Although Shihōin Naraku now had more than enough strength, prestige, and experience to lead the Konoha Ninja in rebuilding the village.
No one would stand up to oppose him, either!
But ultimately, he was not Konoha's Hokage yet, and Naraku still lacked a legitimate mandate.
Of course, making exceptions in an emergency was understandable.
The problem was that this situation could not continue indefinitely. Otherwise, what was the point of electing a Hokage?
So Mitokado Homura and the others' intentions were clear: put Shihōin Naraku in the position of Sixth Hokage as soon as possible, and then the reconstruction work could proceed as a matter of course.
In fact, in their view, selecting a new Hokage was even more important than rebuilding Konoha.
"I have no objections. Let's prepare to begin the Jonin nomination process!"
Everyone knew it was merely a formality, but however unnecessary it might be, they still had to go through the process.
"Then let's get started right away. Settling this sooner will also benefit the reconstruction work ahead."
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu glanced at Shikaku Nara. Their meaning was clear: they wanted him to hurry up and get this done first.
Shikaku nodded without giving anything away. He actually thought the same.
Shihōin Naraku sat to one side, quite speechless. These people made no attempt to conceal their gestures. They could not have been more blatant.
Do they really think I'm blind and can't see them?
"All right, all right."
"Now that we've decided on the plan going forward, get to work. Don't linger here." Naraku waved a hand, signaling everyone to hurry off to their own tasks.
"Yes!"
Once they had left, Naraku stood up as well and walked out of the tent, his gaze shifting slightly as he looked toward Konoha's ruins, once