Chi Yu speculated that the next Hokage would likely be Minato Namikaze.
Orochimaru raised an eyebrow at the prediction. "Oh? And why do you believe that?"
Chi Yu calmly explained, "First, Minato is Jiraiya's student and thus the Third Hokage's grand-disciple. That places him squarely in the Sarutobi faction. He has no personal affiliations with the more volatile clans or political factions—neutral, clean, ideal for succession."
He continued, "During the Third Shinobi World War, Minato's battlefield performance was exceptional. His operation at Kannabi Bridge alone turned the tide. His reputation in Konoha is already widespread—he's known as the Yellow Flash for a reason."
"Additionally, he comes from a civilian background. That makes him more acceptable to the general population and removes the threat of clan dominance, especially in light of tensions with the Uchiha. The Third's abdication is likely a strategic retreat—he'll continue to influence policy from the shadows while letting a more manageable figurehead take the seat."
"There's also another factor—Minato's partner, Kushina Uzumaki, is the current Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. I've heard he's studied Uzumaki sealing techniques and has helped suppress her rampages on several occasions. With him as Hokage, containment becomes more manageable. He'll remain stationed in Konoha, ready to act if anything happens."
Orochimaru nodded slightly. "A sound analysis... but still."
He narrowed his eyes. "There are other candidates. Some with more experience, more battlefield glory. Minato is young—too young. He may not command the respect of the elders or clan leaders. And he certainly wouldn't get past Danzō."
Chi Yu smiled faintly. "The Third Hokage still holds the title, doesn't he? And ultimately, the decision rests with the Daimyō of the Land of Fire. As long as the Third and the Daimyō are in agreement, the others' objections won't matter."
Orochimaru sighed and shook his head. "What a shame... If you weren't targeting the Uchiha, Chi Yu, you might have been a contender yourself."
Chi Yu shrugged. "Even if I weren't, it wouldn't change anything. Just having the Sharingan already puts me under suspicion. If I became Hokage, no one in Konoha would truly follow me. Right now, people listen to me because they fear me—but fear doesn't foster loyalty."
He looked off into the distance. "Besides, I never intended to stay in Konoha forever. The day this village stops being useful to me, I'll leave—with Kushina and Kakashi."
Orochimaru's expression grew colder. "Seems neither of us wants the position, eh? But Danzō... he won't give up so easily. If I'm eliminated as a candidate, his eyes might turn to you."
Chi Yu let out a short laugh. "Let him. He's not the one pulling the strings."
Orochimaru studied him for a moment before asking, "By the way... your Curse of Hatred Seal. When you joined Root, I assume you were subjected to Danzō's Tsukuyomi subjugation seal to gain his trust?"
Chi Yu stuck out his tongue playfully. "Still there—but it's an empty husk now. I exchanged for a method to disable it at the Witness Point Exchange Shop not long after I joined."
The seal was inert now—harmless, though still annoying to carry.
After a few more minutes of idle conversation, Chi Yu abruptly changed the subject. "Orochimaru-sensei… I plan to propose to Kushina soon. I'd like you to be our witness at the wedding."
His face lit up with a genuine smile. "We're both twenty-three. We've been together for years now. It's time."
For once, Orochimaru's grin lacked its usual malice. "Very well. Just tell me when. If you need anything, I'll handle it."
Chi Yu nodded. "It'll be a small ceremony. Kushina and I don't have many friends anyway. Nothing complicated. I won't bother you further—take care, sensei."
He departed from Orochimaru's hideout, picked up some groceries, and headed home.
---
A few days later — the Daimyō's Residence, Land of Fire
Konoha's senior leadership gathered before the Daimyō, who sat fanning himself slowly.
"A shame," the Daimyō said wistfully. "The Third Hokage has served the country well…"
Danzo's sharp gaze flicked toward the Daimyō, and the latter's words died in his throat.
This was a shinobi's world. Even the Daimyō, titular leader of the Land of Fire, was little more than a political formality—useful for revenue and diplomatic legitimacy, but powerless in the face of ninja intimidation.
Danzo stood. "It was the Third's naïveté that brought the village to the brink. What we need now is a Hokage who can reform the system—someone who embodies the ninja code."
Hiruzen Sarutobi sat with his eyes closed, silent.
The Daimyō glanced at him. "Does the Third have a candidate?"
Danzo seized the moment. "I nominate Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin."
The Daimyō turned back to Hiruzen. "Your thoughts?"
Hiruzen slowly opened his eyes. "Orochimaru was indeed a genius of his generation. His exploits during the war are well-documented..."
Danzo smirked in satisfaction.
But Hiruzen continued, voice growing colder. "...However, ambition and darkness cloud his heart. The role of Hokage is too sacred to entrust to someone like him."
Danzo's smirk vanished. "Third Hokage?!"
Ignoring the outburst, Hiruzen stated firmly, "I nominate Minato Namikaze."
Koharu nodded. "Jiraiya's disciple—making him the Third's grand-disciple."
Homura added, "He's the Yellow Flash. His tactical brilliance is unmatched."
The Daimyō's expression brightened with interest. "Oh?"
Danzo abruptly stood. "He's too young! Inexperienced!"
Hiruzen rose as well. "He won the Battle of Kannabi Bridge. His contributions were instrumental in ending the war."
Danzo's voice sharpened, bordering on desperation. "Then what about Chi Yu?! He fought at Kannabi Bridge too! He killed the Third Mizukage! His contributions are even greater. Why not consider him for Hokage?"
Hiruzen didn't argue. He spoke a single, damning sentence.
"You know what Chi Yu is doing right now, Danzo."
Danzo fell silent. His face darkened.
Chi Yu was currently handling matters concerning the Uchiha Clan—an assignment far too politically charged for a Hokage candidate.
No one spoke further. The decision was clear.
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