[Konoha Village]
[High-Level Meeting]
All the elders had already gathered, and this time the Third Hokage had two more people by his side.
It was Tsunade and Jiraiya.
Tsunade had a tired expression on her face, her mental state was a bit poor, but no one said anything. After all, she had been busy saving people these past two days.
But no one knew that half of her fatigue was caused by fighting hemophobia.
This explosion resulted in the most cases of all kinds of traumatic injuries like severed limbs, although Tsunade tried her best to avoid them.
But inside the hospital, it was still inevitable to see some bloody and mangled wounds.
It was already lucky that Tsunade hadn't fainted, mostly because she stayed far enough away.
The mental stress was too great, so naturally her fatigue doubled.
Rengoku hadn't met Tsunade last time, so today was the first time seeing the granddaughter of Senju Hashirama.
Among medical ninjas, Tsunade was considered the pinnacle of the ninja world.
In terms of attitude toward the Uchiha, although she might be somewhat reserved, she was definitely better than the Third and others.
She would also be seen by many clans as the best candidate for the Fifth Hokage.
In these past few days, the public opinion in Konoha had already allowed some clever clans to detect something.
Today, on his way to the high-level meeting, Rengoku was also approached by several honorary elders who subtly probed his intentions.
But Rengoku brushed all of them off.
Now the meeting had begun, and many ninja clans were also waiting to see whether the Third Hokage was going to step down.
The Third Hokage stood up, "Elders, today all the elders are present."
"In light of the recent disaster, I apologize to everyone here."
The Third Hokage bowed to all the honorary elders.
Because too many people died, and many of them were related by blood to the families of these honorary elders.
Some were even directly their own family members.
Most of the honorary elders had solemn or expressionless faces.
Only Rengoku wore a look of amusement.
The Third Hokage waved his hand.
ANBU nearby placed documents in front of each elder.
The Third Hokage motioned for everyone to look at the documents, then explained, "This is the original report on the cause of this disaster…"
Rengoku crossed his arms, not even glancing at the so-called report.
But sitting next to him, Fugaku picked it up and quickly skimmed through it.
"…The civilian death toll this time has already reached the highest since the founding of Konoha…"
BANG!
Rengoku slapped the table, startling everyone.
"Sarutobi Hiruzen, as the Third Hokage, you swore to me last time that after Danzo was imprisoned, he would have no more chances to stir up trouble."
"Since the founding of Konoha, never have so many people died. And now, for such a ridiculous reason, our village has suffered such great losses."
"As Hokage, you cannot escape responsibility!"
This sudden outburst from Rengoku made everyone's hearts tighten.
It looked like Rengoku was going to compete with Tsunade for the position of Hokage.
In the eyes of the Third Hokage flashed a trace of "my scheme succeeded," and then he said with a face full of pain, "Indeed, as Elder Rengoku said, Danzo was captured by me personally, and the ANBU being infiltrated is also due to my negligence."
"Therefore, I have decided to resign from the position of Hokage so that the village may select a new Hokage."
Although everyone had some mental preparation, when the Third Hokage said it out loud, there was still a commotion.
"Then—"
"Wait!"
At this moment, Rengoku directly interrupted the Third Hokage's pre-casting sequence.
"I disagree!"
"Hmm?…", All the elders were confused, wondering if they'd heard wrong.
The Third Hokage also frowned and asked, "Rengoku, what do you disagree with?"
Rengoku sneered, "Of course I disagree with you stepping down from the Hokage position."
Once he said this, everyone present went silent.
Even the exhausted Tsunade sobered up, while Nara Shikaku below wore a thoughtful look.
Rengoku continued, "Such serious negligence happened during your tenure, and now you want to just walk away, it's not that simple."
"If every Hokage acted like you, resigning as soon as something happened, how could Konoha ever develop?"
The elders below looked at each other, not expecting Rengoku to stop it from this angle.
But to be honest, Rengoku did have a point.
The Third Hokage was caught off guard, he had originally thought Rengoku would fight Tsunade for Hokage, but unexpectedly, Rengoku didn't want him to step down.
"Then does Elder Rengoku have another idea?"
Rengoku scanned the room, "The premise for the Hokage stepping down is that there must be a qualified person to succeed."
"Konoha is currently lacking, there is no one qualified to take over as the Fifth Hokage."
"The Third Hokage should continue his position and work hard for Konoha. When someone suitable appears to take over the Hokage role, then step down."
"At that time, all merits and demerits of the term can be evaluated together."
What Rengoku said left many people stunned.
But Nara Shikaku's eyes lit up as he looked at Rengoku.
'This kind of strategy, not simple. He has stepped out of the chessboard altogether.'
The Third Hokage said in a deep voice, "Tsunade has returned from traveling the world. In terms of achievements and qualifications, she is eligible to be a Hokage candidate."
"This time, she also saved so many villagers…"
"Stop!", Rengoku once again interrupted the Third Hokage's casting.
He looked at Tsunade expressionlessly, "I acknowledge Tsunade's qualifications and contributions, but she has been away from the village for too long and is unfamiliar with everything inside."
"As a Hokage candidate, isn't it inappropriate to not understand the situation in the village?"
"She saved so many people this time, indeed a great contribution."
"So I have a proposal. Everyone might as well listen."
Rengoku ignored everyone's reactions and directly said, "Tsunade, as one of the top medical ninjas in the shinobi world, I think the hospital in Konoha should be managed by her."
Koharu's expression changed, this was taking her job.
But Rengoku's next sentence made her feel better, "The Hokage advisor position has been vacant for a long time."
"Elder Koharu has made great contributions. After handing the hospital authority over to Tsunade, she can assist the Third Hokage."
Although Koharu had been fiercely opposed by Rengoku before, now she suddenly found Rengoku more agreeable.
The other elders began to discuss among themselves, and many felt Rengoku's words made sense.
The Third Hokage frowned at Rengoku, he didn't believe Rengoku was this kind.
But having the Hokage seat remain in his own hands was indeed better than letting it fall into Tsunade's.
Tsunade, for her part, also looked at Rengoku in surprise, 'This Rengoku seems different from the one described in the intel.'
But the Third Hokage continuing his position was a good thing for her.
After all, she truly didn't want to be Hokage, now that there was a new path, she couldn't be happier.
"I think Rengoku's suggestion is good," Tsunade suddenly spoke.
[T/N: Okay, so, I also think this was best to keep Hiruzen as the Hokage.
Firstly, because if he were to step down, you want it or not, Tsunade is bound to become the Hokage. Considering Tsuande's attitude, her moves are decisive and wild, so it's harder to play with her. But, Hiruzen has his reputation weighing his action, meaning you can manipulate his decision, if you threaten his image. So he's easier to play with.
Secondly, if Tsuande becomes Hokage, it will take much longer for MC to become the next Hokage. But, with Hiruzen, mostly, within next 5 years, MC will be eligible to become the Hokage by his experience and fame. And he can use Minato as a precedent.]
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