Naruto: Reborn with the Template System

Author Note:

Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!

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Half a month had passed since the end of the Third Great Ninja War.

Today, the highest-ranking figures of Konoha's shinobi world gathered in the Hokage building's main conference room.

The atmosphere was heavy, the air thick with anticipation and hidden agendas.

Seated at the front were the long-standing authorities of the village, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Shimura Danzō.

The so-called Elders of Konoha, who had held power behind the scenes for years.

Around them sat representatives from Konoha's most prominent clans: Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, Nara Shikaku, among others.

And then, there were the famed individuals whose power spoke louder than any title, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Orochimaru, Namikaze Minato... and Guts.

They had spent the last hour discussing the aftermath of the war...losses, recovery strategies, future policies.

It was so mind-numbingly dull that Guts had, somewhere along the way, nodded off.

"God, this is boring. Damn it..."

Guts's inner voice grumbled as he sank deeper into his chair.

He didn't know how long he had been out, but he was finally stirred awake by a nudge, Tsunade bumping her elbow into his side.

As he blinked awake, stretching lazily, several pairs of eyes turned toward him.

Minato, ever composed, had an awkward smile on his face.

Shikaku rubbed his temple.

A few others had black lines forming on their foreheads.

Konoha's highest-level meeting... and this guy actually fell asleep? Was he fearless... or just plain nuts?

Jiraiya and Orochimaru, however, merely chuckled to themselves.

This brought back memories, they had seen this exact scene years ago, the very first time they met Guts.

But the real meeting was just beginning.

The most important issue was now on the table...the election of the Fourth Hokage.

Standing at the whiteboard, Sarutobi Hiruzen picked up a marker and calmly began writing a list of names.

Senju Tsunade

Orochimaru

Jiraiya

Namikaze Minato

Uchiha Fugaku

Seeing Fugaku's name, Guts raised an eyebrow but smirked knowingly.

'Heh… so they put Mr. Big Chin on the list too. Just for show, I guess. Toss the Uchiha a bone, make them feel included... classic politics.'

But then, a sixth name was added at the bottom

Shimura Danzō

Guts's smirk vanished.

"Oh hell no"

He muttered under his breath.

"There's no way in hell I'm letting that bastard take the hat."

He stood up, voice calm and casual.

"Minato's a good guy, no doubt"

He said, drawing everyone's attention.

"But if we're talking about qualifications and actual battlefield achievements, doesn't Tsunade make more sense? Her contribution in the Second Ninja War alone is reason enough."

The room burst into murmurs. Eyes darted, voices whispered. Even Sarutobi and the others twitched slightly at the bold declaration.

Everyone had expected Guts to speak out, but not like this.

Jiraiya leaned forward, clearly uncomfortable.

"Tsunade's qualifications are strong, sure. But a Hokage needs to unify the village. In terms of temperament and leadership, I believe Minato fits the role better."

Guts blinked at him, a slow grin forming.

'No wonder you couldn't get her to date you for fifty years. You really suck at reading the room, huh?'

But he kept those thoughts to himself.

Instead, Guts turned to the elders row and said with a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes:

"So... what about you, our beloved Elders? Surely you've got thoughts. Or are you too old to speak?"

He paused, then added mockingly,

"No, no... I meant—what do you wise elders think about my suggestion?"

The entire room flinched. Everyone heard what he really meant.

Utatane Koharu's face darkened. Danzō's fingers twitched, his one visible eye narrowing dangerously.

"We've discussed it thoroughly,"

Koharu said stiffly.

"While Tsunade's efforts are commendable, the position of Hokage cannot be awarded on past merits alone. Minato's balanced nature makes him a better fit for the village moving forward."

The Elders had already discussed who would best serve their interests behind closed doors.

Compared to Tsunade, who had clashed with them since her youth and never hid her disdain...

Minato was a far more agreeable candidate.

Polite, cooperative, and less likely to challenge their authority, he was the obvious choice for those seeking to preserve their influence.

Guts narrowed his eyes and leaned forward.

"Oh? So you're saying... killing two Kage-level enemies and crippling another is just 'credit' now?"

He straightened up with a sigh.

"Alright, then. Next time there's a war, you elders can go fight the Kages yourselves and 'lead the village to victory.' How's that sound?"

The sarcasm dripped from his words like poison. And no one could refute it not even the great elders.

Because doing so would imply that battlefield merit meant nothing. And that would be suicide in front of Konoha's top shinobi.

Minato, ever the peacemaker, tried to step in.

"Guts… let's not let this turn into a fight. Everyone here is family. We should focus on what's best for the village."

"Oh?"

Guts tilted his head.

"So tell me, Minato-chan who do you think is right?"

Minato hesitated. All eyes were on him now.

Seconds ticked by.

Finally, he exhaled and said

"I think... Tsunade-sama is more deserving than me. She saved countless lives in both wars with her medical ninjutsu."

"I've only just begun to prove myself. She has already done so for years."

A beat of silence followed.

Jiraiya sighed helplessly, visibly displeased. The elders expressions darkened even more.

And then Guts stood tall, his voice booming through the room.

"I support Tsunade for Fourth Hokage."

His gaze swept across the crowd.

"Now I ask...who here agrees with me? And who here believes I have the right to make that proposal?"

Gasps. Shock. A move like that...bold, direct, confrontational, bordered on rebellion. It was a clear challenge to Hiruzen's leadership.

Yet... Hiruzen said nothing.

He merely watched, quiet, thoughtful. Perhaps even amused.

The neutral clans—Hyuga, Nara, shifted uncomfortably.

Shikaku rubbed his chin, brows furrowed in thought.

Hiashi closed his eyes, weighing the long-term implications.

Sensing the hesitation, Guts smiled again.

This time, there was no mockery in it,only quiet confidence.

"Everyone here is still young, with futures ahead of you. Think not just about today... but about tomorrow."

"Think about the kind of village we're leaving for the next generation."

A subtle jab. But a devastating one.

The Elders faces darkened. Even Hiruzen's brow twitched slightly.

The meaning was clear...

You old fossils won't be around much longer. Maybe it's time to start thinking about what comes after you.

Hiruzen let out a small laugh under his breath.

"You little bastard..."

"You really don't hold back."

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