His words sounded objective.
But the implication was obvious.
As the "former Hokage," Hiruzen Sarutobi was clearly the most "experienced" and "respected" candidate.
However—
"I don't think that's necessary."
A calm voice, edged with unmistakable chill, cut cleanly across the tent.
All eyes turned.
Hatake Kakashi.
He still looked as laid-back as ever, but the single visible eye beneath his forehead protector gleamed sharply.
"During Lady Tsunade's recovery," Kakashi said evenly, his voice carrying through the entire tent, "according to Konoha's emergency statutes—and the Fifth Hokage's prior authorization—administrative authority should fall to the Hokage's advisor, Nara Shikaku, in an acting capacity. Until Lady Tsunade awakens, or a new acting Hokage is formally appointed."
He paused, glancing to his side.
"Shikaku. Your thoughts?"
Nara Shikaku stepped forward.
Calm. Composed. Precise.
"In this time of crisis, as Hokage advisor, I accept the responsibility," he said clearly, addressing both the gathered Jōnin and the figures on the dais. "Until Lady Tsunade recovers, I will devote myself fully to stabilizing Konoha and advancing reconstruction. I will not falter."
His response was measured—but unmistakable.
The authority was legitimate.
He had been appointed by Tsunade herself.
On the dais, Hiruzen did not appear surprised. He merely nodded faintly.
But beside him—
Shimura Danzō struck his cane sharply against the ground.
"Ridiculous."
His single eye swept across the tent.
"Nara Shikaku, you are capable. But you are still only an advisor. In seniority, prestige, and experience handling major crises and foreign affairs—how could you compare to the Third Hokage?"
"The Third devoted his life to Konoha. His record speaks for itself."
"Konoha has just suffered catastrophe. Enemies surround us. Internal stability is fragile."
"This is precisely when we need a stabilizing pillar."
"No one is more qualified than the Third."
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado immediately echoed him.
"Danzō is correct! Extraordinary times require extraordinary measures!"
"An advisor acting in his stead? What if he fails to command respect? What if misjudgment plunges us into further chaos?"
The implication was clear:
Bring the old guard back.
Several Jōnin began voicing support.
"The Third's experience is invaluable!"
"Shikaku is talented—but this burden may be too great!"
"Let the Third serve temporarily! It's the responsible choice!"
The tent divided.
Two factions.
Old power versus new order.
Amid the rising argument, Naruto's voice reached Neji's ear like cool water.
"Do you see it, Neji?"
Neji turned.
Naruto's expression was calm—too calm.
"Nothing has changed."
Power struggles. Factional maneuvering. Old forces pushing back.
The names were different.
The pattern was not.
Neji looked at the quarrel before him.
The weight of Naruto's earlier words pressed colder now.
After a moment, Neji inhaled deeply, steadying himself.
When he turned back to Naruto, his pale eyes were no longer confused.
They were clear.
Resolved.
"Naruto," Neji said quietly but firmly, "I think… we need to talk."
Not accusation.
Not denial.
A decision point.
Naruto's lips curved slightly.
This time, the smile was not forced.
"Yeah," he replied softly.
As though he had been waiting.
Outside the projection, the entire shinobi world held its breath.
Would Neji stand with him?
Or oppose him?
The answer could shape the future.
At that suffocatingly tense moment—
Hiruzen spoke again.
"Naruto," he said gently, almost grandfatherly, "you saved Konoha. Your opinion matters greatly to us now. Why not share your thoughts?"
It sounded respectful.
Empowering.
But it was calculated.
If Naruto sided with him, public sentiment would follow.
All eyes snapped toward Naruto.
Expectation.
Evaluation.
Calculation.
Naruto's expression did not change.
But deep within his eyes—
For a fleeting instant—
There was something like disgust.
Not toward one individual.
But toward the entire performance.
The smiles.
The appeals.
The attempt to turn him into a symbol.
A banner.
A piece on the board.
Yet outwardly—
He remained calm.
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