In the conference room, everyone was talking at once, arguing fiercely. Each of these meetings lasted from day to night, but they could never reach a consensus.
As the Tenten went by, problems accumulated in various departments of Konoha. Many important matters lacked a leader capable of making decisive decisions, and Queen Tian Flying Swallow was troubled by the duplicity and underhanded tactics of various nobles. The security of the Land of Fire became somewhat chaotic, and some small evil forces began to stir. Internal government affairs also became inefficient, and the villagers' discontent grew. Under these circumstances, the higher-ups held countless meetings.
Finally, at a crucial meeting, the retired Shikaboshi Nara stepped forward again to take charge. "Gentlemen, this endless debate has wasted far too much time. We must make a decision. The search for the Lord Hokage has made no progress over the years, and Konoha cannot wait any longer. For the stability and development of the village, I propose holding a selection process for a new Hokage."
The Ten Family members wanted to object, but seeing all the families in the conference room raising their hands in agreement, their voices sounded so powerless.
"I agree," Uchiha Tomioki was the first to speak.
"I agree as well," Mito Uzumaki added immediately.
More and more high-ranking officials expressed their support for selecting a new Hokage, Ten Family, seeing that the tide had turned against them, could only helplessly accept the outcome.
Finally, after a decision by the Konoha's leadership, the selection process for a new Hokage officially began. The news sent Konoha into a frenzy. While the villagers had differing opinions on the outcome, they all hoped that the new Hokage would lead Konoha to new heights, end this turbulent period, and restore the Konoha to its former prosperity and peace.
On election day in Konoha, the sky was a clear, bright blue, and the plaza beneath the Hokage Rock was already teeming with people. This day would determine the candidate for the Fourth Hokage of Konoha, and the candidates were none other than the Hokage's five secretaries— Kagami Uchiha, Biwako, Torifu Akimichi, Hirohito Kurama, and Shikamei Nara.
Early in the morning, the square was crowded with villagers, all discussing and speculating about who would become the Shinichi Hokage.
"Who do you think will be elected this time?" a noodle vendor asked a customer while cooking noodles.
"It's hard to say, these five people are all quite capable." The customer shook his head, his eyes full of doubt.
First to arrive at the plaza was Torifu Akimichi, followed by a large contingent of the Akimichi Clan. The Akimichi Clan was renowned for its massive size and powerful Multi-Size Technique. At this moment, the burly men of the clan were all in high spirits, shouting slogans, " Torifu elected! Konoha!"
Torifu Akimichi stood on the makeshift platform, patted his round belly, and grinned, "Folks! If I, Torifu Akimichi, become Hokage, I guarantee you'll have delicious food every day! Our Akimichi Clan is skilled in cooking, so the village's meals will definitely improve significantly! Moreover, I will strengthen Konoha's logistical support, ensuring that ninjas on missions have no worries about supplies!"
The Akimichi Clan cheered from the audience, but the other villagers only gave a polite clapping.
Immediately afterward, Hirohito Kurama appeared with his Kurama Family. The Kurama Family, skilled in Genjutsu, were dressed in magnificent attire and possessed an elegant demeanor. Hirohito Kurama stepped onto the stage, gracefully bowed, and said, "Everyone, if I, Hirohito Kurama, become Hokage, I will first continue all the policies of the Third. Furthermore, I will vigorously develop Konoha's Genjutsu tradition. Genjutsu plays a crucial role in combat and intelligence gathering, and I will establish a more comprehensive Genjutsu training system, making Konoha's Genjutsu renowned throughout the Shinobi World! At the same time, I will strengthen cultural exchanges between Konoha and other countries, enhancing Konoha's influence!" The Kurama Family members cheered, and some young female ninjas, attracted by his demeanor, joined in the applause.
Shikamei Nara Earth Flow unhurriedly, the Nara Clan members following quietly behind him. Shikamei Nara adjusted his glasses and said in a steady voice, "As everyone knows, the Nara Clan is renowned for its wisdom. If I am elected Hokage, the Third Hokage's policies will remain unchanged, and I will place even greater emphasis on strategic planning and intelligence analysis. I will use wisdom to avoid unnecessary wars and strategy to ensure Konoha's invincibility in the Shinobi World. Furthermore, I will strengthen Konoha's education system, open up enrollment slots for the Kage Academy, and cultivate more powerful and intelligent ninjas!"
Many members of the clan's ninjas nodded in agreement, and many older villagers also felt that what he said made a lot of sense.
Biwako arrived at the plaza with the Uzumaki Clan. Although the Uzumaki Clan was small in number, their powerful Sealing Jutsu and tenacious vitality were not to be underestimated. Biwako, with her straightforward personality, declared loudly upon stepping onto the stage, "Fellow villagers! If I, Biwako, become Hokage, I will wipe out all those who dare to bully Konoha! I will strengthen Konoha's defenses, making the Konoha impregnable! Furthermore, I will promote inter-clan marriages, making Konoha even more united!"
The Senju Clan and Uzumaki Clan cheered loudly, and some passionate young ninjas also got excited.
Finally, Kagami Uchiha walked onto the plaza surrounded by the Uchiha Clan members. The Sharingan of the Uchiha Clan gleamed red in the sunlight, exuding an imposing aura. Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura also followed behind Kagami Uchiha. These three were highly respected in the Konoha Outer Village, and their appearance instantly changed the atmosphere of the scene.
Hiruzen Sarutobi proclaimed loudly, "Fellow villagers! I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, fully support Kagami Uchiha becoming the Fourth Hokage! He is the personal disciple of the Second Hokage, participated in the brutal First Shinobi World War, and made outstanding contributions in the battles between the Land of Tea and the Land of Artisans in recent years! He specializes in handling Anbu missions and has unparalleled experience in ensuring the safety of Konoha!"
Utatane Koharu added, "That's right! Kagami Uchiha possesses exceptional leadership and combat skills; he can lead Konoha to an even more glorious Mirai!"
Mitokado Homura nodded and said, " Kagami Uchiha has the powerful Uchiha Clan backing him, making him the most suitable candidate for the Hokage Position!"
Kagami Uchiha stepped onto the podium, his gaze resolute. He surveyed the crowd below and said, "Fellow villagers, if I, Kagami Uchiha, become Hokage, I will make it my duty to protect Konoha. I will strengthen the Anbu's power, ensuring Konoha's control even from the shadows. We do not live in a peaceful era, but rather in a peaceful country. I will dedicate the rest of my life to making Konoha's position in the Shinobi World more secure and safer. I have experienced the cruelty of war and deeply understand the preciousness of peace. I will lead you all towards a peaceful and prosperous Mirai!"
The Uchiha Clan erupted in enthusiastic cheers, and many villagers present were also infected by his momentum and words, joining in the cheers.
Just as everyone was anticipating the election results, the Ten Family representative Tian Yueqing, suddenly stood up and loudly announced, "After family discussions, the entire Ten Family Ten Family has decided to withdraw from this Hokage election. We have decided to remain neutral!" This news caused another uproar at the scene. The Ten Family's withdrawal was undoubtedly a way of demonstrating their political stance of not competing in the future.
Voting began, and villagers lined up solemnly to cast their votes. The vote counting process was tense and lengthy, with everyone holding their breath as they awaited the results.
Finally, the ninja in charge of counting the votes stepped onto the stage and loudly announced, "The results of the Fourth Hokage election are in! Kagami Uchiha has been elected the Fourth Hokage with an overwhelming majority!"
A thunderous cheer erupted in the square. The Uchiha Clan members embraced each other excitedly, while Hiruzen Sarutobi, Utatane Koharu, and Mitokado Homura looked at Kagami Uchiha with satisfaction.
Kagami Uchiha slowly walked up to the Hokage Rock and stood beneath the enormous Hokage statue. Looking at the cheering villagers, he was filled with a sense of mission. From this moment on, he would shoulder the heavy responsibility of protecting Konoha and leading Konoha to new glory.
In the afterglow of the setting sun, Kagami Uchiha's shadow was stretched long, as if foreshadowing the long and glorious path he was about to embark on as Hokage.