As Naruto and Sasuke were about to release the Infinite Tsukuyomi, Shindai stopped them because he still had questions he wanted answered.
The Sage of Six Paths looked at Shindai. "What else do you need to ask?"
Shindai inquired, "Who is Kaguya Otsutsuki's teammates? Where are they? And if other members of the Otsutsuki Clan descend upon the ninja world, how should we resist them? Naruto and Sasuke have already used up the Seal—we won't have that to rely on next time. What should we use against them then?"
The Sage of Six Paths said in surprise, "Did you foresee this?"
Shindai gave a reluctant nod. "Hmm... I guess you could say that."
After a moment's silence, the Sage of Six Paths spoke solemnly, "Actually... I don't know anything about what you're saying. But Shindai..."
Looking straight into Shindai's eyes, the Sage continued earnestly, "The current crisis facing the ninja world has ended. The future will develop in its own way. So let me tell you this—leave everything to the future! I firmly believe that if new Otsutsuki really do appear in our world someday, there will be new heroes who rise up to save us from that crisis.
At this moment, I place my full trust in all of you. Even without my help, you'll be able to overcome every challenge ahead."
In his mind, Shindai recalled the image of a certain yellow-haired kid from the future.
Smiling slightly, Shindai said, "Alright then. Let's leave it to the future. After all, my foresight ends here. There's no point in worrying over something we can't change now. We've already worried plenty about what needed worrying. Now it's time for the next generation to take care of their own problems. We've worked hard enough—we deserve some peace and enjoyment."
The Sage of Six Paths nodded toward Naruto and Sasuke.
Naruto and Sasuke exchanged a glance, then both formed the 'Boar' hand seal simultaneously.
[Infinite Tsukuyomi, Release!]
The previously darkened sky cleared, and sunlight shone down onto the earth.
As the Infinite Tsukuyomi was lifted, countless people who had been wrapped inside the God Tree broke free from its grasp, escaping from the Genjutsu.
Smiling, the Sage of Six Paths bid farewell, "Then this is goodbye. The ninja world is in your hands now."
His body grew transparent before finally vanishing completely.
...
One month later.
The battlefield had finally been cleared away during this time, and peace returned to the ninja world.
At this moment, a large crowd had gathered at the entrance to Konoha Village.
Irōka was sweating nervously as he tried explaining, "Seriously, listen. It's the village regulation—only authorized personnel can meet with Naruto and Sasuke. Please go back~"
"What kind of rule is that? We came all this way!"
"We want to see them! Even a glimpse would be enough!"
"That's right! That's right!"
Wiping the sweat from his forehead, Irōka repeated, "I've told you several times already—it's a village regulation!"
Inside the Hokage Building.
Minato Namikaze looked at the pile of documents on the table and sighed, "Looks like I've got my work cut out for me."
In his mind, Minato was thinking it was time to decide the next Hokage, considering potential candidates.
Should it be Shisui? Or maybe Obito? Kakashi would also be a good choice. Itachi seemed suitable too.
The name Shindai crossed Minato's mind, but he quickly dismissed it upon recalling Shindai's tendency to either stay indoors all day or stir up trouble.
"Obito, huh..."
Minato thought Obito was more appropriate. Although Shisui, Kakashi, and Itachi were all decent choices, they tended to be more passive. Obito, on the other hand, was proactive by nature. Having loved helping others since childhood, combined with his experiences so far, the villagers had come to greatly respect Obito.
In Minato's eyes, Obito seemed like the best choice in terms of ability, character, and popularity.
Minato called Hiruzen Sarutobi, Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, Jiraiya, Tsunade, and Orochimaru to discuss the matter.
The discussion went smoothly, with everyone agreeing that Obito would be very suitable to become Konoha's Fifth Kage.
So Minato sent someone to bring Obito over.
"Minato-sensei, did you call me for a mission?"
Minato pointed at the stack of documents waiting to be processed and smiled, saying, "Obito, these documents are now your responsibility."
When Obito saw the mountain of paperwork piled high on the table, just looking at it made his scalp tingle. "Huh?"
Minato patted Obito's shoulder. "I'll be right here to help you through it. These are things the Hokage has to do."
Obito froze for a moment, then stared at Minato with disbelief.
Smiling at Obito, Minato said, "We've already discussed it earlier. I'm going to pass the title of Hokage to you, Obito."
Obito excitedly promised, "Thank you, Minato-sensei! I definitely won't let anyone down!"
"I believe you. Then let's get started."
Minato stood up, offered his seat to Obito, and sat beside him to guide Obito through processing the documents.
Inside, Minato was also looking forward to this change. Since becoming Hokage, he'd actually spent very little time with Kushina Uzumaki. After stepping down from being Hokage, he would finally have plenty of time to spend with her.
The next day.
Shindai sat in his shop looking thoroughly annoyed.
"Hey, Pakura, Hikaku, isn't this totally unfair? Completely unfair!"
"I'm a hero who saved the ninja world and even made it possible for everyone to take part in the final battle. Don't you think I at least deserve some recognition? Why does everyone only care about those two guys, Naruto and Sasuke?
Shouldn't my Puppet Shop be swarming with customers by now? Why is it still so damn quiet? I should've helped Kaguya otsutsuki destroy this world back then!"
Shindai slammed the table, clearly furious.
Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha rolled their eyes in exasperation — Shindai had been repeating similar things every hour. Even in his sleep, he kept mumbling about it, leaving Pakura and Hikaku Uchiha without much decent sleep.
What's worse, they couldn't even respond. If they agreed with Shindai, he would chatter nonstop without a break. If they didn't go along, he would throw a tantrum.
"Hey, what's got you so worked up? Who ticked you off?"
At the Puppet Shop doorstep, Kakashi and Hanare appeared.
Shindai snapped, "Who upset me? Obviously all of you!"
Kakashi gave Hikaku Uchiha and Pakura a puzzled look.
Hikaku Uchiha and Pakura shrugged, "Naruto and Sasuke became heroes, but Shindai wasn't one — that's why he's jealous. Plus, business here hasn't changed at all, so he's sulking."
Shindai denied it anyway, "Who said I was jealous? Who said I was angry? I'm dying from happiness right now!"
The corner of Kakashi's masked mouth twitched upward, "Sure looks like you're mad. The newly appointed Kazekage Gaara is visiting Naruto and Sasuke — aren't you going along?"
Shindai turned his head sideways, "Hell no, I'm not going!"
"The Kazekage just asked about you — looks like he wants your Puppet Shop to open a branch in Sunagakure."
Shindai's ears twitched slightly, then he coughed dryly, "Actually, come to think of it, I've been curious how Naruto and Sasuke are doing lately. Come on, Pakura, Hikaku, let's go check them out together."
In a flash, Shindai yanked Pakura and Hikaku out of the Puppet Shop.
Kakashi twitched at the edge of his mask — definitely one of those types who always say the opposite of what they mean.
<><><><><><><><>
Thank you for reading! Your support will keep me updating!
~ **4 bonus chapters** this weekend if I get kind comments.
<><><><><><><><>
~ 100+ Advanced Chapters Available on Patreon!
~ More *Free* Chapters and Books Available on Patreon!
patreon.com/Tansnovel
<><><><><><><><>