A small wave of commotion immediately broke out in the conference hall.
Many people began whispering to each other, discussing what this situation might signify.
Among the small alliance of the Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans, Inoichi Yamanaka turned to Shikaku Nara and asked in a low voice:
"Shikaku, what's going on? Have you heard anything?"
"No," Shikaku replied, shaking his head. After a moment of hesitation, he added, "But… it might have something to do with Elder Mitokado and Elder Shimura visiting Uchiha Ren yesterday."
Inoichi frowned slightly.
"Then what should we do?"
Shikaku's eyes flickered thoughtfully.
"We don't need to do anything. This meeting won't be simple."
"Let's just wait and see."
Inoichi nodded, straightened his posture, and closed his eyes as if resting—watching and listening quietly.
On the other side of the hall, Jiraiya, who had just returned from the Land of Hot Water border, patted the shoulder of Orochimaru beside him.
"Orochimaru, what's going on here? Did the old man lose power?"
Orochimaru licked the corner of his lips with interest.
"Who knows?"
"I only returned to the village at dawn today—later than you did."
Not getting an answer, Jiraiya turned toward Minato Namikaze.
"Minato, do you know what's happening?"
Minato spread his hands helplessly and smiled wryly.
"I was busy with other matters yesterday, so I have no idea either."
After learning that Rin Nohara was still alive, Minato had immediately taken Obito Uchiha, Kakashi Hatake, and Kushina Uzumaki to meet her after reporting his mission.
Their Team Minato reunion lasted deep into the night, so he had completely missed what had happened in the village.
At that moment, Homura Mitokado stepped forward and spoke.
"Before this meeting begins, I have an announcement to make."
"The Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, traveled to the Fire Daimyō's Court several days ago to deliver his official report."
"He has formally resigned from the position of Hokage."
The moment those words fell—
the entire conference hall fell into deathly silence.
Many people immediately realized the gravity of the situation.
In the original arrangement, Hiruzen Sarutobi still held the title of Acting Hokage.
But Homura's statement meant one thing:
Hiruzen Sarutobi was no longer Hokage.
Nor did he even hold the authority of Acting Hokage anymore.
Homura continued calmly,
"Therefore, Hiruzen Sarutobi is not attending this meeting as the Third Hokage or Acting Hokage."
"He is attending as a Konoha jōnin, as well as in his roles as Director of the Konoha Education Department, Principal of the Ninja Academy, and Head of the Mission Assignment Office."
At that moment, many people finally noticed something shocking.
Hiruzen Sarutobi wasn't seated at the main table at all.
He was sitting among the ordinary participants.
In other words—
Hiruzen Sarutobi no longer even qualified to sit in the main seat.
Uchiha Ren looked across the table at Hiruzen.
The two exchanged calm gazes.
Ren then showed a harmless smile.
Inside, however, he couldn't help thinking:
That old fox really is decisive.
Clearly understanding that the situation was hopeless, Hiruzen had chosen to step down voluntarily rather than cling to power and risk humiliation.
Homura cleared his throat.
"Because the position of Hokage is currently vacant, this meeting will be jointly presided over by Elder Koharu Utatane , Elder Shimura Danzō, and myself."
He paused before continuing.
"Recently, many things have happened within the village."
"Especially the battle at Kikyō Mountain Fortress, which caused severe losses for Konoha."
"The village is currently in a state of disarray."
"There are many urgent matters requiring resolution—such as compensation for fallen shinobi, reconstruction of damaged buildings, border defense arrangements for the Land of Fire, and negotiations with other villages."
"So Konoha urgently needs a Hokage to preside over the overall situation."
"Therefore, the main agenda of today's meeting is the selection of the Fourth Hokage."
As Homura finished speaking, the expressions of everyone in the room gradually grew serious.
Indeed—
Konoha was currently in a chaotic state and desperately needed leadership.
Homura continued,
"According to village regulations, when electing a Hokage we must first nominate one to seven candidates."
"After confirming the candidates, the village will be given time to understand them before the final vote is held."
"So now, let us first determine the candidates for the Fourth Hokage."
"If anyone here has a suitable candidate in mind, please present them for discussion."
The moment his words fell, the hall erupted into lively discussion.
Soon, a jōnin who had returned from the Land of Hot Water border with Jiraiya stood up.
"I nominate Lord Jiraiya!"
"Lord Jiraiya is one of the Legendary Sannin of Konoha. He has led us to victory in many wars."
"Whether in terms of experience, achievements, or ability, he is fully qualified to become Hokage!"
Immediately afterward, another ninja spoke up.
"Then I nominate Lord Orochimaru!"
"He is also one of the Legendary Sannin. His qualifications, achievements, and abilities are no less than Jiraiya's."
"He absolutely deserves to be Hokage!"
The conference hall became noisy.
Many people began expressing their opinions.
Among all the nominations, the loudest support was clearly for Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
Some people also wanted to nominate Minato Namikaze.
However, since Jiraiya had already been nominated—
and Minato was Jiraiya's disciple—
it felt somewhat inappropriate for a student to compete against his own teacher for the same position.
As a result, those voices hesitated to speak.
After listening for a while, Homura Mitokado raised his hand.
"Quiet."
The hall gradually fell silent again.
"I have heard everyone's opinions."
He then looked directly at the two Sannin.
"Orochimaru. Jiraiya."
"You've both seen the situation in the village."
"Are you willing to participate in the election for the position of Fourth Hokage?"
◇ BONUS & SUPPORT ◇
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 10 reviews — drop a comment!
◇ 1 bonus chapter for every 100 Power Stones.
◇ Read 100+ chapters ahead on P@treon → patreon.com/Sagamaster789