Overwhelming Vote Count

Hokage Building, conference room.

A large number of Konoha jonin in uniform sat around the enormous conference table.

"Is some major announcement being made? Why is everyone here today?" one jonin asked, noticing that the conference room was unusually crowded.

Not every meeting required all jonin to be summoned. Most of the time, only those jonin who received notice would attend.

Jonin in special divisions, such as the Anbu, attended less often.

"Cough, cough."

Once everyone had arrived, Hiruzen Sarutobi, seated at the head of the table, gave two light coughs and drew the attention of every ninja present.

"Bearing the will of the Second Hokage, I have protected the village for many decades. Time has flowed on, and before I knew it, my hair had turned gray and my body had begun to weaken.

"The courage of my youth is gone; even the wisdom of the past requires fresh ideas to carry it onward. The position of Hokage is not one man's glory, but Konoha's burden. Only the capable may bear it, to preserve Konoha's peace, pass on Konoha's Will of Fire, and protect Konoha's budding new leaves.

"Therefore, I have made up my mind. In the coming days, I wish to lay down the heavy responsibility of Hokage and pass the position to one of the rising generation."

After finishing, Hiruzen Sarutobi let out a soft breath, opened his cup, and took a drink to moisten his throat.

Hiruzen Sarutobi normally did not speak so formally during meetings, but this time he was stepping down. It needed a certain sense of ceremony.

"?!"

The ninjas in the conference room all revealed shocked, bewildered expressions.

Other than Mu Yue, Mitokado Homura, and the others who had learned of it in advance, the remaining jonin were all stunned by Hiruzen