After exchanging a few words, Hirito didn't plan to stay long.
"Why don't you sit for a bit? We haven't talked in a while. I'd like to catch up properly.
I heard you've been doing excellent work in the library lately.
Not only did you organize the scattered books and regulations, but even the most difficult ones can now be located within a minute or two by following your system."
Just as Hirito was about to leave, Namikaze Minato took the initiative to stop him.
This sort of achievement wasn't something worth boasting about, yet Minato brought it up anyway.
Back when Hirito first arrived in this world, he had nothing to do and noticed how disorganized the library was. Drawing on management techniques from his past life, he restructured the library completely.
Even the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, gave him high praise. Still, in Hirito's mind, this was no big deal.
"You flatter me. I'm just doing my job, same as you—making big achievements on the battlefield," Hirito replied with a smile as he returned to his seat, eyes locked on Namikaze Minato.
The three Genin—Obito, Rin, and Kakashi—were unusually quiet, sensing the tension and choosing not to interrupt their teachers' conversation.
They could vaguely tell that the relationship between Hirito and Minato was layered and complicated.
"Every mission has its own challenges.
Sure, we kill enemies and win battles, but honestly, I think that's the easy part.
If a ninja has enough strength, eliminating an enemy isn't hard. But managing Konoha, running its institutions, helping it develop steadily—those things are far more difficult."
Namikaze Minato's words caught Hirito by surprise.
If Hirito hadn't known better, he might have thought Minato was a transmigrator like him.
This line of thinking was far beyond the times—intelligent, progressive, and idealistic. But it was difficult to implement in the current war-torn era.
Truthfully, many in the future would say that Namikaze Minato was born too early. If he had been Hokage in the 60th year of Konoha, the village might've reached unprecedented strength under his guidance.
But more than a decade ago, things were a mess. War and internal turmoil plagued every hidden village.
Even though Minato did become the Fourth Hokage, turned the tide, and made reforms, the deeper internal and external threats never went away.
Looking at Minato with a thoughtful expression, Hirito finally broke the silence. "Since you're this concerned about Konoha's current state, I'd wager you're determined to become the next Hokage."
As he spoke, Hirito stood up.
When he mentioned the Hokage, all three Genin perked up. Even Teuchi paused from preparing noodles to listen in.
This topic affected the future of the entire village.
To Hirito's surprise, Minato remained calm—no sign of arrogance or anxiety. His face didn't change at all.
"Although I do want to become Hokage, claiming the title prematurely would be arrogant.
Besides, Lord Orochimaru is also a strong contender for the Fourth Hokage position.
I believe that in the end, it will be Lord Orochimaru who inherits the title.
After all, he's one of the Legendary Sannin, a direct disciple of the Third Hokage.
He was the main reason we ended the war with the Sand Village so quickly.
I care about Konoha's future, and I want it to thrive, even in these chaotic times. I want Konoha to always stand out."
Minato's response was subtle—he deflected attention from himself and redirected it to someone else.
A clever move.
By doing this, he removed himself from scrutiny and left room to make a quiet but powerful impact.
Who said Namikaze Minato was just a righteous, warm-hearted hero?
He was also a skilled schemer.
If he were truly naive, he wouldn't have achieved everything he had. He certainly wouldn't have become the Fourth Hokage, nor planned for the village's future decades ahead—even posthumously.
As Hirito walked past, he raised a hand and lightly patted Minato on the shoulder, smirking slightly.
"You'll become the Fourth Hokage."
With that, Hirito stepped out of Ichiraku Ramen.
Even Minato, usually composed, was left stunned by the abrupt statement.
What no one noticed was that in the instant Hirito touched Minato's shoulder, he planted a Parasitic Seed into his body.
"Teacher, is what Mr. Hirito said true? Will you really become the Fourth Hokage?" Obito asked excitedly.
Though Obito also dreamed of becoming Hokage, if his teacher earned the title, that meant they'd be known as the Hokage's disciples. Maybe someday they could be as renowned as the Sannin.
"Obito, don't speak carelessly. Hirito was just being polite," Minato said quickly, beads of sweat forming on his forehead.
The current situation was unpredictable. Any premature rumor could be used by political enemies.
Even if he were to become Hokage, one wrong word could cost him the position.
Meanwhile, Hatake Kakashi rolled his eyes and muttered, "Idiot. Some things you can say, others you can't. If you don't know the difference, how did you even become a Chūnin?"
"Ah?!"
Obito stood there stunned, then realized he'd just been mocked. After a three-second delay, he snapped out of it and angrily rolled up his sleeves, ready to punch Kakashi.
Naturally, Rin stopped him with a gentle hand before anything happened.
After leaving Ichiraku Ramen, Hirito continued wandering the streets.
When he came across familiar ninjas, he struck up brief conversations, discreetly absorbing chakra and planting Parasitic Seeds.
Before long, it was nearly nine o'clock, and he was finally ready to return home.
The foundation was already laid. All that remained now was to reap the rewards.
Or rather, the harvest had already begun.
His chakra reserves were steadily increasing, and he had already surpassed the normal limits of a Chūnin. Now, he was advancing rapidly toward Elite Chūnin.
End of the Chapter.
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