In the afternoon, goose-feather snow began drifting gently over Konoha, and Naruto arrived, leading a little blonde girl.
As soon as he stepped inside, he complained,
"Mom, Dad, Hoshina is throwing a fit about seeing you both! I can't calm her down anymore!"
One could see five extra red "whisker" marks on Naruto's face, clearly the result of Hoshina's handiwork.
Hoshina immediately wriggled free from Naruto's grasp and dashed into Kushina's waiting arms. Kushina cradled her with a tender smile, comforting the child in her embrace.
Naruto, meanwhile, moved to sit beside Minato. His face still marked by Hoshina's playful handiwork, he asked Chiga,
"Chiga-san. Is Auntie Kaguya about to give birth?"
Chiga smiled gently,
"Yes, it should happen within the next few days."
"That's so exciting! How handsome or beautiful will your child be, If it's a boy, he'll definitely surpass that guy Sasuke in looks!"
"Naruto, you're terrible for badmouthing me behind my back!"
Naruto quickly turned and froze when he noticed Sasuke standing nearby, arms crossed and giving him a disdainful glare. Naruto stammered,
"Y-You, why didn't you knock when you came in? Don't you have manners?!"
Sasuke lifted a brow and replied calmly,
"Which fool barged in and left the door open? Was it some blonde, spiky-haired person? Don't change the subject."
"Didn't I just say? With Chiga-san's genes, the child is bound to be devastatingly handsome!"
Sasuke didn't deny it. If beauty could be ranked, Chiga's looks would undoubtedly surpass all others in the Ninja World. He squinted at Naruto and snorted,
"So what? That has nothing to do with you. This is the Uchiha Clan's talent!"
Naruto could only pout in defeat and fell silent.
Behind Sasuke, the rest of the Uchiha family appeared. Madara, Itachi, Obito, and…well, Kakashi.
Rin stood beside Obito, clearly showing a close relationship. Obito had returned to his cheerful self, far removed from the melancholic young man he once was, and the elderly women he helped could now circle Konoha two and a half times. Kakashi had even pranked Obito once, dressing as an old woman to trick him into giving her a tour of the village, only to be dragged into Kamui space for a proper scolding once the prank was discovered.
Currently, Rin was accompanying Tsunade and had come to inform Obito about Kaguya's impending childbirth. He quickly gathered a small amount of Ryō he had taken from Kakuzu, purchased a large bundle of supplies, and stored them in his Kamui space before preparing to depart.
However, his actions drew Madara's attention. After consulting with Itachi and Sasuke, the Uchiha decided to go together. Chiga's child would undoubtedly inherit the Uchiha legacy, and the clan had to uphold its honor.
Led by Madara, the Uchiha members paraded conspicuously through Konoha, even pulling along a passing Kakashi, who had no choice but to join them.
They were surprised to find Chiga already home. Seeing him, Itachi bowed respectfully.
"Lord Hokage."
Chiga waved lightly, smiling.
"No need for formalities. I haven't wanted the position of Hokage for a long time, Itachi. You are more than capable; you should consider taking the next term as Hokage."
"Nani?"
Even the usually composed Itachi was taken aback. In his mind, Chiga was the only one truly qualified to hold the title, and his endorsement carried immense weight.
"I… cannot, Chiga-sama. I am not qualified. Minato-san and Madara-sama…"
Minato quickly raised a hand to stop him, his expression serious.
"Itachi, please. Whoever wants to be Hokage can do so. Qualifications? Everyone can see your abilities. Strength, decision-making, leadership—you are the best candidate!"
Madara placed a hand on Itachi's shoulder and added earnestly,
"I am the least suitable to be Hokage. Konoha isn't desperate enough to require someone from the old era. That would make people think there are no successors!"
Obito, who had once aspired to be Hokage, also nodded in agreement. He had full confidence in Itachi's abilities and now focused on his relationship with Rin, leaving leadership to those more capable.
Kakashi, observing, appeared entirely unconcerned. In his eyes, being Hokage was far less relaxing than reading the latest chapters of his favorite novels, and he had other priorities.
Sasuke looked bewildered, muttering,
"Huh? My brother is going to be Hokage?"
Naruto grinned and gave Itachi a thumbs-up. Kakashi raised an eyebrow, wondering if Naruto had been spending too much time with Guy, as he now seemed unusually energetic.
"Itachi Big Brother is incredible! I need to step up too!"
Chiga smiled and addressed Itachi,
"Alright, Itachi. No more refusals. After my child is born, you will take on the role of Hokage. It's decided."
Konoha had now reached an unprecedented peak, with a formidable lineup and no troublesome figures like Danzo interfering. The village's environment had never been better.
Itachi paused, then knelt solemnly,
"Thank you for your trust, Lord Hokage. I will not let you down."
Chiga gestured for him to rise, smiling,
"Prepare yourself. If you're unsure of anything, ask Minato. He has far more experience in these matters than I do."
Looking up at the snowflakes drifting past the window, Chiga thought that a hot pot shared together in such weather, accompanied by a few side dishes, would be a perfect moment of joy in life.
---