"How could my Five Release Grand Bullet..."
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly opened his eyes, instinctively alert as he looked around, only to realize he was at home, not battling Sosuke.
"Phew, I actually had a nightmare."
Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath and exhaled, then reached out to rub his forehead, which made him feel a bit better.
Afterward, Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at the clock and saw that the time was slightly earlier than he usually got up, so he decided to get up immediately.
After washing up and finishing breakfast, Sarutobi Hiruzen went directly to the Hokage Office to start working.
"I need to talk to Mokgetsu about Sosuke's issue at noon today," Sarutobi Hiruzen thought after handling a few documents.
In any case, Mokgetsu is Konoha's Hokage Assistant.
It was understandable that he didn't speak when he just returned yesterday with complex feelings, but dragging it out is unacceptable; such important information can't be concealed for the sake of face.
Knock knock.
At this moment, the door of the Hokage Office was suddenly knocked on.
"Come in."
Namikaze Minato pushed open the wooden door and walked into the Hokage Office, "Third Lord."
"Ah, Minato, what is it?" Sarutobi Hiruzen put down his pen and asked.
"Just here to report some work to you, regarding the recent Special Jonin recognition," Namikaze Minato explained.
The Special Jonin is a very unique group.
Konoha established this class originally to elevate some talents who don't meet the standards of Official Jonin due to lack of ability or specialization but have special skills.
However, over time, an unwritten rule developed that even without special skills, if one has enough merit and experience, they can be promoted to Special Jonin.
Now that the war has ended, it's natural to promote a batch of veteran Chunin with merit.
Otherwise, with the high standards of Konoha Jonin, most ninjas wouldn't need to strive beyond Chunin, as they would never advance to Jonin.
Sarutobi Hiruzen showed a listening expression.
This isn't a small matter; Special Jonin is still Jonin, and it's very difficult to be promoted based solely on merit.
"Hmm, you've done well." After listening, Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded and said.
Unlike Jiraiya, that teacher, Namikaze Minato is considered by Sarutobi Hiruzen as the most reliable ninja just below Mokgetsu.
Namikaze Minato gave a humble smile and prepared to leave.
Immediately, Sarutobi Hiruzen thought of something and stopped Namikaze Minato.
"I've noticed there's been a lot of discussion in the village recently about the Fourth Hokage; some people think it's better for the Sannin to take over, while others support a younger ninja like Mokgetsu.
"Your teacher is Jiraiya, and Mokgetsu is your friend; what do you think about this?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked curiously.
Actually, he mainly wanted to ask about Mokgetsu since Jiraiya doesn't want to be Hokage, but that would be too deliberate.
Namikaze Minato stopped and turned back to look at Sarutobi Hiruzen, showing a serious contemplative expression, then said:
"I think Mokgetsu is more suited to become Hokage."
Namikaze Minato understood his teacher deeply, Jiraiya didn't want to be Hokage, nor was he suited to be one; Namikaze Minato couldn't imagine Jiraiya taking the role.
Tsunade suffers from hemophobia; unless she overcomes it, Namikaze Minato doesn't think Tsunade is fit to be Hokage.
Though Hokage rarely goes into battles personally, it doesn't mean there won't be times when they must, and at such a stage, the Hokage's combat power would be crucial; one can't fight effectively with hemophobia.
As for Orochimaru, Namikaze Minato thinks Mokgetsu is preferable.
Mokgetsu possesses Wood Release akin to Senju Hashirama, making him incredibly prestigious despite not belonging to any clans, which is a victory.
Mokgetsu's strength surpasses Orochimaru's; he defeated the Fourth Kazekage rapidly on the battlefield, another victory.
In the Third War, Mokgetsu was the ninja with the greatest achievements in Konoha, a third victory.
Namikaze Minato believes if he wanted to, he could list ten victories for Mokgetsu because Mokgetsu is simply too exceptional.
"It seems you really favor Mokgetsu as Hokage, Minato," Sarutobi Hiruzen remarked, listening to Namikaze Minato earnestly list Mokgetsu's strengths.
"Maybe you'll compete against each other in the future; some in the village are very optimistic about you too."
Looking from the lineage perspective, Namikaze Minato is a direct successor of Hokage; if he develops a few more years, perhaps his popularity could surpass the Sannin.
Surpassing Mokgetsu is unlikely, as they share many similarities, yet Mokgetsu is much stronger; when it comes down to choosing between them, the majority would not pick Namikaze Minato over Mokgetsu.
"Then I'd probably lose terribly." Namikaze Minato laughed.
This can't be blamed on others; if Mokgetsu becomes a Fourth Hokage candidate, even Namikaze Minato himself would want to vote for Mokgetsu.
If it really comes down to competing, Namikaze Minato wouldn't surrender; however, with his current ability, he indeed can't compare to Mokgetsu, who can lead Konoha further.
Looking at Namikaze Minato's gentle demeanor, Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but think of Shimura Danzo.
Why can Namikaze Minato calmly express such thoughts while Shimura Danzo couldn't let go after failing to become the Third Hokage?
Does the position have to reach Hokage to be considered high?
"Third Lord, if there's nothing else, I'll go back to work."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded, watching Namikaze Minato leave.
Five minutes later, Sarutobi Hiruzen put down his pipe, exhaled thick smoke, and called the Anbu at the door: "Invite the two advisors over."
He truly was unsuitable to continue as Hokage; he was having nightmares related to Sosuke.
Konoha needs a strong, confident, young ninja more than an aging Hokage prone to mistakes.