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The following is a fan-based

FICTION

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Chapter 27: Throne Lost

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Orochisumi sipped some water as she glanced over her fellow ninja rouse to another speech aimed at Minato and his recent years of work.

Turns out there was more to it than the man had been willing to reveal, and investigations had, by all means, opened many cans at once - Chaos had spilled over as Konoha was made aware of some disgusting matters that were indeed ignored until now.

There was nothing akin to kidnappings or experimentations on Minato's part, but some contingencies had been created and sheltered as part of some ANBU projects meant to 'preserve peace' by all means necessary.

Starting with 'Plan Wind Fan' which involved a plan to remove the Uchiha's leading line and have a more 'pro-Konoha' group take over. Fugaku was immensely vexed as he learned this plan had been around a few days after the Kyuubi's attack.

There was also 'Plan Darkness', the forceful arrest of Danzou, the immediate seizure of his memories and resources, and the transformation of ROOT into a secret element within ANBU. This reached as back as Minato's own rise to the Hokageship.

Then there was 'Plan Deep Sands', which involved an arranged marriage between Namikaze Menma and Kankuro of the Sands to try and reinforce Konoha's control over Suna before the invasion came to be.

All of these plans were to be activated upon a mere order uttered by the Hokage. Said event never coming to pass.

Orochisumi gloated much over the so-called 'Plan Grass Snake' which involved her own capture. It would have been effective had Minato known the full scope of her own soft power, but he had disregarded her might entirely even now as she was one step away from claim the hat for herself.

She could already think of her Sensei, of how long he had lamented that she should have claimed it when she could.

She did try at a time, but it was back when her manners had truly decliend due to her asocial experience going on for months. She could understand much of the younger generations, and it took her years to reclaim some semblance of 'empathy'.

She had much to catch up, but Orochisumi was going to speed up the process as the politicans were pretty much setting her road to success.

The next issue, the thing that made the civilians willing to listen ot her, was Minato's own disgraceful disinterest from civilian affairs. He had been supportive of the so-called reformist group in the last decade or so, but their voice had gone unheard, and the reason for that was that the Fourth Hokage had used the hatred between the factions to kill off any 'shake the boat' reforms within their list.

People were livid over the lack of chances in the taxes, with a limited amount of 'war taxes' and rationing still ongoing despite peace having been to Konoha for close to two decades.

And Orochisumi hammered on it. Less taxes, more simplicity, a proper case for changes at a graduated pace.

She struck the general points just fine, and even Minato's usual charisma failed to stand up to his many flaws.

Minato made one last speech and it was just... lovable. For the vitriolic tone.

"You don't understand, don't you! A world of true peace- one where Konoha can be the leading bringer of a world without villages and understandings between all people!"

Lovely, but flawed. So idealistic- she could smell Jiraya's touch in those words.

The pervy author definitely had a knack, but he definitely had a heavier hand in those speeches compared to the earlier ones.

Minato was more despondent, the cause of this the friction between him and his wife.

Kushina was many things, with shallow being a term added as of lately, but she seemed to wake up when her 'nest' was suddenly empty.

Mito's disappearance had made people panic, they all knew this felt like a divine punishment of sort, but it was clear someone very 'alive' did this. Akatsuki! That's what Jiraya had bellowed about, but there was no proof of any external attempts- Mito had left by her own accord, and she was not willing to be found.

Orochisumi had predicted this possibility, but she had to bow to the oddities of fate over Kushina's reaction. The woman seemed to finally get it after losing all her daughters. The redhead was angry, livid, upset, and ultimately lacking a meaningful target.

For a time.

As the 'Contingencies Scandal' was still ongoing, a few plans came up regarding her. Kushina was, after all, a pure-blooded Uzumaki. And Minato knew that it would have been beneficial to try and get some artificial births with Kushina's eggs.

The entire matter caused the worst rift yet as Kushina had offered no consent on the matter. Hell, she was investigated and found to have some of her memories tampered about the day. Not only back when she was taken part of this Plan, but also as deep as the Kyuubi's attack.

Not outright mindwarping, but suggestions which slightly altered her personality to make her compliant to some instances.

After all, what mother would accept giving up on a daughter despite what 'greater good' affair was in place. The suggestions were orchestrated by Minato and executed by an ANBU operative of the Yamanaka Clan.

This led to another major scandal as Inoichi had to remove several of his clan members from the clan itself with the extent of this mess.

Still, Kushina was treated for this, her personality 'going back' piece by piece and, even as things were far from fully done, she was already regaining her righteous anger.

She didn't do anything violently. Her anger going above and beyond the usual 'mean-spirited' habit as she just moved out of the Hokage Manor and settled to her old flat. Most of her things, items she paid by her own finances, which amounted to a sizable amount of furniture and lots of jewels, had been removed.

Minato had been given divorce papers, another slap that was now bringing him down, and those were made public by Kushina herself to a letter to the local newspaper.

Today? It was his one last chance to stand up and prolong the pain. He couldn't recover from this. Not when Danzou had actually been given permission from the council to have his ROOT agent monitor the sessions and prevent any ANBU interference.

It felt horrible to think an Hokage could do this but, looking into the law, Orochisumi had to agree this mess was feasible. And she would have to mend this messy rule at once before it causes issues to her.

With her platform raising a large sway of popularity that pushed her well above Minato in terms of favorability, it was time for her speech and she didn't hold her punches.

"For many years, Konoha had been led by a young face. My sensei told me he had so long wished for someone of the younger generation to rule so that they could understand and act to create a better Konoha. Not one that was above others, not one that enforced peace upon others through questionable means of control, but one that was proud of its strong roots and defend the ideals that saw the foundation of this village. I admit many still think I am not the best option, and not without good reasons," Orochisumi paused and looked around, drawing the gazes of so many old clan heads, "I was once offered by the Third the hat when I was very young, then I was told I wasn't worthy of it when I allowed my experiments to ruin my social life, and now, as a tired woman, Kunoichi, and someone that had much to learn of today's struggles for our village, I wish to show my sensei I am now worthy to take the lead and steer Konoha back to its right path. One of growth, one of prosperity, and one closer to the world wanted by the first Hokage, a world where children no longer need to train to fight and kill fellow children. A world where, with due time and respect, we can get a lasting peace with our fellow ninja village. No more shall we allow the tension of the past kill our chances of a bright future."

Orochisumi then stopped, her eyes narrowing at Minato as he looked back at her with a feeble intimidating glare.

"Hokage-sama, the people have spoken, the council has spoken, Konoha has spoken. I demand your resignation and for you to concede the hat to me. You have damned my sensei's legacy for far too long."

Her speech was followed by an explosive reaction. It was an overwhelming positive roar of support that made Orochisumi smile.

She had been hesitant of this speech's effect until now. She thought this last bit would have been too much, but the patience and the few other moves she made along the month had paid off.

Minato was in a corner, and even if he wanted to lash out, he couldn't.

The session ended without Minato having much of a chance to rebuke this, and, to her delight, an answer to her 'demand' came in the form of a formal document.

Minato had resigned, and he wanted her to claim the hat.

It was a wonderful day, and the official news came straight from the Hokage Building. Konoha was going to have a proper Fifth Hokage within three days and...

Orochisumi smirked as she already plotted how to include the key of her victory into her 'shadow cabinet'. But, of course, she still had some time to get things ready and make sure Anko doesn't do anything too silly.

AN

So, before people whine that I lied about Kushina and Mind-Control... she wasn't. She had that in her, she just got her understanding tampered with around two key elements that then turned her in a haughty person. Does this redeem her? No, but it acts as an explanation.

And no, she is not banging Jonno (this is for real).