"Catch it."
With a flick of his hand, Gin threw a delicate box into the air.
Kagami, standing beside him, reached out and caught it with practiced ease. After opening it and taking a glance inside, she nodded slightly and said, "Very good. It's of high purity."
"Of course. Everything from my workshop is high quality. Not only pure but also durable," Gin replied proudly, pointing to the faint blood stains on his clothes and calmly adding, "I didn't kill him, just took a bit of chakra."
"Hmm." Kagami's gaze was subtle. "Do you often extract blood like this?"
"I've been collecting from various ninja clans recently," Gin answered frankly. "You know, as someone walking the path of science, I need a lot of research materials. As long as I don't kill anyone, it's all within acceptable limits."
"That's quite a dangerous line you're walking."
"But you're still working with me, aren't you?"
Gin smirked, and Kagami rolled her eyes but didn't refute it.
The two of them headed towards the Hokage building together.
Today was the day of the final vote.
The decision that would determine the first Hokage in the history of Konoha was about to be made.
As soon as they stepped into the building, they saw Hashirama sitting casually in the waiting room, one leg over the other, humming a tune.
"Yo, cousin," Hashirama greeted them with a grin.
"You're early," Gin said with a nod, then looked around and asked, "Where's Madara?"
"He's in the other room, meditating."
"Still nervous?"
"Not really, more like pretending to be composed," Hashirama chuckled.
As they walked into the main hall, more and more people began to arrive.
All the key figures from the various clans of the Hidden Leaf gathered here. The room was filled with tension, whispers, and side glances.
Gin and Hashirama took their seats while Kagami stood behind Gin, silently observing everyone.
Soon, the elder of the Senju clan walked up and announced, "Let us begin."
The crowd quieted.
"Today's vote will determine the first Hokage of Konoha. Every clan with voting rights, please step forward and cast your vote into the ballot box."
One by one, representatives from the major clans stood up and dropped their votes into the wooden box.
Gin yawned out of boredom and whispered to Hashirama, "Wanna bet on the result?"
"No need. You'll probably win again."
Gin laughed and looked up just as Madara finally entered the hall.
Unlike Hashirama's relaxed demeanor, Madara was dressed impeccably, his face calm but sharp as ever.
Their eyes met, and a flash of something unspoken passed between them.
After the last vote was cast, the elder opened the box and began to count.
One vote... two votes...
With each name read out loud, the atmosphere grew heavier.
"Senju Hashirama... Uchiha Madara... Senju Hashirama... Uchiha Madara..."
It was a close call.
In the end—
"Senju Hashirama: 17 votes. Uchiha Madara: 16 votes."
The hall went dead silent.
Even Hashirama froze slightly.
Gin raised an eyebrow.
Just one vote difference?
The elder cleared his throat and announced loudly, "Therefore, the first Hokage of Konoha is—Senju Hashirama!"
Thunderous applause erupted.
The Senju side cheered in celebration, while the Uchiha side remained cold and quiet.
Madara clenched his fists but didn't speak.
Hashirama stood up with a modest smile and bowed to everyone. "Thank you for your trust. I will do my best to protect and lead Konoha."
As the ceremony concluded, Madara turned and silently walked out of the hall.
Gin sighed, stretched lazily, and leaned toward Kagami. "Guess he's gonna sulk for a while."
"Don't push him too far," Kagami whispered.
"I know."
Outside the hall, Madara stood under a tree, looking up at the sky.
Gin approached slowly and stood next to him.
"So," Gin said, breaking the silence, "how does it feel to be second place?"
Madara snorted. "Do you think this is funny?"
"No, but I do think it's poetic. You, standing here brooding while your best friend is celebrated. Classic."
Madara was silent for a moment, then said coldly, "I'll make them regret it."
Gin tilted his head. "Don't go rogue. You know how much Hashirama wants you by his side."
"Then why didn't he withdraw? He could've given me the spot."
"You and I both know that wouldn't have solved anything. You need the people's trust, not his charity."
Madara glared at him, but Gin just grinned.
"Cheer up, Madara. You're still one of the most powerful people in the village."
"I don't need pity."
"Good, because that wasn't pity. It was advice."
Gin turned to leave, then paused. "Oh, by the way—he did ask the elder to give you a seat on the village council. Think about it."
Madara didn't reply, and Gin walked away.
Back inside the Hokage building, Hashirama sat alone, the weight of leadership already pressing down on his shoulders.
"Madara," he whispered to himself, "I still hope we can stand together."
(End of Chapter)
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