While Master Minato was still wallowing in guilt and shame, Sarutobi Hiruzen finally finished counting the votes.
"Orochimaru: 51 votes.
Uchiha Mai: 256 votes.
Namikaze Minato: 258 votes."
Although Konoha had only two hundred Jonin, it contained all manner of institutions, as well as clans great and small, some flourishing and some already in decline. In the end, the total number of votes exceeded two hundred.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at Namikaze Minato with a beaming smile and said, "Let us congratulate Namikaze Minato on his successful election as the Fourth Hokage!"
Clap clap.
With that, Sarutobi Hiruzen rose to his feet and began applauding.
"Clap clap clap clap...!"
For a moment, thunderous applause filled the conference hall. One by one, people stood and cast congratulatory looks toward Minato, who was still feeling guilty over his poor character.
The conference hall brimmed with a joyous atmosphere. Those from the Hokage Faction who supported Minato were glowing with delight. They had finally won this crucial round, one that would determine the coming decades.
Danzo was in a fairly good mood as well. Though his chosen candidate, Orochimaru, had ended up as little more than a bit player, at least Uchiha Mai had not been elected. Minato had ultimately taken the position.
Minato had a gentle temperament and lacked forcefulness, while also respecting his teachers and elders. He would be very easy to control, far superior to Uchiha Mai in that regard.
Fugaku, Tsunade, Hatake Sakumo, and the others also stood and applauded Master Minato. Though they wore smiles as well, they were clearly somewhat forced.
Uchiha Mai had narrowly lost to Namikaze Minato by two votes.
The efforts and expectations of so many people, the long-cherished wish of an entire clan, had foundered today.
Yet Uchiha Mai himself, the person at the