Chapter 54: 54

The war on Kumo battlefront ends with Konoha’s victory. All of the forces of Konoha retreats as they prepare for the aftermath of the war.

Inside the Meeting Room,

All the members of the council together with Village elders gather in a conference in presence of Fire Daimyo.

“I will be stepping down from the position of Hokage. I have guided the village for long and want to retire now.” Hiruzen states the issue of the meeting.

All elders and council members are surprised by this sudden announcement and they discuss fervently among themselves. Fire Daimyo waves his fan in front of his face as he speaks,

“The Third Hokage was doing a fine job leading the village. I don’t see any problem with his rule, then why the sudden request to step down from the Hokage’s position?”

Before anybody could continue the further discussion, Danzo chimes in between as he speaks,

"Truth be told, the Third Hokage was too soft and he allowed the village to be pushed in a corner. This Third Great Ninja War only led to casualties and a lack of manpower and resources for Land of Fire. We obtained absolutely no benefit from the war as Hiruzen pushed the agenda of peace."

“I disagree with you Danzo-sama. While Third Hokage-sama may have his shortcomings, his decision of peace prevented further casualties in the war. If not for peace with Iwagakure, Konoha wouldn’t last long against the combined attack of Three Hidden Villages.” Shikaku interrupts Danzo as he explains Hiruzen’s decision.

“But haven’t we suffered already. If we would have pushed a little bit harder, we would have secured victory on all three fronts and Land of Fire would have dominated the Shinobi world for years to come.” Danzo refutes Shikaku’s claim as he answers with his opinion.

“Today, we aren’t here to debate on my incompetency, rather we are here to decide the Fourth Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village.” Hiruzen taps his fingers on the table as he gathers everyone’s attention.

“Ohoho!…I agree with Third Hokage’s words. We are here to decide the Fourth Hokage. I would like to ask if anyone of you have any candidates for the position.” The Fire Daimyo waves his fan as he laughs.

“I recommend Orochimaru, one of the Legendary Sannin for the position of Hokage.’ Danzo nominates Orochimaru.

“Orochimaru is truly a genius in this age of war. But he isn’t a suitable candidate to lead the village as Hokage. A sinister will and greed lurk deep behind those eyes. That’s why I am not in favor of Orochimaru as Hokage.” Hiruzen refutes Danzo’s nomination as he stares at Danzo with a pensive expression.

“Do any of you have any other candidate for Hokage’s position?” Fire Daimyo waves his fan as he looks towards the rest of the Council members.

“I would like to nominate Sakumo Hatake for the position of Hokage.” Shikaku presents his opinion.

Fervor discussion starts among council members as they discuss the prospect of Sakumo as Hokage.

“He will be a great Hokage. His strength is comparable to a Kage and his achievements in a war far surpass anyone else. I support Shikaku’s opinion.” One of the council members supports the notion.

“Yes, Sakumo Hatake will be a fine Hokage. His achievements, his skill, and strength, all of them are Kage class and his character is great.” Another council member agrees with the notion.

“Have all of you forgotten about the event which happened three years ago. Due to his incompetency, Land of Fire suffered a huge loss, that event even further strengthened over enemies. It was because of that event, Kumo dared to bare its fangs at Konoha.” Danzo reminded them of the incident which happened three years ago.

“Third Hokage, you have served the village for many years. So, do you have any particular person in your mind, who is suitable for the position of Hokage?” The Fire Daimyo folds his fan as he looks at Hiruzen.

“I recommend Minato Namikaze for the position of Hokage. He has enough strength and contribution during the war to become a Hokage.” Hiruzen states his opinion.

“A pupil of Jiraiya, one of the Three Legendary Sannins. That is a good choice indeed.” Koharu agrees with Hiruzen.

Danzo stands from his seat as he faces off against Hiruzen,

“Minato is still too young for Hokage’s position. He is still inexperienced when it comes to leading a Village.”

“Danzo-san seems like you are nit-picking against every candidate others nominate for the position. I wonder if you want Hokage’s position for yourself.” Fire Daimyo waves his fan in front of his face as he curiously looks for Danzo’s response.

“That’s….that’s not like it. What I meant to say is we need to consider age and experience when it comes to such an important matter.” Danzo answers while flustering.

“If you don’t have any other complaints, then let us hear Third Hokage’s reasoning for his choice.” Fire Daimyo continues.

“He emerged victorious at the Battle of Kannabi Bridge and distinguished himself by leading the way to end of the Third Great Shinobi War. He faced off against a thousand enemy shinobis all by himself and repelled their invasion. That’s enough contribution to assign him the position of Hokage.” Hiruzen explains his choice.

“I am opposed to this notion!” Danzo strongly refutes the notion.

“What about the rest of you?” Fire Daimyo unfold the fan in front of his face as he stares at everyone.

“We don’t have any problem with Third Hokage’s nomination.” All of the present council members agreed with Hiruzen.

“It is decided then, Minato Namikaze will be the Fourth Hokage of the Leaf.” Fire Daimyo folds his fan as he concludes the meeting.

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At Konoha’s mourning ceremony, 

All the ninjas gathered with their respective clans as they mourn for their loved ones. I stood together with my parents and family as we mourn. We stood near Fugaku as we closed our eyes for silent prayer.

“We managed an armistice, but the sacrifice was just too great. Lord Third intends to take full responsibility and retire. There are voices in support of installing you, Leader as the Fourth Hokage. Please…” One of the Uchiha clan members raised the issue.

“Enough talk” Fugaku silences the member as he continues to close his eyes.

“What should we do about Kakashi Hatake? He doesn’t belong to our clan but possesses the Sharingan” Another member raises the issue of Kakashi.

I clenched my fists when I heard about this. 

‘How can they think of such a thing during such kind of event?’

“I understand Obito Uchiha fought bravely. Let’s respect his wishes.

“We should bring the Sharingan back to the Uchiha….” The clan member continues.

“The war just ended. Do not sow seeds of discord.” Fugaku rebukes the Uchiha member.

“Yes, sir.”

“We finally have peace. We will persevere to maintain it. That is the duty of the Uchiha clan…” Fugaku ends the conversation.

I spot Itachi moving towards Orochimaru. I follow Itachi as I am curious to see Orochimaru.

“Grieving over the dead is meaningless. If there’ any meaning in death, it’s to take advantage of it.” Orochimaru mutters as he stares at many graves.

“What is the meaning of life?” Itachi questions Orochimaru.

“There is none. There’s meaning in life if it’s eternal.” Orochimaru replies to Itachi.

“Then wouldn’t that make life meaningless, if there is no one left alive except you. If you have eternal life then wouldn’t that be like a cursed life where you see your loved ones pass one by one.” I interrupt Orochimaru as I look at him.

Orochimaru has pale skin, golden eyes with slitted pupils, purple markings around his eyes, and fang-like teeth. He also has pronounced cheekbones and straight waist-length black hair with some lock covering and framing his face over to his shoulders.

As I am inspecting Orochimaru, he is also inspecting me with a curious expression. After staring at me for a while, Orochimaru starts to retreat as I hear him muttering,

“What a fine Specimen!”

A shiver ran through my back as I heard those creepy lines.

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Inside an underground Building,

Orochimaru is performing some experiments as he pours a transparent liquid from a test tube in a conical flask. The liquid turns blue as Orochimaru jots down something in a logbook.

Danzo walks beside Orochimaru as he speaks,

“Everything in this situation is going the way the Hiruzen wants.”

“The Third Hokage just intends to use Minato as a puppet and intend to keep ruling the Hidden Leaf Village.” Orochimaru continues experimenting as he converses with Danzo.

“At this rate, the leaf will have no future, whatsoever.” Danzo angrily accuses Hiruzen.

“It’s not over yet. So don’t give up. If my research is successful, then I think it will be quite easy to cease power within the Hidden Leaf.” Orochimaru consoles Danzo

“Humm…” Danzo frowns and stares at Orochimaru.

“But to grasp such power, much stronger measures are going to have to be prepared.” Orochimaru entices Danzo.

“When the time comes, those measures will be ready. However, it still isn’t time yet.

Danzo walks out of Orochimaru’s hidden lab as he mutters to himself,

“Frankly, if he was popular at all. This would be much easier.”

Danzo walks to his Root Subordinates as he orders,

“Let’s go, Kinoe, Kinoto, and Hinoe.”

“Sir, yes sir.”

Danzo and his subordinates dash off towards Leaf village as Orochimaru stares at Danzo’s back and smiles to himself.

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