Uchiha Fugaku's succession to the Hokage position went remarkably smoothly.
The speech he gave on the platform won the support of most of the village. He also made a promise that moved the other prominent clans.
"I promise that the Hokage position will never belong exclusively to the Uchiha Clan or any one faction."
"Today, I succeed as Hokage. But when I step down, or if I fail to satisfy everyone, this position can pass to anyone capable, whether from the Hyuga Clan, the Ino-Shika-Cho clans, or any other clan."
These were the words that moved the clans most.
Afterward, the village began rebuilding. Quietly, it reorganized and drew together once more, brimming with new life.
River had little need to manage anything. Fugaku appointed him to the Elders Council as an elder.
At the same time, the older generation of elders were all removed from their positions and replaced by younger members of the Hyuga Clan and other clans.
This was a reform and renewal of Konoha's political system, a necessary measure to maintain stability.
Of course, a whole series of new regulations accompanied these changes.
Meanwhile, the Third Hokage, Danzo, and their followers were traveling through the Forest of Konoha. Their faces were blank, and they had no idea where to go.
"Hiruzen, we need to build up our strength. We can't let Konoha fall into their hands just like this!"
Danzo gritted his teeth as he spoke.
"Then what bright ideas do you have?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi replied coldly.
He still resented his old friend for summoning the past Hokage.
Summoning them was one thing. The real problem was that they had still failed. It had exposed his incompetence as Hokage directly to his predecessors.
Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, had lost every last shred of dignity.
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