Shihouin Naraku calmly raised his second finger and continued stating his reasons: "Secondly, Lady Tsunade is the finest medical ninja in the entire shinobi world. She has saved countless ninja lives throughout her career."
"Now that Konoha Village has just endured the trials of war, a medical ninja who can save lives and heal the wounded would greatly ease the pain in everyone's hearts."
"Thirdly," he continued, raising another finger, "as a student of the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, Lady Tsunade can better unite everyone's will. Right now, the older generation of shinobi in Konoha Village is gradually aging, while the new generation has not yet fully matured. Someone like Lady Tsunade, who bridges both generations, is perfectly positioned to harmonize the differing perspectives between these two groups."
"Fourthly, our intelligence operatives in Iwagakure and Kumogakure have reported that both villages have received news of the Third Hokage's death and are now preparing to take action. To be frank, as one of the top combat specialists in Konoha Village, it would be difficult for me to freely respond to threats on the frontlines if I were to become Hokage at this time. Everyone is aware of Lady Tsunade's situation. If she becomes Hokage, she can effectively manage from the village while others handle external threats!"
"Fifth, after years of relative peace, I have a growing sense that conflicts between nations have accumulated to a dangerous level. A war that affects the entire shinobi world may break out at any time! This is why Lady Tsunade, who has experienced the previous Shinobi World War, should be found and brought back to lead us!"
After Shihouin Naraku finished speaking, everyone sat stunned for a moment.
There were certainly reasons Naraku hadn't mentioned. It was up to others to read between the lines.
However, the issue of Tsunade could be discussed later. For now, everyone had understood Shihouin Naraku's true meaning from his words—he had no intention of becoming Hokage. Otherwise, there would have been no need for this speech.
"If it's Lady Tsunade, then I have no objections," Nara Shikaku spoke first. "There's just one issue, Naraku. Lady Tsunade is not in Konoha Village right now."
Shihouin Naraku nodded, then immediately made a promise: "As long as Lady Tsunade is confirmed as the Fifth Hokage, I will find a way to bring her back. Don't worry—I guarantee it on the name of Shihouin Naraku!"
Nara Shikaku nodded. "In that case, I support the nomination of Lady Tsunade!"
The Fire Country nobles looked at each other and nodded in agreement. They had supported Shihouin Naraku partly because of his connection to Tsunade, so nominating Tsunade directly was even better.
The Daimyo looked on with a smile but said nothing. It was clear, however, that he supported Tsunade more than Jiraiya, who had been proposed by the two elders.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked displeased. It was obvious that Tsunade was also a candidate they had nominated, so how had it become Shihouin Naraku's initiative?
The two elders couldn't find a reasonable objection. Tsunade was indeed among the candidates they had proposed, so they had no grounds to object now.
Unless they dared to stake their own reputations as a guarantee and continue to insist on Jiraiya becoming the Fifth Hokage.
The problem was, they truly didn't dare.
They lacked the confidence to convince Jiraiya to accept the position!
So now the two elders found themselves in a dilemma. It was difficult to oppose, yet they were reluctant to agree.
"Bang!"
Seeing this impasse, the Daimyo closed his folding fan and directly announced his decision on the Fifth Hokage candidate. "Since everyone seems to agree, Tsunade will be the Fifth Hokage! Bring her back as soon as possible. The Land of Fire and Konoha Village cannot afford any further setbacks now."
"Yes, sir!"
Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura wore gloomy expressions. Not only had they failed to achieve their goal, but they had been publicly outmaneuvered by Shihouin Naraku. No one would be in a good mood after such a defeat.
Mitokado Homura couldn't resist adding with a wry smile, "Naraku, you said you would bring Tsunade back. Everyone is waiting on you. I hope you won't disappoint us."
"You don't need to worry about that. Since I've said it, I will do it."
"Haha, I certainly hope so."
Shihouin Naraku no longer paid attention to the two elders and instead began speaking quietly with Nara Shikaku, who had approached him.
The two Konoha elders departed with disappointment.
"Naraku, you're the best candidate for Fifth Hokage!" Nara Shikaku said once they were alone. "Tsunade is good, but she's really not as suitable as you at this time!"
Although Shihouin Naraku had presented compelling reasons for choosing Tsunade, Nara Shikaku still believed that Naraku was the most suitable candidate.
This wasn't just his opinion—it had also been the opinion of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Indeed, Sarutobi Hiruzen had told Shikaku in advance that if he were to die in battle, Shikaku must nominate Shihouin Naraku to become the Fifth Hokage.
Nara Shikaku had done exactly that, but he hadn't expected Shihouin Naraku to not only step aside willingly but actively push Tsunade toward the position of Hokage.
Shihouin Naraku understood Shikaku's confusion. Shikaku must have discussed the succession with the Third Hokage, who had decided that Naraku should become the Fifth Hokage.
But again, becoming Hokage now didn't align with Shihouin Naraku's own interests.
"It's pointless to discuss this further. Lady Tsunade has already been confirmed as the Hokage. As for my personal matters, let's not speak of them anymore."
"Are you sure you can bring Tsunade back?"
Nara Shikaku was deeply skeptical about the source of Shihouin Naraku's confidence. If Tsunade had wanted to return, she would have come back to the village long ago. Yet she had remained away all this time. One could easily imagine Tsunade's reluctance.
"Don't worry, it won't be a problem!"
Shihouin Naraku made a confident gesture, and the two of them walked out of the meeting room, continuing their conversation.
In a hidden building somewhere in the Fire Country, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu gathered with older-generation shinobi from Konoha Village.
"What happened in there? Wasn't it us who proposed Tsunade first? How did all the credit go to Shihouin Naraku?"
"What about our prior discussions?"
"So what was actually decided in this meeting?"
"Does Shihouin Naraku truly not want to be Hokage? Is he retreating only to advance later?"
"Hehehe... Can't you see what that Shihouin brat is planning? Tsunade is his teacher!"
"This is ridiculous! That brat who was forced by Danzo to join Tsunade's unit now has the nerve to embarrass us like this."
"Let's spread news of Danzo's death and stir up public opinion. Hatake Sakumo was allowed to die back then, and Shihouin Naraku should be no exception today."
The selection of a new Hokage affected everyone's interests, so all present were arguing passionately.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu exchanged helpless glances, waiting until everyone had finished venting before they spoke: "Today's outcome was somewhat unexpected!"
"But for us, Tsunade becoming the Fifth Hokage serves as a good buffer. It's preferable to Shihouin Naraku taking the position, which would force us into direct confrontation with him. This aligns with our earlier discussions."
"I see," several voices muttered.
"As for the Danzo issue, I strongly advise against making it public," Utatane Koharu added.
Utatane Koharu looked thoughtful as she explained, "From what I know about Hiruzen, it's entirely possible that he personally ordered Danzo's execution!"
"So if anyone hopes to bring down Shihouin Naraku with this incident, it simply won't work!"
"And..." Mitokado Homura continued with a warning tone, "I know everyone dislikes Shihouin Naraku's rise to prominence. I understand your hidden agendas."
"But these must never harm Konoha Village, or I will be forced to take severe action!"
"Don't worry, we all understand this."
"Yes, we are all working for the betterment of the village."
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