With word of Tsunade's resignation spreading across Konoha, speculation over the identity of the next Hokage grew increasingly intense.
Two days later, the election officially began.
This election was particularly grand in scale—every villager in Konoha was eligible to participate.
This was shaping up to be the most democratic election in Konoha's history.
Just as dawn broke, people started gathering in front of the newly built main stage.
Everyone wore smiles as they discussed the changes that had taken place across the Ninja World over the past year.
Of course, the majority of conversations revolved around Senju Nawaki and Minato.
Both stood out as two of the most exceptional ninja of their generation.
Their paths were strikingly similar, and both boasted equally impressive backgrounds.
Out of Konoha's four previous Hokages, three had come from the Senju clan.
If Senju Nawaki were elected, continuing his predecessors' legacy would surely be seen as a legendary feat.
Though the Senju clan was no longer numerous, it would never be easily forgotten.
Minato, though born to an ordinary civilian family, had trained under the strongest ninja in the Ninja World—Kawaki Hatake.
After turning ten, his life seemed to accelerate dramatically, earning admiration from countless people.
To civilians, he was like a legend, enjoying slightly higher popularity than Senju Nawaki.
Each candidate had their own unique strengths; neither clearly outclassed the other.
Not even Kakashi and Tsunade could say for certain who would win.
However, one thing was certain: whether Senju Nawaki or Minato became Hokage, no one would question their authority.
As time passed, the village square became packed with people.
Finally, beneath the crowd's eager gaze, someone stepped onto the stage.
"Good morning, everyone."
Wearing her Hokage robes after many years, Tsunade stood at the front of the stage as thunderous applause erupted from the crowd below.
"I'm truly delighted to see so many of you here today."
"Before you all as witnesses, Konoha's Fifth Hokage will be chosen today."
"I believe our Konoha will develop even better under the leadership of the next Hokage."
"Now please welcome our two candidates."
Tsunade raised a hand, silencing the crowd. Her voice rang out clearly across the space.
After speaking, she took a few steps back as Senju Nawaki and Minato Namikaze simultaneously appeared on stage.
Another round of thunderous applause followed, their names roared so loudly the air seemed to tremble.
Clearly visible to everyone, both Senju Nawaki and Minato Namikaze had dressed up carefully for today.
Radiating youthful vigor and the confidence of seasoned warriors,
their sharp-fitting Jonin uniforms gave them a commanding presence.
"Hello everyone, I am Senju Nawaki."
"Hello everyone, I am Minato Namikaze."
They introduced themselves one after the other. Behind them, Kakashi couldn't help but smile with pride.
These are the ninjas I've trained!
It might sound boastful, but to the villagers of Konoha, it was undeniably true.
"It's a great honor to be nominated as a Hokage candidate."
"Ever since becoming a ninja, my ultimate goal has always been to become Hokage."
"I hope you'll support me by casting your votes."
"I promise I won't disappoint any of you. I will ensure Konoha continues developing in the best possible direction."
Without delay, Senju Nawaki launched straight into his campaign speech.
After he finished speaking, he smiled at Minato. It was Minato's turn to speak.
"I, too, feel deeply honored."
"Standing here today still feels like a dream."
"I would like to thank everyone for their support and my teacher's guidance."
"We have personally witnessed Konoha rise from the ashes of war into what it is today. Nothing we have today was easily won."
"Without the sacrifices of those before us, we wouldn't be here today."
"I know I still have many shortcomings, but I hope you can give me a chance."
"To grow alongside all of you—and with Konoha itself."
Minato's humble words earned him thunderous applause from everyone.
"Minato sure looks amazing today!"
Mikoto clung to Itachi while playfully nudging Kushina, a teasing smile on her face.
"O-oh well… That's just how it is!"
Kushina blushed deeply, her voice soft and shy.
Whether Minato became Hokage or not, he was already the best in her heart.
"You're contradicting yourself."
Mikoto gave her no dignity and called her out directly.
"Oh right! We promised to vote for Minato!"
Flustered, Kushina grabbed Itachi and mercilessly pinched and squished his little face.
As Itachi's cheeks were squished flat and then puffed back up, he looked helplessly between Mikoto and Kushina.
You two can gossip all you want—but pick on each other, not the kid.
"Hanami, do you think Daddy looked handsome today?"
For such an important day, Misaki even left the lab, holding Hanami as she watched her husband exuding confidence on stage.
"Handsome!"
Hanami answered instantly without hesitation, her eyes fixed intently on Nawaki onstage.
"Then let's quietly cheer for Daddy, okay?"
"Okay."
Mother and daughter stood beneath the platform, sharing a sense of pride.
After both Nawaki and Minato delivered their campaign speeches, Tsunade stepped forward again.
"Both candidates are excellent."
"But only one person can shoulder the responsibility of Hokage."
"Now it's time for you to make your choice."
"Staff will bring paper and pens, then you simply write down the name you have in mind before placing it into the ballot box."
As soon as Tsunade finished speaking, large groups of staff entered the venue.
They worked in pairs—one distributing paper and pens, the other carrying the ballot box behind them.
"And please rest assured."
"To ensure fairness in this election, we've also arranged for staff to bring ballots to those who couldn't attend in person."
This chapter isn't over yet!
If you enjoyed this story, check out *Naruto: A Journey Beginning with Courting Tsunade*.
"This election is unprecedented in scale."
"In the future, all Hokage elections in Konoha will follow this format."
"Only someone who earns your recognition deserves the title of Hokage."
Tsunade changed the Hokage selection process on the spot.
Though this significantly increased the workload, it was highly praised by the villagers.
Even if future Hokages fell short, the villagers might blame themselves first.
After rounds of applause, the voting began immediately.
The staff downstairs weren't making much progress—one voter could cause long delays.
But this also demonstrated the legitimacy of the election—no one was rushing it.
It wasn't until the afternoon that the staff managed to collect all the ballots.
The election had now reached its final stage—public ballot tally.
"Now, all the ballots have been gathered here."
"All procedures were carried out under everyone's supervision."
"This is the moment we reveal the results."
"Since the task is quite large, I need twenty people to help me right now."
"Who's willing to volunteer?"
As soon as Tsunade finished speaking, someone rushed forward.
If not for others holding them back, the stage would probably have been instantly packed.
"Everyone's so enthusiastic. I'll just randomly pick twenty people then."
Tsunade picked twenty individuals to come onstage—some were ordinary civilians, others ninjas.
Those who didn't get the chance to go up felt quietly disappointed.
Under Tsunade's instructions, these twenty were paired into ten groups, each assigned a ballot box to begin the count.
Though not everyone in the crowd could hear clearly, they all leaned forward intently, expressions serious.
Nawaki and Minato grew particularly anxious as the counting progressed.
Everyone waited eagerly for the outcome of this open and impartial election.
… …
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