Parallel World 5.
At Konoha's Hokage Rock, a master sculptor tasked with carving the new Hokage statue is preparing to start.
Suddenly, his apprentice's shout from above interrupts him.
"Master, wait! Stop right now!"
"Hmm? What's wrong?"
"Big trouble! They say the Sixth Hokage, Danzo, is dead! The statue-carving project is canceled!"
"What?! What did you say? I prepared so thoroughly that Danzo's face haunted my dreams, and now it's not happening? Damn it! Bastard!"
The sculptor packs up his hammer and chisel, his face full of dissatisfaction.
Since Danzo hadn't passed the village's Jonin assembly vote, even though he was the de facto Hokage, he was still legally only a temporary Hokage.
If he had officially been confirmed, even serving as Hokage for a single day, the statue would still be carved.
But now, it's canceled.
It can only be said that Danzo didn't have this fortune in his lifetime!
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Meanwhile, in the Hokage Building's meeting room, the atmosphere is palpable.
The two Hokage advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, along with department leaders, major clan heads, Kakashi, and others—over ten people in total—are gathered here to discuss.
The tragedy at the Five Kage Summit, just over a week ago, has undoubtedly shocked the entire ninja world.
"The Five Kage were nearly annihilated, Akatsuki resurfaced with fanfare, declaring war on the entire ninja world."
For ordinary ninja, the impact is overwhelming.
It's equivalent to the five presidents of superpower nations meeting at the UN, only to be wiped out by a small nation! And then, that nation threatens to challenge all five superpowers!
It's simply too horrifying.
Especially in the ninja world, where Kage-level leaders represent the pinnacle combat strength of their respective factions, comparable to an entire elite force.
All of them were wiped out—could that small nation have acquired alien star technology?
Consider that in previous ninja world wars, no matter how fierce, there were hardly ever tragedies where more than two Kage died at once.
But this time, it was the annihilation of all five Kage…
Honestly, when the news reached Konoha and was confirmed, most of Konoha's top brass nearly despaired and immediately suppressed the information.
If it spread, it would likely devastate morale.
"How terrifying! Who would've thought Nagato and Uchiha Itachi, already defeated, were revived with Edo Tensei!"
"Has that Kabuto, after inheriting Orochimaru's legacy, gone completely mad to this extent?"
"Also, according to the mark left by Yamanaka Fu at the battle site, the temporary Hokage was apparently killed by Sasuke and Itachi together."
"So, Uchiha Sasuke has fully joined Akatsuki?"
"It seems so."
"Moreover, looking at the battle ruins at Tekkawa Fortress, they strongly resemble the suicide ninjutsu of Akatsuki's Deidara. In other words, other Akatsuki members were revived too?"
"This is too frightening, Kakashi. How much time do we have?"
"Nagato told me to relay to the village: in half a month, he'll visit Konoha again. Now, less than a week remains."
"Less than a week? What's your plan to deal with the enemy?"
Faced with this question, everyone present falls silent…
No one here is a fool. Konoha's overall strength is indeed formidable.
But if everyone combined their forces, could they defeat the combined might of the five Kage?
The five Kage lost, which proves just how powerful Akatsuki is now…
One C0 Suicide Blast, one Super Shinra Tensei—either could wipe out Konoha in an instant.
This is simply unplayable!
"So what, are we all just waiting to die?"
"The enemy only said they want to visit Konoha to negotiate, not necessarily attack the village again…"
"Negotiate? Have you forgotten the outcome of Tsunade-sama's last negotiation with them?"
"…"
"In short, Tsunade is still unconscious. Discussing this now is pointless. The most urgent task is to quickly select a new Hokage to lead the situation!" Koharu, as an advisor, proposes first.
After Danzo's death, Konoha's high-level command system is in chaos.
Though the two Hokage advisors nominally hold the highest status, they lack the authority to mobilize the Anbu or Konoha's main forces, nor can they command the ninja clans.
This has caused most of Konoha's functions to nearly grind to a halt. Critical information and decisions go unreported, and no one can make them.
And the village's reconstruction work, defense work, alliance work, negotiation work, and more…
All require a Hokage to take charge.
"Absolutely right!"
"It's time to select a new Hokage immediately."
"Any recommendations?"
"I recommend Hatake Kakashi as the new Hokage!" Nara Shikaku is the first to offer divine support.
"Kakashi? I recommend him too."
"Agreed!"
"Agreed!"
Everyone votes, even the advisors Koharu and Homura agree, along with the Hyuga clan head and other major clan leaders.
Everyone knows Kakashi is the most suitable candidate right now.
In terms of identity, he's a direct disciple of the Fourth Hokage, with a clear background.
In terms of strength, after mastering Kamui, he's one of the few Kage-level fighters in the village.
And he's not part of any major clan, standing alone, which helps balance the interests of various major clans.
He's the greatest common denominator acceptable to all.
"Kakashi, what do you think?"
"I'm mentally prepared!" Kakashi sheds his usual humility, answering earnestly.
Having faced Edo Tensei Nagato in person, no one knows Konoha's dire situation better than him. Though he claims he's not suited to be Hokage, to protect the village, he knows he must shoulder this great responsibility!
"Oh, finally being honest!"
"What about Kazekage-dono's opinion?"
Homura sighs, then shifts his gaze to Gaara, the Kazekage, who has been sitting on the right, quietly listening.
Gaara is the only Kage to survive the tragic defeat at the Five Kage Summit.
Thanks to a toad summoned by Naruto's clone, he was transported to Mount Myoboku before Deidara's explosion, escaping disaster.
Otherwise, he'd almost certainly be dead!
Now, summoned back to Konoha by Naruto after returning to the village, he's a guest here.
Given the current crisis, Gaara is allowed to stay in Konoha and has been invited to this high-level meeting.
As the only surviving Kage, his voice carries far more weight than usual.
Even the upcoming ninja alliance may rely on this surviving Kazekage to actively initiate unity.
Konoha naturally needs to hear the Kazekage's opinion.
If the Kazekage strongly opposes, even if Kakashi inherits the Hokage title, the ninja alliance might not form smoothly.
Facing the question, Gaara speaks frankly:
"Kakashi is Naruto's teacher and has helped me a lot. I'm willing to support him as the next Hokage!"
"Thank you!" Kakashi nods gratefully, genuinely fond of the current Gaara.
He's a man worthy of the Kazekage title.
"Very well, thank you for your understanding, Kazekage-dono. I'll immediately request a meeting with the Daimyo." Koharu acts promptly.
The others disperse, busy with various reconstruction tasks.
Meanwhile, Gaara asks Kakashi again:
"By the way, how's Naruto? Is he okay?"
Gaara is deeply concerned about Naruto's condition, knowing the deep bond between Naruto and Sasuke.
If his siblings, Kankuro and Temari, betrayed Sunagakure and became his enemies, Gaara might also lose his inner calm.
"After returning, he was quite down, but these past two days, he seems much better." Kakashi answers honestly, clearly more worried about Naruto than the darkened Sasuke.
"Oh? How so?"
"These past two days, he keeps saying an old grandpa's been bothering him in his dreams. I don't know if it's true, but he does seem much more spirited."
"Huh?"