Resignation

After their conversation, everyone realized that Hiruzen Sarutobi's reasoning seemed untenable.

Hiruzen Sarutobi finally stopped arguing, his eyes revealing a deep sense of helplessness and exhaustion—a kind of self-doubt born from years of hardship and a powerlessness in the face of the current situation.

"I wanted to resign from this position several years ago, but I reluctantly stayed despite everyone's earnest pleas. However, I eventually succumbed to exhaustion and made several mistakes in decision-making, for which I sincerely apologize!"

After speaking, he hunched over and bowed deeply, his figure appearing exceptionally lonely.

He then removed the Hokage hat and gently placed it on the table. The removal of the Hokage hat symbolized the end of an era.

"Lord Hokage, you mustn't!" A hurried voice broke the silence.

"Lord Hokage, Konoha can't do without you!" another voice followed closely behind.

The conference room fell silent. Hiruzen Sarutobi's face instantly turned ashen, filled with disappointment, helplessness, and a hint of self-deprecation.

This advice was better ignored; most ninjas were already weary and disappointed by his repeated poor decisions.

Danzo's arrogant and unbridled behavior went unchecked, and he was powerless to stop his rampant arrogance.

Orochimaru's betrayal also exposed his failure in supervision.

Hizashi's heroic sacrifice only fueled the resentment of the Hyuga Clan towards him.

This series of poor decisions ultimately caused the Konoha High Command to lose all trust in him.

With the echoes of war still lingering, Konoha urgently needs a vibrant and intelligent leader to guide it toward a glorious new future, rather than relying on an aging, inept old man to maintain the status quo.

Therefore, his retirement encountered no resistance whatsoever, and people were already eagerly anticipating the dawn of new changes.

The silence in the meeting room was like the final chapter of a historical story, with everyone deep in thought, pondering the future of Konoha.

Hiruzen Sarutobi tried his best to suppress the expression on his face, unwilling to reveal too much embarrassment and vulnerability at this moment.

His voice was deep and firm. "I voluntarily relinquish the responsibility of Hokage."

Witnessing this scene, Hiashi and Yashiro took their seats.

They knew clearly that at this moment, it was indeed not the right time to attack the Third Hokage.

After all, Third Hokage of leaders held power for decades, and their great contributions to Konoha have long been deeply imprinted in the annals of history.

Although he made several mistakes in decision-making towards the end of his term, if he continued to pursue this elderly man after Hiruzen Sarutobi resigned, it would only provoke public anger and make him an enemy.

With Hiashi and Yashiro remaining silent, a profound stillness filled the conference room.

This silence was unlike the usual tranquility; it was more like the calm before an impending storm.

Although everyone appeared calm on the surface, maintaining the composure expected of Konoha High Command, their hearts were in turmoil.

As the curtain slowly falls on the era, the abdication of the Third Hokage marks the end of an era, while Konoha is about to turn a new page.

Everyone is speculating about who will be chosen as the Fourth Hokage and what the future of Konoha will look like.

The tranquility didn't last long before it was broken by a light tap on the table from Torifu, instantly drawing everyone's attention.

His eyes were resolute, and his voice was firm. "After the war, Konoha has been reborn and needs a new Hokage to lead us into the future."

The neutral high-ranking officials and family patriarchs nodded slightly, and the others also nodded gently, despite their different thoughts.

However, at this crucial moment, they all understood the importance and urgency of quickly establishing the Fourth Hokage.

"Torifu says is absolutely right. The Hokage Position should not remain vacant for long. Let's decide on a candidate today," a senior executive solemnly proposed.

Hiruzen Sarutobi calmly replied, "It's feasible."

"Hiruzen, as the Third Hokage, please first talk about the person you nominated."

Hiruzen Sarutobi slightly, his gaze sweeping slowly over the crowd before finally settling on Jiraiya.

Jiraiya felt the teacher's gaze and involuntarily shrank back, his heart filled with astonishment and trepidation.

He has always presented himself as free-spirited and unrestrained, and is devoted to traveling and writing. He has never given much thought to the important task of Hokage.

After a long silence, Hiruzen Sarutobi sighed, "I nominate Jiraiya!"

Upon hearing this, everyone reacted with varying expressions.

"Teacher!" Jiraiya stood up, hesitating to speak. "I prefer to be free and unrestrained, and I don't want to be bound by this position. I..."

Before he could finish speaking, he was stopped by Hiruzen Sarutobi's stern gaze.

Torifu, Tokiwa shook his head slightly, understanding Jiraiya's personality and pursuits. The Hokage Position needed someone who was committed to a mission, willing to take responsibility, and dedicated to the village wholeheartedly.

Jiraiya, despite his great strength and rich experience, had a heart that yearned for freedom, making it difficult for him to remain in the Hokage Position for long.

So he said, "I nominate Uchiha Fugaku!"

The sound of Torifu causing a small commotion in the conference room also caught Hiruzen Sarutobi's attention.

With only Jiraiya and Tsunade remaining as candidates for Hokage, Tsunade is unwilling to attend due to the Danzo incident, making the Hokage Position election increasingly tense.

Torifu glanced around. "In that case, the Fourth Hokage will be chosen between Jiraiya and Fugaku. What do you all think about recalling Fugaku from the front lines?"

The Hyuga Clan leaders all expressed their agreement, and Hiruzen Sarutobi also nodded in agreement.

After the meeting, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood alone by the window of the Hokage's office, overlooking the entire Hidden Konoha, filled with emotion.

His era was coming to an end, and even if Hokage were to succeed Jiraiya, he would not come here often.

If Uchiha Fugaku had succeeded him as Hokage, he might never have set foot on this land filled with his youthful memories again.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's figure was slightly hunched; regardless of the outcome, he only wished that Konoha could continue to prosper.