The orphanage.
Sora, wearing simple training clothes, was performing a set of taijutsu movents in the center of the courtyard.
Not far away, Tagitsuhi leaned against a pillar, her beautiful eyes fixed on Sora with interest.
A faint smile played on her lips, as if she was thinking about sothing.
"Sora!"
Kurenai and Asuma walked in side by side.
"Kurenai, Asuma." Sora stopped his movents and nodded to them.
Asuma, a senbon in his mouth, greeted him.
"Morning, Sora! Training? We ca to get Min, it’s ti for the mission."
His gaze swept over Tagitsuhi beside them, and he couldn’t help thinking inwardly that this guy Sora was quite lucky with won, actually able to make the Snake Princess of Ryūchi Cave so "obedient".
Kurenai walked up to Sora, looking up at him.
"You look in good spirits today, have you made progress in your training?"
Sora smiled slightly and asked casually.
"Yeah, a little gain. But you seem to be in an especially good mood today?"
Kurenai nodded vigorously, her face flushed as she said.
"Yes! Because I’m happy seeing you, so I’m very happy too!"
Hearing this, Sora was slightly taken aback.
He looked into Kurenai’s pure and passionate eyes, that undisguised concern and dependence, causing a faint ripple in his heart.
’This girl...’
A thought surfaced again, should he ask once more if she would be willing to go with him?
But the words reached his lips, and he swallowed them back.
Kurenai’s roots were in Konoha. Her father, Shinku Yūhi, was a Jonin of Konoha. Her clan, though small, had its own bonds.
Last ti on the back mountain, her hesitation had already indicated the problem.
"What’s wrong?" Seeing Sora staring at her, lost in thought, Kurenai’s cheeks turned slightly red as she asked quietly.
"It’s nothing. Be careful on the mission."
"Okay! Don’t worry!" Kurenai nodded firmly.
Then, Uesugi Min also walked out of the house.
"Min, ready? Then let’s go!" Asuma called out.
"Yes."
Uesugi Min responded and quietly walked to stand behind Asuma and Kurenai.
Asuma seed to sense Uesugi Min’s low spirits and laughed.
"Hey, Min, don’t look so serious! I heard there’s a newly opened dango shop near the mission location, the taste is top notch! I’ll treat you after the mission!"
Uesugi Min forced a smile. "Thank you."
Kurenai also hooked her arm through Uesugi Min’s and comforted her softly.
After bidding farewell to Sora, the three of them left the orphanage together.
Just as Sora was about to continue his training, a figure wearing a cat mask appeared.
"Azure Dragon Lord, the Hokage requests your imdiate presence at the Hokage Building."
It’s ti.
A flicker passed through Sora’s eyes.
Although as an outsider orphan, it was impossible for him to participate in the Hokage selection, his stance and inclination could influence so neutral choices at certain tis.
"Understood. I’ll go right away."
"Yes!"
The Anbu ninja bowed in acknowledgnt and then disappeared again.
Sora turned and gave instructions to Tagitsuhi, who had been quietly observing.
"I’m going out. You... can wander around Konoha freely. Don’t cause trouble."
Upon hearing this, Tagitsuhi said in a charming voice.
"Yes, Master~ Please rest assured, your servant is most well behaved~"
Her words were obedient, but her serpentine eyes turned with interest towards the direction where Kurenai and the other two had left, a gleam flashing deep within them.
...
Hokage Building, top floor conference room.
When Sora entered, he found many people already seated.
In the main seat was the stern-faced Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen.
On either side of him sat the two Hokage Advisors, Utatane Koharu and Mitokado Homura, both also looking serious.
Below them, the clan heads or representatives of the major clans were mostly present. Hiashi Hyuga, Nara Shikaku, Akimichi Chōza, Yamanaka Inoichi, Abura Shibi, and others were all there.
Namikaze Minato stood near Sarutobi Hiruzen, still wearing his gentle smile.
On the other side, Orochimaru stood alone. His pale face showed no expression, but deep within his golden serpentine eyes, cold anger and a trace of anxiety were suppressed.
’As expected, everyone’s here.’ Sora understood inwardly. His gaze paused slightly when it swept over Orochimaru.
’Looks like the destruction of his base, plus all those black rumors flying around, have made him quite uncomfortable. His expression is so grim.’
He quietly walked to a seat towards the back and sat down.
Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke solemnly.
"Now that everyone is here, let us begin."
"Regarding the candidate for the Fourth Hokage, after preliminary consideration of various aspects, as well as achievents and reputation during the war, the current main candidates are Namikaze Minato and Orochimaru."
Sarutobi Hiruzen’s gaze swept over those present.
"The purpose of gathering everyone today is to hear your opinions. This concerns the future of the village. I hope everyone will speak freely."
As soon as he finished speaking, low discussions arose in the conference room.
Most people’s eyes turned towards Namikaze Minato.
Nara Shikaku spoke first.
"I believe Minato is the most suitable candidate. His performance in the war is clear for all to see. The fa of the ’Yellow Flash’ has intimidated other nations, winning breathing room for the village."
"His character, ability, and prestige are all sufficient to shoulder this great responsibility."
"The Ino-Shika-Chō trio supports Namikaze Minato as the Fourth Hokage." Akimichi Chōza and Yamanaka Inoichi also stated their position.
"The Hyuga clan has no objections."
"The Abura clan acknowledges Minato."
The support was almost one-sided.
Orochimaru’s face grew even darker. He knew his reputation had plumted due to those rumors, but he didn’t expect these clans to be so unforgiving.
Watching this scene, Sarutobi Hiruzen had actually already made a decision in his heart.
He looked at Orochimaru, his expression complex, with disappointnt and a trace of pain hard to detect.
"Orochimaru, you..."
"Bang!"
The door of the conference room was suddenly pushed open, interrupting Sarutobi Hiruzen’s words.
Everyone looked towards the source of the sound and saw Danzo walking in slowly.
"Such an important eting cannot proceed without , a Konoha elder."
Danzo’s voice was hoarse, carrying an undeniable forcefulness.
Sarutobi Hiruzen’s frown deepened. "Danzo, what are you doing here?"
Danzo walked to the front of the conference room, his gaze sweeping over everyone, finally settling on Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"I believe the selection of the Fourth Hokage needs one more candidate."
"I, Shimura Danzo, will also run for Fourth Hokage!"
As soon as these words were spoken, the room erupted in an uproar!
Everyone looked at Danzo in surprise, not expecting him to jump out at this mont.
The smile faded slightly from Namikaze Minato’s face, his eyes becoming sharp.
Orochimaru let out a scornful laugh, filled with undisguised mockery.
Sora thought to himself, ’Just as I expected.’
In the original work, Danzo had long coveted the Hokage position, but was always suppressed by Sarutobi Hiruzen.
Now with Orochimaru clearly losing power, he naturally had to jump out and compete.
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