Chapter 110 Appointment

Konoha.

Hokage Building, Conference Hall.

In the conference hall most the chairs around the big table were almost full with the most popular candidates Kazuki Aoyama and Hatake Sakumo sitting opposite to each other at the front seats, the chair in the middle belonging to Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen currently empty.

The clan chiefs of Hyuga, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, Aburame, Uchiha were all present in the hall, other big names like Senju Tsunade, Orochimaru who was the third most popular candidate after Tsunade's withdrawing present as well.

All eyes would gaze at the two silver haired figures sitting opposite to each other from time to time, the yamanaka clan chief leaning over towards Nara Shikashi, the head of Nara Clan and whispering.

"Every higher-up of the village understands that Third Hokage won't be able to control Kazuki Aoyama unlike Sakumo yet he seems to have made no effort in stopping Kazuki from winning; do you think he truly did nothing or has already made arrangements?" Asked Inoue, the head of yamanaka clan with a curious look in his green eyes.

At his question Shikashi rubbed his goatee and showed a very thoughtful look and after a while of thinking responded.

"I'm leaning more towards him having done nothing and this being fair for everyone and the reason why I believe so is because the consequences of rigging might turn out to be disastrous and lord third is not shortsighted enough to see that."

"The village has repeatedly challenged the bottom line of Kazuki; the most prominent example being how his own parents were used against him on the name of the village and its already a miracle he stayed loyal to the village after that and didn't do anything in retaliation."

"If anything unfair were to be done to him again then I fear he might really snap this time and lord third must have considered that."

Said Shikashi with hope in his tone for third hokage to have really measured the consequences like he expected from him otherwise this village won't go unharmed facing the wrath of Kazuki.

"I hope lord third truly acts like I saw him in those memories" Inoue showed hope for sarutobi to stay impartial today as well and act like how he had had witnessed him in the memories of danzo, brave and selfless when the tobirama squad needed someone to step forward as a bait.

"I know when it comes to merit I'm nowhere even close to you Kazuki-Kun and no one deserves this more than you but which shinobi would slip the chance of serving the village even better; I have no greed for fame or titles and just want to serve this village more that way."

Said Sakumo to Kazuki sitting before him in a sincere tone, his eyes showing not a single thought aside from serving the village and passing on the will of fire to younger generations.

"You don't have to feel bad and explain for trying to fight for your dream Sakumo-San; whoever wins let's toast a drink to other"

Understanding Sakumo felt bad for trying to compete with him and was trying to explain himself, Kazuki calmly assured him without showing a hint of anger and expressed good desires.

"Sure Kazuki-Kun!"

His words seem to work like magic as the worry and guilty look in Sakumo's eyes vanished instantly as with even more respect for Kazuki on his face agreed with his suggestion, a bright smile on his face.

Clink!

At this moment the door of the hall was pushed open as for whom everyone was waiting for finally entered the hall, the third hokage donning the hokage attire walked in.

"Lord Third"

Everyone stood up in respect and greeted him respectfully as nodding back he walked to the front of the table, all eyes focusing on him.

Sarutobi didn't let the silence in the hall stay for long as with an emotional look on his face spoke up.

"Many years ago Lord Second chose to believe in me and left the village in my care; for many years I have been hokage and despite trying my best I couldn't prevent another war which took the lives of so many"

"I also failed to judge those around me clearly which led to some horrifying things happening under my rule; knowing all this I couldn't convince myself to keep sitting at the seat at what lord first and second once sat"

"I decided to step down and leave the village in the care of young leaves who will surely lead the village better than I did; but despite all this I'm still proud to have stayed a hokage and even after today will lay down my life for the village whenever it is required"

Saying that Sarutobi reached towards the hokage hat on top of his head and with a heavy face took it off, the sad and some respectful eyes on Sarutobi.

Thup!

Holding the hat with his both hands, Sarutobi under the eyes of everyone walked towards one of the silver haired figure who stood up at this.

Arriving before the figure, Sarutobi tilted his head up to gaze at him and stretched the hat towards him, who staying calm took it from his hands.

"I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, The Third Hokage! Hereby announce the successful appointment of Kazuki Aoyama as Fourth Hokage."

"I hope he succeeds in what I failed and flourishes the village."

The words fell and Kazuki with a deep look in his eyes put it on top of his head, a collective voice ringing in the hall next moment.

"Lord Fourth!"

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