In fact, there were quite a few Jōnin in Konoha Village who had the qualifications and strength to become Hokage at this time.
It was the same situation when Orochimaru defected.
Each of the Sannin could stand on their own.
In addition, there were rising stars like Hanyu Simu and Namikaze Minato.
Even Uchiha Fugaku and Kato Dan, while barely qualified, were still potential candidates.
It's no wonder the Daimyō of the Fire Nation—and even the other four great nations—feared Konoha.
While other villages struggled to produce even one ninja worthy of inheriting the title of Kage, Konoha could afford to pick and choose.
If Hatake Sakumo hadn't been forced to his death, there would've been even more options!
Under these circumstances, it was impossible for the other four great nations to just sit back and watch Konoha continue to grow stronger.
However, not everyone wanted to become Hokage.
Upon hearing the topic, Jiraiya immediately waved his hands and said:
"Don't count me in. I don't want to be stuck in the office all day handling paperwork like Lord Hiruzen."
Seeing this, Tsunade also raised her hand and said:
"Me neither."
Both Tsunade and Jiraiya were more easygoing by nature.
They preferred traveling the world freely.
It's just that one loved wine and women, while the other only cared about gambling!
Of course, Tsunade's situation had changed due to the appearance of Simu.
Naturally, it wasn't Simu himself who moved her.
Rather, he indirectly saved Kato Dan's life—giving Tsunade someone to rely on again.
Once a heart has found a home, it won't wander so easily.
Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at his two unreliable disciples and felt both angry and helpless.
It was one thing to be carefree in normal times—but now?
While the Jōnin were still arguing amongst themselves, Sarutobi Hiruzen had no choice but to make a decision.
"Let's vote."
"Vote?"
The meeting room suddenly fell silent.
Everyone looked at each other and realized—this... might actually be a good idea?
Although Konoha technically had a voting system for selecting Hokage, it was rarely ever used.
Aside from the First Hokage's election, it had basically been symbolic.
When Hashirama died, his younger brother Senju Tobirama succeeded him directly.
And when Tobirama fell in battle, he verbally appointed Sarutobi Hiruzen as his successor.
This sparked plenty of controversy at the time.
Senju Tobirama had the strength to suppress opposition.
But the same couldn't be said for the young Sarutobi Hiruzen.
If not for Danzo and others working behind the scenes to secure support from various clans, it wouldn't have been so easy for Hiruzen to sit on the Hokage's chair.
After all—without a formal ceremony, how could someone just declare themselves Hokage?
Fortunately, Sarutobi Hiruzen's strength improved drastically over the years.
He proved himself in countless battles.
He earned titles such as "The Professor" and "The God of Shinobi."
He implemented a strategy of internal balance, playing the clans against each other while keeping the Uchiha in check.
That's how he managed to remain Hokage for decades.
Restarting the voting process now seemed like a good idea.
"What do you think?" the Third Hokage asked, raising his head to look at Simu with his slightly cloudy eyes.
Simu scratched his head and replied:
"Doesn't matter to me. I'm fine with it."
The Third Hokage sighed.
This guy was still as slippery as ever.
Sometimes he wondered—if they had just given Hanyu Simu the position back then, would all these problems have been avoided?
But back then, Simu's strength was too unpredictable. Konoha might not have been able to hold onto him.
Worse, they might have created a powerful rogue ninja…
In short—fate is a tricky thing.
Now, Hanyu Simu was no longer someone they could manipulate at will.
"Since no one objects, let's begin preparations."
Soon, all of Konoha was abuzz with discussion.
After all, restarting Hokage elections was no small matter.
In no time, many of Konoha's well-known Elite Jōnin began their campaign performances.
The Konoha Tavern was especially lively.
The topic of choosing the next Hokage was on everyone's lips.
"Who do you think would make a good Hokage?" a villager asked, slapping the table while holding a copy of Icha Icha Paradise.
"Of course, Lord Jiraiya! He's one of the Legendary Sannin—strong and famous!"
But the people around him scoffed.
"That pervert? Last time he was caught peeking into the women's bathhouse and got chased several kilometers by angry bathers."
"Yeah, that damned old pervert. My wife was in that bathhouse that day!"
"Jiraiya as Hokage? No way!"
The crowd in the tavern suddenly grew angry.
The villager who had been reading the little yellow book quietly hid the novel in his pocket, trembling as he leaned on the table.
"Let me see… Princess Tsunade is pretty good."
"She's the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Master Hashirama. Her lineage is noble, and she's heroic!"
This candidate won the support of many villagers.
After all, the name of Master Hashirama's granddaughter still carried great weight.
And Tsunade had always been regarded by the villagers as a true princess.
Jiraiya, who was notorious for peeking at the women's bathhouse, didn't stand a chance in their eyes.
"However, although Princess Tsunade is excellent, there's that partner..."
Someone said with lingering fear.
The so-called "partner" obviously referred to Orochimaru.
As Orochimaru's crimes became public knowledge—especially his human experiments—most villagers in Konoha felt a chill.
Even Tsunade and Jiraiya, Orochimaru's former comrades, were deeply affected.
Until someone said:
"Why do we have to choose among these old ninjas?"
"I think the golden combination of the new generation is quite good."
This statement immediately won the approval of the vast majority.
Young and strong—these two words perfectly described Simu and Minato.
"Master Namikaze Minato is so handsome..."
That was a foolish comment.
Most villagers focused on Simu.
"Don't tell me you don't know about Mr. Tongjin's astonishing achievements over the years."
"First, he killed the Third Kazekage, known as the strongest Kazekage, in battle against the Sand Shinobi, then defeated the Cloud Shinobi on the Kikyo Mountain battlefield."
"After that, he won against the Rock Shinobi."
"In the Land of Rain, he defeated the allied forces of Rock, Rain, and Sand, overcame Onoki, and captured Hanzō of the Salamander alive—who was considered a demigod."
"And when he returned, he defeated Orochimaru and Danzo one after another..."
If you don't know this, you would be shocked to hear it.
Simu's record over the years was truly remarkable.
Although Namikaze Minato was equally young and powerful, he paled in comparison to Simu.
As for Uchiha Fugaku?
Although his strength was considerable, villagers dismissed him outright because of his Uchiha lineage.
The villagers continued their heated discussion.
This was especially true among the major ninja clans in the village.
After all, the position of Hokage could almost guarantee each family's future influence.
Meanwhile, one of our clients, Hanyu Simu, was leisurely returning home with his hands in his pockets.
He pushed open the door.
Coming toward him were three beautiful and charming women.
Though all were beautiful, each had her own unique charm.
Kushina was fiery and warm-hearted.
Mikoto was the intellectual type.
Rei (Ling Yi) was quiet, but at times could burst out with unexpected passion.
Even Simu was surprised the first time he saw it.
"Mr. Simu, welcome home!"
Mikoto and Rei said sweetly.
As for Kushina, she rushed forward eagerly, ready to hug and twirl him around.
But Rei, sharp-eyed and quick-handed, grabbed Kushina before she could take two steps.
Kushina seemed to realize something, blushed, and stopped.
Simu was a little confused.
Usually, Kushina would rush over to hug him—why would Rei stop her this time?
Could there be some conflict between them?
But Rei's smile didn't show any hostility.
The relationship among the three was always good, with hardly any quarrels...
Simu was puzzled for a moment.
Finally, Mikoto gently took Simu's hand and led him in front of Kushina.
Soft light from behind highlighted Kushina's red hair.
Her delicate face, flushed with a faint blush, was right before Simu's eyes.
Mikoto took Simu's palm and placed it on Kushina's belly.
"This is…"
Simu stared at Kushina, his expression changing.
He extended his Observation Haki and carefully sensed her body.
A tiny life was growing in Kushina's belly!
Though still very small, it was clearly thriving.
Simu froze.
Kushina frowned at Simu's dazed look.
Finally, she revealed her true nature and pinched Simu's ear.
"What's the matter? Are you unhappy that I'm pregnant?"
"Happy, happy..."
The pain in his ear finally shook Simu out of his stiffness.
He opened his arms wide, trying to hug Kushina tightly.
But then he thought of something, slowed down, and gently wrapped his arms around her.
"I was so happy I got a little overwhelmed."
Simu said sincerely.
Although he had imagined this day would come sooner or later, when the moment arrived, he still felt an indescribable emotion in his heart.
He began to feel... real.
"What do you want to eat? I'll make it for you."
Kushina pouted.
"Forget it, I still prefer Mikoto's cooking."
Kushina took Mikoto's arm.
Mikoto just smiled softly.
Rei held Simu's hand from behind.
"Maharaja, I want a child too."
Simu grinned and laughed loudly:
"No problem. We'll have lots and lots of them!"
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