Chapter 160: Shui Tuo Men Yan's Decision

Regarding Tuan Zang's arrival, some people were not surprised; after all, this Jonin meeting concerns the Hokage selection, and given Tuan Zang's nature, how could he truly not come.

The other part were somewhat curious.

"How is Tuan Zang still alive?"

Having heard nothing from him for so long, many thought Tuan Zang had already fallen to the two advisors or the Uchiha's poisonous hand.

His sudden arrival midway through the meeting instead left some people extremely disappointed.

However, most people's attention remained on the affluent elder beside Tuan Zang.

"The Daimyo's envoy—why would the Daimyo's people suddenly come? And together with Tuan Zang—did Tuan Zang persuade the Daimyo?"

Since the Third Hokage, the Daimyo's influence in Konoha has been steadily rising, and his stance naturally affects the Hokage selection.

Nevertheless, the Third Hokage and the Daimyo have been partners for so many years, their relationship remains fairly peaceful, and the Daimyo has not overly meddled in Konoha's affairs, especially in the Hokage selection, where he has always followed the will of the Third Hokage and Konoha.

But now he suddenly sent an envoy to speak for Tuan Zang, which surprised everyone and left a vague sense of resentment.

Nara Zhuque curled his lip; he knew Tuan Zang hiding away certainly had ill intentions.

The two advisors also wore grim expressions; as Hokage advisors, they naturally did not want the Daimyo arbitrarily meddling in Konoha's matters.

However, Zhuan Qin Xiaochun's resentment quickly vanished.

Uchiha, or the Daimyo and Tuan Zang? It didn't seem that hard to choose.

Shisui and Yan Shifan finally realized that they had long had the Root surrounded; for the other side to bring people safely to the venue, it was clear they were not at the Root base.

"Since Elder Tuan Zang has arrived, let us continue the vote."

Nara Zhuque did not wish to join either side's contest, and simply let the procedure continue.

"Now that the Third Hokage has retired, Konoha is leaderless, the borders are beset by war, and Konoha truly needs a person of great virtue and reputation to become Hokage."

Tuan Zang remained silent, but the Daimyo's envoy beside him suddenly spoke.

"Lord Daimyo is very concerned about the Fifth Hokage's candidate, and has specifically ordered me to come with Tuan Zang's advisor; may I ask who else, besides Tuan Zang's advisor, is present in this election?"

The crowd heard this, their expressions varied, then they all turned to look at Shisui.

Shisui saw this and slowly rose; the representative was the Daimyo, whose status on the surface ranks above the Hokage. As a ninja, he was merely a subordinate of the Daimyo, and naturally could not be disrespectful.

"I am the head of the Uchiha clan, Shisui Uchiha, also a Hokage candidate."

The Daimyo's envoy glanced at Shisui with some surprise, not expecting him to be so young—younger than anyone who ran in the Fourth Hokage election.

Tuan Zang also raised an eyebrow; to avoid detection by the Uchiha and the other two, he did not allow the Root to send him any messages while he was away from Konoha.

Nevertheless, Shisui's standing only caused him slight surprise; after all, the evil Uchiha clan, seizing his absence to betray the pact and covet the Hokage seat, was a normal occurrence.

Tuan Zang scanned the crowd, but saw no reaction, and only then realized something was amiss.

"Only one?"

The Daimyo's envoy was also stunned; the Uchiha clan has had candidates in every generation, so it could not be the other two advisors' nomination. Who then was Tuan Zang's true rival?

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun realized that the Root base was already surrounded; if Tuan Zang had just returned to the village, he would inevitably know nothing about the village's affairs.

She signaled the clan member beside her, who hurried to Tuan Zang's side and then, in his ear, exaggerated the events that had occurred in Konoha village during that time.

Tuan Zang's brow slowly furrowed as he glanced at Zhuan Qin Xiaochun.

Serves him right!

That was his first reaction.

Then he looked at Shisui again, thinking silently: indeed the inherently evil Uchiha, truly despicable in conduct, promising an alliance yet secretly backstabbing him.

After confirming that, aside from Tuan Zang, the only other Hokage candidate was Shisui, the Daimyo's envoy couldn't help but furrow his brow and say, "The Hokage selection concerns all of Konoha and the future of the Fire Country; it still requires a mature and steady person."

Mature and steady.

With that remark, everyone suddenly recalled that, because of Shisui's strength and status, they had ignored his age—Shisui was only fourteen, just turned fifteen.

Even when the Fourth Hokage became Hokage back then, he was already in his twenties; yet even so, many had opposed the Fourth Hokage at the time, only the Third Hokage overruled the dissent and pledged to guide the Fourth from behind, after which the others reluctantly agreed.

But now the Third Hokage has retired, Konoha is beset by crises, unprecedentedly weak, and making such a teenager Hokage—does that truly suit Konoha's future?

The ruler doubts the nation!

Zhuan Qin Xiaochun, seeing this, felt great joy, and even her gaze toward the Daimyo's envoy softened considerably.

"Lord Daimyo's order, Shisui ought to obey, but the Hokage election has its own procedures; hearts gather and disperse, and Shisui cannot intervene, so he must let nature take its course."

Shisui, however, gave a gentle smile, unannoyed; having watched Yan Shifan and the two advisors clash for so long, he had also learned a great deal.

The Daimyo's order! No matter when, people's views on a matter can never be exactly the same, even if that thought has been passed down for ages.

Leaf ninja share the same attitude toward the Daimyo.

Conservatives view the Daimyo as the most exalted figure in the Fire Country, his importance even surpassing the Hokage; as ninja of the Fire Country, they should risk their lives to protect the Daimyo.

Radicals treat the Daimyo as a cash cow; as long as they receive money on time, that's enough, and if he disobeys, they can replace him.

As for the most representative figure of the radicals, it is naturally Tuan Zang—~ Tuan Zang's gaze shifted slightly; he recalled his previous deal with the Daimyo, but given the current situation, he said little.

The crowd, hearing this, felt some displeasure; the Daimyo's hand stretched too far, even daring to openly influence the Hokage selection, as if they meant nothing to him.

Especially the new head of the Sarutobi clan, who has long harbored resentment toward the Daimyo.

When they tried to negotiate, you refused to allocate funds; after a person died you rushed to send money, causing them to lose a junior clan head and nearly lose the Third Hokage.

Although everyone outwardly respects the Daimyo, which Jonin hasn't seen the world? Konoha is Konoha; putting aside civilian Jonin, which ninja clan would let the Daimyo waltz in and meddle?

The Daimyo holds other ninja factions in his hand; can they not tell who is distant and who is close?

Nara Zhuque observed everything, sighing inwardly that Tuan Zang truly abandons the fundamentals for the trivial.

Shui Tuo Men Yan also glanced at Tuan Zang, shaking his head silently.

Is the Daimyo's attitude important to the Hokage selection? Of course it is; given the current situation, if Shisui did not run, the Daimyo could directly designate Tuan Zang as Hokage. Of course, Tuan Zang would still need approval from Konoha's upper echelons—the three advisors—and then pass through the Jonin council vote; the procedure must still be approved.

The Jonin council, as Konoha's supreme assembly, has an obvious importance.

Having abandoned the Jonin and chosen the Daimyo, how could Tuan Zang compare with Shisui, who enjoys support from forty percent of Konoha's Jonin, and how could he pass the Jonin council to become the true Hokage? The Daimyo's envoy, seeing Shisui mention the procedure, couldn't help but smile and say, "The Daimyo's intention has already been conveyed; as it stands, Tuan Zang's advisor is clearly more suitable for the Hokage seat, while Uchiha Shisui is indeed too young. Of course, the Daimyo still believes in the existence of a youthful hero; in a few years Shisui might be comparable to the former Fourth Hokage and lead Konoha's future, but for now it is unsuitable."

The Daimyo's envoy finished speaking, and before anyone else could speak, Tuan Zang waved his hand and declared, "When I become Hokage, I will lead Konoha to repel any invaders and stabilize the village; let us begin the voting right now."

Having said that, his gaze swept to Shisui; the two exchanged a look, Tuan Zang's expression was inscrutable, and Shisui read his meaning.

The two had previously made an agreement: as long as Shisui was willing to keep it now, Tuan Zang could still repay him later.

Shisui smiled at the situation: why does whoever the Uchiha back gain a twenty‑percent edge? Because the Uchiha clan's Jonin count is about twenty percent of Leaf Village's total Jonin, and their influence adds another twenty percent to the candidate's odds.

Moreover, this twenty‑percent edge is not an extra twenty percent on top of the original, but rather the total odds sum to 100, with the Uchiha accounting for nearly 20.

If we consider only Jonin, the Uchiha Jonin's strength makes the Uchiha's danger level terrifying.

However, before the tens of thousands of Leaf Village ninja troops, the Uchiha's weight becomes somewhat insignificant.

Not to mention some unconventional ninja; they lack the Jonin title but are not without Jonin strength, and the former Uchiha were not only isolated but also internally divided, leaving the Uchiha only able to compromise with the entire Leaf Village.

But now it is different; counting their own ninja, the Uchiha have secured support from forty percent of Leaf Village's Jonin.

Don't assume Shisui's four percent means the opposition has six percent, because it's unknown how many refuse to join the conflict.

Some even resent the Uchiha, but despise Tuan Zang even more, so they simply help neither side.

At that moment, Shisui, seeing Tuan Zang's calm yet expectant gaze, slowly nodded, and then Nara Zhuque announced the start of voting.

The voting concluded quickly; Nara Zhuque took the compiled data from several assistants, lifted his head slowly, and wore a slightly odd expression.

Tuan Zang scanned the room, already confident in his mind.

Yan Shifan, who knew the truth, lifted the corner of his mouth, while Shui Tuo Men Yan, having guessed the outcome, shook his head silently.

"Announce it."

A deep voice sounded; Tuan Zang suppressed his excitement, tapped his cane forward, and prepared to step forward.

"Pro‑yes votes: 6%, no votes: 59%, the rest abstained."

Since some Jonin were not in the Village, their votes were represented by persons they appointed; those without an appointee were counted as abstentions.

Since Shisui is a candidate and cannot vote, all Uchiha voting rights were represented by Yan Shifan; Shisui "agreed" to help Tuan Zang vote, but unfortunately Yan Shifan did not agree.

Seeming somewhat satisfied with the result, Tuan Zang frowned slightly and sighed, "A sixty‑percent approval is so‑so; I am still lacking."

Having said that, he froze.

The Daimyo emissary beside him stared at him with an even more surprised expression.

"Advisor Tuan Zang, didn't you say your prestige in Leaf Village alone guarantees at least a thirty‑percent support rate?"

Facing the teasing gazes of so many Jonin, the Daimyo emissary felt his scalp tingle and his face turn bright red.

Tuan Zang also reacted, his eyes showing shock, staring intently at Nara Zhuque, suspicion rising, then he walked straight up.

Nara Zhuque had anticipated this and immediately produced the ballot.

"Advisor Tuan Zang, everything is here; if you have questions, you may peruse it."

Tuan Zang's face twitched, then he gave a deep look at the other side, and his hand movement halted.

At that moment he turned sideways to face the group of Jonin, feeling everyone's gaze; even with his deep scheming, he couldn't avoid some embarrassment.

Then came a mix of anger and shame.

He had the Daimyo's backing, could bring funds to Leaf Village, which was precisely short of money; how could it be less than ten percent, especially with the Uchiha also present and their extra twenty percent—how could Tuan Zang be taken aback,

He quickly recovered, his cold gaze sweeping to Shisui, and said slowly, "Did you do this?"

Yan Shifan only represented the Uchiha's voting rights; those behind him truly had no coordination, yet the crowd were not blind or clueless and had long anticipated this.

Some glanced sideways, silently approving, and Shisui still respected them.

As for Tuan Zang, his body trembled slightly, and his gaze grew even more shadowy.

How dare Shisui? Without him, which Hokage would still aid the Uchiha? Without him, how long could the Uchiha endure?

Has he forgotten the Uchiha's past plight, forgotten his own assistance?

Shui Tuo Men Yan remained silent, even Zhuan Qin Xiaochun had long anticipated this; of course, she did not expect Tuan Zang to pass the Jonin Council, as her real leverage lay elsewhere.

"Although the Jonin Council did not approve, given Leaf Village's current situation, choosing someone so young as Hokage is unsuitable; perhaps we should let Tuan Zang serve as acting Hokage instead."

Acting Hokage! The crowd was startled, turning to Zhuan Qin Xiaochun; the third generation's status is essentially acting Hokage, and in urgent matters authority prevails—if it's merely acting Hokage, Jonin Council approval wouldn't be needed.

As long as the Daimyo nods and the three advisors agree, Tuan Zang can become acting Hokage; whether anyone obeys the acting Hokage's orders is another matter.

"The Daimyo means exactly that—let Advisor Tuan Zang temporarily assume the Hokage position."

The Daimyo emissary wiped the sweat from his forehead and quickly voiced his stance.

Tuan Zang furrowed his brows, somewhat unwilling, but for now there seemed no other way.

'Fine, even if I bear the title of acting Hokage and must handle the Uchiha single‑handed, I can still stabilize Leaf Village, eliminate external foes, and become the true Hokage.'

At that moment, Tuan Zang could only compromise and said, "Then let me temporarily assume the Hokage position, awaiting Rizhan's recovery or the growth of other candidates."

Tuan Zang's cold gaze fixed on Shisui; once he becomes Hokage, the first target to eliminate will be the Uchiha!

"Hahaha, Advisor Tuan Zang is a bit too impatient."

Yan Shifan laughed loudly, then continued, "To become acting Hokage requires at least three advisors' support; now we have only two—should we also ask the third whether they agree?"

Tuan Zang felt contempt in his heart; although the two had betrayed him and he had sent assassins after them, he believed that in the grand moral issue concerning the Uchiha, both Zhuan Qin Xiaochun and Shui Tuo Men Yan would back him.

But Zhuan Qin Xiaochun's heart suddenly jolted; she slowly looked at Shui Tuo Men Yan, recalling his abnormal behavior today.

Seeing everyone's gaze converge, Shui Tuo Men Yan slightly frowned.

"I"

I seem to be getting better at breaking passages! Who says that's not a kind of progress?

(End of chapter)