Chapter 313: Concept for the New Konoha
Watching the farce play out, Yotsuki Dana actually began to console Tobirama Senju.
"Well, Tobirama-senpai, don't get angry. Just forgive them... You three! Although you're amusing, I don't have time to explain Konoha's current situation to you right now. I'll find someone else to tell you. Also, the other Konoha contestants came back with you, right? Explain it to them too."
A moment later, Shikaku Nara arrived again. Speechless, he led the three troublemakers aside to explain. Actually, he had seriously explained everything to all the contestants at the main gate, but these three ran faster than rabbits, forcing him to waste his breath again.
The office quieted down. Tobirama wiped the footprint off his helmet and muttered, "Damn brat of the Uchiha clan... Continuing the previous topic. Regarding the candidates for the new Hokage and Elders, what do you think of this arrangement?"
According to the negotiation agreement, the new leadership team of Konoha had to be approved by the Cloud.
Dana took the document, scanned it, glanced at Tobirama, and shook his head. "The head of the Intelligence Division is also considered part of the original high command. He cannot hold a key position in the new administration, let alone the position of Hokage."
The list Konoha cooked up actually put the current Nara Clan Head in the Hokage position. Leaving aside that Dana didn't want someone adept at calculation sitting there, this also violated the original rules set.
Although in the future structure, the so-called Hokage's power would be greatly diminished—possibly even becoming a figurehead—it was still a figure presented to the public. It had to be satisfactory.
Even if it was a vase, it had to be a vase the Cloud liked.
Seeing the list rejected, Tobirama didn't get angry. "Then do you have a suggestion?"
Dana thought for a moment. "As long as sacrifices are continuously provided, Edo Tensei bodies can exist forever. I actually think if Hashirama-senpai is willing to take up the Hokage mantle again, it would be good for everyone."
Hashirama Senju had magnanimity, honesty, and a unique identity. Most rarely, he was an idealist who could be developed into a "comrade." Putting him in this position would be perfect.
It would also be immensely helpful for Konoha's full integration into the Cloud later, minimizing internal resistance.
"Entering a new era under the leadership of the First Hokage" sounded quite nice.
However, Tobirama shook his head. "Putting aside whether Brother is willing to stay in the living world after this is over... Brother will not agree to return to the position of Hokage. His personality... he dislikes interfering with the living as a dead man. He'd rather carry logs... But to think you'd suggest my brother... Aren't you afraid Konoha will unite as one again?"
Dana kicked his swivel chair, turning sideways to look at the construction site that was Konoha Village outside the window.
"Pros and cons. Hashirama-senpai becoming Hokage again has more pros than cons. Or rather, the cons can be mitigated with effort. In fact, this applies to anyone becoming Hokage—except you, of course. You belong to the 'cons outweigh pros' category."
Tobirama's face darkened.
Dana tapped his fingers rhythmically on the Hokage's desk. After pondering for a long time, he said, "How about this? I'll propose someone, and Tobirama-senpai can help me evaluate. From the First to the Fourth Hokage, all came from ninja clans. You understand the Cloud's educational philosophy. In the future, Konoha must align with the Cloud's policies. Why not choose someone from a civilian background...? What do you think of Minato Namikaze?"
"Minato Namikaze...?"
Dana had multiple considerations for this nomination. First, as he told Tobirama, for future integration, putting a civilian in this position was more advantageous. Moreover, Minato's reputation barely met the passing line for Hokage candidates.
Second, Minato had a gentler personality and was somewhat idealistic, making him easier to control.
A civilian Hokage could also break up and restructure some existing interests in Konoha.
The only trouble was that Minato belonged to the original Hokage faction, being Sakumo Hatake's disciple...
But in the vast Konoha, it was either the Hokage faction or the Ninja Clan faction. Comparatively, Minato at least had a civilian identity, allowing for a more diverse distribution of power.
Among civilians, no one else was presentable.
Dana continued, "Of course, for balance, since the Hokage is a civilian, the Elders should be selected from the ninja clans."
Tobirama raised an eyebrow, quickly realizing Dana's intent. "Civilian Hokage paired with Clan Elders... Mutual balance is fake; mutual restraint is the truth, isn't it...?"
"Tobirama-senpai is clever indeed. This is actually good for everyone..."
"Then I guess you already have candidates for the two Elders in mind?"
According to the agreement, the position of Inspector would be retained. The power to appoint and dismiss Elders lay with the Inspector, not the Hokage. It was naturally designed to check the Hokage's power.
The so-called Elders were actually the power territory the Cloud reserved for itself within Konoha's high command. Naturally, they had to be chosen with self-interest in mind.
"I have some tentative ideas. For the two Elders... why not give them to the Hyuga and Uchiha?"
Ino-Shika-Cho were too united. Sarutobi and Shimura were out of the question. Others like Aburame and Inuzuka were too small to convince the masses.
Calculating everything, only the two legendary dojutsu clans, Uchiha and Hyuga, remained.
The Uchiha was a treasure trove; good things could grow from that land, useful for the future. And the Hyuga were chosen to solve some troubles.
Tobirama frowned. "You want to use the Uchiha? Do you understand that clan? Be careful of future backlash."
Dana said, "I know Tobirama-senpai has some prejudice against the Uchiha, but I don't care."
Just as they were about to discuss details, the door to the Hokage's office was pushed open again. A certain guy had returned.
Dana's face collapsed, veins throbbing on his forehead. "I wanted to say this earlier. Although I haven't interfered in these matters, isn't the security of the Hokage Building a bit too lax? Can anyone just walk in here?"
Tobirama said, "Maybe everyone is busy with reconstruction, so they aren't watching the village kids so strictly..."
Obito Uchiha walked in with his chest out and head high, though clearly nervous, breathing heavily through his nose. "I heard Senior Shikaku explain everything. I understand the general situation. I, Obito Uchiha, will remember the grudge of besieging Konoha! But I cannot ignore another matter!"
Dana just wanted to give him another Thousand Years of Death. His fierce glare made Obito subconsciously cover his butt.
But he still mustered the courage to say what he wanted. "I heard the village is re-selecting the Hokage. Then I must stand up! I want to run for Hokage! And become the Fifth Hokage! I will lead Konoha to regain its dignity!"
Dana waved his hand dismissively. "Okay, okay, fine, fine. I agree. You can go now."
Obito didn't expect it to be so smooth. Uncertainly, he asked, "That simple?"
Dana said, "That simple. As long as more than half the people agree, theoretically anyone can become Hokage. Young man, go work hard to get votes. Now get out. Remember to close the door. Come back again and I'll beat you!"
As Obito was shoved out of the Hokage's office, he was still a bit dazed.
"Does this mean... my dream is about to come true?"