Running for Hokage (Part 2)

Issui nodded. He knew that after taking this position, the responsibilities on his shoulders would become heavier. When one is in a position, one must fulfill one's duties. He was very relaxed when he was not the Hokage, but once he became the Hokage, he would have to deal with all the messy things in the village. Moreover, as the Hokage, it is not enough to just have strength. One must be able to see the situation clearly and lead everyone in the village to a stronger and more prosperous future.

However, these are all minor matters. The most important thing is to remain calm in the face of any unexpected events, and to handle the conflicts between all factions in the village, so that everyone can unite and work together to develop the village. If the village is in any danger, one must stand at the forefront, even if it means getting hurt, rather than let everything one is protecting be destroyed.

"Also, once you become Hokage, you must act like Hokage. Don't be complacent. Everyone elected you as Hokage because they trust you, so you can't let them down," Hinata said.

Issui pouted and said, "Okay, okay, I know. I'm not a child anymore. You don't need to remind me. I'll do it well."

Hinata nodded. "That's more like it. Here, as a reward for your Kamui today, defeating the invading enemy, this chicken leg is for you. Don't refuse, it's from my heart."

Hinata gently placed the last chicken leg from the plate into Issui.

"It's still my Little Hinata, she knows how to take care of people..." Issui said with emotion, eating the heart-shaped chicken leg in his bowl bite by bite, almost swallowing the bones as well. There was no way around it, Hinata's food was just too to his liking. As the saying goes, the way to a man's heart is through his stomach, Hinata not only won Issui's heart but also his stomach.

Hinata watched as Issui wolfed down his food, and felt a surge of satisfaction. This was the man she loved; not only was he handsome, but he was also incredibly strong, and now he was about to become the Hokage of the village. She was truly happy to be the woman behind him; Sakura and Ino could only envy her.

After dinner, Issui and Hinata washed up and went to bed early. They had a lot of things to do tomorrow, so it was good to get some rest.

The next day was a very busy one. All the ninjas of Konoha spontaneously took action to rebuild Konoha, their friendly home. Although they had just experienced a major upheaval, they were not sad. Instead, they turned their grief and anger into strength to build Konoha into an even stronger place.

However, beneath the seemingly peaceful Konoha, a dark wind was blowing. Everyone knew from somewhere that Konoha would be electing the Sixth Hokage. Because the Fifth Tsunade, had been in a coma, the election of the Sixth Hokage would be decided soon. However, several versions of who would succeed as the Sixth Hokage were circulating in the village.

Some people say that Kakashi Hatake might become the next Hokage because he is strong, experienced, famous, his master is the Fourth Hokage, and he himself is exceptionally talented, known as the Konoha Technician.

Some people say that Issui Kanna might become the Sixth Hokage because he is currently the strongest ninja in Konoha. People always choose to unconditionally believe in the strong and believe that only the strongest person can become the leader of everyone, the Hokage of Konoha.

Of course, there's a small group of people who say Danzo might also inherit the Hokage Position. The reason is simple: he's the most senior ninja in Konoha, a contemporary of the Third Hokage, and a student of the Second Hokage. Moreover, he's a cunning individual who has been plotting for the Hokage Position for some time. Now that the Third is dead, Jiraiya is deceased, and Tsunade is unconscious, he has become the most confident member of the village's upper echelons. No one can stop him now, and the root of darkness is about to emerge and let the light shine through.

None of these three versions are baseless; they are all information released by some people in secret. The one supporting Danzo was definitely released by Danzo's people, the Issui was released by the Hyuga Clan, and Kakashi is a guessed candidate.

When Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu heard these rumors, they did not stop everyone from discussing them enthusiastically, because they also needed to observe the situation. Although everyone had different opinions, the side with more supporters was the one that everyone wanted, and they could make a choice.

Moreover, this time, the selection of Hokage is not so simple. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire is on his way to Konoha. Although Konoha is powerful, it is still a village reliant on the Land of Fire, and they still need to listen to the Daimyo's opinions. Although Konoha is independent within the Land of Fire and is the ninja village that protects Land of Fire, since it is located on the Land of Land of Fire's territory, they still need to consider the Daimyo's words to some extent. In addition, a portion of the village's finances are provided by the Daimyo, so it's best for everyone to show some sincerity.

Although the rumors were rampant, people only talked about it and focused most of their energy on the village's reconstruction. After all, Konoha was in dire need of rebuilding, and no one had extra time to think about other things. Moreover, the Hokage election was their business, and it was decided by the Konoha's higher-ups. They probably wouldn't choose someone mediocre as Hokage, as the requirements for becoming the village's Hokage were extremely high.

As time went by, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire finally arrived in Konoha a week after the war ended, thanks to his "rapid" journey. Most of the main buildings in Konoha had now been completed and were fulfilling their intended functions.

While leading a group of kids to cut wood outside the village, Issui received orders from the Anbu, saying that the Daimyo of the Land of Fire summoned him to discuss the matter. Issui finally cried out that he was saved.

Actually, in the past few days, Issui was "appointed in a time of crisis" by Mitokado Homura and the others as an instructor at the Konoha Ninja Academy Konoha Ninja Academy, leading the students to learn the ways of ninja survival. However, Issui really didn't want to stay with a bunch of teenagers. But Hiashi, the leader, also got involved and agreed to let Issui guide these rookies, meaning that Issui should get closer to his juniors and leave a good impression on everyone.

Left with no other choice, Issui had to accept the mission. However, once he did, he discovered that life could be so tragic. The group of rascals at the Ninja Academy were constantly coming up with different ways to torment him. He had just solved one problem when a whole bunch of new ones appeared. Moreover, these little devils were always playing tricks on him. Konohamaru was the culprit because Issui had stolen the limelight from Konohamaru's leader, Naruto Uzumaki. So, Konohamaru organized everyone to "take revenge" on Issui!

Of course, Konohamaru and his group's revenge was just some underhanded tactics, but even so, it still gave Ikki Issui headache. But now he was finally free. In that moment of liberation, he suddenly realized that life could be so wonderful, and happiness had come too quickly. He vowed that he would never guide any junior students in their training again, and he would never be an instructor again. If anyone brought up such things with him again, he would never let them off the hook.

Leaving aside these minor setbacks, Issui accepted the Anbu's orders and headed to the conference room, where an unprecedented war was about to begin, with various forces vying for the position of Sixth Hokage.

Upon arriving at the conference room, Issui noticed that there weren't many people inside. The Konoha side was represented by five people: Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu Shimura Danzō, Shikaku Nara, and Kakashi Hatake. Including Issui, there were six people. The Daimyo's side was represented by the Fire Daimyo and his trusted ministers. The two sides officially began their conversation.

Issui entered the conference room, he noticed everyone's eyes were on him. Slightly embarrassed, he said, "Sorry to keep you all waiting."

The Fire Daimyo waved his hand and said with a smile, "Haha, it's alright, we haven't known each other for very long. I've already heard about your deeds. You're not only famous in Konoha, but you have quite a reputation throughout the entire Shinobi World. Even the Land of Earth is always talking badly about you. When Orochimaru attacked Konoha, Sunagakure was not doing well because of you. You are a meritorious contributor to our Land of Fire."

Issui sat down next to Kakashi and said, "Oh, it's nothing, it's just what I should do. It's good for everyone to be well, isn't it?"

"Hmm..." Danzo felt a little dissatisfied seeing Issui chatting happily with the daimyo, so he coughed a few times.

Issui chuckled to himself, his chance now presented. He couldn't help but tease, "Oh, isn't this Danzo? You're not feeling well, so you shouldn't have come. The village can manage with us young people. You're getting old, so don't overexert yourself. It's not good for your health. If something goes wrong, everyone will think Konoha is too harsh and doesn't let the old man rest. That won't do!"

Upon hearing Issui's words, the daimyo laughed heartily, "Absolutely, absolutely! Danzo, you're getting old; if your body can't handle it, you shouldn't participate in village affairs anymore."

Danzo's eyelids twitched at Issui's words. He snorted coldly and said, "That was just a minor ailment. This old man can still work for Konoha for a few more years. And, kid, don't be so rigid. Back when I was following the First and Second, you were still nowhere to be found! Besides, juniors should show due respect to their elders!"

Issui pursed her lips, then laughed and said, "Oh, I'm really sorry, but I still want to express my concern for you. It's better to stay at home and enjoy your retirement. Otherwise, as you get older and your eyesight deteriorates, you might accidentally bump into something while you're out."

"Clang!"

Danzo slammed his cane on the ground, let out a cold snort, and released his aura, trying to intimidate Issui and indirectly show that he was indeed capable.

Issui smiled faintly, completely unconcerned about Danzo's intimidation. Danzo was merely using Genjutsu to mentally pressure Issui. These childish tricks might work on others, but they were nothing to him, as he was also a master of Genjutsu.

Mitokado Homura watched the open and covert struggle between Issui and Danzo, and sighed inwardly. The two were now irreconcilably at odds, neither willing to back down. However, he couldn't let them continue like this; the Daimyo of the Land of Fire was right there, and he couldn't let them make a fool of themselves. So he immediately spoke up, "Enough, you two! This is a public place. If you have something to say, go somewhere else. The Daimyo is watching you!"