Reborn in Konoha as the Anbu Torturer-Chapter 699: Ōnoki’s Envy

Almost simultaneously, the entire ninja world was in an uproar.

News spread rapidly throughout the ninja world, especially the message that Minato Namikaze was about to become the Hokage of Konoha.

Half a month ago, word spread across the ninja world about a major scandal in Konoha. The scandal centred around the Third Hokage, and everyone knew that the Third Hokage had resigned after this incident.

Now, Konoha was essentially a village without a Hokage, and every ninja was watching closely, waiting for what would happen next.

All the villages in the ninja world understood that Konoha would soon select a new Hokage, but no one knew who it would be.

However, now the news was out.

...

Iwagakure.

The Third Tsuchikage, Ōnoki, was in his office reviewing documents when he heard a rush of footsteps outside. Moments later, an Iwagakure ninja appeared before him.

"Tsuchikage-sama, there is news from Konoha!"

The ninja reported urgently, his face pale and covered in sweat. It was clear he had rushed without stopping, as his breathing was still heavy, and his energy seemed erratic.

"What happened?"

Ōnoki paused, setting down the documents in his hands. He glanced at the ninja, a bit puzzled. He had a feeling it was related to the Hokage position in Konoha.

Ōnoki, as the Third Tsuchikage, understood the operations of a village well. He knew that Konoha couldn't go long without a Hokage. If such a situation persisted, the town would be like a headless chicken, unable to move forward.

Based on his experience, the issue is usually resolved quickly when a village's leader encounters trouble. Having a leader is essential to a village's stability.

Ōnoki had anticipated Konoha's need for a new Hokage after the Third Hokage resigned in disgrace. He suspected Minato Namikaze would take the position, ensuring a smooth transition for Konoha's people.

"Konoha is holding a Hokage succession ceremony," the Iwagakure ninja reported quietly, bowing his head and avoiding Ōnoki's gaze.

This information came from the front lines, and he had delivered it as quickly as possible. However, he didn't dare look at the Tsuchikage's reaction.

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"The Fourth Hokage of Konoha is Minato Namikaze, isn't it?" Ōnoki said plainly, without much emotion. He had already predicted this outcome and seemed unsurprised.

"Yes," the Iwagakure ninja quickly confirmed, still not daring to look at Ōnoki directly.

"I figured as much," Ōnoki nodded. Just as he had expected, Minato Namikaze had become Konoha's new Hokage, signalling a new era for the village.

"Konoha is about to rise again!"

Ōnoki couldn't help but sigh. He knew firsthand the strength of Minato Namikaze, as it was Minato who had caused them to lose the last Great Ninja War.

After the war, Ōnoki reviewed the events and understood that Minato was an unstoppable force, a rising star that could not be ignored.

Ōnoki had even imagined that if he were the Third Hokage, he would also step down and entrust the village's future to such a young and influential individual.

However, it was easier said than done.

Thinking about it, Ōnoki couldn't help but admire the Third Hokage a little. To step down and pass on the mantle of Hokage was a bold and decisive move that garnered attention from the entire world.

"Keep monitoring Konoha. Let me know if anything changes," Ōnoki said, waving off the ninja.

"Yes, sir," the Iwagakure ninja responded and quickly vanished.

Now alone, the Tsuchikage's office returned to its quiet state.

"Sigh..." Ōnoki sighed deeply. Knowing that Minato Namikaze had become Hokage stirred emotions within him, even though he hadn't shown it outwardly.

He could feel the winds of change sweeping across the world.

Konoha had chosen a new Hokage, while Iwagakure was still struggling to find a successor for its Tsuchikage. This stirred a sense of unease within him.

It was a strange feeling—like others around him had already become grandparents, while his child hadn't even found a partner yet, let alone had grandchildren. Others were already witnessing the growth of the next generation while he was still waiting.

At this moment, he felt like he had fallen behind.

The gap between Iwagakure and Konoha was painfully clear. Iwagakure needed to gain the talent and potential that Konoha seemed to produce naturally. No one in his village was capable of stepping up to lead.

This left Ōnoki feeling deeply sad.

He wondered how much longer it would take to find a worthy successor who could allow him to retire in peace and watch the village grow from the sidelines.

As a village leader, he was exhausted.

Sitting in this position no longer brought the sense of accomplishment it once did. Instead, it weighed heavily on him, both physically and mentally. He constantly had to be alert, anticipating any potential threats.

He was growing old.

"I envy him," Ōnoki muttered. He couldn't help but admire the Third Hokage, who had found someone to pass the mantle to, capable of leading Konoha into the future.

They had been village leaders for a long time, guiding their respective villages. But now, Konoha was moving on to a new era, while Iwagakure was still stuck in the past.

Ōnoki longed for someone like Minato in his village to ease his burdens and allow him to step back.

The more he thought about it, the more difficult it became.

Ōnoki glanced down at the mountain of paperwork on his desk, a daily reminder of the complexities of leadership. Every day was filled with mundane tasks, and he was tired.

For Ōnoki, being the Tsuchikage felt like being trapped in a fortress. People outside wanted to get in, while those inside wanted out.

Of course, Ōnoki had no idea that the Third Hokage hadn't willingly stepped down. The Third Hokage would have loved to be in Ōnoki's position, not having to worry about powerful young rivals constantly emerging.

"If only I could find someone..." Ōnoki thought as he stared at the scrolls before him.

At the end of the last Great Ninja War, he had hoped to rebuild and prepare for the next conflict. But now, that plan seemed unnecessary.

"I need to find a successor," he muttered.

He knew that no one in Iwagakure could use the Dust Release technique as he could. It was a rare kekkei tōta, stronger than even a kekkei genkai. He had learned it from the Second Tsuchikage, but no one was left to pass it on to.

Now, more than ever, Ōnoki longed to pass on his duties and retire.

Reflecting on Konoha's abundant talent and the ease with which they produced geniuses like Minato, he couldn't help but feel envious.

He wished Iwagakure had fertile ground to nurture such prodigies.

Each time he thought of this, he felt a growing desire to invade Konoha and take over their prosperous land. By comparison, Iwagakure was barren, and even finding water was a challenge.

While Ōnoki didn't dwell too long on this news, the rest of Iwagakure was abuzz. The information quickly spread throughout the village, and everyone learned that the boy they had once faced on the battlefield, Minato Namikaze, had become the Fourth Hokage of Konoha.

They had anticipated this since Minato's abilities were undeniable. However, hearing the official news still left them in awe.

It was a realisation that, despite knowing someone's potential, seeing them fulfil it was still shocking.

It was like watching a brilliant student excel through sheer talent and hard work—while you knew they would succeed, you still couldn't help but be amazed when the results came in.

The ninjas of Iwagakure, especially those who had faced Minato on the battlefield, were left speechless. Minato had earned the nickname "Yellow Flash of Konoha," Now, he was the village's Hokage.

They had seen his potential firsthand, but to see him rise so quickly to the top was nothing short of astounding.

The boy they had once fought against was now the leader of Konoha.