The Third Hokage laughed when he heard Orochimaru's words. "Hahaha! There's no need for the Kazekage to worry about that. Konoha has far too many candidates who could become the Fifth Hokage. They're all elites. The reason I haven't stepped down and passed on the position after so long is that they're simply too difficult to choose between. Those children are all so outstanding, and besides, I'd like to keep working for another five years."
Orochimaru narrowed his eyes slightly. Of course, he knew the Third Hokage was not wrong about Konoha having many talents capable of becoming Hokage. No one understood Konoha's strength better than he did. Tsunade and Jiraiya were both powerful ninja, both qualified to become Hokage. However, the Legendary Sannin had now scattered, and there were not many people left with the qualities of a Hokage. Chen Fan, whom he had encountered in that forest, could barely count as one, but that man's goals and intentions were unclear. Konoha could never be handed over to someone like him. So, everything the Third Hokage said afterward was false. Though he knew it was false, he was still somewhat angered. Back then, he had competed with the Fourth Hokage for the position, but he had lost. If not for his teacher supporting someone else, then with Orochimaru's contributions, no one in the village could have compared to him. Who could match his number of completed B-rank through S-rank missions?
"Is that so? Konoha truly has so many talented people. Our Hidden Sand Village does not have nearly as many, which is truly enviable. I only hope the Fifth Hokage will not be as short-lived as the Fourth Hokage." Orochimaru spoke. He still harbored deep resentment toward the Fourth Hokage, who had competed with him for the position. At