Konoha jonin Qingcheng Yuanji rose to his feet and said, "I'm not good with words, so I won't bother with reasons. I nominate Lord Orochimaru to become the Fifth Hokage!"
Another Konoha jonin stood up and said with a smile, "I also nominate Lord Orochimaru."
"My reason is simple. Lord Orochimaru is immensely powerful. He has served as a frontline commander many times and led us to victory over our enemies."
"In terms of merit in commanding wars, Lord Orochimaru is even greater than the Fourth Hokage. Therefore, he is the best possible candidate for Fifth Hokage!"
His words won the approval of many Konoha jonin. Everyone chimed in, and the meeting room filled with praise for Orochimaru.
The corners of Shimura Danzō's mouth curled upward.
[Go on, flatter him. Praise him. The more you exalt Orochimaru, the less Hiruzen Sarutobi will be able to accept him taking the position.]
[Once Orochimaru is rejected, no one will be able to compete with me.]
[I, Shimura Danzō, will soon become the Fifth Hokage!]
The Konoha jonin realized that their views were remarkably aligned. Everyone believed that, considering Orochimaru's achievements and strength, the position of Fifth Hokage ought to be his.
This so-called jonin meeting was merely a formality, meant to honor Lord Orochimaru by approving his appointment.
However, they were soon stunned.
Utatane Koharu slowly rose to her feet and said coldly, "Orochimaru's outstanding achievements deserve praise, but the position of Hokage cannot be entrusted to him!"
"Orochimaru is eccentric, ruthless in his actions, and utterly self-willed. He never considers the feelings of others, much less the wishes of Konoha's people."
"Allowing such a dark-minded, uncontrollable ninja to become Hokage would be irresponsible toward Konoha!"
Utatane Koharu's words were like a bitterly cold wind sweeping through the room. The heated atmosphere