Watching Ōnoki slowly rise into the sky, Sarutobi's expression darkened slightly.
Recalling the ninjutsu Ōnoki had unleashed earlier, he murmured,
"He actually managed to completely cancel out my barrage combining all five chakra natures. That sphere of light... definitely isn't an ordinary technique..."
"Dust Release... I wonder if it's a technique that combines changes in at least two chakra natures. Could it be some kind of Kekkei Genkai?"
Ōnoki naturally couldn't hear Sarutobi's muttering.
He simply hovered in midair, regarding Sarutobi with a hint of wariness.
The fact that Hiruzen Sarutobi could cancel out his attack surprised him.
The techniques Sarutobi had displayed earlier had already earned him some recognition for his strength. Ōnoki didn't deny that he deserved the title of Third Hokage.
"You're quite capable. To think you could stand against my power! You certainly deserve to be called the Third Hokage!"
Hovering quietly in the air, far from the distorted space, he watched Sarutobi coldly and spoke in a deep voice.
At Ōnoki's praise, Sarutobi's expression remained as calm as ever. His voice was aged and solemn.
"Konoha doesn't need other people's opinions to decide who holds the Hokage Position."
"In my view, whoever holds this position must be a Konoha Ninja who loves the village with all their heart!"
At Sarutobi's words, Ōnoki gave a faint scoff. His broad face, with its large, bulbous nose, was full of disdain as he replied gravely,
"So... is that why Konoha Ninja keep giving their lives and dying!?"
Everyone understood Sarutobi's words differently.
Some Ninja might think, I've done so much for the village, even sacrificing much of my free time and giving up opportunities to spend time with my family and friends.
And yet I'm still nowhere near becoming Hokage, let alone competing for the position of Fourth