Chapter 222: The Hokage's Test
The celebratory atmosphere continued for some time. Just as Saori was beginning to feel she couldn't take any more of the false pleasantries, the conversation finally died down.
Unlike Danzo, Hiruzen didn't immediately press for details about the battle. Instead, he first expressed his concern for Kyosuke's eyes.
"If you wish, I can arrange for a transplant surgery. It won't be as powerful as a Sharingan, but it's better than blindness," he said, his expression sincere.
"Thank you, Lord Hokage," Kyosuke replied with a nod of acceptance.
He had no reason to refuse. He was going to get a transplant anyway, and if the Hokage himself was offering to help, all the better. It would also serve to strengthen the high council's trust in him.
Seeing him agree, Hiruzen's smile grew wider. He asked a few more questions about Kyosuke's physical condition before finally getting to the question they were all dying to ask.
Kyosuke took a deep breath and began to recite his prepared story.
He explained that he had discovered the hidden cavern during one of his Sage Mode training sessions. He also told them about Uchiha Madara. There was no point in trying to hide it. The image of the two colossal Susanoo was unmistakable. Anyone who knew what it was would have recognized it.
He also shared his "speculations" on what Madara might have been planning while in hiding. He knew that this information would create significant obstacles for Obito's future plans, which served his own interests perfectly.
When he had finished, a heavy silence fell over the office.
After a long while, Hiruzen finally spoke, his voice hesitant. "Kyosuke... you really killed him? It's not that I don't believe you, it's just... the information is a bit of a shock."
Of course I killed him. I got the experience points, didn't I? Kyosuke thought with a mental sneer. But he needed a more plausible explanation.
"He was old and weak." It was a perfect excuse.
The elders were momentarily speechless.
Old, I can believe. Weak? How do you explain the hundred-meter-tall giant? Do I look like a fool? Hiruzen's eye twitched, but he didn't press the issue. Kyosuke's own violet-red Susanoo was proof of his immense power. He would just have to accept that Madara was no match for the younger generation.
They moved on, discussing Madara's possible motives, but with so little information, they were unable to come to a definitive conclusion. In the end, they decided to classify the information as a top secret, never to be spoken of outside this room.
After a bit more small talk about the war, Hiruzen suddenly asked a question that caught Kyosuke completely off guard.
"I am old. It is time to decide on the next Hokage. Kyosuke, do you have any suitable candidates to recommend?"
"...I haven't really thought about it," Kyosuke stammered.
"It's alright. Speak your mind," Hiruzen said with a gentle smile. "With your current power and prestige, your recommendation will be given serious consideration."
Like hell it will, Kyosuke thought, exasperated. But he couldn't refuse to answer. To do so would be an answer in itself.
His mind raced, quickly weighing his options. As Orochimaru's student, he was expected to support his teacher. But his apprenticeship had been a means to an end—to learn his techniques and to escape the Uchiha's watchful eye. With both of those goals accomplished, his allegiance was now a matter of careful consideration.
To blindly support Orochimaru was out of the question. Even if Hiruzen hadn't already made his choice, Orochimaru's growing obsession with immortality was a clear sign that he would eventually go rogue. Kyosuke needed to distance himself before he was dragged down with him.
But he couldn't just throw his support behind Minato either. That would make him seem disloyal and ungrateful, which didn't fit with his carefully crafted "good guy" persona.
That left only one option: to play the middle ground and support no one.
With a look of feigned reluctance, he said, "I believe that Master Orochimaru, Lord Jiraiya, and even Minato-san are all excellent candidates for the position of Hokage."
Hiruzen's eyes flickered. "Oh? I thought you would support Orochimaru. He is your teacher, after all," he said, his voice laced with a subtle challenge.
"I am merely speaking from an objective point of view," Kyosuke replied, his expression one of unwavering righteousness.
"Oh? Then tell us, why do you think they are good candidates?" Koharu asked, her curiosity piqued.
Kyosuke sighed internally. He began to list each candidate's strengths and weaknesses, tailoring his analysis to fit with what he knew of Hiruzen's own opinions.
"First, Master Orochimaru. His strength, his charisma, his leadership... they are all top-tier. But... he has a tendency to go to extremes, which is a significant risk."
The elders nodded in agreement. As his teacher, Hiruzen knew Orochimaru's personality better than anyone. He was his most talented student, but he was not suited for the position of Hokage. He had only been testing Kyosuke's loyalty. To his surprise, Kyosuke's assessment mirrored his own.
"Next is Lord Jiraiya," Kyosuke continued. "His prestige, his strength, his affability... they are all undeniable. But from my brief interactions with him, I do not believe he truly desires the position."
"Go on," Hiruzen urged, his smile growing wider.
"Finally, Minato-san. He... well, aside from his age, it is difficult to find any flaws in him. He is powerful, yet gentle. Decisive, yet compassionate. And he has the complete trust of his comrades. He is an excellent choice for Hokage."
Seeing the triumphant smile on Hiruzen's face, Kyosuke added a final, silent thought.
And, of course, he's much easier for you to control.
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