Chapter 147: What Is a Sole Candidate

Who is it, at this early hour?

Who do you think you are, open the door quickly, you pervert!

Leaf Village, Uchiha Clan.

When the door was knocked, Yuzhi complained while walking toward the main gate.

Yuzhi seemed a bit displeased, yet his brows shone with vigor.

Although Hikari was not pleased with some of his words last night, after returning home he almost made him sleep on the sofa.

Fortunately Hikari is also a figure from the Warring States era, and Yuzhi is shameless enough; after a night of calling Hikari a pervert, Hikari's face turned red and his anger cooled.

He woke up in the morning still wanting to deepen his bond with Hikari, but who would have thought someone would disturb his dream so early.

However Hikari seemed to sigh in relief; she truly couldn't stand Yuzhi, the pervert.

You are…

Of course, the position was chosen by Ying, she hopes I don't forget my original intention, nor who I am, so staying here is not strange at all.

But this also made him doubt for a while whether this Uchiha youngster had been scheming all along, whether his heart is full of restlessness?

However, considering the Uchiha possesses three Mangekyou Sharingan, and Yuzhi's personal strength is so great, he probably couldn't withstand a real assault on Leaf Village.

Senju Feijian forced a wry smile, but regardless he was truly curious now; he really wanted to meet this "New Era Madara Uchiha".

You evil… never mind, I am, after all, a former Clan Leader of the Senju One Clan, so chatting with you, the Uchiha Clan Leader, shouldn't be a problem, right?

Senju Feijian didn't answer directly, but surveyed Yuzhi's home.

When the two entered the living room and sat down, Yuzhi glanced at Hikari, who stepped out and still stared at him like a pervert, then immediately turned to Senju Feijian and asked.

Opening the door, Yuzhi saw the person dressed in ANBU gear and felt puzzled; normally any ANBU matter would be handled by Kakashi himself.

But Senju Feijian is no ordinary person; though annoyed, it wasn't as bad as facing that group of Uchiha ChaNa scoundrels back then.

Now he's utterly irritated; a young Uchiha knows this, so why does that idiot Danzo know nothing?

The current Leaf Village?

The ANBU whispered, and Yuzhi, hearing it, blurted out almost reflexively.

If the Second Generation Current Senior knows my background, they'd know that Ying and I came out from here.

Yuzhi hadn't finished speaking when Senju Feijian, having dispelled his transformation, shook his head, his eyes tinged with darkness.

Hm? Evil Senju elder… cough cough, Second Generation Current Senior, it's you.

Yuzhi gave a light laugh, shook his head, then looked at the approaching Hikari and continued laughing.

Yuzhi wanted to admit that he meant to say "you evil Senju old ghost", but reconsidered confronting a dead man.

May I ask, Second Generation, which child of Leaf Village doesn't want to become Hokage?

Of course, he thought this normal, because Yuzhi's performance over the years has been far more dazzling than Minato's.

Thus he temporarily gave up looking for Ziraiye, turned toward Yuzhi, and was immediately met with direct mockery.

What is your view on the current Leaf Village?

As the saying goes, knowing yourself and the enemy ensures a hundred battles without loss; he hopes his granddaughter can become the Fifth Hokage, so he must at least see what Yuzhi thinks.

Second Generation Current Senior, your personal visit to my humble abode truly honors me, but I wonder what business you have with me?

Yuzhi's words made the Second Generation's gaze narrow slightly; although he disliked Yuzhi's phrasing, he had to admit the fact.

It is I, Senju Feijian.

Kid, that's enough.

But the ANBU before him showed no reverence at all, which piqued Yuzhi's curiosity.

Nevertheless, none of this affected Yuzhi; after all, he is an Uchiha.

You want to become Hokage?

Nothing much, just thought of some interesting things, please come in.

No, I haven't been Hokage for a long time; don't forget I'm just a dead man, I only want to understand your perspective.

Do you know what the most important thing for a Hokage is?

This is also the tacit understanding between him and Minato Namikaze; if another ANBU came, it would certainly be out of respect.

Yuzhi tilted his head; he seemed to guess what Senju Feijian was thinking, so he let Hikari sit beside him before speaking.

Second Generation Current Senior, are you conducting a Hokage assessment?

…What were you about to say?

Thus he could still be patient and continue probing for the answer he sought.

He originally planned to meet Ziraiye today, but on one hand he didn't know where Ziraiye was, and on the other he heard countless discussions on the street.

Besides Danzo's voice, the loudest was the talk about Yuzhi.

You're already dead, why ask these things?

Your dwelling is indeed much simpler than I imagined.

The facts prove that Ying's ideas and actions are the best, Danzo's performance yesterday…

To me, it's fine; but to you, it's quite bad.

The outbreak of the Danzo incident, although Minato has decided to take responsibility himself, some subsequent repercussions aren't so easily erased.

Moreover, the position seems different from the Uchiha Clan Leaders I recall; this spot is indeed not a typical remote place.

Watching the humbled Second Generation, Yuzhi chuckled and shook his head; now he was certain what the Second Generation was thinking.

Alright, Second Generation Current Senior, if you wish to test my thoughts, actually I can tell you clearly.

He stroked his chin, and Yuzhi, looking earnestly at the Second Generation, smiled and said.

If given a chance, I will definitely strive for the Fifth Hokage, which is not only my personal desire but also the Uchiha's long‑standing wish.

But I think both you and I know that being excellent alone doesn't make one Hokage.

But you, while being excellent, also have to make choices that suit each interest group in order to become Hokage.

A sensible answer: besides grasping and using power, the Hokage also needs worldly wisdom.

Senju Tobirama nodded displeasedly, and in his heart he angrily cursed Danzo: "You don't understand anything at all, yet you still dream of becoming Hokage?"

In fact, the original work already explained this principle: Tsunade's taking office was actually a reluctant choice, because no one wanted to choose Danzo, and the result was a compromise.

Of course, Tsunade is not the only one.

Ziraiye was actually the first choice, because he basically wouldn't get involved in affairs.

But Ziraiye simply wasn't willing, so they settled for Tsunade as a second choice.

Look, after Tsunade overexerted herself and fell into a coma, the acting Hokage Danzo forcibly took office, and then the actions of the major clans become clear.

After he died rather simply at Sasuke's hands, the villagers felt not even a hint of sorrow, and the matter just passed like that.

Kakashi is the same: as a disciple of the Fourth Hokage, he also gets along well with his contemporaries among the Jonin, and they were classmates.

And the old generation's power core happened to be completely blown up by a single Tailed Beast Ball of the Ten-Tails.

Most importantly, the two most formidable of the new generation, who could be called saviors, are both his disciples.

By the time of the Seventh Hokage, Naruto Uzumaki, it goes without saying that all the top ninjas are his friends and brothers—one could say his bonds are overflowing.

Even the notoriously difficult Hyuga clan are his in-laws.

"Actually, I've always wanted to thank my senior from the Second Generation."

Although Yuzhi was thinking of something else in his heart, he still looked at Senju Tobirama with a full-face smile.

"Thank the Second Generation's Police Force, and thank the Second Generation's cultivation; with the Third and Fourth Hokage willing to communicate with me, they built a bridge of communication."

I can smoothly unfold the Second Generation's Police Force's 'long-cherished wish,' and at the same time I have learned many things and connected with all the clans.

Moreover, from this I also understood the meaning of the village: it is to concentrate everyone's strength to do things, rather than relying on a single clan.

This also counts as training my personnel deployment and usage, while expanding my network, allowing me to fully integrate the Uchiha clan, the Police Force, and the Leaf Village in another way.

I think, if I can become Hokage, I will surely meet everyone's needs, and I also have considerable experience, right?

"Of course, I still need to thank the Second Generation; without you, there would be no current Police Force, Uchiha clan, nor even me."

I don't have it, I don't want this.

Yuzhi's words were very sincere, his smile also extremely genuine, but Senju Tobirama felt as if his heart had been pricked by a needle.

He suddenly had a feeling: am I, damn it, wrapping myself in a cocoon?

In Yuzhi's words, inside and out, he was thanking himself—for giving the Police Force, for training good disciples—but damn it, isn't this just telling himself, as Hokage, who else could it be but Uchiha Haori!

Moreover, upon careful thought, compared to Tsunade, Haori seems to have not even a slight advantage!

"Why did you resurrect me with Edo Tensei?"

For some reason, Senju Tobirama suddenly wanted to go back and grab the Third Hokage's collar to ask him properly: why not bring his older brother back with Edo Tensei instead of dragging himself out?

Is this meant to make him a Senju who watches the Uchiha walk toward Hokage?

"No, I must try again!"

Senju Tobirama secretly made up his mind: no matter what, he must get Tsunade and the others to put in more effort, because he truly doesn't want to lose that person.

While Yuzhi's 'sincere' thanks to Senju Tobirama were being given, a piece of news inside the Leaf Village nearly exploded the whole village.

Danzo caused such a big incident; everyone knows someone will have to take responsibility, but who exactly and how they will do so is also a topic everyone cares about.

After all, Danzo's actions this time were not merely excessive; he could be said to have thrown away the entire Leaf Village's face!

But nobody expected that the Fourth Hokage would actually decide to lead by example.

Just as the Third Hokage once chose to step down to calm the ceasefire agreement, he also decided to resign his Hokage position, letting the village choose a new Hokage!

This news immediately caused a strong reaction throughout the village; everyone felt it shouldn't be this way, but the documents have already been issued and, reportedly, the village has begun contacting the daimyo.

This also shows Minato's determination, and also shows the village's determination!

"Damn Danzo, what exactly did you do?"

For a moment, countless people grew even angrier and cursed Danzo, although they were also influenced by the Fourth Hokage's rumors.

But undeniably, choosing to bear responsibility oneself at such a critical juncture truly makes a good Hokage!

You know, although the Leaf Village lost face this time, the loss isn't great; moreover, just before this incident, the Leaf Village had just welcomed a major victory.

Furthermore, everything within the Leaf Village is steadily improving; Minato Namikaze's decision to leave at this time is not a cowardly act of shirking duty, but rather his genuine choice to bear responsibility!

But this way, the Leaf Village also encountered some trouble: namely, who exactly should be chosen as the Fifth Hokage?

However, after thinking it over, they realized that there aren't few people the Leaf Village could choose; a rough estimate puts the number at at least five!

"The Uchiha's new Sannin, as well as the old Sannin aside from Orochimaru, are all viable."

Although Haori and his group's title of 'new Sannin' has only just appeared, because Ziraiye and company's 'Sannin' are paragons beforehand, it can also be considered deeply ingrained in people's hearts.

Moreover, although the three of them are all young, their strength is more than sufficient, especially Haori, who makes everyone remember him.

Look at how the once-detested Uchiha clan and Police Force, under his leadership, have become what they are now; indeed, one could say the present Leaf Village cannot do without the Police Force!

Moreover, he is both a war hero and the one who ended the war; if he becomes the Fifth Hokage, it would absolutely be an excellent choice.

"However, Ziraiye-sama and Tsunade-sama don't seem too bad either, right?"

Ziraiye and Tsunade are both veteran powerhouses; no one will forget them, but compared to Haori, their current influence seems really lacking.

At this time, the ordinary ninjas of the Leaf Village feel a bit troubled, but for the clan ninjas of the Leaf Village, the answer has become much clearer.

"Shikaku, have you heard the news?"

In the office of Nara Shikaku, Yamanaka Inoichi and Akimichi Chōza rushed over in a hurry, then quietly asked Shikaku.

Shikaku looked somewhat resigned; he naturally knew this news, and likewise knew why these two had come to him.

"I know, but there are some things we cannot interfere with; this is the Fourth Hokage-sama's own decision, and moreover the matter has already been reported to the daimyo, so there's no chance to do anything."

"We know, you don't need to play riddles with us; what we want to know is, what are the thoughts from above?"

Inoichi formed seals with both hands, set up a sound barrier, and then continued to ask; but this question gave Shikaku a headache.

It's evident that the third Hokage and the others in the Hokage line's "queue for succession" have truly taken root in people's minds, but that's understandable.

From the First to the Fourth Hokage, who isn't part of the Hokage line? Anyway, the other families have little chance.

Fortunately, the three families of Pig, Deer, and Butterfly have no great ambitions; they are self‑aware, knowing they lack the reputation and strength, so they're better off doing support work.

"Don't be so overly cautious; this time there's no arrangement or decision, and you should already know the current Leaf Village situation."

Lu Jiu laughed and shook his head, then lightly tapped the table and said slowly.

"Although there were arrangements before, this time Director Yuzhi's voice is especially loud, and the matter that Danzo has caused this time is also particularly serious."

In addition to the First Hokage's cells, he also tapped into the power of the Uchiha Clan, and he is the first person to incite rebellion within Leaf Village.

Even though the Fourth Hokage nobly chose to abdicate, the complex circumstances here must be considered, so this time it will likely be decided by a collective selection.

Haiyi and Dingzuo exchanged a glance; they had naturally considered this situation, after all the Clan Leaders aren't foolish, but Lu Jiu's confirmation put them at ease.

"Then what do you think, who has the best chance, could it be…"

Haiyi thought for a moment, then whispered his question, gesturing toward the direction of the police department.

"I think Director Yuzhi's chances aren't small; you could even say they're the greatest, since he controls the police department."

Lu Jiu didn't object; he simply nodded.

"After all, besides the key divisions, he allocated the rest of the police department to all families of Leaf Village, even looking after ordinary ninja."

Such a practice has practically cemented his influence in Leaf Village; whether willing or not, everyone is effectively sitting alongside him.

Moreover, in recent years his contributions to Leaf Village have been the greatest, so I think the support he receives shouldn't be small.

Lu Jiu spoke very objectively; he didn't definitively say Yuzhi would win, since no one can predict what will happen next.

Especially since Ziraiye and Tsunade also have deep roots in Leaf Village, no one can say how it will turn out.

"Is that so." Dingzuo stroked his chin: "Are we about to witness a Uchiha becoming Hokage?"

"It doesn't matter who becomes Hokage; we just need to do our own duties properly."

Lu Jiu gave a nonchalant smile, and Haiyi also nodded.

"Indeed, how they vie for it doesn't matter; we just do our part, and when the trust vote comes…"

"I think aside from Shisui Uchiha and Uchiha Ying, each family can have one, but we need to differentiate; our stance doesn't represent the stance of our clan's ninja."

Lu Jiu heard the question and laughed outright; in the trust vote, besides the Clan Leaders, each Jonin has one vote, which is also a Jonin's right.

Each family has its own Jonin; although there are no specific rules this time, they can vote freely, but being cautious can't hurt, right?

"Then, should we go visit them, or wait for them to come to us?"

Dingzuo and Haiyi exchanged a glance; besides muttering that their old friend is a sly old fox, they silently took note of the matter.

Haiyi, however, thought of some other questions and, out of curiosity, asked.

"If I'm not mistaken, today seems to be Director Yuzhi's godson Sasuke Uchiha's birthday, right?"

Lu Jiu rubbed his chin and suddenly retorted.

"That's right; that kid Dingci was also invited. I wonder how Shikamaru and Jingye are doing?"

"No need to worry about the invitation; Sasuke's godfather is Director Yuzhi, so isn't it normal for us to pay a visit?"

Lu Jiu glanced at the embarrassed Haiyi, quickly smoothed things over, saying it's normal that girls and boys can't hang out now.

But he soon laughed again and continued.

"However, I think tonight will be lively, since we're not the only ones considering this; the other families are probably worried as well."

——

Lu Jiu's thoughts were correct; countless people are now pondering attending Sasuke's birthday banquet at the Uchiha residence tonight.

After all, it's a rare chance to further strengthen ties with Yuzhi and see his intentions.

Although this Hokage election caught many off guard, everyone's enthusiasm remains very high.

Each Hokage election is essentially a reshuffling of interests; with Yuzhi's police department now so massive, facing a Hokage who opposes him would be a disaster!

It's not only a disaster for Leaf Village but for all families; everyone has secured their own slice in the police department, and no one wants this to happen.

For the major families everything is fine, but for the smaller families the situation is far less pleasant.

"Richa, let's have Ningci and Hinata go together tonight."

In the medical department, Hyuga Clan Rizuo and Hyuga Clan Richa were both wrapped in bandages, and the two walked out together.

Both of them had been specifically tended to by the 'Mysterious Uchiha'; a piece of flesh had been cut from each of them. Though they felt fine, they were still kept in the medical department.

After a thorough check confirmed they were fine, they were allowed to leave, but even in the medical department they had received a lot of information, both about Danzo and about the Fourth Hokage.

"I understand, Clan Leader."

Hyuga Clan Richa nodded, but when he glanced at his older brother, who seemed unusually silent, he immediately understood what was happening.

He probably also has the Fifth Hokage's situation on his mind, but unfortunately he has no chance at all.

In fact, many in Leaf Village have ambitions, but there's only one position, and only a few can vie for it; his older brother clearly isn't qualified.

"But is Director Yuzhi really going to become the next Hokage?"

Hyuga Clan Richa couldn't help but think to himself that he holds no real ill will toward the Uchiha; on the contrary, he actually prefers the environment of the police department.

Not only him, but all branch members who entered the police department feel the same, because everyone there is equal and respected—that's their greatest desire!

As for Shisui Uchiha and Uchiha Ying, he feels they're just supporting runners, whereas Tsunade and Ziraiye still have some competitiveness; after all, they're both old‑school strongmen.

"Hmm?"

As they walked, they unexpectedly saw Tsunade with a stern face, as if everyone owed her money, heading outside.

"What… is going on?"

The two exchanged a puzzled glance, still unclear about the situation, but they had no reason to ask about it.

"Damned Ziraiye, where did he go this time?"

Tsunade didn't even notice the two Hyuga Clan brothers; her mind was full of that idiot Ziraiye.

Last night, what her second grandfather said gave her a bad premonition; as a result, early this morning she discovered that her second grandfather had disappeared.

She waited half a day in the medical department and saw no one, which made her suspect: could her second grandfather really have gone to look for Ziraiye?

"If it's just talking about Hokage matters, that's fine; but if it's about some nonsense"

Just thinking about this made Tsunade's fists clench; she now regrets agreeing to summon her second grandfather— isn't she just asking for trouble?

"And that idiot Ziraiye, you'd better not spout nonsense in front of me."

Tsunade secretly thought to herself, but along the way she also heard many voices, all about Hokage matters.

This made her somewhat annoyed; she truly had no opinion on Hokage, and Leaf Village isn't lacking talent— isn't Uchiha Haori the best choice?

She is indeed a descendant of the Senju Clan, but she inherited the ideas of her great-grandfather Senju ZhuZhang; she never had any ill feelings toward the Uchiha Clan.

As long as it's good for Leaf Village, everything's fine; as for who becomes Hokage, isn't it all the same?

"Being Hokage brings no money and a heap of trouble; I'd rather wait for Yuzhi to recommend disciples to come door‑door so I can collect some— huh, wait a minute?"

As she walked, Tsunade suddenly froze, and her steps involuntarily slowed.

She stroked her chin, Tsunade began to seriously consider a question; after a while her eyes lit up, and she had already made a decision in her heart.

"You got off easy, Yuzhi."

While thinking that, Tsunade continued walking forward.

Just a moment later she suddenly saw a lewd figure hiding on the roof of a bathhouse, holding a telescope and peeking.

"Hehehehe. Indeed, gathering material is still the best choice!"

Ziraiye held the telescope, gazing into the distance; suddenly his throat let out a strange, foolish laugh, his face flushed and drool trickled from the corner of his mouth.

That lewd appearance gave no hint that he was one of the Legendary Sannin, Ziraiye; he looked more like a "you really aren't picky" hungry wolf.

Ziraiye certainly knew he couldn't avoid this Fifth Hokage selection; after Yuzhi and the others left last night, his teacher also pulled him aside for a long, heart‑to‑heart talk.

But he truly had no intention; if it weren't for the Toad Sage telling him that the Child of Prophecy was in Leaf Village, he would have already fled!

Although he also felt somewhat regretful about Minato's decision, he deep down thought it was a good thing— being Hokage truly isn't something just anyone can do.

"Anyway, whoever wants to be Hokage can be; I, for one, will absolutely not take the post!"

Ziraiye secretly thought to himself, but at that moment he suddenly sensed danger, and in the next instant he whipped his head around.

In the sunlight, he suddenly saw a perfectly proportioned blonde woman appear behind him; her delicate, soft hands, smooth as silk, were already clenched into fists.

"Zi! Ra! Yi! Go die!"

In the next instant he suddenly heard a low shout, which immediately made his hair stand on end.

"Wait, wait, wait, Tsunade, hear me out."

Thud—

"Ah!"

Accompanied by a muffled boom and a piercing shriek, Ziraiye turned into a meteor and shot straight into the bathhouse.

"Ah!"

"Who is this person?"

"A pervert!"

"Damn it! Beat him!"

Inside the bathhouse immediately came the sounds of chickens flying and dogs jumping; Tsunade glanced at Ziraiye being beaten by a crowd, then nodded in satisfaction.

"Really, nothing's changed, this bastard."

But soon Tsunade furrowed her brows slightly, suddenly recalling something.

"Huh? Strange, wasn't her second grandfather supposed to come looking for him? Where is he?"

Tsunade looked left and right, but still saw no one; meanwhile Ziraiye's cries grew fainter, indicating his condition wasn't good.

"Welcome everyone to the Uchiha Clan."

That night, inside the Uchiha Clan, Mei Qin smiled at the endless stream of guests and spoke.

Her smile had already stiffened, because she realized there were simply too many people coming!

At first it was just the police department, then she saw members of all the major families bringing their children; even those who weren't clan leaders were prominent figures in the shinobi world.

Add to that the Fourth Hokage's family— such a scene, even when she was once the clan leader's wife, she had never seen anything like it.

"It's all because of Yuzhi."

Thinking of this, her peripheral vision unconsciously turned to Yuzhi, who was sitting inside conversing with the various clan leaders; she truly couldn't help but feel that Sasuke had gained a good father.

"Happy birthday, Sasuke."

"Thank you."

In the courtyard, Sasuke smiled as he watched Shikamaru, Dingzuo, and Ino approach with gifts, his face full of smiles.

However, Naruto off to the side stared bewilderedly at those three, then curiously asked.

"Ino, why are you here too? Not only you, but Hinata and whatever— Neji, right? They came as well."

"Idiot."

Sasuke heard Naruto's low‑EQ remark and involuntarily muttered a curse; others came to celebrate his birthday, and even without an invitation he'd be happy.

Moreover, Sasuke isn't stupid; he knows these people came mostly because of his father, so what's there to be surprised about?

"Don't listen to that idiot's nonsense; we welcome everyone here."

"Bastard, who are you calling an idiot?!"

"Whoever fits the description is the idiot."

"Damn you, come out for a one‑on‑one!"

"Really troublesome."

Shikamaru looked at the two acting just as childish as in school, and could only resign himself to speak.

"You two, be more careful; if the Hokage and Director Yuzhi found out, they'd probably get angry."

"You don't want your parents to find out either, do you? You're so thoughtless, right?"

"Hum."

Hearing Shikamaru's words, they all felt odd, but they still settled down.

Just seeing each other, they couldn't help but let out a cold snort.

"How about we go get something to eat? I'm so hungry."

Ding Jicai didn't care about all that; watching the crowd constantly chatting, he rubbed his stomach and whispered.

"My stomach's so hungry, I haven't eaten anything since noon."

"Eat eat eat, only know about eating; how did I remember seeing you at the barbecue place at noon?"

Ino was also made a bit awkward by Naruto's remark; besides mocking Naruto as an idiot, she had no other thoughts, and upon hearing Ding Jicai speak, she immediately changed the subject.

"The lunch we ate only counts as lunch; it's already night now, can it be the same?"

As it turned out, Ding Jicai had a point; he rubbed his little belly and muttered.

"Sasuke, your classmates are starving, why haven't you taken them to get something to eat yet?"

At that moment, a voice suddenly sounded behind their group; turning around, they saw Uchiha Quan approaching with Junmaro and Bai.

"Sister Quan!"

Sasuke saw Quan and immediately smiled; Quan is the same age as Itachi Uchiha, but unlike Itachi, Quan often plays with Sasuke.

In Sasuke's eyes, Quan is his sister; although, like his father, she doesn't live with him, the whole clan is family, and Sasuke is used to it.

"Alright, hurry and take them there."

Quan gave an indifferent smile, then, with Bai and Junmaro, addressed Sasuke.

"Happy birthday, Sasuke."

"Thanks!"

Sasuke's smile grew even brighter; now he truly felt he was the happiest person in the world.

However, compared to Sasuke's joy, Yuzhi was somewhat troubled.

Seeing so many visitors from the Uchiha Clan, he couldn't help but glance anxiously at Minato sitting nearby.

"You're way too impatient, senior Minato; you've forced everyone to act."

"Actually, it's not a big deal; once a decision is made, you execute it decisively—that's the quality a qualified ninja or Hokage should have."

Minato, hearing Yuzhi's words, couldn't help but smile and shake his head; he didn't think there was anything wrong with his actions.

If it should be cut, cut it; dragging it out only gives a sense of lingering ties, which isn't good.

And to prevent his presence here from causing Yuzhi any trouble, he clearly told everyone that he was here only as a friend, not as the Fourth Hokage.

He knew exactly what the visitors' purpose was; he had no interest in making everyone uneasy, and he would make the necessary statements.

But soon his expression turned a bit odd; he glanced at Yuzhi and asked softly.

"By the way, Yuzhi, have you heard?"

"What matter?"

"Teacher Ziraiye seems to have been beaten into the hospital by Lady Tsunade."

"That, I heard."

Yuzhi also awkwardly nodded; he knew the matter, but he didn't know whether Ziraiye did it deliberately or truly got into Tsunade's wrath.

At this critical point, Ziraiye ending up in the hospital is like giving him a free chance, isn't it?

The crucial thing is that Yuzhi heard Ziraiye was pulled out of the hot‑spring resort, which further cuts off some of Ziraiye's possibilities.

For a moment, Yuzhi didn't even know what to say.

"Hope he recovers soon."

"Yeah, hope the teacher is okay."

The two exchanged a glance, both at a loss for words, and could only offer that comforting remark.

"Speaking of it, senior Minato, what are your thoughts after not being Hokage?"

After a brief silence, Yuzhi thought for a moment and suddenly asked.

"I don't know yet; maybe being a mission ninja wouldn't be bad."

Minato didn't conceal anything; he had already formed an idea.

"I've never had time to properly spend with Kushina and Naruto; I want to give them more time."

"Of course, if Leaf Village needs me, I will accept without hesitation."

"I think senior Minato is well‑suited to be a Hokage's assistant."

Yuzhi, hearing this, immediately went along and said.

"Not only do you have time to be with family, but you can also fully leverage the advantage of having once been Hokage."

"Moreover, Danzo is dead, and Leaf Village needs a qualified Hokage's assistant, doesn't it?"

"Hey hey hey, you're being excessive, aren't you?"

Minato glanced at the reactions of those around, then looked at Kushina, who was quietly pulling Hikari and whispering about something, and he sighed helplessly.

"Are you trying to lure me with your high position, you bastard?"

"No, I just trust senior Minato's abilities."

Yuzhi shook his head, while Minato stroked his chin and said.

"Indeed it's a good idea, but let's talk about it after you become Hokage."

Their conversation wasn't hidden from anyone; in fact, many people perked up their ears to listen.

This kind of exchange is also necessary, because those who came here want to gauge Yuzhi's stance.

Yuzhi doing this also amounts to showing his attitude; he simply wants this Hokage position, and he also displayed an attitude — "I am very sentimental."

This is absolutely a good thing for everyone; who wouldn't want their direct superior to be a sentimental person? Even if he does indeed use thunderous methods, but that only applies if you provoke him.

As for the Police Department currently, this minister, aside from making everyone's competition exceptionally fierce, is truly perfect, ah.

However, just then, a figure suddenly appeared within the Uchiha Clan, immediately silencing everyone.

Looking around, I saw Tsunade swaggering in with Shizune and Rin, then after scanning the area she locked onto Yuzhi's position and walked straight over here.

"You guys are here, perfect, I have some things I need to talk to you about."

Tsunade spoke bluntly to Yuzhi and Minato, then pointed to an empty spot nearby and said.

"Senior Tsunade, what's the matter?"

Yuzhi and Minato were both a bit surprised, but seeing Tsunade's demeanor, Yuzhi quickly stood up and followed her over.

When they arrived at a secluded spot, Tsunade directly spoke.

"Come on, Yuzhi, how should you thank me? I already put Jiraiya in the hospital; I doubt he'll have a chance to run for office."

"Eh"

This opening move is a critical hit, it left Yuzhi dumbfounded; what situation is this? When did I ever let you do this?

"Although this wasn't meant for you to do, isn't the beneficiary you?"

Tsunade looked at Yuzhi's expression and scornfully shook her head.

"Now I ask you, do you want to be the sole candidate?"

"Senior Tsunade, you mean"

Yuzhi hesitated a bit; he really couldn't figure out what Tsunade meant.

"One hundred million yuan."

However, Tsunade then said something that left Yuzhi stunned; seeing her expression, she raised a finger and spoke softly.

"If you give me one hundred million yuan, I will later declare before everyone that I will withdraw from the election."

"How about it, what do you think?"

——

"Geez, still haven't found little Tsunade?"

"Teacher, I also don't know where she went."

In Hiruzen Sarutobi's house, looking at Tobirama Senju's displeased face, Hiruzen also wore a worried expression.

Tsunade punched Jiraiya into the hot springs bathhouse in the morning; thereafter that unlucky kid was ganged up on, and immediately afterwards he was hospitalized.

With this, Jiraiya can be said to have lost face big time; one could say Tsunade knocked out a candidate with a single punch.

Not to mention the Second Hokage being depressed; even Tobirama Senju was depressed to the extreme, and despite them later wanting to find Tsunade, they really couldn't find her.

What depressed them most was that those clan members, under the pretext of "Yuzhi's son's birthday," went to visit—doesn't that reveal their intentions?

The Third Hokage might fare a bit better, after all he had anticipated this situation, but Tobirama Senju feels awful—he really doesn't want to be the first Senju to watch an Uchiha become Hokage!

"Sir, we've found Lady Tsunade."

Just then, an ANBU suddenly appeared in the office, lowering his head and speaking quickly.

"Oh, where is she?"

Tobirama Senju immediately asked, while the ANBU hesitated a bit but then spoke.

"In the Uchiha clan, she also went to attend the birthday banquet hosted by Minister Yuzhi."

"What?"

"Moreover, Lady Tsunade also announced something publicly."

"What is it? Just say it outright."

"She said she is withdrawing from the Fifth Hokage election."

After saying that, the ANBU dared not utter a sound, while the Third Hokage and Tobirama Senju both froze; the next second, Tobirama's face turned somewhat dark.

He felt he could really see his older brother, as well as Madara Uchiha's manic laughter, and he still had a thought in his mind.

"It's over; I really am going to become the first Senju to watch an Uchiha become Hokage."

——

In a forest outside the Leaf Village, a pure white monster slowly emerged from underground.

But soon, the monster split open like shedding skin, revealing a face of Itachi Uchiha.

"Congratulations, you are free now."

At that moment, a black-clad figure stepped out from behind the trees, looking at Itachi Uchiha before him and speaking in a low voice.

"Who are you, and why are you saving me?"

Itachi Uchiha looked at this monster-like figure before him, showing no panic whatsoever, and calmly asked.

"Saving you is naturally because you have value to be saved, and we also share a common goal."

The black-clad figure calmly looked at Itachi Uchiha, then spoke softly.

"What common goal? I don't even know who you are."

Itachi Uchiha still looked at this person with a blank expression, but in the next moment his expression changed.

"You'll find out soon."

The black-clad figure indifferently shook his head and asked word by word.

"Don't you want to create a peaceful world without Uchiha Haori?"