Although Tobirama could directly decide the Hokage's successor, formal confirmation still required the approval of the Daimyo and the Jonin.
Generally, the Daimyo would not reject the Hokage's recommendation, so this hurdle was practically nonexistent.
However, the Jonin's vote of confidence did have room for manipulation.
When the Hidden Leaf Village was first established, it was an alliance of ninja clans centered around the Senju clan.
Even with the power of the Senju and Uchiha clans, they couldn't completely disregard the opinions of the allied clans.
If the survival interests of the clans were not involved, powerful clans like the Hyuga and Sarutobi would not defy the Hokage's orders.
Conversely, they would become disloyal to the Hokage and might even choose to withdraw from the Hidden Leaf Village.
The Hokage was the leader unanimously recognized by all—or at least most—of the people in the Hidden Leaf Village.
If the Hokage could not represent the Leaf ninjas, then he would no longer be the leader of the ninja village.
Therefore, even someone as powerful as Hashirama had to respect the thoughts of every ninja clan and protect their interests, otherwise the division of the Hidden Leaf Village would be imminent.
Hashirama's former ideal was to make the entire village feel like one family, but among the large and small ninja clans with vast differences in strength and status, such tolerance did not exist.
The decision to recruit civilian ninjas was precisely in the hope that this measure could serve as a bridge between ninja clans and civilians, allowing both sides to slowly accept each other.
However, during the implementation of this measure, there was still covert resistance from the ninja clans, and it was only after the Ninja World War that it could be widely promoted.
The reason for this was not that the ninja clans had a change of heart, but rather the immense losses brought by the Ninja World War, which forced the ninja clans to accept the inclusion of civilian ninjas.
At this time in the Hidden Leaf Village, powerful ninja families still wielded immense influence.
The current Tobirama could be said to have absolute authority, partly because his formidable strength and prestige could keep others in check, and partly because his actions did not exceed the acceptable limits of the other families.
Regarding this matter, Fumori Masaki and Tobirama discussed it in detail.
Fumori Masaki initially opposed direct violent methods, believing that without absolute power, such an approach would only lead to negative consequences.
The 'boiling frog' approach was most suitable for the current Hidden Leaf Village, gradually making the ninja clans give up their privileges.
Even if they realized something was wrong later, they might have already lost the power to object.
Tobirama knew that Fumori Masaki's ideas had profound implications.
He had once worried that Fumori Masaki might move too quickly due to eagerness, but after hearing Fumori Masaki's administrative stance, he felt relieved.
Precisely because of the far-reaching influence of the families, even with Fumori Masaki's outstanding military achievements, those arrogant family disciples still felt uncomfortable with someone of his humble background.
In their hearts, their clan heads were no less accomplished in battle, and their backgrounds were naturally far superior to the Kazemori family, which only consisted of two girls.
Even the Hyuga clan, which had always pursued stability, now had some members trying to persuade the Main House to contend for the position of Hokage, not to mention the Uchiha clan.
In recent years, the Uchiha clan had not been as overtly aggressive as in the past, nor as widely disliked, and they were courteous in their interactions with civilians.
However, the arrogance inherent to a powerful clan still resided in their hearts.
"Lord Kagami, you are also a student of the Second Hokage, and your strength is not far behind Lord Kazemori.
You are perfectly capable of competing for the Third Hokage position!" an Uchiha clansman said.
At this moment, Uchiha Kagami sat in a room within the family shrine, surrounded by important family members.
Without exception, they were all trying to persuade Uchiha Kagami to compete with Fumori Masaki for the position of Third Hokage.
They didn't have any special ulterior motives; they simply felt that as the police force, they had rendered meritorious service, and the benefits that the Hokage position could bring were imaginable.
Who would give up such a position?
Even those belonging to Kagami's faction felt the same way.
Among those advocating for Kagami was Uchiha Setsuna, who for the first time could express his demands without reservation.
He had long wanted to take the Hokage position from the Senju clan.
Although he himself lacked the ability, and Uchiha Kagami was a 'traitor' to the clan, at least Uchiha Kagami still bore the Uchiha name and would not truly abandon the clan, which was better than nothing.
In the past, Uchiha Setsuna's actions would likely have been seen by Uchiha Kagami as a resurgence of the hardliners, but now that everyone was saying the same thing, Uchiha Setsuna's small ambition became insignificant.
Uchiha Kagami sat with his arms crossed, eyes closed and silent, letting others chatter in his ear.
He, of course, also desired the position of Third Hokage, but he understood that as a leader, Fumori Masaki's talent surpassed his own.
His desire to become Hokage was also to make the Hidden Leaf Village stronger.
Since Fumori Masaki was more capable than himself, then Fumori Masaki should inherit the position, not him.
"Enough!" Uchiha Kagami slammed his hand on the ground and said, "Stop talking, that's enough!"
Everyone immediately fell silent, each looking at Uchiha Kagami with expectant eyes, hoping he would change his mind.
However, the outcome was destined to be disappointment.
Uchiha Kagami stood up from the ground, his gaze sweeping over each person's face, and said, "I am a student of the Second Hokage.
Therefore, I respect my teacher's decision.
Since my teacher decided to let Masaki inherit the Hokage position, I have no reason to veto it.
I believe my other fellow students feel the same way.
This matter needs no further discussion."
With that, Uchiha Kagami walked out of the room, leaving behind the Uchiha clansmen who exchanged glances.
They shook their heads and sighed.
Although Fumori Masaki's ascension was not a bad thing for the Uchiha clan—after all, their clan head was good friends with him, and Fumori Masaki had spoken many good words regarding policies towards the Uchiha clan—it still couldn't compare to their own clan head personally becoming Hokage.
Uchiha Kagami could understand the thoughts of his clansmen, so he wasn't truly angry.
He simply emphasized that he would not compete for the Hokage position.
He believed that others shared the same sentiment.
There was no need to mention the low-ranking Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu.
Among the Sarutobi, Shimura, Akimichi, and the two allied clans, there were certainly people like these Uchiha clansmen, but Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others would definitely not step forward.
They were all students of the Second Hokage and would obey his decision.
—In the current Hidden Leaf Village, there was only one possible variable.
Uchiha Kagami thought silently.
When he returned home, he sat in his chair, deep in thought.
Uchiha Maki came over with their daughter to talk to him, but received no response.
After a while, as if having made up his mind, Uchiha Kagami suddenly stood up, startling Uchiha Maki, who was accompanying their daughter in her studies.
"What's wrong? Your expression has been solemn ever since you came back.
Is it because of those clan members who want you to compete for the Hokage position?" Uchiha Maki asked.
"I've already made up my mind about these matters.
No matter what they say, I will not compete for the Hokage position," Uchiha Kagami said.
"Masaki is the successor chosen by our teacher, and we fellow students should support him.
Anyone who tries to interfere will be our enemy.
What I need to do now is to make them abandon this unrealistic notion."
"They? Who are you talking about?" Uchiha Maki asked in surprise.
"Who else could it be? Of course, it's the clan that can stand alongside the Senju and Uchiha," Uchiha Kagami said.
"Although we fought side by side in the Ninja World War, none of them were students of our teacher, nor did any of them have a close relationship with us.
They won't withdraw from the competition because of that."
"So, you're going to..." Uchiha Maki hesitated for a moment before asking.
"I'm going to talk to the Hyuga Main House.
Don't worry, I'll be back soon." Uchiha Kagami smiled at his wife, then packed his ninja tools and left, heading towards the Hyuga clan.
Meanwhile, within the Hyuga clan, just like the current Uchiha clan, the clansmen were all supporting the Main House's Hyuga Hideharu to compete for the Hokage position.
Hyuga Hideharu appeared calm, but a thought was stirring within him: if he could truly become Hokage, the Hyuga clan's status would become even more secure.
Of course, Hyuga Hideharu was very cautious about this matter.
He needed to carefully consider the potential implications.
The most important thing was the continuation of the clan.
If becoming Hokage meant abandoning the clan, then he would rather not be Hokage.
Therefore, he had not yet made a clear statement.
Hyuga Hideharu sat in his room, a cup of tea placed before him.
He gently picked it up, took a sip, and savored its taste.
This was something he did every day.
Each time, he would feel inner peace and his mind would become sharper.
He had once consulted Hyuga Masato, who had retired from the front lines.
Hyuga Masato no longer managed any clan affairs, acting completely like an ordinary elder.
Upon hearing about the matter, Hyuga Masato merely said, "Everything is up to you to decide.
You are the current Main House head.
Nominally, even I must accept your decision.
You just need to understand one thing: what has allowed the Hyuga clan to endure for a thousand years until today."
"The key to the Hyuga clan's thousand-year continuation?" Hyuga Hideharu murmured to himself, taking another sip of tea and swallowing it gently.
Just as he was pondering, a respectful voice sounded at the door.
"Main House Head, the Uchiha clan head is here to visit," the person said.
"The Uchiha clan head." Hyuga Hideharu was slightly startled, unsure why the other party had come to visit.
He stood up and said, "Alright, please ask him to wait a moment, and treat him with the courtesy due to a distinguished guest."
After a while, Hyuga Hideharu, having changed his clothes, arrived at the room where Uchiha Kagami was being entertained.
The other party sat quietly, his eyes slightly closed.
Only when he heard footsteps did he open them, his dark eyes fixed on Hyuga Hideharu as he entered, and he said, "I apologize for my abrupt visit, Hideharu."
"No worries.
Since it's you, I'd make time no matter how busy I was, and besides, I'm quite free right now." Hyuga Hideharu smiled slightly and knelt before Uchiha Kagami.
A Hyuga attendant immediately served tea.
"Are you really that free? This is a critical time," Uchiha Kagami said with a faint smile.
Hyuga Hideharu merely chuckled softly, saying nothing.
He took a sip of tea and asked, "Kagami, is there something you've come to talk about?"
"I won't beat around the bush; I'll tell you directly," Uchiha Kagami said.
"I hope you can give up your right to compete for Hokage."
"Competing for Hokage is our inherent right.
You wanting me to forcibly give it up seems a bit unreasonable," Hyuga Hideharu shook his head and said.
"Are you refusing?" Uchiha Kagami asked.
"That's not what I mean.
It's just that I inherently have the right to compete for Hokage.
Whether or not I go for it depends on my own thoughts, not on others' decisions," Hyuga Hideharu said with a smile.
"I understand.
It seems you are also troubled, just unable to make a decision.
In that case, let me decide for you," Uchiha Kagami said.
"Oh?" Hyuga Hideharu looked at Uchiha Kagami curiously.
"Let's have a match.
If you lose, you'll have to withdraw from the Hokage competition," Uchiha Kagami said seriously, looking at Hyuga Hideharu's Byakugan.
Hyuga Hideharu was silent for a moment, then let out a soft chuckle and said, "I see.
I know what I need to do."
With that, he stood up and walked to the door, ordering someone to summon the important figures of the Hyuga clan.
Today, the important members of the Hyuga clan witnessed firsthand the duel between the Hyuga Main House and the Uchiha clan head, a confrontation between the Byakugan and the Sharingan.
Both had their strengths and weaknesses, and it was generally believed that the powers of the Byakugan and Sharingan were comparable.
In an era where the Mangekyo Sharingan was extinct, no one could confirm whether a Byakugan user could rival a Mangekyo Sharingan user.
This duel, however, ended with the victory of the Sharingan.
Hyuga Hideharu, defeated by Uchiha Kagami, announced before everyone that he would not compete for the Hokage position.
And the Hyuga clansmen who had regularly sought out Hyuga Hideharu, trying to persuade him to contend for the Hokage position, never brought up the matter again after this battle, as if they had never entertained such a thought.
This battle quickly reached the ears of the Hidden Leaf Village's high-ranking officials.
Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others all smiled knowingly upon hearing the news, while Fumori Masaki felt grateful for Uchiha Kagami's action.
After this battle, no one would attempt to challenge Fumori Masaki's candidacy.
After the appointment letter from the Daimyo arrived, Tobirama officially held the Jonin vote of confidence.
Everyone voted for Fumori Masaki without hesitation.
The three great noble clans—Senju, Uchiha, and Hyuga—all confirmed Fumori Masaki as the successor.
The remaining Sarutobi, Shimura, Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans followed suit, leaving no room for other ninja clans to object.
Thus, after confirmation through two formal procedures, Fumori Masaki was legally the Third Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.
Tobirama honorably retired, and all that remained was the inauguration ceremony.