Everything in Konoha was functioning normally, but the position of Hokage remained vacant. Three years passed like a fleeting white horse, slipping away from people in what seemed like the span of a single breath. With the arrival of the new year, another batch of children had finally reached graduation age. The new generation of ninjas seemed to embody Konoha's vitality, bringing a breath of fresh air to a village that had gone so long without laughter.
Shimura Danzō, Sarutobi Hiruzen, Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and nine other ninjas appeared together at Konoha's ninja training grounds. Hyuga Tianren sat in a chair and spoke to them sternly.
"This is the first true graduation class of the Ninja Academy. I do not require you to lead these children with utmost dedication, but I do require you to live up to the ninja principles you have upheld for so many years. Whether they turn out good or bad will be for you to judge yourselves!"
After Hyuga Tianren finished speaking, the ninjas beside him handed out files to everyone. As they read through the children's information, Hyuga Tianren spoke again.
"Konoha's election for the new Hokage is about to begin, and the children in your hands will be your first witnesses. Think carefully about what you should do in the days ahead!"
"Is Princess Tsunade with you?"
After saying that, Hyuga Tianren rose and left. Sarutobi Hiruzen scratched his nose with a pained expression, seemingly troubled over how to train the children assigned to him. Then Shimura Danzō suddenly stepped forward and asked him. Sarutobi Hiruzen silently nodded before answering.
"How about you trade with me? I really don't want to take these three children!"
"Orochimaru! Jiraiya!... Monkey, I will not lose to you! I absolutely will not lose to you!"
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