Chapter 169: News of the Fourth Hokage Election

Chapter 169: News of the Fourth Hokage Election

After leaving the cemetery, Haneda originally intended to train with Kakashi. However, noticing that Kakashi wasn't in the best mental state recently, he gave up the idea. With the departure of Obito, Sakumo, and Rin, Kakashi was still struggling to recover. Haneda thought it best for Kakashi to rest and heal from the psychological wounds.

Walking along the street, Haneda picked up various conversations. Young shinobi were beginning to complain about the Third Hokage's rule, and even the villagers joined in. Ever since the war started in Konoha Year 47, the quality of life for civilians had been declining, and the resentment due to the loss of many shinobi had started to build up, reaching a breaking point after yesterday's memorial at the monument. If things went as expected, it was likely that the Third Hokage was considering stepping down soon.

Suddenly, Minato hurriedly passed by, moving as if he'd just received an important mission, so much so that he didn't even notice Haneda right in front of him.

With a smile, Haneda greeted him, "Minato-senpai, how come you're not with Kushina-nee today?"

"Oh! Haneda…" Minato, catching sight of Haneda's smile, remembered Kakashi's troubled face and asked with concern, "How's Kakashi doing lately? I tried to find him this morning, but he wasn't around."

"He's still processing his sadness, but he's getting there. Time always helps heal some things." Thinking of Kakashi's recent smile, Haneda reassured him, then asked, "By the way, were you heading out on an important task?"

Minato hesitated a moment, then decided to be honest. "Jiraiya-sensei nominated me for the Fourth Hokage election, so the Third Hokage has called me in to discuss it." With a wry smile, he added, "Actually, the Hokage-sama favors Orochimaru-senpai more… But still, even if my chances are slim, I won't give up on my dream to become Hokage."

Haneda was not surprised by this news. This was in line with his own expectations. Orochimaru had achieved significant accomplishments during the Third Shinobi War, and in battles against Suna, Kumo, Iwa, and Kiri, he'd commanded forces. This alone indicated that the Third Hokage was intentionally grooming Orochimaru, hoping to build up enough accolades for him to take the Hokage seat.

On the other hand, Minato was part of the Third Hokage's next generation, seemingly meant to succeed him as the Fifth Hokage. However, while Orochimaru seemed more focused on his Hokage career, his real interest was in immortality. Haneda even suspected that Orochimaru intentionally allowed himself to be caught for his experiments. With Danzo's backing, unless Orochimaru went too far, there would be no reason for him to be suspected, especially since Danzo was his benefactor and wouldn't abandon a Hokage contender.

"Then, Minato-senpai, best of luck. Kakashi and I will definitely support you as Hokage." Haneda smiled.

Hearing this, Minato scratched the back of his head, smiling a little shyly. "That's kind of you… but let's keep work and personal matters separate. Haneda, support whichever candidate you truly believe in. That's what being a Hokage is about."

A bit naive… Haneda thought. He represented not only himself but also the Uchiha clan. With Jiraiya's support and the backing of the Uchiha, Minato could absolutely compete with Orochimaru. But it was this very sincerity that made Haneda so inclined to support Minato.

Seeing that Minato was about to leave, Haneda said, "See you tomorrow, Minato-senpai."

---

After his conversation with Minato, Haneda decided against training for the time being. He created several shadow clones and sent them to the training ground while he himself returned to the Uchiha clan's territory.

As soon as he arrived, Haneda noticed Fugaku pacing outside, looking anxious. When Fugaku saw Haneda, he finally relaxed a bit and got straight to the point.

"Haneda, did you hear the news about the Hokage considering stepping down?"

Haneda nodded, "I ran into Minato-senpai, and he mentioned that Jiraiya-sama had nominated him to compete with Orochimaru for the Fourth Hokage position."

Fugaku had already learned of Minato's nomination through intel from the Uchiha's informants and Meiko's updates from Kushina, confirming that Minato would be competing with Orochimaru.

Fugaku said, "The first and second elders suggested holding a clan meeting tonight to discuss this... To be honest, Haneda, I personally favor Minato. His wife is close to Meiko, and he's well-qualified both in power and achievements."

Fugaku explained his support for Minato, assuming Haneda might support Orochimaru given their past work together. To his surprise, however, Haneda said, "You favor Minato as well, Fugaku-nii-san? I was just about to tell you the same thing."

Then, Haneda quietly asked, "Are there a lot of neutral members and Orochimaru supporters in the clan?"

Thinking of the elders' stance, Fugaku nodded. "Most of them support Orochimaru. The elders seem more inclined to side with him, intending to vote for him in the Jōnin election to gain future advantages."

"A sensible choice, but sometimes, offering help at the right moment is more beneficial than adding to what's already there." Then, with confidence, Haneda continued, "Fugaku-nii-san, if you trust me, openly support Minato-senpai in tonight's clan meeting. I'll stand with you."

Fugaku hesitated, unsure about opposing the elders right after taking on the clan leader role. Just as he was about to voice his doubts, he noticed Haneda's eyes. They bore the distinct pattern of the Mangekyō Sharingan with a sun-like design.

"A Mangekyō Sharingan! You awakened it too?" Fugaku asked, shocked.

"Yes." Haneda didn't want to discuss his Mangekyō, though he wasn't surprised that Fugaku had also awakened his. Knowing the sacrifices Fugaku had made in battle, he understood that same pain. Returning to the topic, he said, "Fugaku-nii-san, don't you feel the elders don't truly recognize your leadership?"

Fugaku hesitated before softly agreeing. Compared to his father's performance, he felt he fell short in both battlefield command and Police Force management.

"Fugaku-nii-san, you should consider how to use the Fourth Hokage election to solidify your position within the clan. Tonight could be that opportunity." Haneda paused, then continued, "The elders have deep-rooted influence, and you're still new as clan head, lacking both authority and loyal subordinates. This election might not be a clan affair, but it still impacts us greatly."

"By challenging the elders' stance, you can discern who's truly on your side without significant fallout for the clan." Haneda's Mangekyō Sharingan locked onto Fugaku's gaze, prompting Fugaku to activate his own. The pattern of the sun and tomoe stared at each other intently.