In the final analysis, whether in terms of military exploits or qualifications, Orochimaru is the person most likely to be on Fourth Hokage.
But against all odds, he never thought that his dear teacher would not want him to become Hokage.
The assistant hesitated for a moment and asked in a low voice, "Sir, what are you going to do?"
"Do nothing."
Orochimaru turned around and walked back to the dissecting table. "Let them fight. When they both lose, someone will naturally think of me."
The nomination of the Hokage candidate needs to be approved by the jounin collegiate committee and the Land of Fire daimyo.
In the seven days leading up to the official vote, the political atmosphere in Konoha was extremely tense.
This is the first real open power competition in the village.
In the past replacement of Hokage, either First designated the second generation. Or the second generation directly designated the third generation. However, this time Hiruzen Sarutobi resigned and lost the qualification to appoint a successor. Hokage Position is open to all qualified candidates.
Danzo moves the fastest.
He used the contacts and intelligence network Root had accumulated over the years to deliver pieces of carefully compiled black material to key figures.
Several battles Minato commanded during the war were reinterpreted, questioning whether his tactical decisions were too risky.
Orochimaru's laboratory was anonymously reported as suspected of in vivo experiments, but the reporting materials were deliberately controlled so as not to completely eliminate him.
What Danzo needs is not to defeat these two competitors, but to make them both look flawed, and he himself is the only safe choice.
Minato's campaign strategy is completely different.
He didn't have the funds to bribe high-level officials or black materials to attack his opponents. The only thing he could do was to visit ninja families who had lost their loved ones in the war.
He did not promise revenge or incite hatred against Kumogakure. He just sat in the simple living room of each house, listened carefully to them telling the story of the deceased, and then said it sincerely.
"I will let Konoha stand up again in a way worthy of those sacrifices."
This simple campaign method is not worth mentioning in the eyes of senior officials.
But among the Genin and Chunin classes, Minato's reputation soared at an alarming rate.
The young ninjas who followed Yellow Flash on the battlefield, the wives who lost their husbands, and the children who lost their fathers all placed their hopes on this gentle but determined young man.
They may not have much say, but their numbers are large enough that no one dares to ignore them.
Just when the battle for Hokage was heating up, a secret letter from Uchiha Fugaku was sent to Hokage Building, Damingfu and Kumogakure at the same time.
The content of the letter was extremely brief, but its weight was enough to shake the entire situation.
Fugaku announced on behalf of the Uchiha Clan who remained in Konoha that in the vote for the successor of Hokage, Uchiha will support Minato Namikaze.
The destructive power of this letter exceeded everyone's expectations.
Danzo The large amount of Sharingan stored in Root Base back then were mostly from the Uchiha tribesmen who died in the war.
The origin of these eyes has always been a semi-open secret, but because of Sarutobi Hiruzen's tacit approval, no one has ever dared to pursue it publicly.
Now Fugaku has completely torn away this fig leaf, probably just for this matter, but this is tantamount to exposing Danzo's scars in front of everyone.
Those high-level families who originally planned to support Danzo began to waver.
Although they appreciate Danzo's tough tactics, the risk is too great to be tied to the leader of an organization who attacks family members in their own village.
More importantly, although Uchiha has left 70%, Fugaku still holds a political bargaining chip that cannot be ignored - those Uchiha people who have moved to Kumogakure.
If Fugaku and Kumogakure Uchiha reach a tacit agreement, Konoha will forever lose the chance to reconcile with this most powerful blood family.
The attitude of Daming Mansion also changed because of this letter.
Land of Fire Daimyo's special envoy secretly met with Minato the day after receiving the letter.
The envoy did not make his position clear, but suggested that the daimyo himself was more interested in "a moderate Hokage who can maintain stable relations with all parties."
After Danzo learned Fugaku's secret message, he broke three teacups in Root Base.
He had calculated everything, but he never expected that Fugaku would give him a fatal blow at this juncture.
What made him even more angry was that Orochimaru publicly announced his withdrawal from Hokage's candidacy after learning about Uchiha's stance.
Orochimaru's exit statement is beautifully written.
"After careful consideration, I believe that my ability is not enough to bear the heavy responsibility of Hokage. I recommend Minato Namikaze to succeed Fourth Hokage."
These words may sound like high-spirited humility, but Danzo knows very well - Orochimaru is making a better deal.
Rather than consuming your own resources in the battle for Hokage, it is better to show your favor to Minato as soon as possible in exchange for the opportunity to continue free research under the new regime.
In fact, Orochimaru had already sent a message to Minato through Jiraiya before announcing his withdrawal.
I can withdraw from the campaign and support you, provided that Hokage does not interfere with my research in the future.
Minato hesitated for a long time and finally replied with three words.
"I promise." He knew the price of this promise, but the current situation did not allow him to hesitate.
The final voting was held in the top floor conference room of Hokage Building.
All jounin and clan heads gathered together, and Sarutobi Hiruzen presided over the meeting as the outgoing Hokage.
The voting is by secret ballot, but everyone knows that the outcome of this election has been determined before the vote.
The moment the vote counting results were announced, warm applause erupted in the conference room.
Minato Namikaze was elected Fourth Hokage with an overwhelming majority.
Danzo looked ashen and stood up and left the conference room without saying a word. Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Minato walk towards Hokage's seat, a complicated light flashed in his eyes.
Feelings of relief and loss are intertwined, like a cup of tea with too much water, which tastes bland and bitter.
After all, he has been Third Hokage for decades. Now that the position of Hokage has been given to someone else, he will feel a little disappointed.
Minato stood in front of Hokage's seat. He did not sit down immediately, but turned around to face everyone.
His inaugural speech lasted less than three minutes, but every word accurately hit the hearts of those present. He did not mention war, hatred, or revenge, but calmly declared a truth.
The reason why Konoha is Konoha is not because it is powerful, but because it can make everyone living here feel hope.
"I am Minato Namikaze. If I were Hokage, I would protect this village with my life." He ended his speech with these words.
The audience was silent for a few seconds, and then the applause started again and lasted for a long time.