Chp-135: Battle for Hokage! Three Forces in Motion

About three days after the meeting ended.

A piece of shocking news suddenly spread, its intensity surpassing the previous Hyuga coup, immediately topping the Konoha news headlines.

Hiruzen Sarutobi plans to step down, and the village of Konoha needs to select a new leader!

This news, once released, quickly spread throughout every corner of the village, with everyone engaged in heated discussions.

The most discussed candidates were one of the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru, and Minato Namikaze.

Some also thought that Hyuga Satoru could become the Hokage, but the voices weren't as strong, seemingly overshadowed by someone, significantly reducing its spread.

In the end, whether intentional or not, the main contenders for Hokage became Orochimaru and Minato.

In the Hokage office, Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a headache.

Despite his efforts to build momentum for Minato, the public support was still notably weaker than for Orochimaru.

Due to the unexpected rise of Hyuga Satoru, Minato's performance in the recently concluded Third Ninja War was far less prominent compared to Orochimaru.

Orochimaru, being one of the legendary Sannin, also had a more extensive experience compared to Minato.

However, Sarutobi wasn't overly concerned. With the support of the Ino-Shika-Cho trio and his own clan, coupled with his significant influence among the high-ranking officials, the Hokage position was almost certainly Minato's.

Sarutobi sighed inwardly.

Orochimaru, don't blame your teacher.

Minato truly embodies the Will of Fire, and with him leading, the village is sure to thrive.

"Hmph!"

He then thought of his old friend Danzo and couldn't help but snort coldly.

"Danzo, that old fox, must be trying to push Orochimaru for Hokage. For the future of the village, I won't let you succeed."

...

At the Root headquarters.

Danzo was busy making preparations.

A Root member knelt respectfully before him.

"Lord Danzo, according to your instructions, most of Konoha's residents now support Orochimaru for Hokage."

"Very good!"

Danzo chuckled coldly.

Manipulating public opinion was something he was all too familiar with.

The incident with the White Fang was also orchestrated by him.

"Sarutobi, that old fox, will surely push for the more controllable Minato Namikaze. I won't let him have his way!"

"Even if I can't become Hokage, as long as Orochimaru does, making deals with him will make the position of Fifth Hokage a piece of cake."

With that thought, Danzo felt even more pleased.

Then, as if recalling something, he frowned slightly in dissatisfaction.

"Orochimaru, that guy. I've done so much for him behind the scenes, yet he always makes excuses when I invite him to discuss our cooperation."

"Is he really that busy?"

Danzo sighed helplessly but didn't dwell on it. Orochimaru becoming Hokage was still in his best interest.

Thinking about the near future made him smile even more.

...

Meanwhile, as public opinion was gradually fermenting, the Hyuga clan suddenly opened several Hyuga acupuncture clinics, organizing a campaign to support the candidate of your choice, which became a sensation in the village.

"Byakugan Acupuncture Massage, targeting ailments, relieving pain, and making you feel rejuvenated! First day at 30% off, with a free gilded card of your favorite candidate. Come support your chosen candidate!"

Riding the wave of the Hokage election, the Hyuga acupuncture clinics quickly gained immense popularity.

Within days, they became a trend in every street and alley.

In the new Hyuga territory.

Hyuga Hizashi was in awe of Hyuga Satoru, repeatedly praising him.

"Satoru, your calculations were spot on. The acupuncture clinics have indeed become popular in the village thanks to the Hokage election."

"Of course."

Satoru wasn't surprised at all.

The concept of fan circles was something he was well-acquainted with from his previous life. The terrifying influence of fan culture had left a deep impression on him.

In a relatively simple-minded world like the ninja world, once such concepts were introduced, they naturally had a profound impact on the villagers' consciousness, making it no surprise that it became popular.

As for acupuncture massage, it was his way of providing a livelihood for the clan members who didn't have the talent to become ninjas.

Almost every Hyuga had Byakugan. Those with ninja potential were trained in gunfighting techniques.

Those with excellent medical skills were sent to Konoha Hospital.

In the future, he might even collaborate with Orochimaru to involve some members in research.

As for the remaining members who had neither ninja talent nor any other special skills, they could utilize their Byakugan for acupuncture massage.

At least, it provided them with a means of livelihood.

In a way, it increased the GDP of the new Hyuga clan.

In the old, unliberated Hyuga, these people could only live a lowly existence, considered the lowest class among the clan members.

Hizashi took a deep breath and continued.

"By the way, Satoru, we have made the Hokage candidate cards as you instructed."

"But making so many cards for Orochimaru, is that really okay?"

Hizashi looked at Satoru hesitantly.

"Don't worry. This kind of influence is subtle. No one will notice such a small detail. Even if the Hokage finds out, let him come directly to me."

Satoru rolled his eyes.

Although the campaign was meant to support the candidate of your choice, in reality, the cards weren't fixed. Most of them featured positive images of Orochimaru.

Subtly increasing his popularity over Minato.

Of course, the Hokage election mainly depended on the high-ranking officials.

But public support was still crucial.

In the original timeline, Minato easily became Hokage partly due to his popularity among the villagers.

Satoru was trying to make Orochimaru appear less aloof and more connected with the people.

...

In the streets of Konoha.

Rin Nohara picked up a card of Orochimaru from the ground, where Orochimaru was smiling warmly and contagiously, looking somewhat curious.

"This is one of those popular candidate cards recently."

She looked at Minato beside her. "Minato-sensei, should we get some for you too?"

Minato scratched his head awkwardly. "No, I really don't know how to do these things."

"But Minato-sensei, your support is also very high. It would be exciting if you could become Hokage!"

"Really..."

Minato smiled. Hiruzen had also advised him to interact more with the villagers during this time to help his election.

"Then let's go to the Hyuga acupuncture clinic later. I'm curious about it too. I've never seen anything like it before."

"Great!"

Rin jumped excitedly and looked back at Kakashi.

"Kakashi, you should come too."

"I'll pass!"

Kakashi coldly refused.

"Okay."

Rin pouted.

Kakashi looked at the backs of Minato and Rin, who were chatting and laughing, instinctively clenching his fists and gritting his teeth slightly.

"Hokage..."

It was because of that position that his father...

A wave of sorrow and cold emotion surged in his heart.

"If that's the case, then I'll vote for Orochimaru."

He muttered coldly.

"Minato-sensei, don't blame me. I just don't want you to have anything to do with such an ugly position."

He was already a Jounin and had the right to vote.