Played for a Fool (Please Vote!)

After reaching an agreement with Hyuga Kagami, the Hokage faction began building momentum for the next trust vote. With the Hokage faction throwing its weight behind it, the news quickly spread throughout the village.

Upon learning that the village would skip the final match and proceed directly to a trust vote among all Jonin, the Uchiha Clan erupted in outrage.

To the Uchiha, this was undoubtedly a trick the village had resorted to in desperation. They had long been convinced that their clan head, Fugaku, would defeat Hyuga Kagami and become the Fifth Hokage, so they simply could not accept the village's decision.

Fugaku, who already regarded the position of Hokage as his for the taking, stormed into the Hokage's Office without a second thought.

"Third Hokage, how can the village change the election rules so casually?!" Fugaku glared at the Third Hokage and nearly roared, "The Uchiha Clan will never agree to this!"

The Third Hokage smiled and poured Fugaku a cup of tea. In a calm tone, he said, "Fugaku, don't forget that the trust vote is the village's traditional method for electing a Hokage."

Fugaku immediately demanded, "But weren't new rules already set for this Fifth Hokage election? They were approved by vote at the high-level meeting!"

The Third Hokage did not deny it. He nodded lightly. "Yes, that is true. After the contest of strength, both you and Hyuga Kagami have had your abilities recognized by the village. You are both outstanding ninja qualified to run for Fifth Hokage, so naturally, the next step is the trust vote."

"This...!?"

Fugaku was left speechless.

The Third Hokage's smile faded, and he said sternly, "Fugaku, you must understand that this is an election for Hokage, not a Chunin or Jonin examination. Great strength is merely one of the