Hokage Building, inside the conference room.
A large number of uniformed Konoha Jonin were seated around the massive conference table.
"Is there some major event to be announced? It's really packed today." A Jonin noticed how unusually crowded the conference room was.
Not every meeting requires all Jonin to be called. Usually, only those who have been notified attend.
Anbu Jonin, with such special arrangements, attend fewer meetings.
"Ahem."
Once everyone was present, Sarutobi Hiruzen lightly coughed twice, drawing the attention of all the ninjas present.
"Bearing the will of the Second, safeguarding the village; decades have passed, and the passage of time has unbeknown to me, left my hair graying and my bones weakening.
The valor of yesteryears has faded; even the wisdom of the past requires fresh thoughts to continue. The position of Hokage is not an individual accolade but a heavy burden of Konoha, requiring the capable to occupy it, to ensure Konoha's peace and propagate the Will of Fire, nurturing Konoha's new saplings.
Therefore, my heart is set, wishing to, in the near future, abdicate the responsibilities of the Hokage, nominating a rising star for succession."
Finished speaking, Sarutobi Hiruzen gently exhaled, opening his cup to drink water to soothe his throat.
In regular meetings, Sarutobi Hiruzen wouldn't deliberately use such scholarly expressions, but this time, as he was retiring, it warranted some ceremonial flair.
"?!?"
The ninjas in the conference room showed expressions of shock and confusion.
Except for Mokgetsu and Mitokado Homura who were already aware, the remaining Jonin were taken aback by Sarutobi Hiruzen's words.
Even Orochimaru, who knew about Sarutobi Hiruzen's defeat, was somewhat surprised.
Losing to a junior might indeed be humiliating for someone like Sarutobi Hiruzen, but it shouldn't be severe enough to resign.
Due to Sosuke holding back, Konoha didn't suffer actual losses; Sarutobi Hiruzen only needed to pretend nothing happened, and it wouldn't have much impact, provided Sosuke didn't widely publicize it.
"Did something transpire?" Nara Shikaku's eyes flickered.
He didn't believe Sarutobi Hiruzen's given reason of aging and waning strength. Sarutobi Hiruzen indeed wasn't young but wasn't excessively old either.
Onoki was six years older than Sarutobi Hiruzen, yet was still serving as the Third Tsuchikage.
"Hokage?" Tsunade instinctively looked at Mokgetsu, then furrowed her brow.
Lately, Mokgetsu had been quite popular within Konoha, and given Mokgetsu's significant contributions in the Third War, his nomination wasn't impossible.
However, Tsunade didn't particularly wish for Mokgetsu to become Hokage. If Mokgetsu became Hokage, wouldn't he waste a lot of time on official duties, leaving less energy for cooking?
"Who are the potential nominees?" Konoha Jonin curiously glanced around at the powerful figures within the conference room.
Mokgetsu and the Sannin attracted the most attention, considered the most likely among the four ninja.
As for Minato, although excellent all around, with Mokgetsu present, most believed Namikaze Minato stood no chance.
Moreover, considering the seasoned strength of the Sannin, if both Mokgetsu and Namikaze Minato were nominated, then all three Sannin had to be nominated, making the number excessive.
Obito's lips were tightly sealed, yet his eyebrows danced excitedly; he couldn't wait to vote for Teacher Mokgetsu.
"Orochimaru, renowned across the Ninja World, is one of Konoha's signature ninjas among the Sannin. He diligently performed missions, solved numerous high-difficulty commissions, securing substantial benefits for Konoha and establishing a reputable image for Konoha."
After a brief pause, Sarutobi Hiruzen formally began introducing the nominated ninjas.
Hearing Orochimaru's name, the Jonin showed expressions of inevitable demeanor.
At the onset of the Third War, the Sannin were believed likely to inherit the position of Hokage, thus Orochimaru's nomination didn't surprise anyone nor caused doubt.
"Since the Second Ninja World War, he has established outstanding military achievements to Konoha, his contributions being profound and significant.
The high-level meeting, based on Orochimaru's exceptional contributions to Konoha and potential future positive changes, after careful consideration and extensive discussion, decided to nominate Orochimaru as a candidate for the Fourth Hokage."
Clap clap!!
As Sarutobi Hiruzen finished his statement, thunderous applause erupted.
Orochimaru performed commendably in both Ninja World Wars, making this nomination well-deserved.
"During the Third Ninja World War, our Konoha saw a rise in numerous outstanding ninjas, among whom Habu Mokgetsu was the most exceptional. Even expanding this scope to the entire Ninja World, Habu Mokgetsu was the most outstanding ninja in the Third Ninja World War.
Habu Mokgetsu often reversed the battleground outcome when Konoha squads fell behind, and during the final battle, he faced multiple Kage's joint surprise attack, remaining calm in the crisis, laying the foundation for Konoha's ultimate victory."
After the applause ceased, Sarutobi Hiruzen promptly introduced the second nominee, Mokgetsu.
"Really?" Tsunade couldn't help but roll her eyes at Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Only fifty-four years old, why rush into retirement? Wouldn't it be better to serve a few more years?
Tsunade estimated it would be Mokgetsu and Orochimaru, as Jiraiya shared her sentiment, refusing to become Hokage, and likely wouldn't be nominated.
Under such circumstances, Tsunade believed the more popular and Wood Release-bearing Mokgetsu had a greater chance of being elected.
"Therefore, after unanimous deliberation by the high-level meeting, we decided to officially nominate Habu Mokgetsu as a candidate for the Fourth Hokage."