru raised an eyebrow and sighed. "You even prepared a gift? That's troublesome… guess I'll have to think of something too."
Kiba wiped his nose and whispered to Akamaru, "Hey, I should start preparing for the next Hokage election. Right, Akamaru?"
"Wang wang!" Akamaru responded enthusiastically.
Shino adjusted his glasses. "Kiba… it's not that I doubt you, but Naruto is incredibly strong. Don't underestimate the challenge."
Kiba pouted. "Darn it! Can't you just praise me for once?"
Hinata quietly covered her mouth, smiling softly. Neji, arms crossed, muttered, "Can we go back now?"
Hiashi nodded. "Yes. You may return, but I have a meeting. Take care of the Hyuga clan matters, Neji."
Hizashi agreed. "Understood, big brother."
With the administrative ninjas organizing the dispersal, the crowd slowly began to break up.
Upstairs, Kakashi exhaled deeply, finally allowing himself a moment of relief. Shikaku Nara approached him with a warm smile. "Congratulations, Sixth Hokage."
Kakashi returned the smile, but sighed. "I'm really not used to everyone suddenly calling me that instead of Kakashi."
Shikamaru, standing nearby, chuckled and said, "You'll get used to it gradually."
They exchanged light conversation, while Tsunade escorted the Daimyo toward the exit. Shizune gave Jiraiya a discreet look, and he nodded. Minato and Kushina also acknowledged White Fang, who had been using the Transformation Technique to remain inconspicuous.
Tsunade led the Daimyo outside. Minato stepped forward respectfully. "Tsunade-sama, Daimyo-sama, allow me to escort you."
The Daimyo looked surprised, then smiled. "Ah! The Fourth Hokage! I've heard the news of Naruto reviving the people of Konoha… seeing you here doesn't surprise me, but it does bring great joy."
Minato smiled politely. "It's me, Lord Daimyo. Please, this way."
The Daimyo chuckled softly. "You died so unexpectedly back then, yet you returned. Even after all these years, I still admire your strength and courage. Yellow Flash indeed!"
The nickname "Yellow Flash" brought a nostalgic smile to Minato's face. With Kushina by his side, they escorted the Daimyo, exchanging polite bows along the way.
Meanwhile, Tsunade glanced at Jiraiya. "What's going on?" she asked curiously.
Jiraiya whispered a few words, causing Tsunade to gasp, then laugh. "Naruto… he really does enjoy doing things like this, doesn't he?"
On the field, White Fang stepped forward, moving slowly toward Kakashi. Kakashi, engaged in conversation with Shikaku, Ibiki, and Yamanaka Haiichi about Hokage ANBU security and administrative priorities, barely noticed him at first.
A man approached silently. Because the ceremony was underway, nobody thought to be alarmed; they assumed he was a ninja performing official duties.
Lu Tenzo (Ibiki's aide) frowned. "Who is that?" he muttered under his breath.
White Fang did not speak. His gaze remained locked on Kakashi.
Kakashi, puzzled, smiled politely. "May I ask who you are and why you're here?"
Ibiki and Yamanaka Haiichi exchanged glances. A silent visitor staring at the new Hokage was unusual, but seeing Tsunade and Jiraiya nearby, they relaxed—they sensed no danger.
Shizune discreetly guided the others away and looked back at Kakashi. "This is nothing to worry about."
Just then, Naruto appeared, hooking Jiraiya's shoulder. "Pervy Sage, are we almost ready?"
Jiraiya chuckled. "We're about to recognize each other!"
Tsunade leaned against a wall nearby, teasing, "Naruto, you're really spoiling Kakashi, aren't you?"
Naruto grinned. "After all, Kakashi-sensei was my homeroom teacher!"
Kakashi's gaze shifted to the man in front of him. Something about him felt familiar. His instinct as a shinobi told him that this was no ordinary visitor.
"Excuse me… who are you?" Kakashi asked cautiously.
The man smiled faintly. "Kakashi… you've grown up."
Kakashi's eyes widened. His body trembled involuntarily. "Who… are you?"
With a swift motion, White Fang removed his Transformation Technique. In an instant, his true face was revealed.
"Father…?" Kakashi's voice trembled.
White Fang's eyes glistened. "Kakashi… it's me. I've waited so long to see you like this. I'm sorry… when I left, I could not bear my pain and… I failed as a father. But seeing you now… seeing the Hokage you've become… I am proud of you!"
Kakashi could hardly believe his eyes. The father he thought long dead was standing before him, alive—brought back by Naruto's intervention.
White Fang continued, voice choked with emotion: "I never imagined that one day you would forgive me, understand me… and surpass everything I ever hoped for. You've become Hokage through your own efforts, Kakashi. I am… so proud of you."
Kakashi's eyes welled with tears. "Father…"
The two embraced tightly, years of misunderstanding and unspoken regret melting away in that moment. For the first time in his life, Kakashi felt the weight of his father's approval, a recognition he had longed for since childhood.
Behind them, Naruto watched silently, a small smile playing on his lips. Seeing Kakashi like this… seeing his teacher finally reunited with his father… it was a moment that validated all the hardships, all the struggles, and all the dreams that had led to this day.
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