Chapter 261: The Fourth Hokage Succession Battle Concludes!
Chapter 261: The Fourth Hokage Succession Battle Concludes!
"The Fourth Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki!"
The sharp voice of the Hokage messenger silenced the crowd, leaving them in awe.
The villagers, who were ready to cheer, were stunned. They had already assumed that Orochimaru would be the Hokage, as there seemed no reason not to choose him.
After all, his strength, abilities, and age were impeccable.
As for Naruto Uzumaki, everyone thought he was just a 'placeholder,' as there needed to be more than one candidate for a choice.
But who could have guessed that the placeholder would become the actual Hokage?
"Uzumaki, I believe Konoha will become even better under your leadership!"
Saimon Hashirama, standing on the high platform, removed his Hokage hat and handed it over.
Indeed, Naruto Uzumaki's rise to the position was entirely due to Hashirama's influence.
When delivering the Hokage nomination to the capital, the Daimyo sought Hashirama's opinion, and he ultimately rejected the idea of Orochimaru as Hokage.
Yes, this was the truth!
Otherwise, if the Daimyo had made the choice, considering Orochimaru's credentials and achievements, he would have been the obvious selection.
"Y-Yes, Third Hokage-sama!"
Naruto Uzumaki's heart was filled with overwhelming excitement at that moment.
As a Konoha ninja who had grown up under the Flame Will, becoming the Hokage was his ultimate dream. Even as a Shadow-level powerhouse, he was still overcome with emotion, struggling to find the right words.
"From this moment on, you are the Fourth Hokage. Go and accept the villagers' cheers!"
Hashirama stepped back, yielding the center stage.
From this point forward, Konoha entered the era of the Fourth Hokage.
Although Hashirama felt a twinge of reluctance, as no one willingly gives up power, he managed to suppress these emotions.
However, as Hashirama stepped down, he dared not look at Orochimaru on the other side.
With Orochimaru's intelligence, he undoubtedly understood why Naruto Uzumaki became the Hokage instead of him.
'Master, why?'
At that moment, Orochimaru's eyes were filled with disappointment.
Even though he had a premonition, he couldn't bring himself to believe that his master would abandon him.
Orochimaru's desire to become the Hokage wasn't his own; his dream was never to hold that position, but it was what his master had taught him since childhood.
But now, his master had shattered that dream himself.
Facing Orochimaru's gaze, Hashirama felt guilty and pained, but he had no regrets for the sake of the Flame Will. Orochimaru's heart was too steeped in darkness.
Setting aside their inner turmoil...
Naruto Uzumaki stepped forward, taking his place at the front of the platform, and slowly put on the hat bearing the character 'Fire.'
"The Fourth Hokage!!"
"The Fourth Hokage!"
...
Someone took the lead, and one by one, the villagers joined in, influenced by the atmosphere.
Their initial silence was due to the unexpected outcome, not because they couldn't accept Naruto Uzumaki's ascension.
After all, it didn't matter who became Hokage as long as it was someone from the Hokage lineage.
Even in terms of personality, Naruto Uzumaki was the better choice.
Once the villagers realized this, their cheers became more enthusiastic.
Yes, this was the mindset of ordinary villagers, easily swayed by the crowd.
However, compared to the villagers' enthusiasm, the reactions of the ninja clans were somewhat peculiar.
No one was a fool; they naturally understood the primary reason for Naruto Uzumaki's ascension.
And so, the Hokage election came to an end.
But Hashirama was cornered in his office by Danzo and Orochimaru.
"Hashirama, why?"
Danzo asked, his face filled with anger.
His plan had now fallen through completely.
He had placed his bets on Orochimaru early on, and with Orochimaru not becoming Hokage, his plan was ruined.
Hashirama hesitated for a moment but ultimately stated his reason clearly.
"Danzo, Orochimaru is not fit to be the Hokage!"
These words were not just directed at Danzo but also at Orochimaru, who stood there calmly with a dark aura.
"The Hokage is the village's guiding light, illuminating the path for everyone."
In other words, he implied that Orochimaru couldn't be that light.
"Yes, appointing Naruto Uzumaki as the Fourth Hokage was our decision, not just Hashirama's alone!"
Shizune also chimed in.
Indeed, appointing Naruto Uzumaki as the Fourth Hokage was a decision made by both her and Water Gate Flame.
Though they had their own interests at heart, their concerns for the village were genuine.
If Orochimaru rose to power, the village might face a purge, and even these elder advisors might be pushed aside.
But the current Leaf Village could not withstand such turmoil.
"Hehe!" Orochimaru surveyed the office with his narrowed eyes, letting out a cold laugh. "Teacher, is this why you chose Uzumaki Naruto?"
He didn't hold any grudges against Naruto; the man was capable and strong, and his ascension was well-deserved. Orochimaru's dissatisfaction stemmed solely from his teacher's choice, not his own abilities.
"Orochimaru, Naruto's appointment as Hokage is the best choice for the village's stability!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen explained seriously.
"I understand, Teacher!"
Orochimaru nodded ambiguously, his thoughts unreadable to anyone.
Silence fell over the office.
Meanwhile, elsewhere...
"Let's go!"
Dohei spoke to the two beside him.
The show was over, and it was time to leave.
However, unlike before, the Southwestern Ninja Army would not be stationed at the Heavenly Fortress.
Dohei had made a deal with the village's upper echelons.
In exchange for relinquishing control of the Southwestern Ninja Army, he secured a long-term residence for Team 404 at the Heavenly Fortress.
Note that he only gave up practical authority; in name, he remained the main general of the Southwestern Ninja Army, allowing him to reside outside.
This was no small power.
Tsunade's ability to stay away from the village for extended periods was due to her identity, and Jiraiya also had a long-term mission, making it challenging for him to enjoy freedom outside.
For others, leaving the village without a mission was impossible.
Asuma was an exception! He had taken on the role of a guardian ninja, and the village simply ignored him.
"Aren't you going to say goodbye to Ninekane?"
Hyuga Cangyue asked.
"No need!"
Dohei shook his head.
Indeed, there was no need; they would meet again soon.
However, whether she would be willing to see him at that time was uncertain.
The Leaf Village was bustling with excitement due to the new Fourth Hokage's ascension, but no one noticed Team 404's departure.
The process of leaving the village proceeded without incident.
The formalities had been completed; they were merely waiting for the announcement of the results.
Next, it was time to broaden their horizons and, in the process, acquire some benefits.
"Today, I'll take you to witness one of the strongest dojutsu in the Ninja World..."
Dohei shared the news with the two, his tone mysterious.
"The strongest dojutsu?"
Hyuga Cangyue was extremely interested.
Her Byakugan, a dojutsu, had already shown its power during her fourth pregnancy, so she genuinely wanted to know what other dojutsu could rival it.
"Indeed, a dojutsu that can match your evolved Byakugan!"
Dohei nodded affirmatively.
He, too, was curious to see the true power of the Rinnegan.
Even if it wasn't in the hands of its rightful owner, this complete Six Paths Level Bloodline Limit could still give him a glimpse of its potential.
As for the spoils of war, they naturally referred to Hanzo's ninjutsu and secret techniques.
Hanzo was known as a 'Demigod,' and he had once defeated the Three Sages, only to be later defeated by the combined efforts of several major ninja villages, which had caused a significant decline in his strength. However, this didn't mean there was nothing to learn from him.
In any case, those ninjutsu and secret techniques piqued his interest.
Of course, their identity for this mission was disguised as 'Shells.'
Yamazaka Koji was aware of their identity, but due to his distinctive appearance and abilities, he was left behind for this operation.
This time, they were merely observers, and their participation wasn't required, which was why he was brought along.
Traveling from the Leaf Village to the Land of Rain didn't take much time, and soon they entered the Hidden Rain Village.
"Wear this, and you won't have to worry about being discovered!"
Dohei handed two paper flowers emitting chakra to his two teammates, who were wearing raincoats.
Without these flowers, Nagato could easily sense their presence.
But with these flowers, they would be perceived as 'allies' in his perception.
It was indeed convenient to have an insider spy.
After putting on the paper flowers, they approached the Central Tower.
There were many people blocking the area, but with Hyuga Cangyue leading the way, they smoothly entered the tower.
(End of Chapter)
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