Naruto: I, who fooled the ninja world, was hailed as a savior.

Chapter 345 The Inauguration Ceremony of the Fifth Hokage

Lead-gray clouds hung low over the sky, obscuring the brilliant morning light and leaving only a somber, gloomy white. Yet, the entire forest was filled with excitement and jubilation.

Although the overcast skies of early winter made the temperature feel even colder and damper, they did nothing to dampen the villagers' long-suppressed enthusiasm.

The main roads were already bustling with people, and strings of colorful paper lanterns and prayer flags with leaf symbols were hanging under the eaves of every house.

All the shops on both sides of the street opened early and came up with all sorts of creative ways to join in the celebration, hanging handwritten plaques and banners in prominent positions.

"New Arrival! Hoodie with the same design as the Fifth Hokage, experience the Hokage style!"

A clothing store has an eye-catching billboard in front of it, attracting many young people passing by to stop and browse.

Under the signs of the glutinous rice ball shops and dumpling shops, there are also notices that read, "Buy three-color glutinous rice balls today and receive a free 'Fifth Hokage' themed glutinous rice cake."

The busiest stall was undoubtedly the one at Ichiraku Ramen.

The ramen shop cleverly launched the "Fifth Hokage-style Ramen Set Meal," and the small shop was completely surrounded by villagers and ninjas who came after hearing the news.

The restaurant was already packed, and many diners simply sat on the benches outside or stood on the street with their steaming bowls in hand, eating their ramen with gusto.

Even bookstores and stationery stores have launched "limited edition" stationery, stickers and picture books to commemorate the Hokage's inauguration, attracting many parents with children.

Congratulations on your inauguration as the Fifth Hokage! All items are 20% off or more today!

"To commemorate the Hokage's inauguration, limited-time special offers on select items!"

The air was filled with the aroma of delicious food, the laughter of people, and an irrepressible sense of excitement and anticipation.

The faces of men, women, young and old were filled with genuine, long-lost smiles.

Some children chased and played with their newly bought "ninja toys," while others dressed up as Hinata Kumokawa and imitated him, having a great time.

The entire village of Konoha, from the highest Shadow Rock to the most secluded alley, was immersed in this atmosphere full of hope and new life.

Without a doubt, today is the day that Hyuga Kumokawa officially takes office as the Fifth Hokage.

The air still seemed to faintly carry the smell of new wood and mortar, and the walls of many buildings still bore their fresh color, silently telling the story of the pain that had just occurred.

This is the first time such a grand celebration has been held since the Akatsuki invaded, the village suffered heavy damage, and was subsequently rebuilt.

The shadow of the Nine-Tails' rampage, the trauma of the Fourth Shinobi World War, and the recent attacks from the Hollow Realm and Akatsuki have dealt a heavy blow to Konoha.

That is why today's hard-won liveliness and vitality are all the more precious.

Even Hiruzen Sarutobi wouldn't choose to go against Hyuga Kumokawa today.

Because the villagers of Konoha desperately need a young and powerful Hokage as their leader to bring a new atmosphere and restore their confidence.

Hyuga Kumokawa's succession was not just a transfer of power, but also carried the hopes of everyone in Konoha for the future, so its scale far exceeded the previous four.

"We've finally waited for this day," a middle-aged businessman remarked with emotion.

His shop, which was destroyed in a previous attack, has just reopened and is now displaying celebratory discount signs.

"I've heard that the Fifth Hokage is very young and accomplished!"

"Yes, it's Lord Kumokawa of the Hyuga clan. He'll surely lead us into a new era."

“I hope that from today onwards, the village can truly live in peace and tranquility…” Similar discussions rose and fell among the crowd, never ceasing.

Everyone's gaze was involuntarily drawn to the majestic Fire Shadow Rock in the distance, their faces showing expressions of either awe or anticipation.

Beside the statues of the first, second, third, and fourth generations, a rock wall, repaired and polished overnight, is ready to be engraved with the fifth face.

“However…” someone looked up at the sky and frowned, “This weather doesn’t look too good. Why did they have to choose today?”

"Don't worry," a regular customer next to him comforted him, subconsciously pulling his coat tighter. "The Fifth Hokage's succession will be blessed by the heavens."

Many people shared similar concerns, but these worries about the weather were quickly overshadowed by the festive atmosphere.

Further away, the rebuilt plaza in front of the Hokage Building has been newly decorated, and a temporary viewing platform has been set up.

The Konoha ninjas, dressed in their uniforms, maintained order and guided the flow of people with great vigor.

The invited tribal chiefs, heads of important village institutions, merchants, and nobles have begun to enter, exchanging pleasantries with smiles on their faces.

Compared to the bustling crowds in the plaza outside the building, the atmosphere in the preparation room inside the Hokage Building was rather tense and busy.

As the time drew ever closer to the start of the ceremony, the staff hurried about.

Indoors, Hinata Kumokawa sat quietly in front of the mirror, his posture upright, his expression calm, and his eyes revealing no emotion.

A woman from a mountain tribe, skilled in makeup and styling, stood before him, holding tools, but her expression showed a rare hesitation and unease.

She carefully examined Hinata Kumokawa's face. His skin was smooth and flawless, and his features were clearly defined, especially his beautiful eyes, which possessed an unadorned majesty and aura...

She raised her hand several times, but after examining it for a long time, she finally put down the tool in her hand with a frustrated expression.

Just then, a noise came from the doorway of the preparation room.

"Hey, haven't the clothes arrived yet? It's almost time!" Kakashi Hatake's voice, as always, was lazy as he called out into the hallway outside the door.

Before he could finish speaking, a figure came running up, panting.

"Here it comes!" Hinata Aoi held a set of clothes in her arms, her cheeks flushed from running.

"It's just embroidering a few words and patterns, why has it taken so long?" Kakashi asked with a hint of doubt.

Upon hearing this, Koharu Utatane, who was checking the process sheet, looked up with a knowing smile and explained, "Kakashi, you don't know this."

"From the first generation to the fourth generation, the sacred robes they wore when they took office were all hand-embroidered by that old man, stitch by stitch. His craftsmanship was excellent."

Tsukushi Koharu paused for a moment, then continued, "However, in recent years, the old man has grown old, and his eyesight and energy are not as good as before. He has already handed over his work to several disciples."

"The only thing she will definitely not entrust to others is the robe of the Hokage successor, so it will be slower."

As they were talking, Hinata Aoi handed the clothes to Hinata Kumokawa, who unfolded them.

The robe is predominantly white, with a red flame-shaped pattern at the hem, and the words "Fifth Hokage" are embroidered in red on the back...

"It's time," Xiaochun, who was turning over to the dormitory, reminded him in a low voice.

(One more chapter. I finished outlining today, so the update is a bit late. But I've realized that the 1.5 million words I initially planned for are probably not enough. I won't be able to finish writing it, lol.)

(End of this chapter)