For a moment, the clan heads of various families finally understood.
This wasn't an election for Hokage at all; Konoha's higher-ups had already internally decided on the Hokage candidate and were merely informing them through this meeting.
"Orochimaru's qualifications and his own strength..."
"...plus his contributions to the Village, are all sufficient to assume the position of Hokage. I also agree."
Utatane Koharu also expressed her support.
As for Danzo, he remained silent.
This matter had already been discussed and agreed upon by them.
If there were any other unforeseen circumstances, he could speak up then.
"I think Sakumo Hatake is excellent. Not only for his performance in this war, but also for ending it by successfully assassinating the Kazekage."
"Orochimaru-sama is also very outstanding, but I support Sakumo Hatake-sama."
At this moment, a Ninja A expressed his opinion.
This surprised Sakumo Hatake.
After all, he had no intention of running for Hokage.
Coupled with his mental breakdown last time, he no longer had any obsession with that position.
"I also recommend Sakumo Hatake-sama. He performed very well in this special training mission."
"Moreover, many of the Ninja's issues were brought up by Sakumo Hatake-sama."
"He can provide better guidance for the future improvement and construction of the Village."
Another Ninja followed up.
Hearing these words, Sakumo Hatake felt a warmth in his heart.
It must be said that receiving a response to one's efforts was truly moving.
"Thank you all for your recognition, but I have no intention of running for Hokage."
"I just want to purely do what I can for the Village. As for the position of Hokage, I also support Orochimaru."
Sakumo Hatake stood up.
After receiving such a response, the position of Hokage became even less important.
He didn't want to put himself in the spotlight again for the sake of the Hokage position.
Perhaps he truly wasn't suited for such a position.
"En, we support you, and we believe in you!"
"Yes, Orochimaru-sama is also very outstanding; it's good for him to become Hokage."
...
Seeing that Sakumo Hatake himself had no such intention, a few people changed their attitude.
For a time, the most vocal support was for Orochimaru to become Hokage.
At this moment, Orochimaru also wore a gentle smile.
It must be said that at this time, Orochimaru still looked relatively cheerful.
"Everyone's opinions are basically unified..."
"I also want to run."
Just then, Uchiha Tani stood up.
He directly interrupted Hiruzen Sarutobi's words.
"Tani?"
"You also want to run for Hokage?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at Uchiha Tani in front of him with some surprise.
The other Ninja also began to discuss amongst themselves.
It's important to know that for a Village, if you want to become the Kage, the primary requirement is to have sufficient prestige.
Although the Uchiha Clan was powerful, their long-standing animosity with other families ran too deep.
They simply couldn't meet such conditions.
"Do we, the Uchiha, not have the right to participate in the election?"
Uchiha Tani was somewhat displeased.
As the head of the Village's Military Police Force, he had done many things for the Village.
Moreover, they were responsible for handling any daily situations that arose within the Village.
Naturally, he felt he possessed such qualifications.
Furthermore, Konoha itself was established jointly by the Uchiha Clan and the Senju Clan.
Other families only joined later.
The Senju had already had two Hokage, and the Third Hokage was even Tobirama Senju's disciple.
How could it not be the Uchiha Clan's turn now?
"Naturally, there's no problem. We highly support Chief Tani having such a sense of responsibility."
"Then, the candidates are confirmed to be Orochimaru, Uchiha Tani, and Jiraiya."
"The next six months will be your assessment period."
"Finally, a unified election will be held. Does everyone have any objections?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi said with a calm expression.
After hearing Hiruzen Sarutobi's words, the several high-ranking officials looked at him with strange expressions.
Jiraiya?
That guy wasn't even in the Village right now, and they didn't know what he was doing outside.
As for achievements or prestige, he had none.
Why was he suddenly added?
Although Jiraiya was also Hiruzen Sarutobi's disciple, still...
Despite their confusion, they didn't voice it directly.
After all, they still had to give Hiruzen Sarutobi that much face.
After the meeting ended, the four remained in the conference room.
"Hokage-sama, why did you add Jiraiya to the list of candidates?"
"If I recall correctly, he's also very close to Uchiha Tani."
"In fact, his relationship with Uchiha Tani's eldest son, Uchiha Fugaku, is also quite good."
Homura Mitokado was somewhat puzzled.
"Precisely because of that, I included him."
"Those who support Orochimaru will definitely be the majority."
"By including Jiraiya, Uchiha Tani won't be as wary, making it easier for us to handle certain matters."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's lips curled into a sinister smile.
"Are you saying you're preparing to give the Uchiha a difficult mission?"
Danzo, as a representative of the 'old foxes,' naturally sensed something complex in this.
That Hiruzen Sarutobi was definitely up to something.
"For a while now, your Root Organization has been working hard."
"Next, some of the work will be handed over to the Military Police Force."
After Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, he directly took out a scroll and handed it to the three of them.
After they finished reading the contents of the scroll, it self-destructed, turning into ashes.
"If we let the Uchiha handle this matter, our room for manipulation will be significant."
"Moreover, these people are basically all at the Hokage-sama's discretion."
"By then, he won't even be able to run for election; he'll probably lose his composure."
Utatane Koharu finally broke into a smile.
It must be said, being on the same side as such a cunning fellow was quite advantageous!
"Then, let's do as Hokage-sama says."
"Danzo, you and Homura help Orochimaru to quickly raise his prestige."
"Alright, I'm heading back first."
Homura Mitokado said, then stood up, ready to leave.
"Homura, wait a moment."
"You and Danzo will be responsible for Orochimaru's matters together."
"Koharu, you will assist me in handling the Uchiha's issues."
"There must be no mistakes in this matter."
After Hiruzen Sarutobi finished speaking, a look of determination appeared on his face.
If this matter was handled well, their positions would be further consolidated.
Then, Konoha would become their personal domain.
Who could resist the desire to control such a powerful Village?