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Chapter 675: Yu Sheng Muyue, the People's Choice
Chapter 675: Yu Sheng Muyue, the People's Choice
"How could my Five Elements Jutsu Combination fail...?"
Enma suddenly opened his eyes, instinctively alert, and looked around. He realized he was at home and not in the midst of a battle with Son Ryouka.
"Phew, I even had a nightmare about it."
Enma took a deep breath and then exhaled, rubbing his forehead. He finally felt a bit better.
Enma then looked at the clock and saw that it was earlier than his usual waking time, so he decided to get up right away.
After a quick wash and breakfast, Enma headed straight to the Hokage's office to start work.
"I need to talk to Yu Sheng Muyue about Son Ryouka's matter today," Enma thought after handling a few documents.
Regardless, Yu Sheng Muyue was the Hokage's advisor in Konoha.
It was understandable that he didn't mention it yesterday due to his complicated feelings, but it wouldn't be right to keep such important information hidden for the sake of saving face.
Knock knock.
At that moment, the door to the Hokage's office was knocked on.
"Come in."
Minato Namikaze pushed open the wooden door and entered the office, "Third Hokage-sama."
"It's you, Minato. What's the matter?" Enma asked, putting down his pen.
"I'm here to report on the recent Special Jonin evaluations," Minato explained.
The Special Jonin was a unique group.
Konoha had initially established this rank to promote talented individuals who lacked overall strength or had specialized skills that didn't meet the standard for a formal Jonin.
However, as time passed, an unspoken rule emerged—even without exceptional talents, those with sufficient merit and seniority could also be promoted to Special Jonin.
Now that the war was over, it was time to promote some of the deserving veteran Chunin.
Otherwise, with Konoha's high standards for Jonin, most ninjas would have no motivation to strive beyond the Chunin rank, as promotion to Jonin was nearly impossible.
Enma listened attentively.
This was no small matter; Special Jonin were still Jonin, and it was challenging to achieve this rank solely through merit.
"Hmm, you've done well," Enma nodded after hearing Minato's report.
Unlike Jiraiya, Minato was a ninja Enma considered reliable, second only to Yu Sheng Muyue.
Minato smiled humbly, preparing to leave.
Just then, Enma thought of something and called out to Minato.
"I've noticed a lot of village discussions about the Fourth Hokage. Some believe the Three Sages would be a better choice, while others support younger ninjas like Yu Sheng Muyue.
Minato, your teacher is Jiraiya, and Yu Sheng Muyue is your friend. What do you think about this?" Enma asked curiously.
He mainly wanted to hear Minato's opinion on Yu Sheng Muyue, as Jiraiya had no desire to become the Hokage, but asking directly would be too obvious.
Minato stopped and turned back to face Enma, his expression turning serious. "I think Yu Sheng Muyue is more suitable to become the Hokage."
Minato knew his teacher, Jiraiya, very well, and Jiraiya had no intention of becoming the Hokage and wasn't suited for the role. Minato couldn't imagine Jiraiya as the Hokage.
Tsunade suffered from hemophobia, and unless she overcame this fear, Minato didn't think she was suitable for the position.
The Hokage rarely engaged in direct combat, but when they did, their combat prowess was crucial. With hemophobia, how could Tsunade fight effectively?
As for Orochimaru, Minato believed he was inferior to Yu Sheng Muyue.
Yu Sheng Muyue possessed the Wood Style of Senju Hashirama, making him exceptionally orthodox despite not belonging to any specific clan. This was his first advantage.
Yu Sheng Muyue's strength surpassed Orochimaru, and he had swiftly defeated the Fourth Kazekage on the battlefield. This was his second advantage.
In the three battles, Yu Sheng Muyue had the most significant contributions among all Konoha ninjas. This was his third advantage.
Minato felt that if he wanted to, he could list ten advantages for Yu Sheng Muyue, as he was truly outstanding.
"It seems you highly regard Yu Sheng Muyue as the Hokage," Enma sighed, listening to Minato's earnest enumeration of Yu Sheng Muyue's strengths.
"Perhaps you two will compete for the position in the future." There was a portion of the village that favored Minato as well.
In terms of lineage, Minato was a direct descendant of the Hokage, and with a few more years of development, his popularity might surpass that of the Three Sages.
However, surpassing Yu Sheng Muyue was impossible. They shared many similarities, but Yu Sheng Muyue was significantly stronger. In a direct comparison, most people would not choose Minato.
"Then I guess I'll lose quite badly," Minato smiled.
This wasn't anyone's fault. If Yu Sheng Muyue became a candidate for the Fourth Hokage, Minato would want to vote for him himself.
If it came to a competition, Minato wouldn't surrender or admit defeat, but with his current abilities, he couldn't match Yu Sheng Muyue. Yu Sheng Muyue could lead Konoha to greater heights.
Looking at Minato's gentle face, Enma couldn't help but think of Danzo Shimura.
Why could Minato express such thoughts so calmly, while Danzo Shimura harbored such deep resentment after failing to become the Third Hokage?
Did one have to become the Hokage to be considered a great leader?
"Third Hokage-sama, if there's nothing else, I'll return to my duties."
Enma nodded and saw Minato off.
Five minutes later, Enma put down his pipe, exhaling thick smoke. He summoned an ANBU member from the door, "Bring the two advisors here."
He was indeed unsuitable to continue as the Hokage, having nightmares about Son Ryouka.
Compared to him, an elderly man prone to mistakes, Konoha needed a powerful and confident young ninja.
For the sake of Yu Sheng Muyue, the people's choice, he would make one last selfish decision.
"Enma, is there something...?"
"I'm resigning from the position of Hokage to initiate the election for the Fourth Hokage," Enma interrupted.
Mizuhoto Monen and Chojirou Kamizuru were stunned. Had he made this decision after just one night of consideration?
"Enma, this is a significant matter..." Mizuhoto Monen tried to persuade him, but Enma cut him off.
"Address me by my title during work hours," Enma said, tapping the table with his finger.
Mizuhoto Monen was a bit helpless, but this was the rule, and he couldn't argue. He changed his words, "Third Hokage-sama, the war has just ended. Konoha needs you to maintain stability. In four years, I fully support holding a new election for the Hokage."
Chojirou Kamizuru also tried to persuade him, but Enma remained unmoved.
"I am the Hokage!" Enma asserted firmly.
Mizuhoto Monen was speechless, realizing Enma's determination.
"Have you forgotten the consequences of acting alone? You'll regret this," Chojirou Kamizuru made a final attempt.
"I may be acting alone, but Yu Sheng Muyue is the people's choice," Enma said, his words carrying a deeper meaning.
Mizuhoto Monen and Chojirou Kamizuru fell silent.
"Within six years, I will ensure that your positions remain unaffected."
Six years later, they would be sixty, which is considered elderly in the ninja profession. It's time to step down and give opportunities to the younger generation.
"Let's discuss the election," Mizuhoto Monen spoke up.
The three of them discussed until noon, after which Monkey Fly Hashirama instructed the Anbu to notify Yuya Mumon to attend a meeting in the conference room.
He had originally planned to talk to Yuya Mumon about Son Ryouka during lunch, but the senior leadership meeting was more important at the moment. Therefore, Monkey Fly Hashirama decided to address it after the meeting.
Inside the conference room, once all four high-ranking officials had arrived, Monkey Fly Hashirama spoke up, "The purpose of this meeting is to finalize the election of the Fourth Hokage."
As he spoke, Monkey Fly Hashirama glanced specifically at Yuya Mumon.
"Are we electing the Fourth Hokage now?" Yuya Mumon was a little surprised.
It wasn't that Yuya Mumon was being vain, but at this time, if they were electing the Hokage, it could only mean that Monkey Fly Hashirama wanted him to take on the role.
Upon further reflection, Yuya Mumon found it reasonable.
Due to his restraint, Konoha had not suffered significant losses this time, and Monkey Fly Hashirama's mistake wasn't too grave. It wasn't to the extent that he had to resign from the Hokage position.
However, one thing needed to be considered: Monkey Fly Hashirama had great trust in him and had even considered letting him succeed the position early. In such a situation, it was normal for Monkey Fly Hashirama to have the idea of an early succession.
"I almost made a grave mistake and am no longer suitable to continue as Hokage," Monkey Fly Hashirama sighed softly.
Since it was a senior leadership meeting, Monkey Fly Hashirama didn't elaborate, only briefly explaining his motivation for re-electing the Hokage.
"Regarding the nomination for the Fourth Hokage, what are your thoughts?" Monkey Fly Hashirama asked, looking around at everyone.
He intended to pass it on to Yuya Mumon, but this process couldn't be a direct order from him, with Yuya Mumon immediately becoming the Hokage. Instead, it had to go through an election.
Senju Tobirama could directly pass it on to him because it was a critical wartime situation, and they had to act swiftly.
Directly passing on the position during peacetime would go against tradition. The first Hokage of Konoha was elected through a joint vote by all the people of Konoha.
"I believe Yuya Mumon has the qualifications and capabilities to serve as the Fourth Hokage. He can be one of the nominees," Mizuhoto Monen spoke up.
He still hoped that Monkey Fly Hashirama would take on the role, but if they were to choose, they would definitely pick the best candidate.
"Yuya Mumon has repeatedly achieved remarkable feats on the battlefield. I agree," Chojirou Kamizuru nodded in approval.
Yuya Mumon sat silently, not saying a word. In truth, he wanted to disagree, but since this was a nomination concerning himself, he couldn't express his opinion.
"Then let's confirm the first nomination for now. Is there anyone else?" Monkey Fly Hashirama continued, nodding.
Since it was an election, it was natural to have more than one candidate; otherwise, there would be no point in voting.
"I believe Orochimaru also has the ability to become Hokage and can be nominated as one of the candidates for the Fourth Hokage," Chojirou Kamizuru suggested.
There were only a few people in Konoha who were qualified to be candidates for the Hokage. Tsunade and Kurama didn't want to be Hokage, so nominating them as candidates wouldn't look good. Orochimaru was the only option left.
"Orochimaru has been fighting for Konoha on the battlefield for many years, and his contributions are significant. I agree," Mizuhoto Monen acknowledged.
"With Orochimaru's experience and strength, he is indeed qualified to serve as the Fourth Hokage. I agree," Yuya Mumon also nodded.
After all, he was his partner, and it was only right to give him some face.
"Then let's finalize the second nomination as Orochimaru," Monkey Fly Hashirama decided.
"I believe Wave Country should also be nominated. He is capable and has made significant contributions to the village," Yuya Mumon said after some thought.
Yuya Mumon didn't have any particular aspirations for the Hokage position, but in the current situation, he didn't want to be Hokage, and many people were eager for him to take on the role. Even if he wanted to yield the position to Wave Country, it might not work, and forcing Wave Country might not be accepted either.
He nominated Wave Country not to make him the Hokage but to give Wave Country a better opportunity.
If Monkey Fly Hashirama and the others didn't reject Wave Country's nomination, then Wave Country would have officially been a candidate for the Hokage position, which would elevate his status.
If Monkey Fly Hashirama and the others refused, then Yuya Mumon could promote Wave Country to the senior leadership, and Monkey Fly Hashirama and the others wouldn't be able to reject it easily.
"Wave Country is indeed outstanding, but nominating him is not appropriate. He still falls short compared to you, Yuya Mumon," Mizuhoto Monen said after exchanging glances with Monkey Fly Hashirama.
There was no explicit rule that only two people could be nominated for the Hokage position. Yuya Mumon could nominate one more person, but that person couldn't be Wave Country.
It wasn't that they had any objections to Wave Country as a person, but his experience was slightly problematic.
Although Yuya Mumon was young, just like Wave Country, his achievements were impressive. He had turned the tide of battle numerous times and single-handedly captured over a thousand Mist Village ninjas.
Wave Country's excellence couldn't make up for his lack of experience. If Wave Country were nominated, it would undoubtedly cause dissatisfaction among some senior Jonin who had made significant contributions on the battlefield.
Although they didn't perform as well as Wave Country in the Third Great Shinobi War, they had also made contributions during the Second Great Shinobi War. Overall, they weren't far behind, so why should Wave Country be nominated? Even if he wasn't ultimately elected, it would still be an honor and recognition for many Konoha ninjas to have been considered for the position of the Fourth Hokage.
"Wave Country still needs more training. The Hokage position is too early for him," Chojirou Kamizuru also expressed his opinion.
"Then let's temporarily confirm Yuya Mumon and Orochimaru as the nominees. Are there any other nominations? If not, the nominees are finalized," Monkey Fly Hashirama continued.
Chojirou Kamizuru and Mizuhoto Monen shook their heads.
The three of them had already discussed and agreed to nominate Yuya Mumon and Orochimaru, with Orochimaru as the runner-up, and they wouldn't nominate anyone else.
"I have no objections," Yuya Mumon replied.
His goal had been achieved.
"Since we have reached a consensus, let's hold a Jonin meeting in a week to officially conduct the election voting for the Fourth Hokage."
There were two rounds of voting. The first round was for the Jonin, a small number of voters but with a significant weight, accounting for about forty percent of the overall vote. The frontrunner in this round would essentially secure the Hokage position.
The second round was for Chunin, Genin, and ordinary citizens, each accounting for thirty percent of the vote.
The voting wasn't over yet; there would also be a meeting with the Daimyo and high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire.
The Daimyo's personal confirmation was required to finalize the Hokage's appointment. Finally, a succession ceremony would be held to officially hand over the Hokage position.
Of course, this was mostly a procedural matter, and the Daimyo wouldn't reject the candidate chosen by Konoha.
On the surface, Konoha was merely the military force of the Land of Fire, but in reality, Konoha was a country within a country, and the Daimyo had no real control over Konoha.
PS: The existence of the Daimyo in the original novel is somewhat ambiguous. Sometimes they seem to hold a high status, but in reality, it's not that significant.
Even Danzo dared to openly threaten during a meeting.
(End of Chapter)
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