The attending Konoha ninja, except for Mokgetsu, unanimously recommended Mokgetsu.
As Mokgetsu was not Shimura Danzo, he certainly couldn't recommend himself, so he simply watched quietly.
"Habu Mokgetsu…" The Daimyo instinctively looked at Mokgetsu, who was seated next to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
He knew Mokgetsu; first, Mokgetsu was famous after enduring several major battles; second, Mokgetsu had once escorted him to the Land of Rain to watch the youth martial arts tournament.
"Habu Mokgetsu is indeed a very good choice. He contributed significantly to the victory of the Land of Fire in the Third Ninja World War," said a somewhat affluent official of the Land of Fire.
"Indeed, and Habu Mokgetsu is also a Wood Release Ninja, able to use the signature ninjutsu of the First Hokage," agreed another long-bearded official of the Land of Fire.
During the Hokage election, for the candidates proposed by the Konoha side, they generally only support without opposing.
If the Konoha side recommends multiple candidates at the same time, then Konoha will further discuss and decide.
Clap.
Seeing no objections, the Daimyo closed his fan and tapped his palm:
"Since Habu Mokgetsu has glorious battle achievements and is the inheritor of the First Hokage's ninjutsu, Habu Mokgetsu shall be the Fourth Hokage."
Thus, the election for the Fourth Hokage concluded, and the Hokage candidate was thoroughly decided.
"Thank you, Daimyo, for your recognition." Mokgetsu politely expressed his gratitude.
Clap clap clap!
The officials and Sarutobi Hiruzen, among others, applauded, celebrating the birth of the Fourth Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen applauded while glancing at Mokgetsu, exhaling lightly, his expression somewhat complex.
He did not covet the power of the Hokage, but thinking about soon no longer being able to stand by the window of the Hokage Office overlooking Konoha, Sarutobi Hiruzen felt something different in his heart.
For Sarutobi Hiruzen, Konoha is not just a powerful ninja force, nor merely his place of growth; it is the ninja village he was given leadership of in times of crisis.
It was really difficult for Sarutobi Hiruzen at the time; even with Senju Tobirama's last words, he had to make considerable efforts to secure his position as Hokage.
During this process, Shimura Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and other companions, along with his family, contributed a lot, so Sarutobi Hiruzen was very grateful to them.
Once his position as Hokage was secure, Sarutobi Hiruzen quickly began consolidating strength to participate in wars, driving all forces attacking Konoha out of the Land of Fire and launching counterattacks.
The situation gradually stabilized, Konoha grew stronger, countless Konoha residents thanked him for his contributions to Konoha, and many Konoha ninja idolized him, aiming for the Hokage position as a life goal.
He created a new era for Konoha under the Third Hokage.
The harder it was, the more love Sarutobi Hiruzen had for Konoha, because it was his heart and soul to bring up this village.
If his succession had been smoother initially, Sarutobi Hiruzen might not have such deep feelings for Konoha.
"Our era is coming to an end." Mitokado Homura sighed lightly at this scene, thinking to himself.
Once Mokgetsu becomes Hokage, he will inevitably establish a team centered around himself, just like Sarutobi Hiruzen did back then with himself, Utatane Koharu, and Shimura Danzo.
By then, the best choice for these old folks will be to step down gracefully, preserving some dignity.
After all, Mokgetsu is not like others, despite being young, he's not someone who can be easily controlled.
Mitokado Homura was reluctant to give up advisory powers, but he also wasn't preparing to confront Mokgetsu head-on when the time comes.
Indeed, he worked hard for the development of Konoha, but he also sought some personal gains in the process.
Mitokado Homura didn't want to end his days without a good reputation; stepping down had better happen. Having been a high official for so long, he reckoned he had quite an achievement in life.
"Perhaps this is the best outcome." Namikaze Minato clapped vigorously with a slight smile.
As a ninja aspiring to become Hokage, witnessing Mokgetsu stepping from Chunin Teacher to Hokage, for Namikaze Minato to say he never felt a twinge of disappointment would certainly be a lie.
This has always been his life's dream, regardless of who his competitor is, Namikaze Minato would fight with everything he has.
However, the gap between him and Mokgetsu was too wide, to the point that he couldn't even be considered Mokgetsu's competitor.
Most awkwardly, the Flying Thunder God Jutsu mastered by Namikaze Minato was also used proficiently by Mokgetsu, and their appearances were quite similar, giving Mokgetsu the impression of being a super Namikaze Minato.
What Namikaze Minato possesses, Mokgetsu has; what Namikaze Minato lacks, Mokgetsu has as well.
How could he compete?
It was precisely because of this enormous disparity that Namikaze Minato came to terms quickly; what he loves is Konoha, not the Konoha with him as Hokage, so who becomes Hokage is not that important to Namikaze Minato.
Once the applause stopped, the Daimyo announced the official end of the meeting.
"Third Hokage, is that news true?" The Daimyo was still curious about the rumor, and asked in a low voice.
"It's true," Sarutobi Hiruzen replied.
"Unexpected, it's not a rumor; that Sosuke is so strong." The Daimyo flicked open his fan, covering his somewhat startled face.
He hadn't expected the Land of Rain would have such a powerful ninja.
"No need to worry, I've simply lost; our Fourth Hokage won't be defeated by any ninja, not even the First," Sarutobi Hiruzen stated confidently.
Though to many people, being the second to the God of Ninjas is the highest praise for Mokgetsu, Sarutobi Hiruzen knew that Mokgetsu not only has the potential to become the second Senju Hashirama but might even surpass Senju Hashirama.