Hatake Sakumo heard this and waved his hand, a trace of helplessness appearing on his face.
"Ying Yue, I have no interest in the Hokage Position. I only want to serve the village as a Jonin and raise Kakashi. That was also his mother's dying wish."
Uchiha Ying Yue nodded, then said, "Sensei, if you have no intention of becoming Hokage, perhaps you should make your position clear in advance, so that certain people with ulterior motives don't grow jealous of the deserving and do something to harm you."
Hatake Sakumo pondered for a moment, then replied calmly, "Everyone in the village trusts me. I can't betray that trust. If everyone thinks I'm suited to become the Fourth Hokage, then even if I'm not good at the job, I'll shoulder the responsibility. As for underhanded tactics, we're all comrades from the same village. I trust they won't do anything bad. The Hokage Position should be held by someone of both virtue and ability, someone who has earned everyone's approval."
Uchiha Ying Yue looked at Hatake Sakumo, admiring his integrity and selflessness.
He knew Sakumo wasn't ignorant of the village's political struggles; he had simply chosen to treat everyone in the village with trust and kindness.
Uchiha Ying Yue understood that such an attitude was noble, but it also made a person easy to exploit.
"Sensei, your resolve and convictions are admirable. But there are things in the village that those of us who came after you need to handle. I'll do my best to protect your wishes and make sure your efforts aren't exploited by people with ulterior motives," Uchiha Ying Yue said solemnly.
Hatake Sakumo nodded and gave Uchiha Ying Yue a grateful look. "Having a junior like you puts me at ease. Kakashi, remember what Ying Yue says.