Although they never became Hokage, they wielded considerable power as advisors over the past few decades.
Their interference can be seen in almost everything, from finance and diplomacy to missions, ninja training, and the distribution of benefits among the Ninja Clans.
Once the Hokage term system is implemented, the power of the Advisory Council will also be limited.
They can no longer rely on seniority to stay in senior positions.
They were even less able to maintain control over important departments of Konoha.
Hiruzen Sarutobi silent for a moment before slowly speaking.
" Tsunade, the system you proposed can indeed avoid the problems that would arise from the Hokage's long-term rule."
His voice wasn't loud.
After saying those words, Hiruzen Sarutobi himself felt somewhat uncomfortable.
But he couldn't deny it.
The problem with Konoha in the past was that the Hokage and the Advisory Council had long held high positions, resulting in a lack of genuine change within the village.
If someone holds a position long enough, they will gradually come to regard the village as their own property.
Tsunade did not smile at this compliment.
She simply looked calmly at Hiruzen Sarutobi.
"I'm glad you understand."
The Hokage term system is not applied to any particular individual.
It applies to everyone.
"Including me, and also the future Minato."
Tsunade and tapped the table.
"Once you become Hokage, you must accept the village's supervision."
"You did a good job; you can be re-elected."
"If you're not doing well, you should voluntarily step down."
Hiruzen Sarutobi gently stroked his pipe with his fingers.
He originally thought that Tsunade proposed this system in order to completely strip him and the old high-ranking officials of their power.
However, upon closer examination, it was discovered that this system was not only aimed at them.
Tsunade herself will also be subject to restrictions.
If she doesn't perform well in five years, she will still be replaced by someone else.
This arrangement is actually more reasonable than a simple power struggle.
A sense of anticipation suddenly arose deep within Hiruzen Sarutobi's heart.
If the Hokage term system could actually be implemented.
If in the future the position of Hokage will no longer be held for decades.
So, once I finish my job as the principal of the Ninja Academy and rebuild my reputation, I might have another chance to participate in the Hokage election.
Although he has now stepped down, it does not mean that he has completely lost his chance.
Once the system is established, I will be able to run for Hokage again based on my abilities in the future.
The moment this thought arose, Hiruzen Sarutobi's initially strong opposition diminished considerably.
He remained silent for a moment, and finally did not continue to forcefully obstruct him.
This system applies to the entire Konoha.
"It's not something that can be decided with just a few words."
When do you plan to formally submit your application?
Tsunade had already made arrangements.
One month later.
"Once the various departments in Konoha have completed their initial adjustments, I will convene a meeting of all Konoha's top officials."
"At that time, representatives from Ninja Clans, department heads, and all Jonin eligible to vote will participate."
" The Hokage's term of office, election method, performance evaluation, and the system for Hokage-in-Waiting will all be formally submitted for review at the meeting."
Her finger tapped lightly on the table.
"Based on the current situation, it's highly likely that it will pass smoothly."
" Konoha has just experienced the Third Shinobi World War."
Neither the frontline ninjas nor ordinary villagers want to see the old problems recur.
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not refute this.
He knew very well that Tsunade was telling the truth.
After Fang Xu ended the war, the power structure within Konoha's Inner Circle had changed.
The Uchiha, Hyuga, Ino–Shika–Cho, and a large number of Civilian Ninja all supported Tsunade's reform efforts.
Once Tsunade submits this system, it's almost impossible for anyone to openly oppose it.
Unless they are willing to stand against the entire Konoha Village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi slowly stood up.
"Since you've already made up your mind, then do as you wish."
After he finished speaking, he turned and walked towards the door.
My steps were lighter than when I came.
Although he lost the Hokage Position, the Hokage term system gave him a glimmer of hope.
As long as he has the opportunity to run for election again in the future, he will not have completely lost.
Tsunade watched his retreating figure, her expression unchanged.
She already knew what Hiruzen Sarutobi was thinking.
But she didn't point it out.
Once the term system is truly established, whether Hiruzen Sarutobi can regain the support of the Konoha Ninja is not something he can decide on his own.
After Hiruzen Sarutobi left the Hokage Tower, the news quickly reached the ears of Utatane Koharu, Mitokado Homura, and Shimura Danzō.
The three people reacted differently after hearing this.
Utatane Koharu, sat at the table, her fingers lightly tapping the surface.
Although she doesn't believe she still has the ability to compete for the Hokage, that doesn't mean the people around her don't have a chance.
Among her juniors were also some quite skilled ninjas.
Once the Hokage term system is implemented, future candidates may be able to compete based on their military achievements and reputation.
"This system isn't necessarily all bad for us."
Utatane Koharu her new room, looked up at Mitokado Homura.
"We're already too old; there's really no need for us to fight for Hokage anymore."
But our successors are still young.
"If they can achieve enough merit in the future, they may have a chance to become Hokage."
Mitokado Homura sat opposite her and adjusted his glasses.
His expression wasn't as bad as before.
"As long as the system is fair, everyone has a chance."
"We don't need to block the future path of our descendants for the sake of immediate power."
The two exchanged a glance.
They all knew that they didn't have Tsunade's prestige, nor Fang Xu's strength.
Continuing to Sheer Force obstruct reform will only cause you to lose more.
Since we can't become Hokage Position, we might as well place our hopes on the next generation.
Shimura Danzō, however, had a completely different reaction.
He sat in the shadows, and after hearing the news, he let out a cold laugh.
"What Hokage term system?"
"It's just an excuse for Tsunade to avoid political affairs."
Danzo gripped his cane tightly in his hand.
"She didn't want to spend all day in the office dealing with documents, so she created this ' Hokage-in-Waiting ' program."
"Now even the Hokage's term of office is being limited."
"If this system is implemented, wouldn't anyone be able to compete for the Hokage Position?"
In Danzo's view, the Hokage must be held by a truly wise person for an extended period.
As long as a Hokage is strong and decisive enough, he should remain in charge of the village.
Frequent changes in Hokage will only cause Konoha's policies to constantly waver.
This will also give the Ninja Clans an opportunity to vie for power.
"A wise Hokage should remain in office for a long time."
Danzo's voice grew softer and softer.
"Only in this way can Konoha remain stable."
Utatane Koharu.
" Danzo, your statement is far too absolute."
"If the Hokage makes a mistake, should he be kept in his position indefinitely?"
Danzo suddenly looked up.
"A wise Hokage will not make an irreparable mistake."
"As for those incompetent Hokage, they are naturally not qualified to continue leading Konoha."