Hokage Candidate

"Tsunade? Unfortunately, you don't know something. She didn't faint just from overexertion. Tsunade's younger brother and lover died in the Second Ninja World War, and she also suffers from hemophobia. That's why I didn't send Tsunade to the battlefield during the war."

"Besides, Tsunade's personality is too old-fashioned and she likes to gamble, so she can't take on the important role of Hokage."

Hiruzen was very organized, and it seemed that the only person who knew his students well was their teacher.

"What about Jiraiya-sama?"

Seeing Hiruzen not insisting on becoming Hokage and rejecting Tsunade's nomination, Shintaro knew his intentions, so he continued asking questions very cooperatively.

"Jiraiya has a delicate, brave, and free-spirited character. In fact, he lacks strength, is careless in doing things, and doesn't care about the consequences. Coupled with his lazy temperament, he cannot become Hokage at all."

"Moreover, Jiraiya has done many dirty things like spying on women's baths in the village. How could I trust him to take on the position of Hokage? No, no, no."

Shintaro proposed another candidate, "How about Orochimaru-sama?"

Hiruzen this time showed a hesitant expression but quickly said no.

"Orochimaru has a reserved personality and a bad reputation in the village. He also likes to stay in the lab and do research. He can't take on the important role of Hokage."

He indeed had high expectations of Orochimaru in the past, because Orochimaru had ninjutsu talent similar to his, proficient in Five Element Ninjutsu, and was known as a genius seen only once in several decades.

However, it was very unfortunate that Orochimaru later became twisted, learning some strange techniques, becoming more withdrawn, and getting very close to Danzo.

If not, how could the Fourth Hokage position have fallen to Namikaze Minato?

Shintaro suggested another name, "Shimura Danzo might be able to take on this important task."

Hiruzen choked upon hearing that name and then firmly refused: "No, Danzo's character is too dark, he does things carelessly, and we can't let him get involved in the Hokage position."

Shintaro sneered inwardly: 'Turns out you also know Danzo's actions.'

Hiruzen shook his head and said: "Unfortunately, Konoha is so large that it is impossible to choose a suitable Hokage successor."

Shintaro heard those words and said: "It would be better to let the Third continue to be Hokage."

"Alright, then I will take this position temporarily and wait until you, the future of Konoha, grow up and then hand over the Hokage position to you."

"I will hold a Jonin meeting tomorrow. The decision about the Hokage position cannot be delayed."

Shintaro nodded and said, "I understand."

The two walked towards the Hokage residence, where Hiruzen lived.

"Shintaro, you are the most promising talent. You must grow well. Konoha will not treat you badly in the future. If the time comes, I might even give you the Hokage position."

Hiruzen stood in front of the door and said.

"It is my duty to contribute to Konoha. As for the Hokage position, it is naturally determined by the Hokage and the people of Konoha. I do not dare to desire it."

Shintaro still said he was not interested in the Hokage position.

"It's not that you will be recognized by everyone if you become Hokage, but you can become Hokage if recognized by everyone."

"I rely on some merits and qualifications to gain everyone's approval before I can become Hokage."

"As long as you gain everyone's approval, why can't I give you the Hokage position?"

Hiruzen looked at Shintaro meaningfully, with hope and fear.

Shintaro did not answer and looked at him in silence.

"Alright, you have worked hard too. This journey can be said to be a journey you have gone through with me, a lonely old man. Thank you."

"You're welcome, I'm leaving now." Shintaro smiled again and said goodbye.

Hiruzen and Shintaro parted ways, both somewhat wary of each other.

Their attitudes were actually far from the harmony they displayed on the surface.

Hiruzen was wary of Shintaro's strength and the background of the Uchiha Clan, while Shintaro was wary of the prestige brought about by Hiruzen's years of governance.

Fortunately, Hiruzen did not see any ambition in Shintaro at the moment, he just felt that this boy was not simple.

Although he worried that Shintaro would threaten his position in the future, he would not risk conflict with Shintaro.

After all, Hiruzen knew that Shintaro was as strong as or even surpassed a Bijuu.

❀❀❀

The next day, a Jonin meeting was held in the Hokage building.

There were four main seats in front, each occupied by Koharu, Homura, Hiruzen, and Danzo.

Many Konoha Jonin below were standing, and there were some familiar faces among them.

Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Shintaro from the Uchiha Clan.

Hyuga Hizashi and Hyuga Hisashi from the Hyuga Clan.

Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Choza, and Yamanaka Inoichi from Ino-Shika-Cho. As the head of the Jonin class, Shikaku mentioned the purpose of this Jonin meeting on behalf of the Jonin class.

"The main purpose of this Jonin meeting is to find a candidate for the Fifth Hokage. Let's speak freely. Do you have any candidates you can recommend?"

Everyone was silent for a while; smart people knew that the successor to Hokage was clearly a sensitive topic.

However, there were still some new foolish Jonin who would propose their own candidates.

"I think Tsunade-sama can become the Fifth."

"But Tsunade-sama left this morning. She said she was not interested in the Hokage position."

"What about Jiraiya-sama?"

"Jiraiya-sama came to Konoha to mourn the Fourth Hokage couple and then left the village."

"Where is Orochimaru-sama?"

"Orochimaru-sama hasn't appeared for a long time."

"By the way, Uchiha Shintaro can become the Fifth Hokage. He has the title of White-Haired Demon Eyes."

"He is an Uchiha! And he is only fourteen years old. It's too unsafe for him to become Hokage."

Everyone argued for a long time but couldn't find a candidate who could convince everyone.

Shintaro and his group standing in front never spoke.

Seeing that no one could find a suitable candidate, Shikaku asked the four senior executives, "I wonder if the Third Hokage and some advisors have suitable recommendations?"

Seeing this, Danzo couldn't hold back any longer and was about to stand up and offer himself.

On second thought, he had long served as Konoha's chief advisor and the leader of the Root Organization. He was just the Executive Vice Hokage.

And now he finally took it a step further.

But just as Danzo was excited about this, Hiruzen stood up first.

"I am willing to take on this important responsibility. When the next Hokage grows up, he will only treat me as a transitional figure."

Several people next to Hiruzen looked sideways.

"Sarutobi, you have indeed become stronger with age." Koharu didn't mind this; rather than letting a young man become Hokage, it was better to let this old friend take over.

"Hahahahaha!" Hiruzen laughed heartily.

Danzo was very angry.

He felt that he only had a slow reaction.

Originally, the position of Third Hokage should have been his, but it was taken over by Hiruzen. As a result, he now scored two goals.

This almost made Danzo so angry that he vomited blood.