As Danzo Shimura and Fugaku Uchiha successively recommended their candidates, Hiruzen Sarutobi remained seated, offering no opinions. This silence only fueled the growing excitement in the room. Many Jonin stood up, recommending those they believed were suitable to succeed as Hokage.
The recommended candidates, apart from Orochimaru and Uzumaki Raiden, included Jiraiya, Namikaze Minato, and Kato Dan.
There were even those who suggested Hatake Sakumo, but their proposal was quickly dismissed with ridicule. His decision to abandon a mission to save his comrades had left an indelible stain on his reputation—a political liability that could not easily be erased, at least not until the perception of the shinobi world evolved.
"Alright, since everyone has recommended their preferred candidates, we will now proceed to a vote."
"Among the selected successors, cast your vote for the next Hokage!"
Hiruzen Sarutobi, seeing the atmosphere gradually settling down, spoke in a calm but authoritative tone. Though framed as a democratic process, the voting was largely a formality. The real decision would ultimately depend on each family's influence and political maneuvering.
Typically, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire would approve the new Hokage, but in most cases, this was merely a ceremonial step—Konoha made the actual decision internally before informing the Daimyo, who would then formally endorse the choice. Only in rare circumstances, such as an unexpected death without a successor named, could the Daimyo exert true influence.
As Sarutobi's words settled over the room, an uneasy silence followed. No one wanted to be the first to act. Hiruzen glanced at Uzumaki Raiden, then stood up with a smile and said:
"Let's begin. Those who support Orochimaru, please raise your hands!"
At his command, Danzo Shimura was the first to raise his hand, followed by a significant number of others. Surprisingly, Orochimaru received one-third of the votes in the room. Even Elder Mitokadu Homura expressed his support, causing a subtle smile to form on Danzo's face.
Among the potential candidates, Jiraiya had the qualifications and strength, but his battlefield performance paled in comparison to Orochimaru's. Moreover, support for Jiraiya mainly came from close friends rather than influential figures.
Kato Dan and Namikaze Minato, though rising stars with notable achievements in the Third Ninja War, lacked the seniority and experience of leading armies. While they had their supporters, their chances of winning were slim.
Danzo's gaze turned to Uzumaki Raiden—the biggest obstacle in Orochimaru's path to becoming Hokage.
Despite his youth, Raiden's military achievements were unmatched. Whether in the Land of Wind, Earth, Water, or Lightning, Konoha's victories bore his mark. He had faced both the Tsuchikage and Raikage and survived, and even the legendary "Demi-God" Hanzo of the Salamander had fallen at his hands. In terms of reputation, strength, and achievements, Raiden was already on par with Konoha's older generation. Furthermore, as Hiruzen's direct disciple, his status and influence within the village were formidable.
"The next vote will be for Namikaze Minato!"
A few rustling movements followed, with scattered hands raised. While Minato had supporters, they were not numerous. Danzo's expression darkened slightly—many of Hiruzen's closest allies hadn't voted for Minato.
"As expected... Hiruzen's trump card is Uzumaki Raiden," Danzo thought, his eyes narrowing.
"But that boy's cold personality may limit his support."
After tallying votes for Kato Dan, it was clear he had little support, primarily from smaller clans allied with his family. Despite his unique Spirit Transformation Technique, his battlefield contributions paled in comparison to the other candidates.
"Now, those in favor of Uzumaki Raiden, please raise your hands!"
This time, Hiruzen's voice held a noticeable excitement, the first sign of emotion he had displayed throughout the meeting.
"Our Uchiha clan fully supports Uzumaki Raiden!"
Uchiha Fugaku stood up confidently, and in unison, Uchiha members present raised their hands. Fugaku's eyes were filled with anticipation—today was the turning point for the Uchiha clan. Since the Second Hokage's reign, the Uchiha had been pushed to the periphery of Konoha's leadership. If Raiden became Hokage, their position would undoubtedly improve.
Seeing the overwhelming support, Raiden straightened in his seat.
Although he had previously told Hiruzen that he didn't want the position yet, their conversation the night before had helped him resolve his concerns.
"As expected."
The Hyuga clan, another major power in the village, also raised their hands in support. Even some die-hard Sarutobi loyalists who had stayed silent earlier now voted for Raiden. It quickly became evident that Raiden had secured more than half the votes with ease.
Danzo's expression darkened as he saw the tide turning.
"This cannot be allowed!"
"Uzumaki Raiden is the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki! How can he become Hokage?"
"He's too young and lacks the maturity for such responsibility!"
Danzo stood abruptly, his voice cutting through the air in protest.
"Raiden is Konoha's ninja, one of our strongest assets, and an irreplaceable force who led us out of the war," Nara Shikashin, the head of the Nara clan, countered calmly.
"Age is no limitation. His abilities are undeniable, and he will have the elders' guidance."
"Danzo-sama, are you denying Raiden's achievements on the battlefield?"
Shikashin's words carried weight, and murmurs of agreement spread across the room.
"That's enough, Danzo,"
Turning to him, Koharu Utatane—an ally of Hiruzen—spoke up, firmly backing Raiden.
"Raiden is our hero, and with so many supporting him, we should honor their will."
Before Danzo could argue further, Hiruzen Sarutobi stood up and declared:
"It is decided—Uzumaki Raiden will become the Fourth Hokage!"
Cheers erupted from Raiden's supporters, and Fugaku struggled to hide his grin. Raiden stood up, facing the room with a calm expression.
"Everyone!"
His voice instantly silenced the crowd. The sheer presence he exuded filled the conference room with a tangible sense of authority.
"Thank you for your support. I understand that I am young, but I will dedicate myself fully to the responsibility of Hokage."
"However, the future of Konoha requires all of us working together. I hope we can unite and contribute to the village's prosperity."
His speech was short, humble, and firm. Uchiha Fugaku was the first to applaud, followed by the entire room.
Danzo, realizing he had lost, cast a cold glare at Raiden before storming out of the conference room.
"Heh," Hiruzen Sarutobi watched him leave with a satisfied smile.
As the meeting concluded, Jiraiya and Tsunade congratulated Raiden, while Orochimaru, though smiling faintly, remained composed. Although he had lost his bid for Hokage, it seemed he had already come to terms with it.
News of the Jonin Conference spread rapidly throughout the village.
After the meeting, Uzumaki Raiden, accompanied by Hiruzen Sarutobi, visited various clan heads, paying his respects—a customary gesture before assuming office.
Meanwhile, the formal approval process was swiftly sent to the Fire Daimyo, and preparations for the Hokage succession ceremony began in earnest.
Later that night, after a long day of official visits, Raiden finally had a moment to rest in the Hokage's office, seated across from Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Konoha had many clans, and they had only visited half of them so far. Before the ceremony, Raiden's primary task was the smooth "handover" of responsibilities.
(End of this chapter)