Daimyo Ho no Kuni entered Konohagakure no Sato with the usual pomp and accompanied by a large retinue of courtiers and officials. The latter were present because the visit was through and through official and things would be discussed that could affect the economy of not only the shinobi village, but the entire country.
The planned removal of the Third Hokage from power and the election of a fourth was only one of the important issues on the agenda, but not the only one that needed to be discussed.
The expanded council was scheduled for the next day to give the guest a chance to rest, but a messenger from Sarutobi, who had sent word of the gathering that evening, made Shenesu a little tense and brought me along as a chaperone, instead of the usual cousin who was reluctant to get involved in the clan's governance. The bastard kept trying to dump that responsibility on me.
As the clan heads gathered in the meeting hall, they looked at each other a little puzzled, but no one had gotten the reason why. Like many around me, I suspected that Sarutobi had prepared something to make life a little more difficult for everyone after his removal, but what exactly was it?
- Hey, Shenesu, what do you think old man Hiruzen is up to? - Inoda Yamanaka, who had brought his heir with him, whispered as he leaned toward his uncle.
Inoichi stood behind him with a sour face, clearly wishing he were as far away from the old farts as possible. My feelings weren't much different - finding something to do with an hour or two of my free time was never a problem, instead of watching all the political games. I have a Shenesu-ji for that, who's had his fill of such meetings.
- It's hardly a big deal," Nara shrugged, "he's in no position to make a fuss, and Sakumo-san can overturn any law that comes into effect now.
There wasn't a shred of doubt in his voice about the outcome of the upcoming election.
- Well, this is Hiruzen, who was in power back when we were snot-nosed genin," the blond chuckled, "there's no telling what he might have thought up.
Uncle didn't have time to answer, as the doors of the hall opened and the shinobi under discussion entered, dressed in full Kage regalia, accompanied by the invariable elders and four Anbu bodyguards. Nodding to all present, he made his way to the Hokage's seat on the dais and taking a chair, removed his hat, placing it next to him on the table.
- I declare the current Council meeting open," Sarutobi announced, but contrary to custom, he did not announce the agenda, leaving the assembled ninja somewhat confused.
- Hokage-sama, what is the reason for this meeting? - The silence didn't last long, and the head of the Meido clan was the first to voice the question that had been on many people's tongues.
Slowly smoking his pipe and inhaling the fragrant smoke, Sarutobi looked around at those present with squinted eyes.
- I've been thinking a lot lately," he said slowly, exhaling a cloud of fragrant smoke, "and I've come to the conclusion that I'm too old to be the Hokage, that my body is still strong, but my mind is not as sharp, and it's time to let the younger ones show themselves.
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