Chapter 1: Chapter 1: The Two Month Acting Hokage
Land of Fire.
Konoha.
"The once prosperous Konoha is now in ruins, looking as though it has been completely devastated."
That's exactly what happened.
Not so long ago, the Sand Shinobi and the traitorous Orochimaru launched the Konoha Collapse Plan.
Although Konoha responded in time and managed to minimize civilian casualties, many shinobi still lost their lives. Even the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, perished in the attack.
Now, Konoha has been thrown into complete chaos like a pot of porridge stirred beyond recognition.
The most important matter right now
is to elect the next Hokage.
Hokage Building inside the Hokage's office.
"Is there something wrong with me?"
Jiraiya, one of the legendary Sannin of Konoha, looked at the two Hokage advisors standing before him and asked.
Mitokado Homura, one of the village's senior advisors, exchanged a glance with Utatane Koharu beside him before speaking first.
"Jiraiya, Konoha cannot go on without a Hokage. You are the most suitable person in the village to take on that role."
"Sure enough…"
Jiraiya sighed.
When he came here, he had already guessed it would turn out this way.
Although the Third Hokage had only just been killed not long ago, it might seem a bit too soon to elect the next Hokage.
However, with the Third Hokage gone, Konoha now leaderless would inevitably draw the covetous eyes of other powers. To protect the village, a new Hokage had to be chosen as soon as possible.
And to become Hokage, both power and prestige were indispensable.
In today's Konoha, there was truly no one more suited for the position than Jiraiya.
But the problem was Jiraiya didn't want to be Hokage.
Once, he had dreamed of becoming Hokage.
But ever since he received the prophecy from the Great Toad Sage, he believed his true mission was to find the "Child of Prophecy." He no longer had the time or the heart to become Hokage.
"I don't want to be Hokage."
Jiraiya stated honestly.
What he got in return was a harsh rebuke from the two advisors.
"What time do you think it is, Jiraiya? Are you still going to act on your own whims?"
"Do you intend to stand by and watch Konoha decline?"
Jiraiya fell silent, unable to argue with their words.
Even so, he still didn't believe he was suited to be Hokage.
With his own free-spirited nature, even if he became Hokage, he doubted he could govern the village properly.
After thinking for a while, a new idea came to him.
"In that case… why not bring Tsunade back to serve as Hokage?"
Jiraiya suggested.
Upon hearing that, both Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu looked at each other.
It wasn't that they hadn't thought of Tsunade.
It was just that she had left Konoha long ago and hadn't returned since.
And besides… Tsunade suffered from the "hemophobia."
Otherwise, given her abilities and status, Tsunade would be far more suited to the position than Jiraiya himself.
"Give me two months," Jiraiya said. "I'll bring Tsunade back to take up the title of Hokage. How about that?"
It was his ideal solution.
If Tsunade became Hokage, he wouldn't be tied down by the position himself. He could use the opportunity to search for any traces of Orochimaru and also take Naruto out for some training.
"It's acceptable, but…" Utatane Koharu frowned.
If Jiraiya truly could convince Tsunade to return, that would be ideal.
However, as the saying goes, a group of dragons cannot be without a leader. Two months was a long time for Konoha to remain without one.
Seeing their hesitation, Jiraiya continued,
"During my absence, I'll have my disciple, Su Li, act as temporary Hokage. Once Tsunade returns, she can officially succeed as the Fifth Hokage. How about that?"
When Jiraiya finished speaking, both Homura and Koharu were momentarily stunned.
Jiraiya's disciple? Su Li?
It wasn't that they hadn't heard of him they had.
Their surprise stemmed from something else entirely.
The reason was simple.
Su Li was far too lowkey and mysterious.
Although he was Jiraiya's disciple, he didn't live in Konoha.
Up to now, not a single Konoha shinobi besides Jiraiya had even seen him.
If Jiraiya hadn't mentioned Su Li's name so many times, they might have thought he was making it up.
Still, since he was personally chosen by one of the Sannin, he had to be a genius of extraordinary potential, right?
Of course, talent alone wasn't enough to qualify someone to act as Hokage.
But Su Li had Jiraiya behind him.
Making Su Li the acting Hokage would represent Jiraiya's protection and support for the village.
Besides, there was no need for Su Li to issue orders he would simply serve as a figurehead, while the rest of the Konoha shinobi handled things themselves.
No one in Konoha would be foolish enough to question Jiraiya's decision.
"Oh? He's already in Konoha."
Just then, Jiraiya sensed a familiar chakra approaching and smiled faintly.
Upon hearing that, both Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura perked up with interest.
They were both curious
what kind of person could make Jiraiya entrust him with the position of Acting Hokage?