Following Homura Mitokado's words, everyone in the conference hall turned their eyes toward Orochimaru and Jiraiya.
Although they had been nominated by others, the wishes of the candidates themselves were obviously just as important.
Facing the expectant gazes of the crowd, Jiraiya grinned and scratched the back of his head.
"Sorry, everyone. You all know what I'm like."
"I'm really not suited for the position of Hokage."
"I'm fine with following the Hokage's orders. But becoming Hokage and commanding everyone else? I don't think I have that kind of ability."
Jiraiya's answer didn't surprise anyone.
Although many people in the village supported him, they also knew his personality well.
Jiraiya had never been the type to compete for the Hokage position.
So no one found his refusal unexpected.
Afterward, everyone turned their attention to Orochimaru, who had yet to respond.
Unlike Jiraiya, Orochimaru was calm and composed. Aside from his somewhat cold personality, he practically seemed like a natural-born leader.
In fact, as early as the beginning of the Third Shinobi World War, rumors had circulated that Orochimaru would become the Fourth Hokage.
At that time, Hiruzen Sarutobi had indeed considered Orochimaru his successor—and Orochimaru himself had never rejected the idea.
Thus, many people in the hall assumed the same thing:
If it hadn't been for the sudden rise of Minato Namikaze—the "Yellow Flash of Konoha", the Fourth Hokage position would almost certainly have gone to Orochimaru.
Under the watchful eyes of the crowd, Orochimaru suddenly smiled faintly.
"Apologies, everyone."
"Although it may not sound very pleasant… the truth is that I have already found a pursuit greater than Hokage."
"So I will not be participating in this election."
The moment those words were spoken—
the entire conference hall erupted in an uproar.
"What does Lord Orochimaru mean by that?"
"What do you mean by a pursuit greater than Hokage?"
"For most shinobi of Konoha, Hokage is the ultimate goal!"
"How could he say something like that?!"
For the majority of Konoha's ninja, the Hokage represented their highest aspiration—something sacred and untouchable.
Orochimaru's indifferent attitude toward the position naturally angered many people.
At that moment, Jiraiya hurriedly grabbed Orochimaru's arm.
"Orochimaru! Don't be so blunt!"
He was afraid Orochimaru might say something even more outrageous and provoke the entire hall.
Orochimaru remained calm and replied:
"I have no intention of insulting the Hokage."
"I'm simply stating a fact."
He paused before continuing.
"Everyone pursues different things in life. The Hokage position does not necessarily have to be everyone's ultimate goal."
"For example—Jiraiya."
"He seeks the Child of Prophecy, so naturally he has never intended to compete for the position of Fourth Hokage."
The moment those words were spoken, everyone in the hall subconsciously turned to look at Jiraiya.
After all—
that was common knowledge.
Jiraiya froze.
"?!!"
His face twitched slightly.
Inside his heart, he had already punched Orochimaru ten thousand times.
He never expected Orochimaru to drag him out as a shield to attract the crowd's anger.
Jiraiya forced an awkward laugh, tilted his head up toward the ceiling, and began whistling innocently—doing his best to reduce his presence.
Just wait until this meeting is over, he thought.
I'm definitely settling the score with Orochimaru.
"Quiet!"
Homura Mitokado slammed his hand on the table, clearly displeased by the commotion.
When the room gradually calmed down, he frowned and looked at Orochimaru.
"Orochimaru, watch your words."
"The dignity of the Hokage must not be disrespected."
Orochimaru replied calmly,
"As I said, I meant no disrespect."
Homura snorted but didn't pursue the matter further.
"Very well."
"Since neither of you wishes to run for Hokage, we will not force you."
"Konoha is not so desperate that we must compel someone to become Hokage."
The room soon fell into brief silence.
Among the few people truly qualified to become the Fourth Hokage, there were only a handful of candidates.
Jiraiya and Orochimaru had both declined.
Tsunade had already left the village.
That left very few options.
Just then, Jiraiya suddenly stood up.
"I nominate Minato Namikaze!"
"The achievements and abilities of Minato are obvious to everyone here."
"He is absolutely capable of becoming the Fourth Hokage!"
Having a teacher nominate his own student was naturally the most appropriate arrangement.
In fact, this had been Jiraiya's main purpose for attending the meeting.
As soon as Jiraiya spoke, many supporters of Minato also stood up.
"That's right!"
"The name Yellow Flash of Konoha is already famous throughout the shinobi world!"
"I nominate Minato Namikaze as the Fourth Hokage!"
"I was saved by Lord Minato on the battlefield several times. Without him, I would already be dead!"
Once the momentum began, more and more people voiced their support.
Homura nodded with satisfaction.
"Very good."
"Then we will confirm Minato Namikaze as the first official candidate for the Fourth Hokage."
"Does anyone have any objections?"
No one spoke.
"Very well."
Homura continued,
"Now that the first candidate has been confirmed, does anyone wish to nominate another candidate?"
Just then—
Uchiha Ren suddenly felt a cold gaze land on him.
He turned his head and met the dark, calculating eyes of Shimura Danzō.
Ren instantly understood.
With a calm smile, he broke the silence.
"I nominate Shimura Danzō as a candidate for the Fourth Hokage."
"After all, he once said he would lead us to conquer the Moon."
For a moment—
the entire conference hall fell into stunned silence.
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