The Senju clan once stood as the very pillar of Konoha.
Even with Tsunade absent from the village, in the hearts of countless shinobi she remained the most natural heir to the title of Hokage.
That alone showed how prestigious the Senju name truly was.
It was no wonder Sarutobi sought to rally Konoha's other great families—how else could one hope to balance the overwhelming weight of the Senju?
It could only be said that Hiruzen chose decisively.
If the Senju could not be replaced in the hearts of the common shinobi, then he would throw his full support behind the wealthy clans instead.
The Senju's prestige in Konoha really is… untouchable.
Yuichi lowered his gaze to his hand, imagining the surge of Wood Release chakra flowing there.
With the strength of Sage Body awakening within him, his massive reserves of chakra—combined with a nearly limitless capacity—were more than enough. His Wood Release might not yet rival Hashirama's, not without entering Sage Mode, but it was already far beyond Yamato's artificial attempt.
Wood Release itself was proof of Senju blood.
That proof alone could rally support from Konoha's shinobi.
And in the wake of the Third Hokage's death, it would not only secure Yuichi a place in the village… it might even put him in reach of the Hokage's seat.
The thought sent a glimmer through his eyes.
He glanced down at the wine glass in his hand, his reflection warping in the liquid. His lips curved into a faint, cold smile.
There was a chance.
If he could make people truly believe he carried Senju blood, then the path to Hokage would open before him.
But—
It was only a chance. Not certainty.
Wood Release alone would not be enough. The first requirement was undeniable strength.
Just as Hashirama had once brought peace through sheer power, Yuichi too would need to display overwhelming talent, enough to silence doubt and command loyalty.
Only then would he be considered a true Hokage candidate.
But he would not stand alone.
There were others: Danzo. Jiraiya. Tsunade. Even Kakashi.
Danzo's ambition was obvious, but the real threats were Jiraiya and Tsunade.
Jiraiya was not a clan head, yet as the Third Hokage's disciple and one of the Legendary Sannin, few in Konoha would dare say he was unworthy of the position.
Even Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, those old advisers, had first pushed Jiraiya for Fifth Hokage after Hiruzen's death. Only when he refused did their eyes turn to Tsunade.
In the minds of Konoha's higher-ups, Jiraiya held priority over her.
But in the hearts of ordinary shinobi, it was Tsunade who carried more weight.
Her flaw, however, remained crippling—her fear of blood. So long as that phobia lingered, she could never truly stand as Hokage. After all, what kind of Hokage collapses at the sight of blood?
That left Jiraiya.
If Tsunade's weakness kept her from the role, then Jiraiya would have little reason to refuse when the village called on him.
Yuichi took another sip of wine and wiped his mouth slowly.
He cannot be allowed to appear. It would be best if he never returns at all.
He recalled the timeline clearly.
Three days after the Chūnin Exams begin—Jiraiya comes back to Konoha. Then he vanishes again, only to reappear when Orochimaru invades and battles the Third. Until then, he's outside, cleaning up Orochimaru's messes.
No. Jiraiya must not show up too soon.
"Heya, you recommended Nagano Yuichi for the Chūnin Exam alone. But the exam requires a three-man squad. What's your plan?"
Yuichi turned calmly toward the jōnin.
"Have him join other candidates. There are plenty of genin ready for the exam—let them form a team."
Not every squad had all three members ready for the exam at once. Sometimes, when one shinobi clearly surpassed the others, exceptions were made. These ad hoc teams rarely had the same level of teamwork, but it wasn't impossible.
"The issue is, will they even want to team with your kid? He's just a newcomer this year. An ordinary one at that."
"Don't worry," Yuichi replied with a smile. "I believe many will be eager to join him."
"Eager? Why's that?"
Yuichi smirked faintly. For those who knew, his reputation already preceded him. He hardly needed to worry about finding teammates.
And if he had to choose, two genin stood out.
The first, Tsuchiya Ryota, fifteen years old. His kunai throwing was near flawless, his taijutsu sharp. Even with nothing beyond the basic Transformation, Substitution, and Clone techniques, his combat strength rivaled a chūnin's—save for ninjutsu.
The second, Takaoka Daisuke, already twenty. He possessed not only the Three Basic Techniques, but two fire-style jutsu he had earned during missions. He had even defeated foreign shinobi and looted their scrolls—proof of both skill and fortune.
The exam will be left to a Wood Release clone. That should be enough.
Yuichi himself had little interest in wasting time among children. His focus remained on the Hokage's seat.
Staying in Konoha was undoubtedly his best move. And if the chance presented itself, seizing control of such power was worth the risk.
But first—Danzo would have to be dealt with.
It would not be an easy road.
At twelve years old, he was far too young. Not unqualified, but to the eyes of others, too inexperienced.
The Daimyō, the advisers, Danzo—these figures all held influence over the Hokage's selection. And each one would have to be accounted for.