The Fifth Hokage, Uchiha En!

Mitokado Homura cleared his throat and was about to speak. "Jonin, please cast your votes on Lord Jiraiya's appointment as Fifth Hokage—"

"Hold on."

The voice was quiet, but the entire conference room fell silent.

Every eye turned toward the speaker.

Uchiha En set down his teacup and looked up. His tone was calm. "There's something I don't understand."

"Elder Mitokado says the Daimyo has signed the appointment decree naming Lord Jiraiya."

"Where is it?"

Mitokado Homura frowned. "Uchiha Clan Head, what are you implying?"

"Nothing." Uchiha En said, "We haven't even seen the decree the Daimyo signed, and you expect us to accept it?"

Hiruzen Sarutobi said gravely, "The decree is on its way. The Proclamation Officer has reached the outskirts of the village and will enter shortly to read it."

"Then we'll wait for him."

Uchiha En took his time. "Until the document arrives, nothing is settled. You're all ninja. I shouldn't have to explain that rule."

Sarutobi Ryota scoffed. "Still can't let it go, Uchiha Clan Head? The Daimyo's already signed. What can you possibly do to change that?"

"Ryota."

Hiruzen Sarutobi raised a hand to stop him. "The Uchiha Clan Head has a point. We'll wait for the Proclamation Officer to read it before everyone. That will make it official."

That was what he said, but the corners of his mouth lifted.

The Proclamation Officer had already reached the outskirts.

Konoha had summoned every Jonin in the village for this meeting, leaving no grounds for objection.

How could they possibly lose now?

"Then we'll wait for the Proclamation Officer to read the appointment decree," Hiruzen Sarutobi said.

The tension in the conference room eased.

The Jonin of the Three Clans whispered among themselves. Some were already planning for what would happen once Jiraiya took office.

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