Suddenly, Uchiha Kawasaki shot to his feet in opposition.
Everyone's heart leaped into their throats.
Just as they had expected, Kawasaki was stirring up trouble.
"I do not approve of allowing the two Council Elders to retire."
"As an Honorary Elder, I must strongly condemn them for gross negligence and for covering up illegal activities during their tenure!"
"They have brought immense losses to Konoha, and a thorough investigation is imperative."
"Allowing them to step down before this is concluded could lead to the destruction of key evidence."
The expressions on Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's faces changed instantly.
There had been rumors about them for some time, but this was the first time they had been so publicly and directly denounced.
And this ruthless condemnation came from Uchiha Kawasaki alone.
It made the pair hate him to the bone, but they were also astonished—Orochimaru hadn't even spoken, yet you dare to be the first to raise a challenge?
The others watched, waiting to see how the situation would unfold.
If this pair were truly investigated, it was likely that even the previous generation's leader would be implicated.
Orochimaru first glanced at the elder beside him.
Then, he looked toward his slightly panicked targets. After a meaningful exchange of glances, he finally spoke.
"Mr. Kawasaki, perhaps your reaction is a bit extreme."
"Considering their many years of loyal service, it is understandable that some mistakes might have been made."
"If not for their merits, then for their long years of labor. Therefore, I suggest we allow them a dignified retirement and not pursue the matter further."
He then added, "I believe the Third's opinion on this is quite sound."
Hearing this, Kawasaki could only sit back down, his resentment palpable.
Seeing this, the onlookers understood which way the wind was blowing.
Orochimaru then continued his announcement.
"Now that the Council Elder positions are vacant..."
"...someone must take over their duties."
The room was immediately filled with intense gazes.
Control over mission assignments and the medical system were both extremely coveted positions.
Securing either one would bring immense benefits to any clan.
"I hereby nominate Nara Shikago to be the new elder in charge of the medical and health services. How many are in favor?"
The typically relaxed old Nara couldn't help but straighten his posture.
In truth, Orochimaru had not consulted him about this beforehand at all.
As soon as the nomination was made, a bloc of supporters raised their hands.
The Shimura faction, along with other loyal supporters, cast a total of eleven votes in favor.
Eleven votes for. And for the opposition?
The hall was silent. Not a single hand was raised in dissent.
Even if some were dissatisfied, resistance was futile in the face of such an overwhelming majority.
It was better not to vote at all and at least maintain a semblance of unity.
As for Uchiha Kawasaki, this matter had little to do with him from the start.
The Uchiha clan had never excelled in the medical field, so this appointment was irrelevant to them.
Nara Shikago was appointed as a Council Elder, seemingly without any objections.
Orochimaru nodded in satisfaction.
"Very well. Elder Shikago, please coordinate the transition with the former elders."
Shikago stood up and bowed to Orochimaru.
"Thank you for your trust, Fifth Hokage."
"I will do my best to manage the medical system."
His tone was calm, without any grand declarations, but everyone had great faith in the Nara clan.
Everyone inwardly admired the Fifth Hokage's excellent judgment in choosing people.
"Next item," Orochimaru continued.
"I now propose Hyuga Hizashi for the position of Council Elder, in charge of the mission assignment system. How many are in favor?"
An uproar swept through the assembly.
Orochimaru's proposal sent a shockwave through the room.
The issue wasn't giving the position to the Hyuga, but that it was given to Hizashi of the Branch House, not Hiashi of the Main House.
Even though Hiashi and Hizashi had a good relationship, the Hyuga Main House still had a group of conservative old-timers.
How could they allow the authority of the Branch House to surpass that of the Main House?
But the awkward truth was, if the Hokage hadn't proposed it, the Hyuga would never have gotten a chance at the Council Elder position at all.
This might be the Hyuga clan's only opportunity to join the village's highest echelon.
Moreover, everyone knew that Hizashi and Kawasaki were on very good terms.
The Hyuga clan held a unique position in Konoha.
The Hokage couldn't afford to completely alienate them; the best strategy was to win them over.
The Third Hokage had tried before, but he had never offered anything tempting enough to sway them.
As a result, the Hyuga had always leaned toward the Uchiha.
However, the Uchiha's recent actions had just brought down the two previous Council Elders.
It was unexpected that Orochimaru would directly hand this opportunity to the Hyuga.
After Orochimaru raised his hand, Hiashi followed without hesitation.
Hizashi hesitated for a moment before raising his hand as well.
Beside them, Kawasaki's expression was grim, but he also raised his hand.
This move by Orochimaru was a clear and public statement.
You Uchiha are close with the Hyuga, aren't you? If you're so close, how could you not support them?
In the mission assignment hall, the Hyuga were already one of the most sought-after choices for tasks.
And now, the Hyuga clan would also hold the authority over it.
The most crucial part was that Orochimaru gave the position to Hizashi.
The Main House members generally didn't undertake missions or go to the battlefield themselves, so they had no direct use for this power.
Nor could they blatantly allow the Branch House to abuse this power for personal gain.
Therefore, most of the other elders also raised their hands in favor.
It was a near-unanimous vote; there was no need to even call for opposing votes.
...
Konoha
Training Ground Three.
Naruto and Sasuke were panting, struggling to catch their breath.
Minato was simply too good at evasion.
If it weren't for Hinata's Byakugan, they would have never been able to find him.
After Minato entered the forest, Naruto and the other two quickly conferred before following him in.
But once inside, Minato's figure vanished instantly.
Although the two rookies had some combat experience, they were truly lacking when it came to tracking.
Fortunately, thanks to Hinata's Byakugan, they barely managed to pick up Minato's trail.
Minato continuously evaded the trio's pursuit, never truly engaging them in a fight.
It was then that Naruto and Sasuke truly appreciated the advantage of Hinata's Byakugan.
After a great deal of effort, they finally pinpointed Minato's location with the Byakugan and immediately swarmed him.
Naruto and Sasuke had been eating his dust the entire time and were eager to prove themselves.
So, the two of them led the main assault while Hinata provided support.
But not long into their attack, Minato vanished in an instant, leaving only a bell behind.
The three of them then realized it had only been a Shadow Clone.
Naruto and Sasuke had expended a lot of energy. Hinata, being relatively weaker, couldn't help much in the direct assault.
But using her Byakugan continuously to track him had left her exhausted and drenched in sweat.
"Hinata, let's rest for a bit," Naruto suggested. "We don't even know where sensei used that Shadow Clone."
"We need to recover some of our stamina."
Nearby, Sasuke had already slumped against a tree.