Nara Shikaku held the document and finished explaining the detailed information about the four candidates. "...So these are the profiles of our four candidates!"
After speaking, Nara Shikaku glanced at Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura before taking his seat.
In truth, there had originally been only two candidates for Hokage: Shihouin Naraku and Hatake Kakashi!
However, during Konoha Village's nomination process, something unexpected occurred. The elders, led by Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, had also nominated Jiraiya and Tsunade as candidates.
This marked the largest pool of Hokage candidates in Konohagakure's history!
"Ahem..." Mitokado Homura cleared his throat, looked around the room, and said, "The village has just experienced a devastating war. At this critical time, Jiraiya, with his extensive experience and qualifications, would be most suitable to become the Fifth Hokage."
He continued with confidence, "With his contributions to Konoha Village, there should be no question about his eligibility to become Hokage. Everyone supports him."
"That's right," Utatane Koharu added. "Konohagakure needs stability right now. Jiraiya has proven himself level-headed during critical moments. He can quickly calm the anxious hearts of Konoha's citizens."
"Furthermore, Jiraiya has made numerous contributions to Konoha Village during times of conflict. Other nations in the shinobi world recognize the title of Sannin. If Jiraiya becomes the Fifth Hokage, it will greatly benefit the stability of our borders."
Shihouin Naraku glanced up at Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura. It seemed that Shimura Danzō's death had frightened the two of them, leading them to push Tsunade and Jiraiya forward when the Jōnin of Konoha Village were nominating candidates.
At this point, a noble who was participating in the meeting spoke up. This noble was from the direct lineage of the Fire Country Daimyo's family and had once married into Konoha Village's Senju clan, giving him the right to attend this meeting.
"I find Jiraiya to be quite satisfactory. He certainly has both the strength and prestige required to become the Fifth Hokage."
"But there is a problem..." the noble said seriously. "As far as I know, Jiraiya has been traveling extensively and hasn't returned to Konoha Village for many years."
"He hasn't even spent much time in the Land of Fire recently."
"If such a shinobi becomes Hokage, can he truly stabilize an unfamiliar Konoha Village in a short period of time?"
"If he needs time to reacquaint himself with Konoha Village and the Land of Fire, why not choose someone already familiar with our current situation to be the Hokage from the start? Especially when time is what we lack most!"
"For example, I believe Shihouin Naraku would be an excellent choice. If he became the Fifth Hokage, these issues wouldn't exist."
"I agree as well!" Nara Shikaku expressed his opinion on behalf of the Jōnin ranks. "At this time, having a powerful shinobi become Hokage would greatly help stabilize our situation!"
This was the problem. Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura exchanged glances. Shihouin Naraku's strength was indeed beneficial for Konoha Village, but not for them!
Shimura Danzō's death had been confirmed, and both elders believed Shihouin Naraku was responsible!
From the injuries on Danzo's body and the battle marks at the Root Organization's headquarters, it was clear that Danzo had been killed by someone proficient in Fire Style jutsu and swordsmanship.
These characteristics matched Shihouin Naraku perfectly.
Additionally, the long-standing conflict between Shihouin Naraku and Shimura Danzō further supported the possibility of revenge.
What disgusted Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura most was that Shihouin Naraku could have covered his tracks perfectly, but instead had merely tossed a few enemy corpses around the scene as a half-hearted disguise.
What did this mean?
It meant he was fearless!
It was a deliberate statement about his revenge against Shimura Danzō!
If Shihouin Naraku dared to attack Danzo today, he might kill the other two elders tomorrow, and perhaps even desecrate their graves the day after.
As for whether Sarutobi Hiruzen had secretly ordered Danzo's execution, that hardly mattered anymore.
If Shihouin Naraku became Hokage, they feared none of them would survive!
That's why they had urgently nominated Jiraiya and Tsunade!
"Huahuahua..." The Fire Country Daimyo asked with a smile, fanning himself gently, "Jiraiya and Shihouin Naraku, both are excellent shinobi. But since Jiraiya isn't here today, Naraku, why don't you share your thoughts with us?"
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura's faces suddenly darkened. What did this mean?
Was the Fire Country Daimyo preparing to support Shihouin Naraku?!
After hearing this, Shihouin Naraku glanced around at everyone and then replied calmly: "The two elders have recommended Master Jiraiya, and I have no objection to that."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura were stunned, then frowned in confusion. What did this mean? Was he planning to give up on becoming the Fifth Hokage?
"Master Jiraiya certainly has both the capability and prestige to become the new Hokage. But there is one crucial question: is Master Jiraiya willing?"
Shihouin Naraku stared directly at the two elders. "Everyone knows Jiraiya-sensei's personality. He dislikes constraints and values his freedom. I hope you two can answer me honestly—has Jiraiya-sensei agreed to become the Fifth Hokage if this nomination meeting approves him?"
"..."
Silence, uncomfortable silence!
Not only had Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura failed to convince Jiraiya, they couldn't even locate him. After the war, Jiraiya had already gone into hiding.
The meaning behind Jiraiya's actions was clear: don't ask him to be Hokage, he doesn't want the position!
With eyes filled with stern reproach, Shihouin Naraku drummed his fingers on the table and said, "If we approve the nomination and Master Jiraiya refuses to become Hokage, what happens next? Especially at this critical time, when every minute and second is precious to Konoha Village. How can we afford to waste time like this?"
Shihouin Naraku's words were like tearing off the two elders' masks, throwing them to the ground, and stomping on them.
Naraku didn't plan to become Hokage now, but that didn't mean he wanted to see the two old council members maintaining their positions of influence. This wasn't good for him, nor was it good for Tsunade!
In particular, Shihouin Naraku wanted to claim the positions held by the two elders.
Therefore, he had to strike when the opportunity presented itself!
The power of these two elders would be diminished bit by bit!
Then someone else would take their seats...
After attacking the two elders and effectively silencing them, Shihouin Naraku turned to present his own proposal. "Actually, I believe Lady Tsunade is the most suitable Hokage for Konoha Village at this time."
"Why?"
"Huh?"
"What?"
"You..."
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura immediately frowned, ready to object. They wanted to point out the hypocrisy—he had just criticized them for hastily proposing candidates without confirming with Jiraiya first.
But now, had he discussed this with Tsunade?
At least Jiraiya was somewhere around Konoha Village. Even if he wasn't directly in the village, he was still in the vicinity.
But what about Tsunade?
Who knew where she was now!
"Tsunade-sensei is more suitable to be the Fifth Hokage. Here is my reasoning."
"First, consider Tsunade-sensei's lineage. She is the granddaughter of both the First Hokage and the Second Hokage, and a direct descendant of the Senju clan. If she becomes Hokage, she will immediately stabilize the somewhat turbulent situation in both Konoha Village and the Land of Fire!"
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