As news of Tsunade's abdication spread through Konoha, the debate over who would beco the new Hokage grew more intense.
Two days later, the election officially began.
This election was unlike any before—it was the most democratic in Konoha's history, allowing all villagers to participate.
At dawn, people began gathering in front of the stage that had been set up for the event.
Smiles filled the crowd as they discussed the changes that had taken place in the ninja world over the past year.
Of course, the hottest topic was the competition between Nawaki and Minato.
Both were among the most outstanding ninjas of the younger generation.
They shared similar experiences and ca from strong backgrounds.
Throughout Konoha's history, three out of four Hokages had co from the Senju clan.
If Nawaki were elected, he would be seen as a successor to his ancestors' will, a symbol of continuity.
Even if the Senju clan was no longer as nurous as before, their legacy would not be easily forgotten.
On the other hand, Minato, despite coming from a civilian background, had trained under the strongest ninja in the world—Kawakaze.
After turning ten, his life seed to take off like a dream, earning the admiration and envy of many.
Among the common folk, he was seen as a legendary figure, his reputation slightly surpassing Nawaki's.
The two were evenly matched, making it impossible to predict a clear winner.
Even Kawakaze and Tsunade refrained from making any assumptions about the outco.
However, one thing was certain—whether Nawaki or Minato beca Hokage, the village would accept the result without resistance.
...
As ti passed, the village square beca packed with people.
With anticipation running high, soone finally stepped onto the stage.
"Good morning, everyone."
Tsunade, clad in her Hokage robes for the last ti, stood at the podium as the crowd erupted into thunderous applause.
"I'm delighted to see so many people here today."
"Before all of you, we will decide the Fifth Hokage of Konoha."
"I firmly believe that under the next Hokage, Konoha will continue to grow and thrive."
"Now, let's welco our two candidates."
With a single motion of her hand, the crowd fell silent, and her voice carried through the square.
Stepping back, she made way as Nawaki and Minato walked onto the stage.
The applause was deafening, their nas being chanted throughout the crowd.
It was obvious that both had put effort into their appearance today.
They radiated youthful energy and the confidence of true warriors.
Their well-fitted Jōnin uniforms only added to their sharp, professional deanor.
"Hello, everyone. I am Nawaki Senju."
"Hello, everyone. I am Minato Namikaze."
One after the other, they introduced themselves, while backstage, Kawakaze watched with a proud smile.
These were the ninjas he had trained.
It might have been a bit self-indulgent, but as far as the people of Konoha were concerned, it was the truth.
"I am honored to be a candidate for Hokage."
"Ever since I beca a ninja, becoming Hokage has always been my goal."
"I hope everyone will support and cast your valuable votes."
"I promise I won't let you down. I will do my best to make Konoha stronger and better."
Nawaki wasted no ti getting straight to his campaign speech.
After finishing, he smiled and looked at Minato, signaling that it was his turn.
"Likewise, I feel incredibly honored."
"Standing here today still feels like a dream."
"I want to thank everyone for your support, and my sensei for his guidance."
"We have all witnessed Konoha rise from the ashes of war—everything we have today was hard-earned."
"Without the sacrifices of our predecessors, we wouldn't be here now."
"I know I still have a lot to learn, but I hope you will give a chance."
"Let grow alongside you and with Konoha."
Minato's humble deanor won over the crowd, earning him a wave of cheers and applause.
"Minato looks so handso today!"
Mikoto, holding Itachi in her arms, nudged Kushina with her shoulder, a teasing grin on her face.
"H-He's alright, I guess!"
Kushina's face flushed red, her voice turning shy.
Whether Minato won or not, he was already the best in her heart.
"You're so bad at hiding your feelings."
Mikoto didn't hold back, exposing her friend without hesitation.
"Ugh, whatever! You better rember to vote for Minato!"
Flustered, Kushina grabbed Itachi and playfully squished his little cheeks in frustration.
Itachi, caught between them, glanced helplessly at Mikoto and then at Kushina.
You two can argue all you want, but why take it out on ?
"Karin, isn't Daddy handso today?"
On this important day, Misaki had stepped out of the lab to watch from the crowd, holding her daughter in her arms.
"Handso!"
Karin answered without hesitation, staring at Nawaki on stage with bright, unblinking eyes.
"Then let's quietly cheer him on, okay?"
"Okay!"
Mother and daughter stood together, feeling proud.
...
Once both Nawaki and Minato finished their speeches, Tsunade stepped forward again.
"Both candidates are outstanding."
"But there can only be one Hokage."
"Now, it's ti for you to choose."
"Staff mbers will distribute paper and pens. Write down the na of the candidate you support and place it in the ballot box."
As soon as she finished speaking, a large group of staff mbers entered.
They worked in pairs—one handed out the paper and pens, while the other carried a ballot box.
"Rest assured," Tsunade continued.
"To ensure fairness, even those unable to attend in person have been accounted for, with staff visiting them directly."
"This election is unprecedented in scale."
"And from now on, all Hokage elections in Konoha will be conducted this way."
"Only those who have earned your trust will have the right to hold the title of Hokage."
With that declaration, she officially changed Konoha's election process on the spot.
Although this would drastically increase the workload, the villagers fully supported the decision.
Even if a future Hokage didn't perform well, the people would have no one to bla but themselves for their choice.
...
As the applause faded, the voting began.
The process wasn't particularly fast—so people took their ti deliberating before casting their votes.
But rather than frustration, the slow pace only reinforced the election's legitimacy.
By the ti all the ballots were collected, it was already afternoon.
The election had reached its final stage—public vote counting.
"Now, all the ballots are here."
"The entire process has been conducted under the watchful eyes of the public."
"And now, it's ti to reveal the results."
"Due to the large number of votes, I'll need the help of twenty people."
"Who wants to volunteer?"
As soon as Tsunade finished speaking, people surged forward.
If not for the staff holding them back, the stage might have been flooded instantly.
"Everyone is so enthusiastic, so I'll just pick twenty at random."
She selected a mix of civilians and ninjas to join her on stage.
Those who weren't chosen could only sulk in disappointnt.
The twenty helpers were split into pairs and assigned ballot boxes, then the counting began.
Even though not everyone in the crowd could hear the numbers clearly, they still strained their ears, their attention fully focused.
Nawaki and Minato, standing on stage, grew increasingly tense as the count progressed.
The election had been fair, transparent, and entirely in the hands of the people.
And now, everyone waited for the final mont—the announcent of the next Hokage.
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