Chapter 208: Who Is More Suitable to Become Hokage?

"Is that young man Lian Ye?"

"Exactly, the one behind, the most handsome, is Lian Ye!"

"Ahhh, Lian Ye is too handsome!"

Konoha Village, its villagers and ninjas, upon learning that the Hokage has returned to the village, simultaneously stood on both sides to welcome.

Most people's eyes fell on Lian Ye; his performance on the battlefield is known to everyone in the village.

He not only killed several Cloud Hidden Shadow-level Strongmen, but also developed an Antidote that healed countless comrades.

Those poisoned ninjas are deeply grateful to Lian Ye and voluntarily spread news of his battlefield deeds.

The crowd's title for him shifted from Jonin to sir, and this very shift is acknowledgment of him.

Lian Ye rightfully became the village's hero!

"Lian Ye, you're really popular…" Yuanfei Rizhan said sourly.

Everyone carried out the mission together, yet the one remembered in the end is Lian Ye; it wouldn't feel comfortable for anyone else, would it?

"This honor belongs to everyone," Lian Ye, seeing Ri Zhan's thoughts, explained.

He has never entertained the idea of taking sole credit; as for why everyone remembers only him—

He actually doesn't know either…

Zhi Cun Tuan Zang looked at Yuanfei Rizhan with glee.

"Hehe, now you see my powerlessness, don't you?"

Whenever he faces Lian Ye, he feels a deep sense of helplessness; fortunately, this feeling isn't unique to him…

After years of interaction, he has long become accustomed to it.

As long as Lian Ye competes with him, he has no chance of becoming Hokage.

With Lian Ye's current prestige, becoming Hokage is as easy as flipping a hand.

Reputation and battle achievements are the main routes to becoming Hokage!

And Lian Ye lacks neither of the two.

Tuan Cang's reputation is inferior to Lian Ye's, and his battle achievements are likewise lacking; he fundamentally has no right to compete with Lian Ye.

He can only hope once Lian Ye retires.

Although becoming Hokage is extremely difficult, Tuan Cang will not give up!

Serving as Hokage and leading the village to prosperity has been his lifelong wish.

He cannot choose to abandon it because of some setbacks.

He is still young now, with plenty of time; if one year fails, then ten years, if ten fail, then twenty!

He believes that someday his wish will be fulfilled…

He hopes that after Lian Ye becomes Hokage, he will retire early and not cling to the position.

Otherwise there will truly be no chance!

By then, Tuan Cang cannot be sure whether, for the sake of the Hokage Position, he would commit extreme acts.

Qianshou Feijian watched the villagers' excited expressions, unable to help but feel moved.

He didn't expect this kid to be so beloved by the villagers!

To become Hokage, one must first gain the people's approval; even if one's strength is a bit weaker, it doesn't matter.

Qianshou Feijian believes that earning the villagers' love and being able to lead the village to prosperity makes one a qualified Hokage.

And Lian Ye has already completed the first step of a qualified Hokage—being loved by the villagers.

He who wins the people's hearts wins the world.

I believe this kid will become Hokage in the future and surely lead the village onto the path of prosperity!

Qianshou Feijian's gaze at Lian Ye was filled with satisfaction and admiration.

This kid truly lives up to being raised single‑handedly by me!

………

"Lian Ye, sir, Lian Ye, sir!"

The villagers and ninjas, seeing Lian Ye approach, shouted even more loudly.

If it weren't for the ninjas on site spontaneously maintaining order, the villagers would have rushed forward long ago.

"Hello everyone!"

Lian Ye looked at the excited crowd, smiled, and greeted them.

The situation here is a world apart from Cloud Hidden Village.

Konoha villagers regard him as a hero, while the folks of Cloud Hidden Village see him as a cold‑blooded demon.

The Second Generation Raikage appears honest, but is actually very scheming.

He lets villagers spread rumors to smear Lian Ye, turning him into a synonym for demon in Cloud Hidden Village.

Given time, Cloud Hidden will grow stronger.

Those past fears will turn into vengeful flames.

By then, Lian Ye will certainly become the Cloud Hidden's most wanted Konoha ninja to kill.

Of course, these are just his speculations…

However, Lian Ye thinks this possibility is very high.

Among the crowd, the Uchiha Clan's Members, seeing Lian Ye surrounded by everyone, wore somewhat complex expressions.

If this guy isn't kicked out of the clan, then he is the pride of the Uchiha Clan.

The clan's standing in the village could certainly rise straight up, at worst easing its current situation.

Don't be fooled that the Uchiha are a great clan in Konoha; now no one is willing to associate with them…

Especially, it even happened—Madara Uchiha controlled the Nine-Tails to attack Konoha.

Uchiha Clan's Members are also extremely proud, utterly disdain communicating with those weaklings, and will not waste time on them.

Over time, the Uchiha have become isolated.

When Konoha's villagers see Uchiha Clan's Members, they all take detours, fearing they might inadvertently provoke them…

Anyone who provokes the Uchiha will certainly meet a bad end!

That is everyone's inner thought.

…

Those few Uchiha Clan's Members glanced at Lian Ye from afar, then turned and left.

They will return to their clan lands to report this matter to the clan chief.

Lian Ye noticed the backs of several Tuan Cang as they left the crowd, then withdrew his gaze.

…

The group arrived at the Hokage Office.

Qianshou Feijian praised their performance over the past days, then waved his hand to signal them to leave.

"You've worked hard; go back and rest first."

Yuanfei Rizhan and the others did not hesitate; after saying goodbye to the teacher, they left the office.

After such a long time, they can finally rest. Now they just want to go home and have a good sleep.

"Kid, wait a moment…"

Lian Ye was just about to leave with them when Qianshou Feijian called him back.

"What's up, uncle?" Lian Ye asked, puzzled.

Qianshou Feijian stared at him for a while, then suddenly asked, "Who among my disciples do you think is more suitable to become Hokage?"

An Anbu in the shadows broke out in cold sweat; how could the Hokage ask such a question again?

Fortunately, this time he wasn't talking about himself.

"What, uncle, you want to retire?" Lian Ye pulled a chair and sat down.

How can this old guy, barely in his forties, already think about retiring?

This age is precisely the time to strive and fight for one's career; how can he think of retiring and slacking off?

No, we must make him abandon that thought.

"Uncle, you've only been Hokage for two years and already want to retire; isn't that too soon?"

"I want to give the opportunity to the younger generation."

Qianshou Feijian wasn't thinking about retiring now, but he went along with Lian Ye's words.

"Young people are still too young to bear heavy responsibilities; I advise you, for the sake of the Village, to serve a few more years…"

Now Yuanfei Rizhan, Tuan Cang, and the others are still young; becoming Hokage could cause them to lose direction easily.

"Uncle, take your time to think; I'm going back to rest first."

Lian Ye stood up from the chair, ready to leave the office.

At that moment, Qianshou Feijian's voice came from behind.

"Kid, you still haven't answered my question."

Lian Ye halted his steps.

"Uncle, the person I recommend is…"