Everyone seated at the conference table awaited Danzō's next words, and he didn't keep them waiting long.
After a brief moment of silence, Danzō slowly declared:
"Given Konohagakure's current situation, I nominate myself to succeed as the Fourth Hokage."
"I can guarantee right here that I will make Konohagakure even stronger."
As Danzō's words fell, the officials on the Daimyō's left immediately began to buzz with discussion, then presented their opinions to the Daimyō.
After listening to the conclusions of his officials, the Daimyō nodded to them, then turned his gaze towards Hiruzen, whose eyes were lightly closed.
"Third Hokage, what is your opinion on this matter?"
As the Daimyō finished speaking, Hiruzen opened his eyes, his gaze sharpening, a cold glint flashing through them.
"In this era of war, Konohagakure certainly needs someone to lead it through reform."
A smile spread across Danzō's face, and triumph gleamed in his eyes.
However, Hiruzen's next sentence was like a basin of cold water poured over Danzō's heart.
"But Hokage Assistant Danzō Shimura is not the most suitable candidate. He is not the most suitable person to lead Konohagakure's reform."
"Therefore, the Hokage position cannot be placed in Danzō's hands."
Hiruzen's opposition instantly made Danzō grit his teeth in fury, his gaze at Hiruzen as if he wanted to devour him whole.
"Third Hokage..."
Hiruzen ignored Danzō's words, lightly raised his head, and then stated his ideal candidate.
"I recommend Minato Namikaze to succeed as the Fourth Hokage."
At this moment, Koharu also spoke up at an opportune moment:
"He is also the student of Jiraiya, one of the Sannin, and the Third Hokage's grand-disciple."
Danzō was already furious because of Koharu's words. Homura, who spoke next, undoubtedly added fuel to the fire.
"He is also known as the Yellow Flash."
With Koharu and Homura speaking consecutively, Danzō knew full well that these two "teammates" of his had defected and sided with Hiruzen's faction.
"Oh!!!"
The Daimyō's eyes widened in surprise, as if hearing the title "Yellow Flash" for the first time.
This was merely a facade, as he saw that both Koharu and Homura supported Hiruzen's statement, and he couldn't help but discern the current situation.
Danzō knew full well that he was just a step away from succeeding as the Fourth Hokage. The unfavorable situation before him forced him to voice his opposition.
His lone eye narrowed, and his thoughts raced.
Danzō stood up and loudly declared:
"Minato is still too young; his abilities are simply insufficient to succeed as Hokage."
The Daimyō was surprised by Danzō's reaction, opening his small fan to cover the lower half of his face.
Hiruzen also stood up at this moment and retorted.
"Minato's war achievements are outstanding. He secured victory at the Kannabi Bridge and brought the Third Great Ninja War to an end."
Danzō turned his head to look at Hiruzen, his gaze predatory.
"I object."
Hiruzen met Danzō's gaze without backing down, remaining silent, his eyes equally sharp. This made Danzō incredibly angry, but he had no outlet for his frustration.
"What are your opinions?"
"Do you agree to Minato Namikaze succeeding as the Fourth Hokage?"
Koharu and Homura were the first to express their stance, nodding. The Daimyō then looked at his officials, and seeing them also nod, he finally turned to Hiruzen.
With everyone at the conference table supporting Minatoe's succession as Fourth Hokage, Danzō, powerless to change the outcome, could only rage impotently. Aside from the Daimyō, everyone present was now on his hit list.
The matter settled; Minato Namikaze would become Konohagakure's Fourth Hokage.
"Since that's the case, I hereby issue the order,"
"Order Minato Namikaze to assume the position of Konohagakure's Fourth Hokage."
At this point, Danzō had no choice but to accept the outcome, but his sharp gaze made it clear.
He would not give up.
After the meeting, the Daimyō hosted a banquet for Hiruzen and the others.
...
After a brief rest, Veigar and numerous Anbu ninja resumed their movements.
Under the night sky, the procession grandly set off, returning to Konohagakure.
At the back of the group, Danzō stared at the retreating figures of Hiruzen, Koharu, and Homura. He desperately wanted to dispatch his Root ninja to eliminate the three on the spot.
However, after some thought, Danzō ultimately abandoned the idea.
The next day, everyone returned to Konohagakure.
After Veigar changed out of his Anbu uniform, he left and returned to his residence, then lay down on his bed at home and drifted into a light sleep.
Meanwhile, upon returning to Konohagakure, Hiruzen immediately summoned Minato, who had remained in Konohagakure.
Receiving Hiruzen's summons, the prepared Minato knelt before Hiruzen in the Hokage Residence, looking up at him intently.
"Minato, I have always believed you to be the best inheritor of the Will of Fire. After discussions between myself and the Daimyō, we have unanimously decided to appoint you as Konohagakure's Fourth Hokage."
"From this day forward, the future of Konohagakure and the peace of the ninja world are entrusted to you."
"Do you accept?"
Becoming Hokage had always been Minato's dream. Having been summoned by Hiruzen, Minato was ready. Facing Hiruzen's entrustment, Minato spoke with a grave and utterly serious expression:
"I will never disappoint Lord Third's expectations."
At this moment, the selection for the Fourth Hokage officially concluded; Minato Namikaze would become Konohagakure's Fourth Hokage.
Hiruzen, still seated and with a serious expression, looked at the earnest Minato and said:
"Originally, I intended to hold the inauguration ceremony in a better environment, but the current state of Konohagakure requires your leadership, so you must assume the position under these circumstances."
"Although the path before you remains fraught with thorns, I still hope you will walk it with unwavering resolve, in the name of the Will of Fire."
Minato nodded heavily, looking incredibly solemn.
"I am resolved."
Minato's demeanor greatly pleased Hiruzen, who then broke into a smile.
"I believe you will do well."
Minato nodded again.
"Yes!"
Hiruzen and Minato discussed for nearly an hour, finalizing the inauguration ceremony and the official date for Minato to assume the Fourth Hokage position. Only then did Minato leave the Hokage Residence and return home.
Meanwhile, back at the Root headquarters, Danzō was furiously venting his rage in his office, with shattered objects scattered everywhere.
"Damn you, Hiruzen..."
Danzō let out a series of low growls.
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