As preparations continued amid mounting tension, afternoon arrived in the blink of an eye.
After a full noon of repairs, the venue, which had been left in ruins by the two morning matches, had been completely restored. Spectators gradually returned to the stands, and the entire arena became lively once more.
Before long, the two final candidates competing for the position of Sixth Hokage entered the arena one after the other.
In an instant, thunderous cheers erupted throughout the venue!
Glancing at the loudly cheering, excited Konoha villagers around them, the Fourth Kazekage asked the other Kage beside him, "Who do you think becoming the Sixth Hokage would benefit us more?"
The Third Tsuchikage shook his head. "As long as that person is still around, it won't matter who sits in the Hokage's seat. Our lives won't be easy."
The Fourth Raikage said, "That's true, but if I had to choose, I'd still rather Kakashi became Konoha's Sixth."
The Fourth Kazekage added, "Yeah, who would want to deal with a Mangekyō Uchiha?"
The Third Tsuchikage sighed. "I think Uchiha has a very high chance of taking the position. So whether we like it or not, we may have to get used to a Mangekyō Uchiha as Hokage."
On the stands at the other end.
Looking at Kakashi and Itachi, who had already entered the arena, Shikamaru said, "The Sixth Hokage will be decided between the principal and Kakashi-sensei!"
Sakura looked a little nervous as she asked Naruto beside her, "Can Kakashi-sensei win?"
Naruto scratched his head. "I don't know either."
Sakura pursed her lips and turned to Mitsuki beside her. "What do you think?"
Mitsuki replied calmly, "Lord Orochimaru once told me to avoid facing an Uchiha one-on-one whenever possible. And Sasuke's brother is a Mangekyō Uchiha, so I think