Konoha.
Inside the Hokage's office.
Watching the Third Hokage hunched over and chain-smoking before him, Minato rubbed his temples in resignation.
He had miscalculated.
He had thought the old man had come to discuss how to handle the Raikage—perhaps even offer some useful strategies, given his experience.
But he was wrong.
From the Third's mouth came nothing but the same phrases: "Konoha is a village of courtesy," "a village of benevolence," and other equally hollow sentiments.
Courtesy. Benevolence.
There was nothing wrong with those ideals.
But wasn't he, by saying this, essentially asking Konoha to downplay the matter—to quietly send the Raikage back to Kumogakure and expect a favor in return?
My Lord Third…
Courtesy and benevolence—are those really attitudes one should have toward an enemy?
Shouldn't such virtues be reserved for one's own people?
If Konoha were to release an enemy simply because it prides itself on being courteous and compassionate, then what happens the next time a ninja from another village sneaks in like the Raikage did? Should we let them go too?
These words—courtesy and benevolence—do not apply to enemies.
That's the fundamental difference between foes and allies.
Still, what troubled Minato wasn't the Third's attitude.
After all, Konoha was under his leadership now. The Third could offer advice, but the final decision rested with him alone.
So, those notions of courtesy and benevolence—he had no intention of following them.
"The First Hokage founded Konoha; his name should rightfully appear on the Wall of Honor. The Second Hokage died defending Konoha; his name belongs there as well," the Third said.
"They were both Hokage, Minato. You are a Hokage too."
He subtly emphasized the word "Hokage," a gentle smile on his face.
The meaning was obvious. I, too, am a Hokage.
Therefore, I wish to be enshrined on the Konoha Wall of Honor.
Having said that much, Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't need to continue.
Now it was a matter of whether Minato could take the hint.
And of course, could a Hokage really lack that kind of perception?
Hiruzen had said enough today. He could swallow his pride in private, but never in public.
No matter what, he wanted his name on that Wall of Honor.
He could already picture it—his grandchild pointing proudly at his name one day, saying to their friends:
"See that? That's my grandfather! He earned his place among the Leaders on the Wall of Honor for his great service to Konoha! He was also the great Third Hokage of the village!"
Just imagining that scene made his heart race.
I'm a hero!
I'll be remembered by Konoha's people for generations!
Truly impressive, Lord Third.
Minato's mouth twitched.
Honestly, he hadn't yet decided whose names would go on the newly built Wall of Honor. It was something he was still discussing and reviewing with his advisors.
That's why no other names had been engraved so far.
But Hakken's accomplishments were more than enough. Putting his student's name up first to establish his presence was something he, as a teacher, ought to do.
As for the others… that required further discussion.
It wasn't that they were unworthy—it just couldn't be rushed. He needed to assess everyone's contributions carefully to ensure fairness and transparency.
Yet the Third's impatience made things awkward.
If he agreed, others with greater merits might object.
If he refused, judging by the Third's demeanor, he clearly wasn't leaving quietly today.
Headache.
A real headache.
He was already swamped with the Raikage issue, and now this. At a time like this, he truly had no energy to deal with the Wall of Honor.
Even his newly promoted assistant, Shikaku Nara, was coming home every day with dark circles under his eyes.
You're an adult—can't you understand priorities?
Right now, the main focus is leveraging the Raikage to secure greater advantages for Konoha. Why are you so eager to polish your own reputation?
If you can't help, fine—but don't add to the chaos.
Those were the words Minato kept to himself.
But he couldn't say them out loud.
As the Fourth Hokage, it was his duty to respect his predecessors.
Unless absolutely necessary—like when Hakken went on a rampage at the village gates—he preferred not to use his authority as Hokage to confront the Third.
He could do it, but there was no need.
What mattered most was what was best for the village.
...
"Minato-sensei."
Just then, the office door opened. Hakken, carrying his great sword over his shoulder, stepped in with a puzzled look on his face.
He could've sworn he'd heard someone talking about the Hokage and a wall or something. But the moment his eyes landed on the Third, his confusion disappeared.
Oh, it's him.
Then it's fine.
Catching Minato's helpless, pleading gaze, Hakken gave a calm nod. The meaning was clear—leave it to him.
"The Third Hokage is right. Both the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, were great contributors to Konoha," he said evenly.
"They had their merits and their flaws, but they're more than worthy of being engraved on Konoha's Wall of Honor."
Merits and flaws? That's your evaluation of the First and Second Hokage?
Minato glanced at Hakken, puzzled, but didn't interrupt him.
"Just now, the Third also mentioned the word 'Hokage,' didn't he?"
Hakken rubbed his chin, the corner of his mouth curving slightly. That faint smirk made Hiruzen instinctively sense that something wasn't quite right.
"That's correct. Every Hokage has been recognized as one of Konoha's great heroes."
Hmm.
I like the sound of "great heroes."
Maybe this kid isn't so bad after all.
The Third nodded in satisfaction.
"Then, to put it plainly—all Hokage throughout history have been Konoha's heroes and naturally deserve to have their names inscribed on the Wall of Honor."
"You're a Hokage too, so you'd like to be on the wall, right?"
Getting on the wall, huh? Getting on a bed might be easier.
The amusement in Hakken's eyes deepened as he walked up to Hiruzen and boldly patted him on the shoulder. To be fair, the old man wasn't very tall, so the angle wasn't difficult.
"That's indeed a place I aspire to," the cheerful Third said.
"Simple," Hakken replied with a gracious nod. "If you want to be on the wall, you can be. After all, the Wall of Honor system was my idea. I still hold that authority."
Understanding that, Hiruzen's smile grew brighter.
Wait. Something's off.
What's going on with Hakken?
Seeing Hakken so cooperative left Minato looking bewildered. That wasn't the kind of attitude he usually had.
"But Lord Third, there's one precondition for being added to the wall."
Changing his tone abruptly, Hakken cleared his throat and straightened, his expression turning serious as he looked toward Minato.
"Sensei, please get your pen ready."
"Pen?"
Startled, Minato picked up the pen and paper from his desk.
"Please, Lord Third," Hakken said solemnly, "state the achievements you've made over these decades—everything you've done for Konoha and for this village!"
"Speak boldly! Speak freely!"
...
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