Hiruzen Sarutobi's funeral had ended.
Mitokado Homura's voice carried through the rain. "Everyone, please come with me to the Hokage Building's Council Chamber."
"The village cannot go without a Hokage. We need to decide on the next candidate as soon as possible."
The crowd moved in silence, their footsteps echoing along the rain-soaked stone path.
The Council Chamber in the Hokage Building was filled with people seated on both sides of a long table.
The seat of honor was empty. It belonged to the Third Hokage, and no one could sit there now.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu sat on either side of it.
On the left were the clan heads.
On the right sat the Konoha Council of Elders.
Representatives of Konoha's elite ninja also stood around the room.
Mitokado Homura spoke first. "With Lord Third's sacrifice, the village is under pressure both within and without."
"We need to choose a Hokage as soon as possible to steady everyone's hearts."
Shimura Danzō eagerly rose, leaning on his cane. "I'll take on that responsibility."
"Hiruzen and I were classmates, and we've lived through three Ninja World Wars."
"Root's intelligence network spans the entire Ninja World, making it more than capable of handling any threat."
Low murmurs filled the Council Chamber. Some people nodded, while others frowned.
Mitokado Homura shook his head. "Danzō, you're already over seventy. I'm afraid you won't have the energy to handle the work of a Hokage."
"I recommend Jiraiya. He was Lord Third's student, and he has the strength and reputation for the job."
Danzō's right hand clenched around his cane. "He's been away from the village for years. He's absolutely not the best choice!"
And you are?
Hiashi's Byakugan narrowed slightly as he suddenly spoke up. "Advisor Shimura, before we discuss the candidates for Hokage,