The Third Hokage let out a long sigh.
Could an Uchiha become Hokage?
Yes.
But not now.
On one hand, the Uchiha clan's own problems had yet to be resolved. On the other, becoming Hokage required a vote from every member of the Jonin Council, a hurdle Uchiha Shingen could not overcome.
Yet the more that was the case, the more regretful the Third Hokage felt.
He sighed again, reopened the report in his hand, and let his gaze sweep over it line by line.
Very soon.
The entire sequence of events gradually became clear in the Third Hokage's mind.
Another figure besides Uchiha Shingen appeared in his sight as well.
Minato Namikaze.
"With one exchange, he killed the Third Kazekage and forced Sasori of the Red Sands to retreat. I'm afraid even Jiraiya can no longer keep this kid in check."
"However—"
"Jiraiya's disciple, master of Tobirama-sensei's techniques, and Konoha's most outstanding Jonin in recent years."
"Minato is quite suitable. In some ways, he's even more suitable than Uchiha Shingen. What he lacks now is simply glory and public prestige."
Tap!
Tap!
Tap!
The Third Hokage's fingertips tapped against the desk as his gaze repeatedly shifted between the two men.
Vaguely, he seemed to see the shadows of the First, Senju Hashirama, and the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju, in them, yet there were traces of himself and Danzo as well.
But upon closer inspection, he found that the two were entirely different.
After pondering for a moment, the Third Hokage temporarily set that thought aside and turned his attention back to this incident.
"Have you found Sasori of the Red Sands's trail?!"
Nara Shikaku shook his head. "The other party cleaned up thoroughly. Even the puppet wreckage left at the scene was taken away afterward with a summoning technique."