"Third Hokage..."
Nara Shikaku and the Fire Country's representative felt their hearts tighten, their pulses racing.
Jiraiya stood where he was, his expression turning grave. His heart was full of conflicting emotions.
From his perspective, the Third Hokage was his mentor. He didn't want him to meet the same fate as Mitokado Homura and the others.
But Jiraiya said nothing. He simply watched, wanting to see how Ye Fan would handle the situation.
The Third Hokage slowly raised his head and met Ye Fan's gaze. A trace of relief showed in his eyes.
"All these years, I've been an utterly unworthy Third Hokage. I've made countless mistakes and many decisions that can never be undone."
The Third Hokage spoke calmly. "I wronged Minato, Naruto, and the Uchiha Clan..."
"I know that, since ancient times, merits and faults have never canceled each other out. A merit is a merit, and a mistake is a mistake!"
As he spoke, the Third Hokage turned his gaze. "Jiraiya, from today onward, you will be Konoha's Fifth Hokage!
"I believe that under your leadership, Konoha will thrive and... find true peace, rather than a peace built on self-deception!"
His words shook Nara Shikaku and the Fire Country's representative. They understood the choice the Third Hokage had made.
"Third Hokage!"
Nara Shikaku and the Fire Country's representative cried out together, dropping to their knees with tears streaming down their faces.
The Third Hokage was a good Hokage in their eyes, and he had shown them immense kindness.
Without him, they could never have reached where they were today.
Now, seeing him make such a choice, they were overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.
"Nara Shikaku, after I'm gone, the two of you must do your utmost to support Jiraiya. Konoha's future is in your hands!"
The Third Hokage