Chapter 159: The Succession of the Fourth Hokage
The high-level meeting in Konoha did not dwell on the topic for long.
After Hiruzen proposed Namikaze Minato's name, both Homura and Koharu agreed.
Only Danzo did not express his approval, nor did he voice any objection.
Thus, the four senior members of Konoha prepared to depart for the Fire Country capital, where the daimyo resided. Once nominated by the daimyo and passing the Jonin assembly vote, Minato could officially become Hokage.
Konoha, now decades old, had a standardized system.
Initially, when the village was founded, Konoha's population was very small, and the first Hokage's election was based on one person, one vote.
After the First Hokage died of illness, Senju Tobirama, as the only remaining strong person in Konoha and the younger brother of the First Hokage, naturally inherited the Hokage position.
However, during the Second Hokage's period, Konoha's systems gradually improved, forming the current Hokage succession system.
High-level nomination, daimyo appointment, and Jonin voting are three essential steps.
Even if the Second Hokage handed the throne to Hiruzen on the battlefield, it only replaced the high-level nomination step.
After the Second Ninja World War, Hiruzen finally became the Third Hokage after being appointed by the daimyo and elected by the Jonin.
Therefore, going to the Fire Country capital for daimyo appointment is a necessary step. Although Konoha was nominally under the Fire Country daimyo's jurisdiction, after all, the Fire Country daimyo provided Konoha with substantial funds.
Before departing, besides the senior Konoha members, Hiruzen also called two people.
"Shinnosuke, Shikaku, you also go to the capital with us."
Shinnosuke, wearing a monkey mask, and Shikaku, in a standard Jonin vest, stood before the desk in the Hokage office. In front of them was Hiruzen, sitting in the Hokage chair.
Although Hiruzen was blamed and resigned, just like previous Hokages, since the next Hokage was not yet officially elected, it was natural for him to sit in the Hokage seat.
"One of you is the ANBU captain, and the other is the Jonin squad leader. You must be present at the meeting to appoint the new Hokage."
After Hiruzen finished speaking, Shinnosuke and Shikaku expressed their compliance.
Even though Hiruzen was no longer Hokage, these two still held him in high respect.
It goes without saying that Shinnosuke, Hiruzen's eldest son, had been valued by him since childhood, becoming his right-hand man.
Shikaku was born in the Nara Clan. The Nara Clan and the other two families, including Ino-Shikacho, were traditional allies of the Sarutobi Clan. Their origins could be traced back to the Warring States Period, even more so after Hiruzen became Hokage.
However, Shikaku himself respected the Hokage's identity, even if it was a previous Hokage.
The group set off for the capital, with Konoha's daily management actually handed over to Minato.
❀❀❀
The daimyo and a group of high-ranking officials from the daimyo's residence, along with a group of senior Konoha officials brought by Hiruzen, sat around the conference table.
The daimyo, wearing a fan-shaped fire motif headdress and fanning himself with a small fan, turned his attention to Hiruzen.
"You may recommend the next Hokage candidate."
The daimyo's attitude was somewhat indifferent. After all, no matter who the Hokage was, it wouldn't affect his power in the Fire Country.
Hiruzen was about to speak when Danzo suddenly interrupted.
"I recommend Orochimaru, one of the three Sannin."
Hiruzen's expression changed slightly, and Homura and Koharu, who stood beside him, all looked at Hiruzen.
Unexpectedly, Danzo didn't compromise earlier but waited until they reached the capital to suddenly attack by recommending Orochimaru's name to the daimyo first.
"I have heard of the Sannin."
The daimyo fanned himself, then looked at Hiruzen.
"What do you think, Sandaime?"
Hiruzen said seriously: "Orochimaru is ruthless, and we cannot entrust the important responsibility of Hokage to someone like him."
The daimyo nodded, preferring the Third Hokage's statement over Danzo's.
Suddenly, the daimyo remembered a name and asked, "What about Uchiha Shintaro? I have always heard about his feats during the war. It would be great if he could become Hokage."
Hiruzen said: "Shikaku, you are Shintaro's teacher. Please introduce Shintaro to the daimyo."
"Yes." Shikaku, who had been silent, stepped forward at Hiruzen's call and said, "Uchiha Shintaro is a young man of great talent and intelligence."
"His strength is quite extraordinary, capable of defeating a Bijuu directly."
"But he is currently less than 14 years old and not yet capable of bearing the important responsibility of Hokage."
The daimyo nodded suddenly, "So he is only 14 years old? He will become stronger in the future."
"But we cannot wait any longer for a Hokage candidate." Hiruzen added. Then he presented his recommendation.
"I recommend Minato Namikaze."
"Namikaze Minato." The daimyo murmured the name, then said: "I have also heard of the Yellow Flash of Konoha."
"Yes, Minato has a gentle personality and strong power. He has a pure heart that loves the village and its people. He is the perfect successor to the Will of Fire."
Hiruzen highly recommended Minato in front of the daimyo, once again attracting the attention of other Konoha high officials, including Danzo's dissatisfied expression.
"Alright, let him be Hokage."
The daimyo stopped asking questions and directly approved Hiruzen's recommendation.
❀❀❀
The next day, the senior officials returned to Konoha to hold a Jonin assembly.
Minato passed almost unanimously.
❀❀❀
The following day, in the Hokage Building, the Hokage Succession Ceremony officially began.
On the rooftop of the Hokage Building, Minato and Hiruzen, who was stepping down as Hokage, were performing the ceremony.
Behind Hiruzen stood many Konoha ninja, all known by name.
Homura and Koharu were not far behind Hiruzen.
Behind them were several Konoha Jonin, including Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi, Akimichi Choza, and Uchiha Fugaku.
Next to them stood a beautiful figure in a Jonin uniform with a ponytail, Uzumaki Kushina.
Kushina looked at Minato with eyes full of love, her gaze seemingly traveling through time to when they first met at the ninja school.
"Please, Yondaime."
Hiruzen removed the Hokage hat and handed it to Minato, then placed it on his head.
Wearing the Hokage robe and hat, Minato said firmly: "I am willing to give my life."
He walked to the edge of the Hokage Building rooftop, removed his hat, revealing a gentle and handsome face, and bowed, delivering his inauguration speech.
And this scene also attracted the attention of everyone below.
Kakashi, with his forehead protector covering one eye, Guy looking up with a longing expression, Asuma listening attentively to the speech, Shintaro calmly observing Minato, Kurenai standing beside him...
Everyone seemed to be looking forward to the new Fourth Hokage.
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