Although Tobirama Senju had been gravely wounded when Kinkaku and Ginkaku surrounded him in the previous battle, Uchiha Shinichi had ultimately risked his life to bring him back, saving him.
Yet that battle had also made everyone recognize a harsh truth—the Second Hokage had grown old.
The formidable man who had once swept across battlefields, established Konoha's foundational institutions, and cowed the shinobi world with forbidden techniques and ruthless force had now recovered from most of his injuries, but his presence no longer carried its former edge.
Time was merciless. Even a genius like Tobirama Senju could not withstand its erosion.
Now, Konoha's future needed a new leader.
That day, Tobirama sat upright in the study of the Senju Main Residence. Documents covered his desk, detailing Konoha's current military situation, intelligence from various sources, and reports from the leadership's deliberations.
The white-haired man seemed as composed as ever, his posture straight, but a closer look revealed that his knuckles were slightly pale and his grip on his pen was less firm than usual.
"The time to elect the Third Hokage has come," he murmured, his gaze deep.
This was not merely a matter of succession, but a crucial choice that would determine Konoha's future.
After the war, the situation in the shinobi world had gradually stabilized, but undercurrents still stirred. Political struggles among the nations had not ceased.
Konoha needed a leader strong and steady enough to hold its ground amid such turmoil.
And Tobirama already had several suitable candidates in mind.
The first was Hiruzen Sarutobi—his student. Though young, he possessed exceptional talent, a levelheaded disposition, an outstanding ability to learn, and a keen tactical eye. His relatively harmonious relationships with the various clans made him a fairly safe choice.
The second was Shimura Danzō—also his student, but far too extreme, with radical methods. Though he possessed strong resolve and the ability to get things done, he lacked the necessary gentleness and steadiness. Making him Hokage might strengthen Konoha, but it could just as easily bring more serious conflicts, both internal and external.
The third was Uchiha Raishin—Shinichi's father and one of the Uchiha Clan's current leaders. His military achievements were illustrious, and his abilities were beyond question. But appointing an Uchiha as Hokage would be an extremely risky decision, one that the village as a whole, and even the Land of Fire's daimyo, might not accept. Moreover, relations between the Uchiha and Konoha had never truly improved. Giving the Uchiha power too soon could cause an even greater rift.
The fourth was Tsunade—although she was still too young, she was a direct descendant of the Senju Clan and a future hope for Medical Ninjutsu. Given enough time to grow, she could certainly become a candidate for Hokage someday. For now, however, she was far too immature.
Tobirama Senju pondered for a moment, his gaze slowly passing over the list on his desk before finally settling on Hiruzen Sarutobi's name.
"The Hokage position must go to someone who can balance relations among the clans while possessing sufficient strength."
His gaze became resolute. He had made his final decision.
Meanwhile, Uchiha Shinichi lay on a swing in his family's courtyard, swaying back and forth as he leisurely ate from a bunch of grapes, muttering lazily:
"What does choosing a Hokage have to do with me...? Whoever gets the job, this lousy village will never let us Uchiha hold real power anyway."
Tsunade stood beside him with her arms folded, giving him a sidelong look. "So if I became Hokage, you wouldn't acknowledge me either?"
Shinichi raised an eyebrow and grinned teasingly. "Little Tsunade, if you became Hokage, I'd be your biggest supporter! Then I could slack off every day without worrying about your great-uncle dragging me away for special training."
Tsunade immediately threw a punch at him. Shinichi dodged with a light hop, not forgetting to rub it in. "Don't get ahead of yourself! You're still a long way from the Hokage position."
Tsunade gritted her teeth in anger, while Orochimaru watched their bickering with interest, the corners of his mouth lifting slightly.
Whatever the future held, the Hokage position would soon have a new occupant, and their younger generation would soon write legends of their own on the historical stage of the shinobi world.
Early the next morning, as the sky began to brighten, mist shrouded Konoha, and the fresh scent of dew filled the air.
Uchiha Shinichi was curled up beneath his blankets, enjoying a rare peaceful morning.
After one battle and ordeal after another, he could finally get a good night's sleep without worrying that old man Tobirama would drag him off for special training at any moment, or that Tsunade would punch him awake.
Yet a peaceful life was always easily disrupted.
"Uchiha Shinichi."
A low voice abruptly rang out. A masked Anbu ninja stood in Shinichi's room.
Shinichi frowned, rolled over, and mumbled, "Go away... Can't you see I'm still sleeping?"
The Anbu ninja's tone remained unchanged as he calmly said, "Lord Hokage has summoned you. Please proceed immediately to the conference room in the Hokage Building."
Shinichi opened his eyes a little and stared lazily at the ceiling, muttering, "Old man Tobirama again? What does he want this time?"
"It concerns the vote for the Hokage's successor," the Anbu ninja explained succinctly.
At that, Shinichi became considerably more alert, the corner of his mouth twitching.
"Huh?! You want me to vote?"
He sprang up and rubbed his somewhat disheveled silver hair, sounding incredulous. "You've got to be kidding. I'm an 'underage Genin,' and I'm actually eligible to vote for the next Hokage?"
The Anbu ninja replied impassively, "Although you are nominally a Genin, your battle record far exceeds that of an ordinary Jonin. In addition, you rescued Lord Hokage and demonstrated exceptional tactical value on the battlefield. Lord Hokage has granted you special permission to participate in this vote."
The corner of Shinichi's mouth twitched as he silently grumbled, If I hadn't saved old man Tobirama, would he still be sitting in the Hokage's seat? Maybe this 'special permission' was something the old man deliberately arranged, too...
Still, despite those thoughts, Shinichi stretched, casually threw on his clothes, and shrugged. "Fine. Since I've got special permission, I might as well go watch the show."
He ambled out of his room. As soon as he stepped out of his home, he saw Tsunade and Orochimaru coming from the direction of the Senju Main Residence, heading toward the Hokage Building.
Tsunade spotted Shinichi at once and lifted her chin, a hint of smugness in her voice. "Hmph, Shinichi. Looks like you've been called in to vote, too."
Shinichi glanced at her and teased, "What, don't tell me you want me to vote for you?"
Tsunade immediately swung a fist at him. Shinichi darted behind Orochimaru and said with a mischievous grin, "See? You don't even have a Hokage's composure. You really aren't qualified."
Tsunade gritted her teeth in anger, while Orochimaru merely gave a faint smile and said meaningfully, "Whatever the result, this vote will shape Konoha's future."
Shinichi rubbed his chin, looking thoughtfully toward the Hokage Building.
"True. This isn't just a vote. It's a crucial decision for Konoha's future..."
The wind swept through Konoha, carrying a hint of solemnity. The meeting to choose the Hokage's successor was about to formally begin.
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