A few months later, in the Hokage's Office.
"It looks like I really do have to retire."
Hiruzen Sarutobi looked at the documents on his desk and rubbed his brow with a headache.
He was getting old, and there was no denying it.
Although he was reluctant to relinquish the Hokage's power, he couldn't stay in the position for the rest of his life.
Even though he wanted to handle the paperwork properly, his energy had begun to fall short as he aged.
News that the Third Hokage would soon retire began circulating through the village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi said he intended to retire, and a new Hokage needed to be chosen to continue leading the village in his place.
As soon as the news spread, the major clans erupted.
The Third had served as Hokage for so many years that he could be called the longest-serving Hokage.
It was perfectly normal for him to want to retire now.
What worried them was whether the incoming Fourth Hokage would be easy to deal with.
If they ended up with an extremist warmonger, it would not be good news for them.
Fortunately, Konoha's Hokage elections were relatively peaceful. The Hokage alone did not have the final say; achievements and reputation had to be considered.
Hiruzen Sarutobi only needed to draw up a list, then let the villagers make their own recommendations.
That was also where the saying that one could only become Hokage by gaining the villagers' recognition came from.
At Naka Shrine, where the Uchiha Clan meeting was being held.
"Everyone, the Third is about to retire. Our Uchiha Clan's opportunity has arrived!"
Uchiha Fugaku stood on the raised platform, delivering an impassioned speech to the clansmen below.
"As long as I become the Fourth Hokage, those cold looks and