Chapter 164 Even if it means going against my mentor, I'm willing to do it!
"While we still have some time, let's not just stand here and go find some more people to talk to."
"OK."
Jiraiya, Minato, and Tsunade each went to a familiar Jonin to have a final chat and make sure the other party wouldn't change their mind and side with Danzo.
Tsunade looked at Hashirama and asked:
"Grandpa, what about you?"
"We'll let it go.
We've already expressed our support for Souji.
As for the two people who were already dead, it's not appropriate for us to interfere too much with the people who are still alive.
Let everyone decide for themselves."
Hashirama smiled, waved, called out to Tobirama, and walked towards the wooden platform.
Before leaving, Tobirama glanced at Danzo in the distance.
Danzo was so obsessed with the Hokage position...
As a teacher, Tobirama naturally knew the nature of his students.
Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu had already explained to him that they did indeed prefer to maintain the status quo, believing it was better for Konoha.
Although they disagreed with their teacher, Tobirama still respected their ideas.
But Danzo...
Although Danzo gave the same reason, Tobirama could tell at a glance that it wasn't true.
Danzo has been jealous of Sarutobi since childhood because of his favor, so he always opposes Sarutobi.
This time, after returning, he has become even more certain from the conversations of many people that because he chose Sarutobi to be the Hokage back then, Danzo's hostility and targeting of Sarutobi has become even more intense.
How could Danzo, with such a mindset, possibly agree with Sarutobi and be willing to continue Sarutobi's practices to this day?
It's obvious that he's only here for the Hokage position.
Tobirama sighed inwardly, feeling a pang of sadness at seeing his student become so obsessed.
But Danzo is no longer the child who trained in ninjutsu under his tutelage.
He has reached this age and level, and even if his teacher speaks to him, he will not listen to him.
One can only hope that Danzo won't bring about his own destruction...
With that thought in mind, Tobirama followed Hashirama to the platform and sat down.
Hashirama said to Sarutobi:
"Monkey, should we be done by now?"
"Yes, I'm planning to start now."
"very good."
Hashirama looked around at the large number of Konoha residents and couldn't help but laugh:
"I never imagined that after Madara and I established Konoha and ushered in a new era for the ninja world, I would still have the opportunity to witness the birth of a new era many years after I have been dead!"
"First Lord, this still needs to be done through a vote..."
"I believe that everyone in Konoha will make the right choice."
Hashirama replied:
"Monkey, your governance has indeed been very good.
The stability and prosperity of Konoha today is proof of this.
However, Konoha, and even the entire ninja world, does need to take it a step further."
"The ninjas' destiny of constant fighting since ancient times truly needs to end."
"I believe that just as many people came here to join us and build Konoha together, the people of Konoha will surely make the right choice today."
Sarutobi sighed softly and said:
"First Lord, from our perspective, we still need to be fair..."
"Alright, then you can announce the start," Hashirama said with a smile.
"yes..."
Sarutobi sighed inwardly.
Although Danzo and Souji seem to have a chance to compete, in reality, no one with any sense believes that Danzo has a chance of winning.
While many people are inclined to maintain the status quo, the fact that so many influential figures are openly supporting the Chief Executive makes his influence enormous.
Even Minato Namikaze, who was originally slated to become the next Hokage, withdrew and sided with Souji.
Of the four advisors, only Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu were forced by circumstances to support Danzo.
Although Tokiwa hasn't made a statement yet, as a long-time comrade, as long as he hasn't sided with Danzo without hesitation, it already shows his inclination.
He himself is the same in this respect.
As the Hokage, he claimed to remain neutral to ensure fairness, but even he didn't favor supporting the status quo, which is another form of denial.
These successive actions have been a major blow to the supporters of the conservative faction.
Among the Konoha high-ranking officials, only Enma and Koharu are currently standing by Danzo's side.
What do you think when you see this?
Unfortunately, Danzo didn't seem to have figured it out yet. Judging from the smug look on his face, he clearly still thought that the conservatives were in the majority and that he had the advantage.
Sarutobi glanced helplessly at Danzo, sighed inwardly, and then spoke loudly:
"All Konoha Jonin, assemble!
We will now begin the Jonin trust vote!"
"For this vote, all Jonin, please come down to the stage in order according to your ninja number and state which candidate you are voting for."
"A total of 166 Jonin participated in the vote. If there is a tie, I will cast the final vote."
Danzo, who was sitting in the audience, changed his expression slightly upon hearing this.
If it's a tie, Sarutobi will have to make the final decision... which is very disadvantageous for him!
Sarutobi naturally noticed Danzo's changing expression, but he sighed, realizing that a draw was almost impossible, and even now, Danzo's first reaction was still that he would be targeted...
It's truly tragic.
"You are all Jonin of Konoha.
When you were promoted to Jonin, I or the previous Hokage must have told you that Jonin are the most elite and outstanding ninjas of Konoha, bearing the name of Konoha Village."
"Therefore, I believe you will make the right choice for Konoha."
"Now, before the voting begins, let's have our two candidates each give a speech and state their ideas to everyone."
"Shimura Danzo, you go first."
"yes..."
Danzo's expression remained unchanged, but his eyes became somewhat gloomy.
He glared at Sarutobi, wondering if there was any advantage or disadvantage in the order of speaking.
Was letting him go first a deliberate attempt to trap him?
Furthermore, he is not actually good at public speaking to a large audience; what he is truly good at is negotiating and intimidating a small group of people in private.
Why make him give a speech?
It's definitely a trap!
That bastard Sarutobi has become so insidious!
Danzo cursed inwardly, but on the surface he maintained his usual cold and poker face as he walked off the stage to face the group of Jonin.
Danzo placed his hands on the cane that served as a symbol of authority, pondered for a moment, and then turned to look at Tobirama on the stage, not at the Jonin.
"Before I begin my speech, I would like to apologize to my teacher, the Second Hokage, Tobirama Senju."
"Tobirama-sensei has publicly stated that he and the First Hokage both agree with Mochizuki Souji's ideas.
Now, as Mochizuki Souji's opponent, I can say that I have stood on the opposite side of my mentor. I feel really ashamed."
"But I don't agree with Mochizuki Souji's idea. To be precise, I think it's harmful to Konoha!"
"For the future of Konoha, I have no choice but to step forward and compete with Mochizuki Souji to stop him from becoming Hokage!"
"Even if it means going against my mentor, I will not hesitate!"
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end of this chapter....