บท 97: **Chapter 97: An Unexpected Election!**
In the square, excitement buzzed as villagers gathered.
"Did you hear? Today, they're voting for the next Hokage candidate!"
"Yeah! I think Lord Orochimaru has it in the bag."
"Absolutely! He's done so much to improve things, especially for us ordinary ninja students."
"My son even joined the medical ninja training he organized…"
Chatter filled the air as people watched the proceedings. In the front rows, the heads of Konoha's various clans sat together, each family represented by three members. They would play a significant role in today's election.
"Everyone, please quiet down," Sarutobi Hiruzen began. "Today's purpose is to elect a new Hokage candidate. Konoha has grown stronger thanks to the efforts of its ninjas, and our new generation is already making a name for itself across the ninja world. Today, we will choose the most suitable among our exceptional ninja for this important role."
"Orochimaru!" Sarutobi announced, and Orochimaru appeared on the high platform.
Sarutobi recounted Orochimaru's achievements, such as his leadership against Suna during the Second Great Ninja War. Then, Uchiha Tani, Hatake Sakumo, and Jiraiya were invited to the stage, each receiving introductions.
Uchiha Tani, leader of the Uchiha clan, had worked to improve the clan's relationship with the village, focusing on service and protection within Konoha. His recent success in ousting Kirigakure spies and assisting the village had bolstered his reputation. Hatake Sakumo was recognized for his pivotal role in the war by assassinating the Kazekage and for leading training within the village. Jiraiya's accomplishments included… writing a popular, if controversial, book.
After these introductions, the audience had a good idea of who would receive their votes.
"I abstain," Jiraiya suddenly declared. "And I'm casting my vote for Orochimaru."
With that, he walked off the platform, leaving Sarutobi Hiruzen visibly shaken.
Several clan heads looked uncomfortable, casting sideways glances at Sarutobi. This was not the outcome they had anticipated.
As whispers spread through the crowd, Hatake Sakumo stood and made his announcement. "I, too, abstain and vote for Lord Orochimaru." The crowd grew silent. Hatake Sakumo, though not initially a candidate, had gained such high popularity that he'd been included by popular demand. But now, with two strong candidates abstaining, the situation took an unexpected turn.
Orochimaru now held a significant advantage, especially since the thirty votes from randomly selected village representatives—votes no one could fully control—would likely swing in his favor.
"What is Hokage-sama's strategy?" someone in the crowd murmured. "Was Uchiha Tani only included as a token gesture to appease the Uchiha clan?"
"I don't know… Let's just wait and see."
With no other choice, Sarutobi announced, "Let the voting begin!"
The first batch of votes, cast by civilian representatives, was tallied quickly. Of the thirty votes, Orochimaru received 21, while Uchiha Tani received 9. The nine votes, while small, made Tani smile—he understood that this recognition was a result of the hard work he'd put in to change the village's perception of the Uchiha clan.
As family representatives cast their votes, Orochimaru maintained his lead. But then, something unexpected happened: the Sarutobi clan cast their vote… for Uchiha Tani.
Danzo's eyes narrowed as he watched the Sarutobi clan's move, and several other families aligned with Sarutobi Hiruzen followed suit, casting their votes for Uchiha Tani. Soon, the gap began to narrow, and murmurs of confusion spread through the crowd.
"Tsunade, what's going on?" Reiki whispered to his teacher, his confusion evident. The Senju family had already cast its two votes for Orochimaru, yet the tide seemed to be shifting.
"This seems like a power play," Tsunade replied, sensing Hiruzen's subtle strategy. "It's about checks and balances."
"Checks and balances?" Reiki raised an eyebrow. "You mean, he wants to build up the Uchiha's influence?"
Tsunade nodded, used to Reiki's insights into Konoha's inner workings.
"No, he won't go that far," Reiki clarified. "It's more of a signal, a way for him to contain Orochimaru and, by extension, Danzo. And using the Uchiha this way lets him send that signal without risking his own position. It's more about warning certain people to keep their ambitions in check."
Reiki's words made Tsunade nod knowingly. Sarutobi's promotion of Uchiha Tani was likely a move to counter Orochimaru and Danzo's alliance, as well as a way to simultaneously elevate and restrain the Uchiha clan.
"So now, we need to approach the Uchiha as well," Tsunade concluded, a hint of frustration in her voice.
Reiki winced. "It's unavoidable if we want to secure your position, but it's going to be a challenge. The Uchiha can be difficult to reason with…"
Tsunade turned to Shisui, who had been watching the proceedings intently, unaware of the conversation between his teacher and Reiki. "Shisui," she said, "you're the bridge we need between us and the Uchiha."
"What?" Shisui asked, surprised. He had been following the conversation but hadn't expected to be directly involved.
"Shisui can handle it," Reiki agreed. "But we should probably prep him on what to say first."
Shisui's honesty and dedication were invaluable, but Tsunade and Reiki both knew that if he approached the clan without guidance, they could easily misunderstand his intentions. The situation required subtlety, and as much as Shisui was talented, his straightforward nature might cause more harm than good.
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