LIGHT NOVEL Chapter 270: Chapter 270
Time flowed like sand through one's fingers, and before anyone knew it, the month had passed.
Today was a special day for Konoha—a day the entire village had eagerly awaited.
On this day, the villagers of Konoha would welcome their Third Hokage.
The sky was a vibrant blue, dotted with fluffy white clouds. The sun rose warmly on the horizon, casting its golden glow across the village. A soft breeze blew through the streets, bringing a refreshing coolness to the villagers.
Young and old alike all wore bright, clean clothes as they made their way toward a singular destination.
It was a beautiful sight. The streets, alive with smiling faces, seemed like a painting brought to life.
Everyone moved toward the central plaza, where the inauguration ceremony would take place at 10 a.m.
By 8 a.m., the plaza was already packed with people. Despite its vast size, the space was quickly filling up as more villagers arrived. By 10 a.m., it was certain that the square would be overflowing.
Yet no amount of crowding could deter the people. Everyone wanted to witness this monumental moment, to see the man they admired—Mochizuki Hui.
"Hui-sama is really popular!"
A Konoha ninja, squeezed into the crowd, remarked with a raised voice.
"Isn't that obvious? Even someone like you, a mission addict, came here. That says everything!" his companion teased, though he too sounded excited.
The first ninja laughed. "Hahaha, I wouldn't have worked so hard on missions if not for Hui-sama's merit system. Thanks to it, I mastered an A-rank jutsu and stepped into the ranks of Special Jonin."
As a commoner ninja, he had never dreamed of accessing such powerful techniques before. Previously, the highest-level jutsu he could touch were B-rank at best.
"True. The merit system has been a blessing for us. Still, today's probably the least busy day for the mission hall since the system was implemented, huh?"
"Absolutely. If anyone skipped this ceremony and I find out, I'll beat them to a pulp!" he declared, waving his fist.
Their cheerful exchange drew grins from other nearby ninjas. One of them thought to himself, I'm just glad my assigned mission location is here. I wouldn't want to miss this for the world.
As an Anbu member, he was tasked with blending into the crowd to ensure the safety of the ceremony. He knew his job was to watch for any overexcited individuals who might cause disturbances.
Still, he was happy. It was far better than patrolling the village perimeter like some of his colleagues. At least he got to witness Hui's inauguration up close.
To the Anbu, even though Hui had technically retired from his role as the Anbu commander, he would always remain their "Commander"
…
Meanwhile, at Konoha's outskirts, four figures in dark uniforms moved silently through the forest.
They were Anbu members—the unlucky ones assigned to patrol duty instead of attending the ceremony.
After a long silence, one of them muttered bitterly, "Damn it… Why couldn't I have drawn the lot for plaza duty?" He smacked his own hand in frustration.
The allocation of tasks had been decided by a fair draw. With so many people eager to see Hui's inauguration, Sakumo had used the simplest and most impartial method—a lottery.
The other three Anbu members shared his sentiment, each letting out a frustrated sigh beneath their masks.
…
Back in Konoha, the crowd in the central plaza grew even larger as the minutes ticked by. The excitement in the air was palpable.
The Senju clan compound was completely deserted. Everyone had already headed to the plaza—except for three people.
In Hui's room, Tsunade was helping him with the final touches of his attire.
"You look so handsome," she murmured as she adjusted the pristine Hokage cloak draped over his shoulders. Her heart swelled with pride and happiness as she gazed at the man before her.
This man—the one who would become Hokage—was her man.
Hui smiled and placed a soft kiss on her forehead. "Let's go."
Hand in hand, they stepped out of the room.
Waiting for them outside was Tobirama Senju, the Second Hokage.
At 55 years old, Tobirama had reached the threshold of old age, yet he looked no older than a man in his early thirties. Thanks to Hui's occasional infusion of life force, Tobirama remained in his physical prime.
"Let's go. I can finally pass the mantle of Hokage to you and take some much-needed rest," Tobirama said, smiling faintly. It was rare expression for the usually stern Second Hokage.
"Let's go, Grandpa Tobirama," Hui replied with a smile.
Tobirama placed his hands on Hui's and Tsunade's shoulders, and in the next instant, the three of them appeared on the stage at the center of the plaza.
The moment they arrived, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers that echoed across Konoha.
Tsunade stepped aside, joining a group of familiar faces: Nawaki, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, Naigawa Kage, Uzumaki Mina, Konan,Lightning, and many others.
On the opposite side stood Konoha's leaders, elite ninja, and clan heads:
Sakumo Hatake (Anbu Commander)
Hiruzen Sarutobi (Jonin Commander)
Shimura Danzo (Interrogation Department Head)
Uchiha Clan Leader (Head of Konoha Police Force)
Other department heads, the Hyuga Clan Leader, Uzumaki Suihei, the Ino-Shika-Cho clan heads, and other prominent shinobi families.
Also in attendance were envoys from the Land of Fire Daimyo, wealthy merchants, and high-ranking officials.
Everyone fell silent, turning their attention to the center of the stage where Tobirama Senju and Hui stood.
Finally, the clock struck 10 a.m.
Tobirama channeled his chakra, using a jutsu Hui had created to project his voice across the entire village.
"Today is a momentous day for Konoha," Tobirama began, his voice steady and clear.
The entire village fell completely silent. All eyes were on the Second Hokage as they hung on his every word.
"Today, Konoha welcomes its new leader—our Third Hokage.
"His name is Mochizuki Hui.
"I don't need to recount his deeds or his accomplishments as you all know them well.
"What I want to tell you now is this:
"He was once the silent shadow that protected Konoha, but he is also the light that guides it.
"He is the Demi-God of the Ninja World, but he is also the God of Konoha's Ninja.
"Today, he becomes our village's new Hokage.
"Konoha's Third Hokage—Mochizuki Hui!"
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