Holding the documents, Shikaku Nara finished presenting the detailed information on the four candidates. "...And that concludes the information on all four candidates!"
After speaking, Shikaku Nara glanced at Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura before sitting down.
Originally, there had actually been only two Hokage candidates: Shihōin Naraku and Kakashi Hatake!
But something unexpected had happened during Konoha's candidate nominations. The elders, led by Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, had also nominated Jiraiya and Tsunade.
This was the largest number of Hokage candidates in Konohagakure's history!
"Ahem..."
Mitokado Homura cleared his throat, looked around, and said, "The village has just been through a war. At a time like this, Jiraiya, with his wealth of experience and seniority, is very well suited to becoming the Fifth Hokage. Given his contributions to Konoha, there should be practically no issue with him becoming Hokage. Everyone supports him."
"That's certainly true," Utatane Koharu added. "What Konohagakure needs right now is stability, not change. Jiraiya is quite steady when it matters. He can quickly settle the unrest among Konoha's people."
"There's also another point. Jiraiya has distinguished himself for Konoha many times in war. The other countries of the shinobi world also recognize the reputation of the Sannin. If Jiraiya becomes the Fifth Hokage, it will greatly benefit stability along our borders."
Shihōin Naraku raised his eyes to Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura. It seemed Shimura Danzō's death had frightened them, which was why they had put forward Tsunade and Jiraiya when Konoha's jonin were nominating candidates.
At that moment, a noble attending the meeting spoke up. He came from the direct line of the Land of Fire's Daimyo's family, which had once formed a marriage alliance with Konoha's Senju Clan. That was what qualified him to attend the meeting.
"I'm very satisfied with Jiraiya.