Who Is the Hokage? I Am!

After Hatake Sakumo left, Sarutobi Hiruzen sat back behind his desk and considered his next move.

The mess had already been made. No matter how much they tried to patch it up, they could only prevent the losses from expanding. Danzo would not let this opportunity to attack slip away.

This situation bore some resemblance to Kushina's kidnapping last time, making it easy for people to link the two incidents together. If Danzo truly wanted to make a big issue of it, Hatake Sakumo would indeed be in a rather passive position.

He had to preserve Hatake Sakumo as much as possible. Sakumo was powerful, loyal, and capable; he had simply made a mistake at the worst possible time.

Who could avoid making mistakes?

But Danzo was determined to press the matter. Protecting Hatake Sakumo would mean enduring immense pressure, so Hiruzen had to prepare a backup plan and consider who could take over Sakumo's position at a critical moment.

Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately thought of Jiraiya and Orochimaru.

Both were his direct disciples and popular candidates to become the Fourth Hokage. This was the perfect time to send them into the Anbu to build up their experience and credentials.

Personally, Sarutobi Hiruzen was more inclined to pass the position of Hokage to Jiraiya. Orochimaru acted somewhat like Senju Tobirama, while Jiraiya was more like Sarutobi Hiruzen himself.

Furthermore, Orochimaru was rather close to Danzo, something Sarutobi Hiruzen particularly disliked.

However, Jiraiya's personality was somewhat unsuited to commanding the Anbu. Sarutobi Hiruzen had indeed considered retirement as he approached the end of his prime, but he had not intended to retire so soon.

Emmmm...

After much thought, Sarutobi Hiruzen settled on a candidate: Namikaze Minato.

Minato was certainly not as strong as Hatake Sakumo right now, but he had potential. He