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"Swoosh!" "Swoosh!" "Swoosh!"...
Several shadows flashed through the jungle.
Their expressions were all very solemn.
After returning this time, if the truth turned out to be as they suspected, how would they face their former comrade...
"Hey, Jiraiya, if... if it really is Sōsuke... what will you do?"
Jumping on the thick tree trunks, Tsunade appeared calm, but her voice trembled slightly as she asked.
Hearing her question, Jiraiya was taken aback, his gaze intently fixed ahead as he said in a deep voice, "Then I will beat that guy until he reflects on his actions! To tell him what true comrades are…"
Tsunade was startled, then her expression relaxed somewhat. She gently looked at Jiraiya's back, her eyes showing a hint of softness. After all, Sōsuke has you as a comrade, right...
Sakumo, following behind them, listened quietly to their conversation, his face expressionless, his remaining left hand clenched tightly.
Comrades, huh...
That's why... Sōsuke... you must die...
I will avenge you, my friends...!!
Meanwhile,
In Konoha village, inside the Hokage building.
A group of Konoha's top officials was gathered there, led by the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi. They were holding an important meeting.
Hiruzen sat in the main seat, his gaze calmly sweeping over the faces of the heads of the various ninja clans. After clearing his throat, his assistant handed him a stack of intelligence reports.
Hiruzen gestured, and ninjas quickly distributed the reports to the high-ranking officials present. Even Danzo, seated to the side, symbolically received a copy.
Uchiha Fugaku and Hyuga Hiashi, among others, furrowed their brows as they looked at the report.
Rather than calling it intelligence, it seemed more like a detailed file on a person, complete with a photo of a gentle smiling face. Everyone looked up from the document, exchanging glances, their faces showing shock.
"Third Hokage, what does this mean...?" Hyuga Hiashi asked, frowning, his pale eyes fixed on Hiruzen.
Hearing his question, Hiruzen also looked down at the report, his eyes resting on the warm, sun-like smile. He spoke solemnly, "I propose that Sōsuke temporarily assume the position of the Fourth Hokage."
After speaking, he looked around at those present, his hands slightly crossed.
Hearing this, the room was undoubtedly filled with shock. Uchiha Fugaku's eyes narrowed slightly, thinking to himself, "As expected."
The other clan heads whispered among themselves, discussing animatedly.
Hiashi, however, was frowning heavily, his expression serious, "Third Hokage, you are still in your prime. Perhaps it's too early to discuss the Fourth Hokage matter..."
After Hiruzen spoke, Danzo sat with his eyes half-closed, appearing indifferent, as if he wasn't concerned about the matter. If one looked closely, they would see his withered hand clenching tightly inside his sleeve, suppressing some excited emotion.
Hearing Hiashi's words, Danzo glanced at him, silently adding him to the list of people to be dealt with by the Root.
Hiruzen, in response to Hiashi's concern, waved his hand lightly and said, "No matter, Hiashi. This matter will be decided by a vote from everyone here. Sōsuke's strength is well-known to all, and he has truly inherited the Will of Fire, earning the villagers' affection."
"I seek everyone's opinion here. If the vote passes, Sōsuke will temporarily assume the position of the Fourth Hokage and learn about handling Hokage responsibilities by my side."
"Everyone, feel free to voice any opinions you have."
After saying this, the Third Hokage looked around at everyone.
The attendees exchanged glances and, having no objections, began to vote.
Led by Danzo, several clan leaders naturally chose Sōsuke, and even the Uchiha clan, which had previously conflicted with Sōsuke, opted for him.
The final vote tally was in favor, successfully appointing Sōsuke as the acting Fourth Hokage.
The only dissenting vote came from the Hyuga clan, who seemed unwilling to show any compromise even in the face of a foregone conclusion. This might have been related to the incident involving Hyuga Hizashi, as Sōsuke's conflict with the Hyuga clan had been laid bare.
Seeing the voting results, the Third Hokage nodded and said solemnly, "Then... Sōsuke will temporarily assume the role of the Fourth Hokage and learn the duties alongside me. I hope everyone will support him in making Konoha even stronger!"
He then instructed his assistant to convey the decision, which would soon be communicated to Sōsuke by a ninja.
The meeting then shifted to discussing subsequent strategies against Sunagakure.
However, the minds of those present were somewhat distracted, pondering the humble civilian youth who had just been elected as the Fourth Hokage, stirring a strange feeling in everyone's hearts.
Sōsuke, once ostracized by the ninja clans for offending the Uchiha, had climbed step by step from his civilian status, gradually increasing his reputation through his own strength. Now, even the mighty Uchiha clan had to yield to him.
Who would dare bring up Sōsuke's civilian background now?
The information about Sōsuke in the documents was truly shocking. He had protected the daughter of Shiji Yoshino during an attack by Iwagakure, currently the Daimyo. He stopped Rain Shinobi's sabotage during the Chūnin Exams, single-handedly injuring one and killing another Rain Shinobi Jōnin. He successfully repelled an attack by nearly a thousand Iwagakure shinobi. He infiltrated Rain Country alone and discovered the death of the former leader of Rain Country, Hanzo. He led a group into Sunagakure, covering their retreat and inflicting heavy damage on Sunagakure before escaping successfully.
This former civilian youth had grown at an astonishing pace over the years. No one could stop his rise, no one could halt his progress. His smile seemed naturally infectious, and his gentle demeanor endeared him to the villagers. Yet beneath that gentle exterior lay an unyielding spirit. He never bowed to either the Uchiha or Hyuga clans.
Thinking of this, the officials glanced at the middle-aged man with half-closed eyes, Sōsuke's teacher, Danzo Shimura, who controlled the Root. They sighed softly.
With such a teacher, how could Sōsuke be simple? His outward personality might just be a facade to deceive civilians, but once he becomes the Fourth Hokage, it might be time for his true nature to emerge. Unfortunately, even knowing this, there was no way to stop his advancement.
All they could do was sigh.