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As Sarutobi Hiruzen issued his last order outside the Hokage office, many ninjas remained silent. Kirito, too, had no rebuttal.
Being promoted to Elite Jonin didn't mean much to him. However, he was relieved that the position came with a higher salary than his previous one. Still, the thought of being asked to become Hokage was out of the question.
Although the Hokage salary was higher than that of an Elite Jonin, the responsibilities that came with it were not to be underestimated. The tasks were endless—from reviewing mountains of paperwork to assigning missions and planning defenses for the village's safety. It was a far cry from the relaxed lifestyle Kirito preferred.
As Sarutobi Hiruzen acknowledged his abdication, he left the battlefield, his figure somewhat lonely.
On the battlefield, Sarutobi Asuma watched his father leave in silence, wanting to say something but unable to find the words. He could only watch as the old Hokage walked away quietly.
Orochimaru's eyes were cold for a moment before they softened into a satisfied smile. Though his long-anticipated plan to destroy Konoha had failed, seeing Sarutobi Hiruzen fall from power brought him a sense of joy.
Obito, whose identity as Uchiha Madara was now fully revealed, looked around the battlefield with calm eyes. He couldn't help but wonder how Nagato would respond when he returned to the Akatsuki organization. However, that was a matter for later—what truly concerned him now was the huge obstacle in the form of Kirito, whose strength even Obito couldn't overcome. He wondered if Nagato's Six Paths could defeat him. If not, he would have to come up with another strategy.
Obito's gaze lingered on Kirito, who was wearing sunglasses. Kirito noticed the look and met his eyes for a brief moment. The air between them grew tense before Obito slowly turned away, dismissing Kirito with a casual glance.
Hoshigaki Kisame and Itachi Uchiha exchanged glances, knowing that with Konoha's crisis now over, they would return to the Akatsuki organization. Itachi nodded slightly at Kirito before the four of them vanished from sight.
Kirito watched them leave but said nothing. He knew that his true journey was about to begin in Konoha.
Yuhi Kurenai, with affectionate eyes, gazed at Kirito, her heart swelling with admiration. She loved the man who had once again turned the tide during a crisis. Kirito gave her a faint smile before they left together, accompanied by his three disciples, leaving the other ninjas to exchange bewildered looks.
With Sarutobi Hiruzen's abdication, the Konoha Collapse incident came to a close. Sarutobi Hiruzen recommended Kirito as the next Hokage, but Kirito had no interest in taking the position. Konoha could not remain without a leader, however, and a decision had to be made.
The following day, just after noon, in a newly constructed office, the elders of Konoha Village gathered for a crucial meeting.
At the center of the room, an elderly woman with purple hair and a face marked by time, Koharu Utatane, one of the elders of Konoha, waited with her eyes closed, allowing the room to fill up with ninjas.
Next to her sat Mitomon En, an older man with glasses, gray hair, and a balding head. Both had been in the same generation as Sarutobi Hiruzen. Since Hiruzen had become Hokage, they, along with Shimura Danzo, had been the senior advisors. Now, with Danzo dead, they remained the two most influential figures in Konoha.
The room soon filled with Jonin-level ninjas, including Hatake Kakashi, Might Guy, Yuhi Kurenai, Sarutobi Asuma, Nara Shikaku, and Mitarashi Anko. However, there was one notable absence—Kirito. He had no interest in attending the Hokage selection meeting and preferred to rest at home.
Once the room was full, Koharu Utatane slowly opened her eyes and addressed the gathered ninjas.
"Alright, it seems everyone is here. Let's begin the meeting," she said, standing from her chair and surveying the room.
"As you all know, this is an important matter," she continued. "Konoha Village is in ruins after the war, and we cannot continue without a leader. The selection of the Fifth Hokage is urgent."
She glanced at Mitomon En before continuing. They had originally intended to have Danzo take over after Hiruzen's abdication, as Danzo had long sought the position of Hokage. His contributions to Konoha were undeniable, and his experience made him a strong candidate. But with Danzo now dead, they needed to find a new candidate from among the Jonin.
"Do any of you have ideas or suggestions?" Mitomon En asked, looking around the room.
Shikamaru was the first to speak. "Konoha needs a Hokage to lead us. The decision cannot be delayed any longer."
The others exchanged uncertain glances. The question remained: who would take on the responsibility of Hokage?
Yuhi Kurenai then spoke up. "I believe there is no one in our village better suited for the position than Tsunade-sama."
The room fell silent as everyone turned to look at her. She continued, "Tsunade-sama comes from a prestigious family. Both of her grandfathers were the First and Second Hokages. Her strength is recognized worldwide, and she is one of the legendary Three Ninjas. She is more than capable of leading us."
Her words carried weight, and there was no denying the truth in them. Tsunade, with her strength and lineage, was a natural choice.
"I agree," said Mitomon En. "Tsunade-sama is indeed the most qualified candidate."
After some deliberation, the elders and Jonin present unanimously agreed. Koharu Utatane addressed Yuhi Kurenai, "Yuhi Kurenai, please bring Tsunade back to Konoha and convince her to take the position of Hokage."
Kurenai nodded, and the meeting concluded.
Yuhi Kurenai quickly went to Kirito's house to inform him of the decision. Hearing this, Kirito nodded slightly in agreement. He also requested that Naruto and Sakura accompany him.
And so, Konoha's future was set.