The Hokage Election (Part 2)

Utatane Koharu squinted and said, "We're all family, comrades-in-arms in battle. What can't we resolve? Danzo, although you're older and more experienced, don't be so careless with your words and actions. Show respect to your juniors, and don't always pick on them. Issui, don't be arrogant just because you're strong and loved by the villagers. Don't be disrespectful to your seniors. Even if Danzo is wrong, you can point it out, but you can't lecture him or show any disrespect to your elders."

Kakashi gently patted Issui's shoulder, signaling him to stop talking. The two advisors of Konoha had already spoken; even if you had a thousand complaints, you had to hold back and show them some respect.

Danzo snorted coldly and stopped talking, but his eyes, which were the size of chicken eyes, were filled with a sinister look.

"Smack..."

After watching Issui and Danzo finish arguing, the Fire Daimyo closed his fan, his previous jovial demeanor replaced by a serious expression. He said, "This incident has dealt a heavy blow to the Land of Fire. Other countries have begun to look Land of Fire to some extent, and the Fifth Hokage remains unconscious. Konoha must now find a solution to regain the Daimyo's trust and support."

Shikamaru Nara, who had remained silent until now, spoke up, "The Shinobi World is now facing a major and severe test. Not only our Land of Fire, but the other four great nations have also been invaded by the Akatsuki to varying degrees. Our Konoha was merely the fuse that ignited their war. Konoha's suffering serves as a wake-up call for other nations. I believe a historic meeting at the Five Kage Summit is necessary. As for the Fifth Hokage Tsunade, Tsunade, she has been unconscious and is currently under observation, but her life is not in danger. It's only a matter of time before she wakes up."

"Oh, so things have developed this way. Hmm, there have been constant reports about other major powers lately, all related to Akatsuki. It would be good for everyone to hold a meeting to jointly defend against the enemy. However, before that, Konoha needs a temporary leader. We can't be sure when the Fifth Hokage will regain consciousness, but we can't wait even a second. Time is of the essence," the Fire Daimyo said calmly.

The ministers of the Fire Daimyo also nodded in agreement. The village couldn't function without a Hokage in charge, especially now, when the situation was so critical. Any small mistake could cause significant losses to the entire Konoha, or even the entire Land of Fire.

Shikaku then spoke up, "The Fifth Hokage Tsunade, is simply overexerting herself; she'll wake up sooner or later. She's doing this to protect everyone. I think it's too early to elect a Sixth Hokage. As for village affairs, with the two advisors overseeing things, there shouldn't be any problems. Then, we should gather the village's high-ranking ninja and select someone with both strength and strategy to temporarily manage the village in place of the Fifth Hokage. Although conflicts are beginning to emerge on the continent, there's still some time before they erupt. During this period, as long as we prepare for war and wait for Lady Tsunade to wake up, we can fight with all our might and definitely resolve all the problems."

Issui listening to Shikaku Nara's speech, Yishui secretly admired him. He had to admit that Shikaku was Konoha's strategist. He analyzed problems so thoroughly, acted efficiently and decisively, and always followed the Hokage's lead. He was an excellent administrator behind the scenes. It was because of people like him that Konoha was able to make progress step by step.

The Fire Daimyo, Shikaku's analysis was also quite good. Tsunade was one of the legendary Sannin, so she should be able to overcome such injuries and wake up. It would be most suitable for her to be the Hokage. It would be better for her to continue to take on the responsibility of the Hokage. It would also be acceptable to temporarily select an acting Hokage. Not just anyone can be the Hokage, and it would be too hasty to choose just Hokage.

Danzo it any longer. Wouldn't this completely ruin his chance? He had been plotting for so many years, and finally this opportunity had arrived. How could he give it up so easily? When Sarutobi was alive, he always lost to him. After Sarutobi Sarutobi, Tsunade succeeded him. Now that Tsunade was in a coma, no one in the village could stop him anymore. If he didn't seize this opportunity, all his scheming might be for naught. He was starving for the Hokage position. He wouldn't have a moment's peace until he became Hokage and sat on that Hokage.

"Hmph, Tsunade is unconscious and we don't know how she is. Are we just going to keep waiting for her to wake up? Besides, the village won't be in Hokage good state without Hokage. Our consistent weakness has always put the village in a precarious situation; Sarutobi is a prime example. Konoha needs a strong and decisive leader. I am the most qualified Konoha in Hokage. Since peaceful methods can't protect Konoha, why not try my methods?" The Fire Daimyo nodded, agreeing with his reasoning. Since he had volunteered and possessed considerable strength and status, there was no problem in him becoming the next Hokage. He said, "Then, people, I announce..."

Issui at the smug Danzo, raised his right hand, and said, "Wait!"

Danzo heard someone speaking and immediately looked over. He saw it was Issui shouting there, and he was furious. "Damn it! Don't think you can act recklessly just because I don't dare to touch you! If you piss me off, you're in for a world of hurt! You dare to mess with me at this crucial moment? Do you want to die?"

"You're being incredibly insolent, interrupting the Daimyo! What do you think you're doing? You have no manners whatsoever. Go outside and stay out of here. Konoha doesn't need someone as disrespectful as you."

The daimyo shook his fan and said calmly, "It's alright. Go ahead and say what you want to say. I'd like to hear your thoughts, after all, I still need to solicit the opinions of young people."

Issui nodded in satisfaction, ignoring Danzo's angry glare, and said calmly, "Actually, I agree with what Danzo said, but the selection of the Hokage shouldn't be so hasty. After all, if the Hokage of Konoha is always an old man, it will inevitably lead other countries to say that Konoha has no fresh blood and only some old guys to fill the position. Moreover, as they get Hokage, their minds and skills won't be as sharp. So, having a young person lead Konoha might not be a bad thing. This way, it will make the outside world see that Konoha still has some talented people."

You might want to consider me. I'm probably the strongest person here, and I've protected Konoha twice. The first time was during Orochimaru's invasion, and the second time was during Pain's invasion of Konoha. I weathered both crises, earning me considerable prestige in Konoha. My reputation is also very high in the Shinobi World. If I were to become Hokage, it would be of great significance to both Konoha and the Shinobi World. Konoha needs fresh blood to drive it forward."

"Smack..."

The Fire Daimyo snapped his fan shut, slammed it on the table, and decisively declared, "Good! Young man, you have guts! This matter is decided. Issui Kanna as the Sixth Hokage Konoha to lead Konoha to greater heights. Konoha is currently undergoing reconstruction, and the Daimyo's residence will provide some assistance as soon as possible. Furthermore, the Daimyo of the various nations have already met, and the unprecedented Five Kage Summit is about to be held. The new Hokage of Konoha should attend the summit."

"What?! Daimyo, you can't make such a hasty decision! He's not mature enough, his experience is too inexperienced. He's not the best candidate. You should reconsider. Besides, let's handle the Konoha situation ourselves. The village should be able to find the most suitable person, but definitely not this kid!" Danzo's ears rang, and he immediately stood up and shouted at the Daimyo. He was indignant. Why? Why wasn't he the Hokage? That little bastard! He should have killed him at all costs when he was young, but now it's too late. That brat has already become a force to be reckoned with.

"Watch your words, Danzo! How dare you shout at the Daimyo like that? It's so rude and disappointing! Are you really getting senile...?" Mitokado Homura shouted, stopping Danzo from speaking.

"Your Excellency, I'm so sorry to have startled you. The village will definitely give you an explanation. Please come with me to rest; a delicious meal has been prepared here." Utatane Koharu quickly apologized to the Daimyo. Danzo had truly gone mad today, going too far. So what if he lost the competition for Hokage to a junior? He shouldn't be so agitated. Konoha still needs the Daimyo's support; how could he offend him at this time?

The daimyo glanced at Danzo with slight annoyance, then said to Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, "I think the old man is no longer suitable to be Hokage. The growth of young people is limitless. Don't you think that this young man, Issui, is really very suitable to be Hokage?"

"Suitable, of course he's suitable. We all agree. He's not only a hero of Konoha, but also incredibly strong. He's absolutely the most suitable candidate to be Hokage. Your Excellency, we truly share the same opinion," said Mitokado Homura.

"Well, it seems you think the same way I do. So, let's settle this then. I'm tired from walking for so many days, I'd like to rest and have something to eat. You can arrange it..." Dai-ming said gently.

"No problem, everything is ready. Please follow me..." Utatane Koharu breathed a sigh of relief and led the daimyo and his retinue out.

Only Danzo, Mitokado Homura, Issui, Kakashi, and Ryoku remained in the room.

"Hmph, Homura, I have contributed to Konoha for so many years, do you think I can't even get your support for my simple request?" Danzo angrily lashed out at his former comrade.

"Danzo, the position of Hokage is not suitable for you. I know you want to become Hokage, but your personality isn't suited for it. Otherwise, Teacher Tobirama wouldn't have chosen Sarutobi and entrusted Hokage position to him. You should let go. Over the years, you've done many dark things through Root, and many things in the village are indirectly caused by you. Everyone knows this, but because you're also part of Konoha, no one has exposed you. Stop doing these foolish things and focus on developing your Root..." Mitokado Homura said calmly.