8 Chapter 8 New Hokage: Sarutobi Hiruzen abdicates

As soon as Tobirama finished speaking, the conference room fell into an eerie silence.

"This..."

"I agree!" The first voice broke the silence, surprising everyone.

All eyes turned to the speaker.

It was Jiraiya?!

"I'm sorry, Sensei. Though it may seem disloyal, I believe it's for the best for you to step down and enjoy your retirement..." Jiraiya said, casting a guilty glance at Hiruzen.

Jiraiya was no fool. Despite his absence from the village during his travels in the ninja world, he was well aware of Hiruzen's controversies.

Danzo's involvement in slandering White Fang, his inaction during the Uchiha conflict, and his failure to protect Naruto from village discrimination—Jiraiya knew about them all. Yet, he chose not to expose them.

This legendary ninja once called God of Shinobi had aged and weakened. As the third's disciple, it was his duty to ensure his peaceful retirement.

"Sensei, don't be consumed by power any longer..." Jiraiya silently implored in his heart.

The crowd erupted into murmurs.

Unexpectedly, the first to support Hiruzen's resignation was his own disciple.

"Jiraiya..." Sarutobi Hiruzen looked at his pupil with a mix of sadness and resolve. Then, with a determined gaze, he declared:

"There's no need for them to decide. I, Hiruzen Sarutobi, willingly step down from the position of Hokage!"

Hiruzen's decision surprised Tobirama, causing him to pause and glance at the elderly man before him.

"It seems Monkey isn't as bad as I thought. He's actually willing to step down as Hokage. But Danzo..." Senju Tobirama's gaze shifted to the scheming figure of Danzo, who appeared secretly pleased.

"Does he really believe he can become Hokage if Hiruzen resigns?" Tobirama pondered, knowing Danzo's ambitions all too well.

Having witnessed the plot unfold, Tobirama understood Danzo's true nature. Under the guise of serving Konoha, Danzo manipulated young talents from the ninja clans, orchestrating conflicts and even colluding with the Akatsuki.

Danzo's actions had far-reaching consequences, contributing to the upheaval in the ninja world. In Tobirama's eyes, Danzo was the epitome of a villain, a figure he despised more than anyone else.

But Tobirama couldn't act recklessly. Killing Danzo openly would only sow discord within Konoha.

For now, Tobirama bided his time, knowing that Danzo's downfall would come eventually.

"The most pressing matter now is for Tobirama to reclaim the position of Hokage, acquire the power of Wood Release, and restore order in Konoha," Tobirama declared, his tone resolute.

"Indeed, Sarutobi, you have made the right decision," he added, addressing Sarutobi Hiruzen with approval.

"With the Third Hokage stepping down voluntarily, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio agrees," Nara Shikaku, the leader of the Nara clan, spoke up, his sharp intellect quickly grasping the situation.

The Yamanaka, Nara, and Akimichi clans, known for their unity, swiftly aligned themselves with Tobirama's cause, ready to support him in restoring stability to Konoha.

"The Hyuga clan is in agreement."

"The Aburame clan concurs."

"The Inuzuka clan stands with you."

With the support of these influential clans, Tobirama's path to reclaiming leadership in Konoha seemed clearer than ever.

Soon, representatives from the major ninja clans and civilian ninjas unanimously voted in favor of the Third Hokage's abdication.

Sarutobi Hiruzen visibly relaxed, his demeanor reflecting a newfound vigor, his eyes shining with determination.

"Second Hokage, Konoha can't go without a leader even for a day. I propose that you resume the position of Hokage!"

The unexpected proposal drew everyone's attention, leaving them curious about the speaker's identity.

"Tobirama-sama, you're the only one who can really steer Konoha back on track," Kakashi Hatake boldly declared, amidst the surprised murmurs of those around him.

As a kid, Kakashi had seen his father, Sakumo Hatake, unjustly blamed and driven to suicide after a mission went wrong. The village turned its back on him, even those he saved blamed him. It left Kakashi bitter and closed off, until Minato reached out to him with sincerity.

But then came the war, and he lost his friends Obito and Rin, followed by the death of Minato in the Nine-Tails attack. Each loss weighed heavily on him, fueling his growing resentment.

Over the years, Kakashi quietly investigated his father's death, uncovering Danzo's hand in orchestrating the betrayal. It confirmed his long-held suspicion that Konoha's leaders were corrupt.

Konoha needed a leader like the Fourth Hokage, someone of integrity and honor. Kakashi couldn't bear to see more promising talents stifled by the village's shady dealings, including his own disciple, Naruto Uzumaki.

"Kakashi, do you understand what you're saying? The Second Hokage devoted his entire life to Konoha. Asking him to continue serving even after his death is disrespectful to a hero!" Danzo retorted, challenging Kakashi's suggestion.

He didn't want Senju Tobirama to reclaim power after Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped down.

Senju Tobirama, now reincarnated from the Impure World, may be immortal, but Danzo's survival depends on Hiruzen's demise. How could he outlast another immortal being?

If Senju Tobirama returns to lead Konoha and grooms a new Hokage successor while still in power, Danzo's influence will fade into obscurity.

Hence, he vehemently opposed the idea.

"Elder Danzo, this isn't right," Hiashi Hyūga interjected.

"The Second Hokage knows the difference between public duty and personal matters. It's only fitting for him to return to Konoha," Hiashi added, her opinion carrying weight as a prominent figure in the village.

As for why he advocated for the Second Hokage's return as Hokage, he had his reasons.

"Hyuga.." Danzo glared at Hiashi Hyuga with contempt, making a mental note of his defiance.

"Yes, we're all in agreement that the Second Hokage should be Hokage once more," chimed in representatives from various ninja clans.

"Everyone, thanks for your trust. This old guy, Senju Tobirama, is thrilled to shine once again for Konoha. I couldn't be happier," Tobirama expressed gratefully.

"I, Senju Tobirama, will step in as Hokage for now. But if there's a standout candidate in the future, I'll gladly hand over the reins," he declared, earning nods of approval from the audience.

True to his reputation as the Second Hokage, Tobirama's words carried weight and sincerity.

In Danzo Shimura's jealous gaze, Tobirama accepted the Hokage hat graciously.

"Hokage-sama, the appointment of a new Hokage is a significant matter. We should also inform the Daimyo" Nara Shikaku remarked solemnly.

"Of course, I understand. I'll head to the Fire Country's capital tomorrow and relay the message to the Daimyo," Tobirama responded confidently.

"The Third Hokage stepped down, and the Second Hokage is back as Hokage?!"

"Seriously?!"

In the bustling streets of Konoha Village, the news spread like wildfire, igniting fervent discussions among the villagers.

"Wait, the Second Hokage... as Hokage?!"

In a quieter corner, a shadowy figure overheard the chatter and hurriedly approached the crowd.

"Hey, what's this about the Second Hokage?" he inquired, his tattered black clothes drawing curious glances.

The Chuunin leading the discussion turned to address the newcomer, inwardly puzzled by his appearance. "You must've been away, friend. The Second Hokage's back from the dead! And the Third Hokage's stepped aside for him. They say there'll be a ceremony soon."

"Ah, I see. been out on missions, missed all the action," the man in black chuckled, excusing himself from the crowd.

"Senju Tobirama resurrected!? Gotta report this!" he mumbled to himself, slipping into an alleyway.