The commotion in Konoha naturally did not escape Sarutobi Hiruzen's notice, but since he believed the possibility of Danzō taking power was slim, he didn't interfere much.
Furthermore, Hiruzen was also worried that if he interfered too much, it would cause Danzō to have a rebellious mentality, stir up trouble in secret, and affect Konoha's unity and overall situation.
Half a month later, Konoha still had not found any trace of Tsunade or Jiraiya.
Since Hiruzen's illness was already very serious, they could not wait any longer.
After obtaining Hiruzen's consent, the Konoha F3, the Anbu Commander, and the Jonin Commander, along with their guards, set off for the capital of the Land of Fire.
Since Konoha had notified the officials of the Land of Fire in advance, the meeting was held on the afternoon of their arrival.
Hokage's Advisor Danzō, as Konoha's representative, first explained Sarutobi Hiruzen's physical condition, and then stated that Konoha was in unanimous agreement to elect the Fifth Hokage.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire first expressed his regret over Hiruzen's condition, and then his respect for the opinions of Konoha.
After that, Konoha began to present the candidates for the Fifth Hokage. Sarutobi Shinnosuke, following his father's wishes, recommended Kageyama Kogetsu.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire had no objection to this candidate and praised him cheerfully.
Kageyama Kogetsu had once served as the Daimyo's guard, and because he gave a strong sense of security, the Land of Fire had a very favorable impression of him.
As for Kageyama Kogetsu, everyone present had a very good relationship with him, and they did not want to offend someone with a promising future.
Although Mitokado Homura and the others supported Danzō, they did not say anything to belittle him.
Each speaker affirmed and praised Kageyama Kogetsu from various angles, and then tactfully stated that Danzō was more suitable.
Finally, they stated that Kageyama Kogetsu himself wanted to grow for a few more years, with the goal of becoming the Sixth Hokage.
Faced with the defection of Homura, Koharu, and Shikaku, Shinnosuke was first confused, and then angry.
Shinnosuke angrily stated that it was his father's will for Kageyama Kogetsu to become the Fifth Hokage.
However, two fists are no match for four hands. Danzō was the first to say that was not the case, and then the other three followed suit.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was one of the wiser Daimyo among the Five Great Nations.
Unlike the Daimyo of the Land of Wind, who was replaced after cutting Sunagakure's funding.
The Daimyo of the Land of Wind who appeared during the Konoha Chunin Exams and the Daimyo of the Land of Wind who was in refuge with the other five Daimyo were not the same person.
As the eldest son of the Third Hokage, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire believed what Shinnosuke said was true, but he could not go against the general trend.
With the Hokage absent, and all three of them supporting Danzō, this was the general trend.
The Land of Fire and Konoha were equal partners. During the time of the First and Second Hokage, the officials of the Land of Fire had no say in the position of Hokage.
To increase his own legitimacy and authority, Sarutobi Hiruzen had obtained the support of the officials of the Land of Fire, and only then was an extra step added.
The Daimyo of the Land of Fire was clear-headed. The officials of the Land of Fire could express their opinions, but they still had to prioritize the will of the previous Hokage.
If the previous Hokage was dead or unable to attend, then the collective will of Konoha village would be prioritized.
There was no need to get himself and the officials of the Land of Fire involved in Konoha's internal power struggles.
Not only would there be no benefit, but it would also be easy to get into trouble!
Thus, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire comforted Shinnosuke and then expressed his approval of Danzō.
Since the Daimyo had agreed, the other high-ranking officials of the Land of Fire, who had even less say, naturally had no other objections.
As soon as the meeting ended, Shinnosuke rushed back to Konoha without even saying goodbye to the other four.
Danzō, afraid that Hiruzen would reverse the decision at the last minute, also rushed back to Konoha.
Homura, Koharu, and Shikaku, worried that Hiruzen would hold them accountable, were in no mood to stay any longer.
At full speed, Shinnosuke returned to Konoha after ten o'clock that night, but Hiruzen was already asleep.
Hiruzen's illness made it difficult to wake him up forcefully, so Shinnosuke could only wait by his bedside.
Before long, Danzō and Homura also arrived and waited together in the next room.
The group waited all night. It was not until the early morning that Hiruzen gradually woke up...
Shinnosuke did not delay at all and recounted a condensed version of what had happened at the Land of Fire conference.
Hiruzen was greatly surprised upon hearing this. In his surprise, he also felt disappointed and heartbroken.
He's not even gone yet, and the tea is already cold?
After his emotions had calmed down a little, Hiruzen had Shinnosuke call Danzō and the others over.
Homura, Koharu, and Shikaku all walked in with their heads bowed. Only Shimura Danzō walked in with his head held high.
"Hmph, hmph, hmph... what are you so proud of, Danzō?"
"Do you think that just because you've passed the Land of Fire conference, I can't reverse the result?"
"Do you believe that I can have the Land of Fire conference reconvened?"
"Do you believe that I can make you fail the Jonin confidence vote?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen sneered, his tone severe. His usually kind and gentle old face showed a rare dominance.
Danzō's expression froze, and he then argued, "Hiruzen, are you still going to play by the rules?"
"You are not the Hokage yet. Address me by my title!" Hiruzen roared.
Danzō felt very embarrassed and aggrieved, but under Hiruzen's sharp gaze, he had no choice but to lower his head and submit.
"Lord Hokage."
Just you wait until I become Hokage. When I become Hokage, I will definitely get my revenge!
Uh... it seems that even if I become Hokage, I won't be able to get my revenge. The previous Hokage is also a Hokage. I can't make the previous Hokage address me by my title.
Forget it, forget it. Although I can't get my revenge here, Hiruzen can no longer use "I am the Hokage" to suppress me.
Who isn't a Hokage?
If we have a major disagreement, I can still use "I am the Hokage," no, I should use "I am the current Hokage" to suppress Hiruzen.
The thought of such a beautiful scene made Danzō feel less embarrassed and aggrieved.
"You three are really something, to pull this on me."
"My words don't count anymore, do they?"
"I am still the Hokage. Do you believe that I can directly dismiss the three of you from your positions?"
After giving Danzō a show of force, Hiruzen immediately turned his attention to Homura, Koharu, and Shikaku.
The three of them raised their heads and apologized one after another, then lowered their heads and said nothing, looking as if they were admitting their mistake.
This strategy was decided after the four of them had discussed it. They absolutely could not go against him head-on. Otherwise, it would be like adding fuel to the fire, and there would be no good result.
Hiruzen vented for a while. After his anger had subsided, he secretly thought about how to deal with it...
He could reconvene the Land of Fire conference and make Danzō fail the Jonin confidence vote, but the consequences of doing so...
Danzō would definitely not let it go. He would surely cause trouble, and there would be internal strife. Konoha might even fall into civil war.
Konoha's strength was recovering. To deal with the next Great Ninja War and the threat of the masked man, there must be no internal strife!
Besides, he was suffering from a strange illness and didn't know how much longer he had to live...
If he died, his family and the Sarutobi clan would surely be negatively affected.
But to just let him accept the result was something he was unwilling to do. What should he do?
Hmm... I've got it!
"If you want me to accept this result and not cause trouble, Danzō, no, you all have to agree to two conditions of mine."
Homura, Koharu, and Shikaku all stated that any condition was fine, and then they all looked at Danzō with piercing eyes.
"Hiruzen, speak."
Danzō had a very bad premonition, but he had to brace himself and respond.
This time, Hiruzen did not mind the form of address and directly stated the first condition...
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