Orochimaru, once shunned by all, was now a man everyone vied to see.
Countless disabled Jonin hoped to have their bodies restored. Their clans, too, were eager for them to return to the front lines and serve their families once more.
Faced with these individuals, Orochimaru's attitude was exceptionally warm. After all, they were willingly offering themselves up as subjects for his cloning experiments. Should a clone body experience mutation, they would have to pay out of their own pockets for him to try again.
This was no different from paying Orochimaru to provide him with test subjects.
Although each failure cost Orochimaru millions in materials, the value created by resurrecting a single Jonin far exceeded that cost. In the end, it was a situation where everyone came out ahead.
Orochimaru's reputation in the village soared day by day. Everyone began to speculate that the Third Hokage had a new move planned for the upcoming council meeting.
The Third Hokage tapped his pipe. "The war between Kumogakure and Kirigakure has come to a sudden end. For a short time, the ninja world may enjoy a period of peace. Some of our previous preparations can be put on hold for now."
The Third Hokage cast a meaningful glance toward Uchiha Kawasaki.
"In recent years, I have felt my energy waning. I no longer have the strength to manage all of Konoha's administrative affairs," he continued. "I have decided to formally hold an election for the Fifth Hokage!"
An uproar erupted.
The elders seated below were stunned. They had assumed the meeting was called because of the war or the appearance of the Akatsuki's leader. They never expected the Third Hokage to brush over the war so lightly and not even mention the Akatsuki leader at all.
The next Hokage could be proposed by the Jonin below or decided by the current Hokage. For the incumbent to decide on a successor was essentially a declaration of his own impending retirement. No one had anticipated the Third Hokage would voluntarily offer to step down.
Everyone's gaze shifted to Kawasaki, who watched with narrowed eyes, his thoughts impossible to guess.
The Third Hokage waved his hand, signaling for quiet.
They had all been wondering when the contest between the Uchiha and the Third Hokage would finally conclude. No one expected him to drop such a bombshell. He was no longer giving the Uchiha time to accumulate more political achievements.
The Third Hokage knew Kawasaki's methods well. If he allowed the Uchiha to act freely, Kawasaki would surely come up with more schemes. He would rather take the initiative himself than let the elders vote for a new Hokage on their own terms.
"Are there any objections?" the Third Hokage asked, his eyes sweeping across the room, though the question was clearly directed at Uchiha Kawasaki.
As expected, Kawasaki rose to his feet. "Lord Third, you have worked tirelessly for Konoha for many years and dedicated your life to the village. You have indeed earned a peaceful retirement," he began. "The Uchiha clan believes it is time for a new Hokage to lead Konoha into a new phase of its history."
"I, Uchiha Kawasaki, am confident that I can bring greater prosperity to our village."
"Therefore..." Kawasaki looked around the room, his voice firm and resonant as he declared, "In my capacity as an Honorary Elder of Konoha and as the Head of the Uchiha clan, I announce my candidacy for the position of Fifth Hokage."
The others exchanged glances. The Uchiha were meeting the challenge head-on.
The Third Hokage, seeming to have anticipated this, said, "According to regulations, a nomination by an Honorary Elder requires a vote. Who agrees to Kawasaki's participation in the election?"
The right to nominate a new Hokage originally belonged to the current Hokage and the council elders. However, those with the status of Honorary Elder also possessed this right, but their nomination had to be confirmed by a vote. If it failed, the nomination was invalid.
Kawasaki raised his hand. "Myself and Fugaku. That's two votes." He spoke on behalf of the absent Fugaku.
Hiashi and Hizashi exchanged a look before raising their hands as well. Five other elders quickly followed suit.
Only nine votes in favor.
Yet, Kawasaki's face showed no trace of disappointment. Instead, he said with a faint smile, "I have secured nine votes of approval."
The Third Hokage frowned slightly. "Then, who opposes Uchiha Kawasaki's participation in the election?"
Sitting on either side of the Hokage, Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado, along with the representatives of the Shimura and Sarutobi clans, cast opposing votes. The major clans like the Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, and Inuzuka remained silent, their lack of a vote counting as an abstention. Two other elders also voted against.
The opposition totaled only six votes.
Kawasaki nodded in satisfaction and calmly sat back down.
The Third Hokage's gaze passed over the representatives of each clan. He was well aware that Kawasaki had been buying their favor recently. Whether they would actually vote for him as Hokage was another matter entirely. But to oppose his nomination at this stage would be to make a powerful enemy. The Third Hokage knew Kawasaki had been using money to win over the clans.
Since Kawasaki's nomination was successful, he saw no point in dwelling on it.
"I nominate my student, Orochimaru, to participate in this election for Fifth Hokage."
A nomination from the Hokage or a council elder did not require a vote. The elders below had already prepared themselves for this, and no one raised any objections.
Next, all eyes turned to Koharu Utatane, Homura Mitokado, and the representative from the Akimichi clan. Torifu Akimichi's health had been poor in recent years, so he always sent a representative in his place.
The representative waved his hand. "Elder Torifu has no nomination."
Koharu Utatane also shook her head, indicating she had no one to nominate.
Just as everyone assumed Homura Mitokado would do the same, he suddenly spoke.
"I nominate Tsunade to participate in the election for Fifth Hokage."
His words sent a ripple of commotion through the room. Everyone knew Tsunade was currently in Uchiha territory, working for the Uchiha clan. To nominate her at this time was a blatant attempt to cause a public rift and embarrass them.
Tsunade was more than qualified, and her status among medical-nin was unparalleled. Some of the less-informed medical ninja would likely cast their vote for her. Regardless of how many votes Tsunade received, it was bound to affect her relationship with Kawasaki.
Even though Tsunade would almost certainly not accept the nomination, it was a fine way to spite the Uchiha.
Kawasaki shot a contemptuous glance at Homura but said nothing. The Third Hokage also looked at him but offered no comment. He tapped his finger on the table, and the meeting room fell silent.
"Very well. The candidates have been determined. The confidence vote will be held in one month."
Every Jonin in Konoha held a single vote. This one-month buffer was a period for the candidates to campaign and rally support. Once the results of the confidence vote were in, the candidate with the most votes would become the next Hokage.
..
After the high-level meeting concluded, the attendees dispersed in a hurry. The Hokage arranged for the Hyuga clan to post the announcement on the village bulletin board. News of this nature traveled fast; within half a day, nearly every villager had heard.
When the news reached the Uchiha clan, they were incredibly excited. Though visibly thrilled, they did not lose their composure. After all, their clan head, Kawasaki, had not let them down with a single decision in all these years. For the Uchiha, as long as Kawasaki decided to do something, all they had to do was support him.
Kawasaki returned to the clan compound just in time for dinner.
Tsunade, having finished her work at the hospital, was also heading over to eat. She had made a habit of dining at Kawasaki's residence, as the chefs he trained prepared novel and delicious dishes.
Sasuke and Naruto were also dining with Tsunade. Over time, Sasuke had grown accustomed to Naruto calling her "Sister Tsunade." He had learned his lesson after being scolded by his own mother; it was something both parties were happy with, and meddling would only bring him trouble. As long as one didn't dwell on Tsunade's actual age, there was nothing wrong with Naruto's form of address.
Fugaku, due to his eye condition, preferred to eat alone with Mikoto and was not present. Kawasaki himself had not eaten with everyone for some time, as his main body had been away.
Sasuke and Naruto returned together, both looking excited, especially when they saw Kawasaki waiting for them in the dining hall.