Qianyu's candidate for the next Hokage was, most likely, Minato Namikaze.
This speculation surprised Orochimaru, who asked Qianyu why he thought it would be Minato.
"First," Qianyu began, "Minato is Jiraiya's student, the Third's grand-disciple. That puts him squarely in the Hokage's faction, with no ties to other power blocs. His record in the Third Great Ninja War is stellar, and his reputation within Konoha is immense.
"Second, Minato comes from a commoner background, which makes reform easier. Konoha's next moves will likely center on the Uchiha clan. The Third stepping down is probably so he can focus on dealing with them from the shadows.
"And third, his lover, Miyuki Uzumaki, is Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. I've heard Minato studied Uzumaki sealing techniques and has successfully stopped her from rampaging several times. As Hokage, he'd have to stay in the village. That means he'd be on hand to intervene immediately if Miyuki ever lost control again."
Orochimaru found Qianyu's reasoning sound. But…
He raised another objection. "There are still a few candidates with more seniority and greater battlefield contributions than Minato. He's still young. He might not command respect. Danzō alone would never let it pass."
Qianyu countered, "The current Hokage is still the Third, isn't he? And appointing a Kage requires authorization from the Fire Daimyō. In other words, if the Third Hokage and the Daimyō agree, any opposition is meaningless."
Orochimaru nodded slowly, then sighed. "A pity. If you weren't the one tasked with handling the Uchiha, Qianyu, you might have been a candidate yourself."
Qianyu shrugged. "Even if I weren't, I couldn't become Hokage. These eyes alone would disqualify me." He tapped the side of his face. "Besides, the village only 'respects' me now because they fear my strength. If I became Hokage, they'd never accept it. That same fear—they wouldn't want to live under it permanently.
"And even if I could, I wouldn't take the job. My stay in Konoha is temporary. Once the village can no longer give me what I want, I'll leave with Kushina and Kakashi."
Orochimaru gave a languid wave. "It seems neither master nor disciple desires the hat. Danzō won't be so accepting, though. If I can't become Hokage, he might set his sights on you."
Qianyu snorted. "Won't matter. He's not the one who decides."
"Speaking of which," Orochimaru asked, his tone shifting, "how is your Tongue-Cursing Evil Seal? You joined Root to gain Danzō's trust. Surely he placed that curse mark on you."
Qianyu stuck out his tongue. "The seal is still there. But it's just an empty shell now."
Not long after receiving the mark, Qianyu had spent Witness Points to buy a removal method from the exchange shop. The seal wasn't a hindrance, but having it inside him was… unpleasant.
After a few more moments of casual talk, Qianyu made a request. "Teacher Orochimaru, I plan to propose to Kushina soon. For the wedding… I'd like to ask you to be our officiant."
A genuine, happy smile spread across Qianyu's face. He and Kushina Uzumaki were both twenty-three now. They'd been through so much together. To him, it was time.
A rare, non-sardonic smile touched Orochimaru's lips. "Good. Just notify me when the time comes. If you need anything from me, just say the word."
Qianyu nodded. "Kushina and I don't have many friends. The ceremony will be simple, so it shouldn't be any trouble. Well, Teacher, I won't disturb you further. I'll take my leave."
Qianyu departed the hidden base, bought some groceries, and returned home.
…
Several days later. The Fire Daimyō's residence.
Konoha's high council and the Daimyō's closest advisors were gathered.
The Daimyō fanned himself, his tone regretful. "Such a shame. The Third has done quite well…"
Danzō's sharp gaze snapped to the Daimyō.
The Daimyō's words died in his throat.
This was a world where shinobi set the tune. The Daimyō might seem like the nation's supreme leader, but he was essentially a glorified financier. A civilian. Danzō's glare made him flinch.
Danzō spoke, his voice cutting. "If we trace the root cause, it was the Third's naïve idealism that drove the village to its current state. What we need now is a Hokage who can lead the village's reformation and strictly enforce the shinobi code. We need that kind of leader."
Hiruzen Sarutobi kept his eyes closed, silent.
The Daimyō ventured, "Do you have a suitable candidate?"
Danzō answered immediately. "I recommend one of the Legendary Sannin—Orochimaru!"
The Daimyō looked to Hiruzen. "What does the Third think?"
Hiruzen opened his eyes, his voice heavy. "It's true that during times of war, Orochimaru was a genius of remarkable talent…"
Hearing this, a smirk tugged at Danzō's lips.
It vanished the next second.
Hiruzen continued, "…However, his eyes harbor malice and ambition. We cannot entrust the heavy responsibility of Hokage to such a man!"
Danzō stared at Hiruzen, disbelief etched on his face. Orochimaru is his own student! How could he say that?
Panic laced Danzō's voice. "Third!" he snapped.
Hiruzen ignored him. "I recommend Minato Namikaze."
Koharu Utatane addressed the Daimyō. "A student of Jiraiya's. That makes him the Third's grand-disciple."
Homura Mitokado added, "An elite known as the Yellow Flash."
The Daimyō's expression showed interest. "Oh?"
Danzō shot to his feet. "Namikaze is still too young!"
Hiruzen also stood. "He secured victory at the Battle of Kannabi Bridge! He was the hero who brought the Third Great Ninja War to an end!"
Danzō's voice was heated as he argued, "I oppose this! If we're counting contributions, Qianyu's are greater! He was also at Kannabi Bridge! He slew the Third Mizukage of Kirigakure and played a decisive role in multiple major campaigns! Qianyu is also qualified to be Hokage!"
Hiruzen faced Danzō and uttered a single sentence that stripped him of all recourse.
"Danzō. Are you unaware of what Qianyu's current duty is?"
Danzō's face twisted into a mask of pure frustration.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
Read up to (100+ ) advanced chapters on Patre\on
Visit us here: patreon.com/GoldenLong
Happy reading, everyone!