As the Flying Thunder God technique improved, Minato Namikaze's delivery business became more and more successful.
It was also at this time that the selection for the Fourth Hokage arrived.
Aburame Shiken, Hyūga Hiyasu, Uchiha Kamito, and Inuzuka Ryoha: "Hiruzen Sarutobi, you can sit in the Hokage position as long as you want. Things have changed for us now—we don't care about becoming Hokage at all."
But from Hiruzen Sarutobi's perspective, the silence of these ninja clans meant they were plotting something big.
"I absolutely can't let this continue."
The Aburame clan had already spread that Heavenly Net Plan throughout every corner of the Hidden Leaf Village. If it continued, the entire village would fall under their surveillance.
Aburame clan: "That's the Police Force's Heavenly Net Plan, okay? What does it have to do with us? We're just ordinary high-end technical workers."
The Uchiha clan's reputation had also been improving recently. What were they planning? Were they preparing to compete for the Hokage position?
Uchiha clan: "Who likes being criticized every day? Of course we're working to improve our reputation."
The Inuzuka clan had been getting closer and closer to the Daimyō's residence. There must be some unspeakable secret between them.
Inuzuka clan: "Just check our transaction records and you'll understand. The Daimyō's residence has tons of major orders, okay? What's wrong with maintaining a long-term business relationship?"
The Hyūga clan's recently launched therapy centers and medicinal bath shops had been widely praised in the Hidden Leaf Village. Surely they also had ambitions for the Hokage seat.
Hyūga clan: "Seriously? If you hadn't been cutting our mission allocations, would we need to take private jobs? Forcing us into this and then insulting us too—your character is really terrible… sigh, maybe that metaphor wasn't quite appropriate."
In short, in Hiruzen Sarutobi's eyes, the Hidden Leaf Village had already reached a critical state.
The dark tendrils of the ninja clans were climbing up the great tree that was Konoha.
And recently, Orochimaru's attitude had also become very ambiguous.
Orochimaru: "Mainly because they're paying too much. I can't even spend it all—what a hassle."
"No, I can't let this go on any longer."
"Orochimaru must quickly become the Fourth Hokage. That way, there will be no room left for negotiation between the two sides—their fundamental interests will force them into opposition."
With this scheme in mind, Hiruzen Sarutobi swiftly initiated the Fourth Hokage election.
At the same time, to prevent the ninja clans from banding together, he deliberately expanded the voting pool to include the entire Hidden Leaf Village, granting every villager the right to choose the next Hokage.
"Ninja clans, you want to be Hokage? Dream on."
Ninja clans: "We really don't. You're overthinking it. Even if you just appointed Orochimaru directly, no one would object."
Prejudice in people's hearts is like an insurmountable mountain—no matter how well you do, others will always think you have ulterior motives.
...
The day before the official election began, Hiruzen Sarutobi met with Mitokado Homura, who had taken over Root.
"Homura, how is it?"
"I've already deployed all Root personnel. We've also blocked information to the ninja clans. When the election begins tomorrow, they won't know that the main voting power lies with the villagers. And for days now, I've had people spreading Orochimaru's achievements throughout the streets. This election is practically guaranteed for him."
"Homura, as reliable as ever. Once Orochimaru becomes Hokage, we'll plan to weaken the ninja clans. The Hidden Leaf Village will surely flourish under our control."
"Flourish."
...
Hidden Leaf Village Police Force Office.
Uchiha Kamito listened to his subordinate's report.
"You're saying a lot of people have been discussing Orochimaru-sensei's achievements lately?"
"Yes, Chief Kamito. Should we arrest them?"
"Arrest what? Did they break any laws? Commit any crimes? You think you can just arrest people? Don't you know about freedom of speech?"
"Then what should we do?"
"As long as they're not disrupting nearby businesses or forcing others to spread harmful speech, leave them alone. Orochimaru-sensei is a hero of the Hidden Leaf Village—there's nothing wrong with people talking about him. It's better than them discussing Jiraiya-sama's books, anyway."
"Yes, Chief. Understood."
...
The next day, the Hidden Leaf Village held the grandest Hokage selection ceremony in its history.
The First Hokage had been universally recognized—no one said anything.
The Second Hokage had appointed himself—no one dared say anything.
The Third Hokage had been appointed by the Second—people had their opinions back then.
Now, for the first time, the people of the Hidden Leaf Village finally had the right to choose their own Hokage.
No matter what, it was progress.
The village had over a hundred thousand residents. Excluding children under ten who couldn't vote, there were about 120,000 votes in total.
Originally, the population wouldn't have exceeded 100,000, but due to certain individuals during the Second and Third Shinobi Wars, casualties had been lower than expected.
Thus, the village reached a historic peak.
Five people: "Haha, it's nothing, really. No need to give us banners—no need to be so polite."
The election was held on the rooftop of the Hokage building.
Below stood 120,000 voters, chattering noisily.
"Who are you voting for this time?"
"Of course Orochimaru-sama. He's the Third Hokage's disciple with proper lineage, calm and wise, and extremely powerful. The Hidden Leaf Village will definitely enter a new era under his leadership."
"That's right, I'm voting for Orochimaru-sama."
"Me too."
"Orochimaru!"
"Orochimaru!"
"Orochimaru!"
It had to be said—Root operatives were extremely professional. Stirring public opinion was their specialty.
Wave after wave of support for Orochimaru surged among the voters.
On the rooftop, hearing the cheers, Hiruzen Sarutobi was overjoyed.
Homura, you're incredibly reliable.
But on the surface, he maintained an image of fairness and impartiality.
"The future of the Hidden Leaf Village is in your hands. You must work diligently and lead it to even greater glory."
"Ah!!"
"Ah!!"
Hyūga Hiyasu and Inuzuka Ryoha both yawned. Why were they even called here? It's not like they wanted to become Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi thought: Uchiha Kamito is already blind—no threat. Aburame Shiken lacks reputation—also no threat. But Hyūga Hiyasu and Inuzuka Ryoha both distinguished themselves in the Third War. To prevent them from causing trouble, they must be kept under close watch.
After ensuring they couldn't act behind the scenes, Hiruzen turned his gaze to Orochimaru and Minato Namikaze.
These were Konoha's outstanding youths.
Orochimaru—once you become the Fourth Hokage, your teacher will continue supporting you from behind.
Minato—observe the election process for now. The Fifth Hokage will definitely be you.
Hiruzen Sarutobi believed his plan this time was flawless.
Victory was certain.
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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