Chinya proposed that the next Hokage would most likely be Minato Namikaze.
Orochimaru was taken aback by this guess and asked Chinya why he thought Minato Namikaze would be the one they'd pick.
Chinya analyzed, "Firstly, Minato is Jiraiya's disciple and thus the Third Hokage's great-disciple, firmly part of the Hokage faction without ties to other powers. During the Third Great Ninja War, Minato achieved remarkable feats and gained tremendous fame within Konoha.
Plus, being from a civilian background gives him an edge when it comes to pushing reforms. The upcoming actions of Konoha will probably focus on the Uchiha Clan. The Third Hokage stepping down might indicate his intention to work behind the scenes in dealing with the Uchiha.
Also, Minato's lover, Miyuki Uzumaki, is Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchuriki. I've heard Minato even learned the [Uzumaki Sealing Technique] and has successfully helped Miyuki prevent several tailed beast rampages. Once he becomes Hokage, Minato will have to stay in Konoha full-time, so he can rush to Miyuki's side the moment she runs into trouble."
Orochimaru had to admit Chinya's reasoning made sense.
However...
Orochimaru brought up another point: "There are still several candidates for Hokage. Some have more seniority than Minato and greater battlefield contributions. Minato is still very young; perhaps he won't gain enough support. He wouldn't even get past Danzō's opposition."
Chinya judged, "The current Hokage is still the Third Hokage, right? And appointing a Kage requires authorization from the Fire Daimyo. That means as long as both the Third Hokage and the Fire Daimyo agree, opposition becomes meaningless."
Orochimaru gave a slight nod before letting out a sigh, "What a pity. If you weren't opposing the Uchiha Clan, there would probably be a spot for you among the Hokage candidates."
Chinya shrugged. "Even if I weren't against the Uchiha, I couldn't become Hokage. Just having a Sharingan would already disqualify me. Also, becoming Hokage requires universal acceptance from everyone in Konoha, which definitely wouldn't happen. Right now, they only act respectful because I'm strong and they're afraid of me.
But if I *were* Hokage, they'd outright reject it — precisely because they're scared. I suppose nobody wants to live under constant fear.
Besides, even if I could become Hokage, I wouldn't take the position anyway. After all, I'm only staying in Konoha for now. When Konoha can no longer provide what I want, I'll leave with Kushina and Kakashi."
Orochimaru said indifferently, "It seems neither of us really wants to become Hokage. But Danzō certainly isn't willing to let things rest. Since I couldn't become Hokage, maybe he'll start targeting you next."
Chinya sneered, "Even if he targets me, it's useless. It's not him who makes the decisions anyway."
Orochimaru asked curiously, "By the way, how's your [Curse Seal of Absolute Silence] doing? You joined Root Division to gain Danzō's trust, so surely you must have received that seal?"
Chinya stuck out his tongue and said, "The seal is still here, but it's just an empty shell now."
Chinya obtained the technique to remove the Curse Seal of Absolute Silence from the Redemption Shop shortly after it was imposed on him.
The Curse Seal of Absolute Silence had not caused any real issues, but having it sealed within his body still felt unpleasantly uncomfortable.
After some small talk, Chinya respectfully addressed Orochimaru, "Teacher Orochimaru, I plan to propose to Kushina soon. For our wedding ceremony, I would like to invite you to officiate as our witness."
A happy smile bloomed across Chinya's face.
Now both he and Kushina Uzumaki were 23, having walked side by side for years. In Chinya's eyes, it was definitely time for them to get married.
For once, a smile that didn't seem mocking appeared on Orochimaru's face. He replied, "Alright, just let me know when the time comes. If there's anything I can do, feel free to ask."
Chinya nodded and said, "Kushina and I don't have many friends, so we're planning a simple ceremony with minimal fuss. Well then, Teacher Orochimaru, I won't bother you further—I'll take my leave now."
Chinya left Orochimaru's base, bought some groceries, and returned home.
...
Several days later.
Inside the Fire Daimyo's palace in the Land of Fire.
Konoha's leadership and the Fire Daimyo's inner circle had gathered.
Waving his fan sadly, the Daimyo lamented, "What a pity. The Third was doing quite well..."
Danzo pierced the Daimyo with a cold, piercing stare.
The Daimyo immediately stopped speaking mid-sentence.
After all, this world fundamentally revolved around ninja.
Though the Daimyo seemed to be the highest-ranking leader in the Land of Fire, in reality, he was merely a tool used for raising funds.
Being only a civilian, the Daimyo couldn't help but feel uneasy under Danzo's piercing stare.
Danzo spoke up, "Tracing back to the root cause, it was precisely because the Third's thinking was too naive that the village ended up in such dire straits. What we need now is a Hokage who can lead the village through transformation and enforce the ninja code of conduct. This is the kind of talent we require."
Hiruzen Sarutobi remained silent with his eyes closed.
The Daimyo cautiously asked, "Do you have suitable candidates in mind?"
Without hesitation, Danzo responded, "I recommend none other than Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin!"
The Daimyo turned his gaze toward Hiruzen. "And what does the Third think about this?"
Hiruzen opened his eyes and answered solemnly, "Orochimaru was undeniably a brilliant genius during the warring era..."
Upon hearing these words from Hiruzen, a slight smile crept onto the corner of Danzo's mouth.
But the next moment, Danzo's smile vanished.
Hiruzen continued, "However, his eyes conceal malice and ambition. We cannot entrust the heavy responsibility of the Hokage position to someone like that!"
Danzo stared at Hiruzen in disbelief.
Wasn't Orochimaru his own disciple? How could he speak this way about his own student?
Danzo's voice carried clear agitation as he barked out, "Third Generation!"
Hiruzen ignored Danzo and continued, "I recommend Minato Namikaze!"
Koharu Utatane introduced to the Daimyo, "Jiraiya's apprentice—which makes him the Third's great apprentice."
Homura Mitokado followed up, "He is known as the Yellow Flash, Konoha's most elite ninja."
Interest lit up the Daimyo's expression. "Oh?"
Danzo abruptly stood up, protesting, "Minato is still far too young!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi also rose to his feet. "He won the battle at Kannabi Bridge and was a major contributor to ending the Third Great Ninja War!"
Danzo snarled, "I object! If that's the case, Chinya deserves even more credit! He was also at Kannabi Bridge, where he personally slayed The Third Mizukage of Kiri, and played a huge role in many other battles as well. Then Chinya should be qualified to become Hokage too!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi spoke just one sentence to Danzo, leaving him speechless.
"Do you really not know what Chinya is currently handling, Danzo?"
Danzo's expression turned extremely grim. Chinya was currently dealing with affairs involving the Uchiha Clan and couldn't possibly become Hokage.
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