190. Danzo Is In Vain

Sora proposed that the next Hokage would likely be Namikaze Minato.

Orochimaru was very surprised by this prediction and asked Sora why he thought it would be Namikaze Minato.

Sora analyzed: "First of all, Namikaze Minato is Jiraiya's apprentice, which makes him a disciple of the Third Hokage's teachings—a proper member of the Hokage faction with no involvement from other political forces.

In the Third Shinobi War, Namikaze Minato's performance was remarkable, and his reputation in Konoha is widespread.

Additionally, Namikaze Minato was born a commoner, which facilitates reform. Konoha's next actions should be centered around the Uchiha clan. The Third Hokage is abdicating, probably wanting to retreat behind the scenes and concentrate on dealing with the Uchiha situation.

One more thing, Namikaze Minato's lover, Uzumaki Kushina, is Konoha's Nine-Tails Jinchūriki. I've heard that Namikaze Minato has also learned the sealing techniques of the Uzumaki clan and has successfully helped Uzumaki Kushina control the beast several times.

After becoming Hokage, Namikaze Minato will remain in Konoha, so that whenever Uzumaki Kushina has an incident, he can arrive in time."

Regarding Sora's analysis, Orochimaru thought it made sense.

But...

Orochimaru raised another question: "There are still several candidates who could become Hokage.

Some of them have higher qualifications than Namikaze Minato and have made greater contributions on the battlefield.

Namikaze Minato is still very young and may not be able to convince the public.

Just consider Danzō.

You can't dismiss his influence."

Sora assessed the situation: "The current Hokage is still the Third, isn't he? Moreover, the appointment of a Kage requires the authorization of the Daimyō of the Land of Fire. In other words, as long as the Third Hokage and the Daimyō agree, then even if there are objections, they won't matter."

Orochimaru nodded, and then sighed: "It's a pity that if you, Sora, weren't targeting the Uchiha clan, perhaps you would be a candidate for Hokage."

Sora spread his hands and said: "Even if I didn't target the Uchiha clan, I couldn't become Hokage. I wouldn't get very far with just these Sharingan. Also, if I became Hokage, no one in Konoha would truly obey me. Right now, it's just because I'm strong, and they fear me, so they appear to respect me.

But if I became Hokage, they would never accept it. Also because of fear—I don't think people want to live in fear all the time.

And even if I could become Hokage, I wouldn't accept the position. After all, my stay in Konoha is only temporary. When Konoha can no longer give me what I want, I will leave with Kushina and Kakashi."

Orochimaru said nonchalantly: "It seems that neither of us, master nor disciple, really wants to become Hokage. But Danzō is not so willing. If I can't become Hokage, perhaps he will set his sights on you."

Sora sneered: "It's useless even if the idea occurs to him. It's not Danzō who makes the decision."

Orochimaru asked: "By the way, how are you doing with the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal? If you join Root and want to gain Danzō's trust, you would definitely receive this seal, right?"

Sora stuck out his tongue and said: "The seal is still there, but only an empty shell remains."

After Sora was marked with the Cursed Tongue Eradication Seal, it didn't take long for him to find a method to neutralize it.

The seal had no effect now, but it was quite uncomfortable to leave it in his body.

After chatting for a while, Sora asked Orochimaru: "Orochimaru-sensei, I plan to propose to Kushina soon. I would like to ask you to be our witness for the wedding."

Sora's face was filled with a happy smile.

Now that he and Uzumaki Kushina were both 23 years old and had spent so many years together, in Sora's opinion, it was time to get married.

Orochimaru showed a rare smile that didn't look like a sneer on his face and said: "Very well, just let me know when the time comes. If you need me to do anything, just tell me."

Sora nodded and said: "Kushina and I don't have many friends. The wedding will be simple, and there shouldn't be anything too troublesome. Well then, Orochimaru-sensei, I won't disturb you any longer. I'll take my leave."

Sora left Orochimaru's base, went to buy some food, and returned home.

...

A few days later.

Inside the Daimyō's Mansion in the Land of Fire.

Konoha's top officials and the Daimyō's confidants gathered together.

The Daimyō waved his fan and said regretfully: "It's such a pity. The Third Hokage did quite a good job..."

Danzō looked at the Daimyō with sharp eyes.

The Daimyō's voice stopped abruptly.

After all, this world was dominated by shinobi.

Although the Daimyō appeared to be the supreme leader of the Land of Fire, he was actually just a figurehead for economic matters.

The Daimyō was an ordinary person, and when Danzō glared at him like that, he felt frightened.

Danzō said: "If you want to trace the root cause, it is because the Third Hokage's ideas were too naive, which pushed the village to its current state. The Hokage we need now is someone who can lead the village through change and properly implement the shinobi code. We need such a talent."

Sarutobi Hiruzen closed his eyes and said nothing.

The Daimyō asked: "Is there a suitable candidate?"

Danzō immediately said: "I recommend Orochimaru, one of the legendary Sannin!"

The Daimyō looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen: "What does the Third Hokage think?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen opened his eyes and said solemnly: "It can be said that Orochimaru was indeed a talented genius during the war era..."

Hearing what Sarutobi Hiruzen said, Danzō couldn't help but smile.

But the next moment, Danzō's smile disappeared.

Sarutobi Hiruzen continued: "However, there is malice and ambition hidden in his eyes, and the important responsibility of Hokage cannot be entrusted to such a person!"

Danzō looked at Sarutobi Hiruzen in disbelief.

Isn't Orochimaru his disciple? How could he say such things about his own student?

Danzō's voice was filled with panic as he shouted: "Third Hokage!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen ignored Danzō and continued: "I recommend Namikaze Minato!"

Utatane Koharu introduced him to the Daimyō: "He is Jiraiya's disciple, and by extension, a disciple of the Third Hokage."

Mitokado Homura added: "He is the elite shinobi known as the Yellow Flash."

The Daimyō's expression showed interest: "Oh?"

Danzō stood up suddenly and retorted: "Minato is too young!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen also stood up: "He won the Battle of Kannabi Bridge and was the key contributor in bringing an end to the Third Shinobi War!"

Danzō said angrily: "I object! If you're counting contributions, then Sora's are greater! He was also present at the Battle of Kannabi Bridge, and he killed Kirigakure's Third Mizukage, as well as playing a crucial role in major battles.

If that's the standard, then Sora is also qualified to become Hokage!"

Sarutobi Hiruzen said only one thing to Danzō, leaving him with no counter-argument.

"Don't you know what Sora is tasked with now, Danzō?"

Danzō's face turned extremely ugly. Sora was now in charge of monitoring the Uchiha clan's affairs and could not become Hokage at all.

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