Epilogue, New Plan Launched!

"I have decided to step down as Hokage. Everyone, you may state who you have in mind!"

After the Third Hokage finished speaking, everyone's minds went blank. All that remained was that final sentence—especially for Danzo.

He was hit the hardest. In the past, he and the Third Hokage had been close friends. Whenever there was a major decision, even if the Third Hokage did not consult him, he would at least notify him beforehand. But now...

Danzo felt terrible. He felt betrayed. His single eye, filled with rage, stared at the Third Hokage, demanding an explanation from him. Unfortunately, the Third Hokage, who had long since made up his mind, was not so easily shaken.

Faced with Danzo's furious glare, he showed not the slightest reaction. He merely continued to look calmly at the shocked crowd in the conference room. The Third Hokage had long since anticipated their shock.

That included Shiro, who had guessed that the Third Hokage would not keep his grip on the power of Hokage forever. He had thought that, given the Third Hokage's character, he would not hold on to that authority for long, but not this soon.

By his original estimate, it would have taken at least another two or three years, around the time the Third Hokage's physical abilities declined again and his strength began to drop. The current Third Hokage had completely proven in the battle that destroyed Cloud Village that he was still in his prime!

Now should not have been the time to change leadership. But just as had been said before, the Third Hokage was the Hokage. No matter what anyone else thought, they could not stop this action.

What they could do was choose a capable new Hokage. And given the current situation, this Hokage had to