When Asuma was young, he had thought the daimyo was a precious gem, so he left the Land of Fire. But even after returning in glory, he still failed to earn Hiruzen Sarutobi's approval.
Yet he cherished those memories and those companions, which was why he wore the sash bearing the character for "fire" every day.
Now, looking at Enshū, who would inherit the daimyo's title if nothing unexpected happened, he suddenly felt a wave of disgust.
Enshū's hostility toward Jiraiya was unmistakable. Not only had he killed Danzo, who had been helping him murder his father and seize power, he had even wanted to slaughter Jiraiya, his siblings, his mother, and their guards.
If someone like that took power, wouldn't he rebel once he became daimyo?
His father agreed with him. And the best way to consolidate authority was to strike at anyone who threatened it.
The Hokage's appointment and investiture were core powers granted to the daimyo when he allowed the shinobi to establish a village.
Enshū surveyed those present. He had seen many of these faces at the Frost Moon Festival. When he thought of the thousands of shinobi who had watched the spectacle without stopping Jiraiya, he felt that the Land of Fire was on the brink of disaster.
"Rejected. I recommend we choose someone else."
The atmosphere instantly turned tense and silent.
As if he were in his own home, Enshū said calmly, "Princess Tsunade, I believe you are better suited to become the next Hokage. The Land of Fire still trusts the Senju Clan, given our history with them."
Squeak—
Naruto pushed himself up from the table and smiled. "I'm young and don't know much about politics. I came to this meeting mainly to learn, so I can be a little reckless in what