It seemed that nothing important was missing. Shinki thought for a moment and shook his head.
Seeing Shinki deep in thought and shaking his head, the Third Hokage's heart sank. He feared Shinki was about to refuse his offer.
"How about the candidate for Hokage?" Shinki finally asked.
After careful consideration, Shinki realized that the things the Third Hokage had offered to entice him—including the secret techniques of the Sarutobi clan—held no value for him. Instead, he decided to negotiate for something far more significant and practical.
For example, determining the next Hokage candidate.
"Do you want to be the Fourth Hokage?" the Third Hokage asked, standing up in shock.
It wasn't surprising that Sarutobi Hiruzen reacted so strongly. A man who clung to the position of Hokage with such resolve would naturally be on edge. If Shinki truly had ambitions for the role, it would pose a substantial threat.
"Not me. It's Tsunade. I have no interest in becoming Hokage," Shinki clarified immediately.
Be Hokage? No, thank you. He would rather leave that responsibility to Tsunade, who was undoubtedly the most suitable candidate.
"You want me to publicly announce that Tsunade is the candidate for Hokage?" The Third Hokage frowned, trying to grasp Shinki's intentions.
"Yes," Shinki replied bluntly, snapping his fingers. "You don't trust me, and I don't trust you. However, as her teacher, you understand Tsunade's character well. She's the only person who would take this position without ulterior motives or political schemes."
The Third Hokage hesitated. Shinki was right—Tsunade's straightforward and loyal nature would allow her to step into the role of Hokage without causing unrest or harboring dangerous ambitions.
In contrast, someone like Orochimaru—or others in the village with more controversial reputations—would be far more problematic. For example, if Orochimaru were to push himself into contention, his history of "eccentric research" could taint the position's integrity. And as for others, while they might appear innocent or charming, like a certain future yellow-haired ninja, their ruthlessness could rival even Sarutobi Hiruzen's own when necessary.
Only Tsunade was ideal. She had the legacy, reputation, and the ability to put the Third Hokage at ease. No one would dare challenge her candidacy.
Competing with Tsunade for Hokage? That would be a laughable idea to anyone with a semblance of reason.
Still, the Third Hokage struggled with the notion of relinquishing power. Yet, he understood that if he wanted to resolve the situation with Shimura Danzo, he had no choice but to make concessions.
After a moment of deep thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally relented. "Deal!"
Shortly after their conversation, an official announcement was made by the Hokage Office. It declared that Tsunade, after deliberations with the Elders, had been selected as Konoha's Hokage candidate. Unless unforeseen circumstances arose, she would be the next Hokage.
The news spread like wildfire, and all of Konoha buzzed with discussion.
"Tsunade-sama is the Hokage candidate? I thought White Fang-sama would be next."
"White Fang-sama? He's only been honored with the title of 'Half-Sleeve Hokage.' The Hokage Office never named him as a formal candidate."
"Well, who would object to Tsunade-sama? Her prestige and status make her the perfect choice."
Indeed, Tsunade's identity as one of the Legendary Sannin and her achievements left little room for disagreement. Almost everyone in the village saw her as a natural successor.
At Konoha Hospital, the announcement came as a complete surprise to Tsunade herself.
"Tsunade-sama! Big news!" A medical ninja burst into the lounge, startling Tsunade from her nap.
"What's the big deal?" Tsunade mumbled groggily, wiping the corner of her mouth before attempting to lie back down. Exhausted from her grueling shifts at the hospital, she barely had the energy to keep her eyes open.
"Tsunade-sama, you've been named as the next Hokage!"
"Mm-hmm," she replied absentmindedly, closing her eyes again.
"...Wait, what?" Two seconds later, Tsunade's eyes shot open, and she leapt up from the table like a spring. "What did you just say?"
The medical ninja grinned. "It's true! The Hokage Office just issued an announcement. After consulting with the Elders, you've been selected as the Hokage candidate. Unless something unexpected happens, you're going to be the next Hokage!"
"...What the hell? How long was I asleep?" Tsunade muttered in disbelief. She felt like she must be hallucinating. The Third Hokage, a man who hated relinquishing power, had willingly named her as his successor?
Something wasn't adding up.
"I need to see this for myself," Tsunade said, shaking off her exhaustion and heading toward the Hokage Office.
Meanwhile, the Hokage Office was in chaos.
Utatane Koharu was livid. "Hiruzen! How could you make such an important decision without consulting us?"
Mitokado Hamura, ever the calm peacemaker, sipped his tea on the sidelines. While he was curious about the Third Hokage's sudden decision, he opted to let Utatane Koharu vent her frustration.
"Hiruzen, this is a betrayal of our trust!" Koharu continued, glaring at her old teammate.
The Third Hokage sighed, rubbing his temples. He had anticipated resistance from the Elders, but he also knew this was a price he had to pay. Deep down, he trusted Tsunade—and her appointment was the only way to resolve the tensions threatening the village.
As the argument raged, the door swung open, and a furious Tsunade stormed in.
"Hiruzen! What is this nonsense about me becoming Hokage?"
>>>>>
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A/N: Hey Guys,
I was going over the discount code and saw that it wasn't toggled on for all the tiers. I fixed it now, sorry about that. ;)