The war was over, and the distribution of benefits between Konoha and the other ninja villages was complete. Ninjas from civilian backgrounds received their rewards for their contributions, whether in the form of jutsu or promotion to higher ranks.
The fallen ninjas were inscribed on the Memorial Stone, and after a grand memorial ceremony, the families who had lost loved ones were compensated by Konoha. Many civilians, with gratitude shining on their faces, expressed heartfelt thanks to the Konoha ninjas distributing the consolation funds.
Peace had returned to Konoha. Business and entertainment flourished again in a short amount of time. In fact, due to the village's victory and the popularity of the ninja game, the village was even more lively than before. After two years of war, aside from the many lives lost, things seemed to have remained unchanged.
The children playing the ninja game in the village today would, in ten years, be just like their parents—rushing to the battlefield armed with kunai.
"Mirai, what are you thinking about?" Kurenai Yuhi asked curiously. Today was a rare reunion of ninja academy classmates, a celebration for the peace that had arrived. However, she couldn't see any happiness on Mirai's face.
"It's nothing, just thinking about how this is supposed to be a time of peace," Mirai replied.
"Of course! The war is over," Kurenai nodded. "The Hokage has signed peace treaties with other countries, so there won't be any more fighting."
Mirai nodded. "That's good."
"Don't think about it too much, let's go enjoy the feast!" Kurenai said, waving her hand in front of Mirai to bring his attention back.
Kiyo had been delayed with something before heading out, so Mirai came with Kurenai first. This time, many people were missing from the reunion.
Kiyo had performed excellently in this war. Even without the merits passed to her by Mirai, she was already a qualified ninja. If Kiyo's parents hadn't met with an accident, the Fourth Elder wouldn't have pushed her onto the battlefield so soon. However, Kiyo had proven herself and was now ready to gradually take on more power and resources from her grandfather.
The changes within the Hyuga clan reflected the state of Konoha itself. After the war, the transition between the 'old' and 'new' leadership was a normal process. Especially with Sarutobi Hiruzen, the Third Hokage, who, though not without accomplishments during the Third Shinobi World War, had made some irreversible mistakes. And with age catching up to him, it was time to consider the Fourth Hokage.
Hiruzen Sarutobi hadn't wanted to hand over power so soon, but the changes in the leadership of the Land of Grass, as well as the peace treaties with the Iwa and Suna villages, had become blemishes on his record.
In particular, with the peace agreements with these two villages, Sarutobi Hiruzen had nearly forfeited Konoha's victory status to end the war quickly. He'd asked for no substantial rewards, only gaining a boost to his reputation. Iwa had surrendered, and Suna had signed an alliance agreement with Konoha, but its binding power was still uncertain. If Konoha couldn't sustain Suna, the alliance would be as flimsy as toilet paper.
Such a weak agreement, if leaked, might be hard for many Konoha ninjas to accept. However, Sarutobi Hiruzen had his reasons—Konoha couldn't continue the war. The recent war had cost many lives, and if it had gone on longer, even more comrades would have died. In order to end it swiftly and bring peace, Sarutobi, as the Third Hokage, had to make this choice.
After signing the peace treaties with the major ninja villages, Sarutobi Hiruzen called a meeting of Konoha's ministers and elite Jonin. Many knew the reason for this meeting, and before arriving, they had already discussed the topic. For example, the Ino-Shika-Cho clan had been allies since the Warring States period, fighting together for over a hundred years.
Hyuga Mirai was also brought to the meeting by Konoha's officials. He hadn't planned on attending such a tedious gathering, but because Konoha was sincerely training him, Mirai could only apologize silently in his heart.
The Medical Department didn't have much of a say when it came to the Fourth Hokage election, so only two members attended. Including the acting head of the department, Shūrin Kobayashi, it made three. Other departments had more representatives, but this was to be expected—ten years ago, it was Tsunade who first pushed for the development of medical ninjas, which led to the creation of the Medical Department.
Of the three Sannin, besides Tsunade, the other two sat at the very front, alongside clan leaders like Uchiha and Hyuga.
Once everyone arrived, Sarutobi Hiruzen cleared his throat and drew everyone's attention before speaking.
"I've called you all here today because we will begin the election for the Fourth Hokage tomorrow. I've seen two ninja world wars, and I am now of an advanced age."
After listening to Sarutobi Hiruzen's lengthy speech, some people in the room who hadn't been informed only then realized the Fourth Hokage election would begin tomorrow. However, this made sense—the Third Hokage was no longer young, and other villages were starting to have new leaders. It was normal for Konoha to elect a Fourth Hokage.
After scanning the room, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke again, "Everyone, if you have a suitable candidate in mind, feel free to suggest them, but they must meet the criteria of strength, merit, and reputation."
"I nominate Orochimaru!" Danzo was the first to speak.
"Based on his strength and achievements, Orochimaru, as one of the Sannin, has led many successful campaigns in the previous wars with few defeats," Danzo added, sparking whispers among the other ninjas. It was true that, based on strength, merit, and fame, Orochimaru was the best candidate for the Fourth Hokage.
Despite not having strong backing from a major clan, Orochimaru seemed to meet nearly all the criteria for Hokage. Sarutobi Hiruzen shot a glance at Danzo. He had sent Orochimaru to Root to monitor Danzo's actions, but now these two seemed to be colluding.
Hiruzen then looked at his former disciple, and though his expression remained calm, the slight smile on his face didn't reflect any surprise. If not for Orochimaru's darker side, perhaps he would have considered him as the best candidate. But now, it seemed that Orochimaru was not suited for the Hokage position.
'Danzo, I won't let you have your way.'
"I nominate Namikaze Minato," Sarutobi Hiruzen's voice rang out, immediately capturing the attention of everyone in the room. Many were puzzled, wondering why Sarutobi chose Minato, Jiraiya's disciple, instead of his own.
Though Minato had strength and accomplishments to his name, it seemed he was lacking compared to Orochimaru.
"Minato's strength and achievements are not insignificant. His reputation rivals that of the White Fang, and he is one of the few young ninjas who thinks with the Hokage's mindset. I have high hopes for him," Sarutobi Hiruzen explained. His words seemed to convince some of the less committed ninjas, as they reflected and agreed that Minato could indeed be a good choice for the Fourth Hokage.
Many of the ninjas sitting in the front glanced at Orochimaru, who, despite hearing that his teacher had not chosen him but had instead recommended Minato, maintained his calm smile, with the corners of his mouth lifting just a little higher.
"I recommend Jiraiya," another voice suggested after Sarutobi Hiruzen finished speaking. Jiraiya immediately became flustered, saying, "Hey, hey, I'm not suited for Hokage! If we're picking the Fourth, I support my disciple, Minato."
Jiraiya patted Orochimaru's shoulder and chuckled. "Sorry, Orochimaru, but as a teacher, I have to support my student's dreams."
Orochimaru just smiled without saying much.
Others suggested other candidates, like Fugaku Uchiha, who had performed well in the battle against the Hidden Mist, though he still didn't quite measure up to the top two.
"Then we will temporarily decide on Orochimaru, Minato, and Fugaku as the candidates. After the election by the village's ninjas, the results will be submitted to the Daimyo," Sarutobi Hiruzen announced, bringing the meeting to an end.
But everyone knew the real competition was about to begin. As a Sannin's teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen hadn't chosen his own disciple, but instead Jiraiya's.
'Let the fight begin. Too bad Orochimaru's spirit isn't high right now. Otherwise, the upcoming Konoha would be much more interesting.'
After leaving the Hokage office, Hyuga Mirai thought to himself. If Orochimaru had been more focused, he could have caused trouble for Sarutobi Hiruzen, but now, he was distracted by his experiments. If Orochimaru truly entered the fray, even Sarutobi Hiruzen would find him troublesome.
Even if the Hokage didn't support Orochimaru, his charisma alone could win him many supporters if he personally visited the clans. With Danzo's backing, Orochimaru might have a real chance at becoming the Fourth Hokage. In this regard, Jiraiya couldn't compare.
"Mirai," Hyuga Kiyo called as they neared Konoha Hospital.
"What's the matter, Kiyo-sama?"
Kiyo Hyuga didn't respond immediately but looked around before speaking, "It's a family matter. It's not convenient to discuss it here."
Mirai nodded in understanding and then led Kiyo and her two branch family guards to the Konoha Hospital, into his private office. The two guards stayed outside, standing guard.
"Such seriousness? What's going on, Kiyo-sama?"
Kiyo Hyuga spoke again, "The family has decided to send two groups. One will visit the Taketori clan, and the other will take charge of the benefits promised to the Hyuga clan by Konoha."
"At a time like this?" Mirai furrowed his brows. Kiyo had come to him so formally, so it seemed like they had decided to send the main branch.
Mirai spoke with slight confusion, "The war has just ended, and there are still many eyes on Konoha. If the main branch leaves the village, they might be targeted."
"Don't worry," Kiyo Hyuga smiled slightly, a hint of pride in her expression. "The Hyuga clan has ways of leaving Konoha without anyone noticing. This passage has been in use for a long time and has never caused any problems."
"I see," Mirai nodded, remembering that Hanabi Hyuga, too, had once gone on an official visit to a clan allied with the Hyuga.
"Will you be going this time as well?" Mirai asked.
"Yes," Kiyo Hyuga's smile widened. "Thanks to you, I will represent the Hyuga clan to secure more of what belongs to us."
Mirai nodded as she spoke, but then Kiyo's expression turned serious, as if the next thing she was about to say troubled her.
"...And Hinata will represent the main branch to visit the Taketori clan. It will take about a month, and we will return together."
Mirai nodded, "I see. That conveniently avoids the timing of the Fourth Hokage election."
"It was just a coincidence. Every year at this time, the Hyuga clan makes visits," Kiyo replied.
"That's unfortunate," Mirai said, almost absentmindedly. Despite not being in the village, he could still gather information about everything going on in Konoha.
---
"Orochimaru and Sarutobi—are they already making moves? Are you preparing anything?" Danzo snapped at Orochimaru in the lab, his body partially wrapped in bandages.
Though Danzo was eager to move forward with the Wood Release experiments, now wasn't the time. He wanted to secure the position of Fourth Hokage first, then give Orochimaru endless time for his experiments while he took control of Hokage's power.
"I know Sarutobi-sensei better than you do," Orochimaru said with a faint smile. "Since he nominated Minato Namikaze, he must have something else up his sleeve."
Danzo shot back, "Are you planning to give up then?"
"Give up?" Orochimaru's smile widened. "It's simply a change of approach. To push a rotting windmill, there's no need to become the wind itself. Perhaps there are other choices."
Danzo, frustrated, huffed and left the lab, his mind racing. He immediately summoned his subordinates in Root and ordered, "Destroy any records of contact with Orochimaru. Cancel all concealment of his human experiments."
The plan to support Orochimaru had failed. "Damn it. Does this mean I'll have to take matters into my own hands?"
Before leaving, Danzo glanced at the Hokage Rock in the distance, his thoughts darkening. "Sarutobi, I won't let you win."
"What? Is this true?" Jiraiya exclaimed in shock as he read the report in the Hokage office. Orochimaru conducting human experiments, and on Konoha villagers at that? This was impossible! Absolutely impossible!
"Old man, I know you don't want Orochimaru to become Hokage, but don't smear his name like this," Jiraiya said gravely, though after speaking, he recalled what Minato had mentioned about Orochimaru being an S-rank rogue ninja in the future. 'Could it be this?'
"Impossible. I know Orochimaru. He wouldn't do something like this!" Jiraiya's words were firm, but his tone lacked conviction, as if trying to reassure himself.
"Although I don't fully believe it either, this is the report from the Security Division, and the information gathered by the ANBU," Sarutobi Hiruzen said, pushing the file with details about Orochimaru's recent actions and the scandal within the village toward Jiraiya.
In the room were not only Jiraiya, but also the ANBU leader, Nara Shikaku, and Minato Namikaze.
"I'm going to find Orochimaru!" Jiraiya stood up immediately after reading the report.
"Jiraiya!" Sarutobi Hiruzen called out to stop him, then spoke with a serious expression. "I'll go too. If Orochimaru really did this, then I, as his teacher, have some responsibility."
"Old man, this has nothing to do with you, but if you're going, don't go soft!" Jiraiya was reminded of what Minato had said, and a sense of unease gripped him.
"Lord Hokage, let me come with you!" Minato stepped forward, but was immediately stopped by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"This matter is between me and Jiraiya. We'll take two teams of ANBU, and that should be enough."
"But..."
"Minato, leave this to me. I won't let Orochimaru go down the wrong path," Jiraiya said firmly.
Hearing Jiraiya's serious tone, Minato hesitated but eventually handed him a kunai, still worried.
"Things went more smoothly than expected. I didn't think we'd secure such a great profit from the Third Hokage," Kiyo Hyuga yawned after a few busy days, stretching her arms. As she did, her growing figure began to show more noticeable curves.
"Speaking of which, Kiyo, your presence during the negotiations was particularly impressive," Mirai smiled and gave her a thumbs-up. "This went so smoothly, thanks to you."
"Of course."
"Has the branch family lost all manners now? Looks like we can't be lenient with them anymore. No matter how talented they are, without the inherited etiquette, they'll only make the Hyuga clan a laughingstock."
Just as Kiyo and Mirai were chatting, an annoying voice interrupted them.
Hyuga Nichirin stepped forward, narrowing his eyes and looking at Mirai with disdain. "The fate of the branch family and the main family was decided the moment we were born. No matter how clever you are, you can't change your birth or your destiny."
"What did you say?" Kiyo Hyuga's Byakugan flared up, ready to defend Mirai. She didn't care if Nichirin was her cousin—after all the repeated targeting of her side, she was ready to use her strength to settle things once and for all.
Boom!
A sudden explosion echoed in the distance, followed by a strong surge of chakra.
"Something's happening?" The branch family guards quickly activated their Byakugan. They weren't far from Konoha now—who would be crazy enough to fight here?
After scanning the area, the guards reported, "Lord Nichirin, Lady Kiyo, the Byakugan can't see that far. The source seems to be about four kilometers away."
With the strong disturbance so far away, it was possible that Konoha ninjas had encountered enemies.
"Let's go check it out," Nichirin said after a moment of thought. "There might be some of our comrades in trouble. Since we're nearby, we can offer assistance. If the enemy is too strong, we can have the guards hold them off while we return to the village for support."
(End of Chapter)
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