Many keen Jonin realized that this meeting would likely determine Konoha's future direction, perhaps even... a reshuffling of power.
Despite their hearts being filled with dissatisfaction, doubt, and even indignation, as the backbone of Konoha, they still dropped their current tasks at the fastest speed and rushed toward the meeting room.
When Hiruzen Sarutobi stepped into the meeting room, he deliberately slowed his pace, almost subconsciously hoping that he would still be the first to receive the respectful gazes of his subordinates.
However, the expected unison of greetings did not focus entirely on him.
"Lady Tsunade!"
"Lord Jiraiya!"
Most Jonin's gazes instinctively bypassed the Third Hokage walking at the very front, casting their sincere respect and even a certain expectation toward Tsunade and Jiraiya following behind him!
These two legendary Sannin—especially after the heavenly screen revealed that Tsunade would become the Fifth Hokage in the future—held a weight and symbolic meaning in their hearts that had already surpassed this aging Third Hokage, who was deeply mired in a crisis of trust.
Hiruzen Sarutobi's footsteps faltered imperceptibly for a moment as a mix of bitterness, embarrassment, and loss instantly surged into his heart.
Was he... so unpopular now?
At the very least, he was still the Hokage in name!
These Jonin, whom he had personally promoted and entrusted with heavy responsibilities, had actually begun to... ignore him?
Nara Shikaku stood in the crowd, keenly capturing this subtle scene.
He saw the Third Hokage's momentarily stiff back, as well as the solemnity and determination on the faces of Tsunade and Jiraiya that were different from their previous returns.
Combined with this emergency meeting and the absence of the two Advisors, Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu... a thought exploded in his mind like a flash of lightning:
A power transfer!
Not in preparation, but... in the present progressive!
His heart shook violently, but his face remained habitually calm; he only slightly lowered his eyes, concealing the stormy waves within.
The world of Konoha was truly about to change.
Hiruzen Sarutobi endured the discomfort in his heart and walked to the front.
He did not sit directly in the main seat as usual, but paused, his gaze sweeping over the familiar faces below that now seemed to be covered by a layer of gauze.
He saw scrutiny, he saw doubt, and he even saw an undisguised detachment in some people's eyes.
Hiruzen Sarutobi took a deep breath, knowing that the era belonging to him had, at this moment, effectively ended.
He no longer hesitated, and using a voice that carried a hint of raspiness and fatigue yet strove to maintain a final shred of dignity, he began to speak:
"Everyone, I have called this emergency meeting to announce an important decision concerning Konoha's future."
"Due to the recent events with the heavenly screen, I presume everyone is already aware. Konoha... is facing an unprecedented crisis of trust and external pressure. Many... past events have been revealed, sparking much criticism of our Konoha within the Ninja World."
He paused, his gaze sweeping over the audience, only to find it difficult to even meet the eyes of his once-familiar subordinates.
"As the Third Hokage, I... am to blame. For the sake of Konoha's future and to better face the upcoming challenges, I have decided... to resign from the position of Hokage."
These words were like a stone thrown into a calm lake; a wave of suppressed gasps and whispers rose from the audience.
Hiruzen Sarutobi did not leave much time for everyone to digest the shock; almost immediately, he used all his strength to say the next sentence:
"At the same time, in my personal capacity, I solemnly recommend... Tsunade to inherit the position of Fifth Hokage! Does anyone... have any objections?"
In the depths of his heart, he even pathetically and secretly hoped that someone would stand up, even if only symbolically, to ask him to stay, saying something polite like, "Lord Third, Konoha still needs you."
At least that would prove that his decades of dedication were not entirely forgotten.
However—
"I support Lady Tsunade!"
"Agreed! Lady Tsunade is the most suitable candidate!"
"We have no objections to Lady Tsunade succeeding as the fifth generation!"
"Konoha needs a powerhouse like Lady Tsunade right now to stabilize the situation!"
Almost the instant his voice fell, waves of unhesitating support rang out from below!
The voices were so unified and the attitude so firm that they even carried a sense of... urgent relief!
These Jonin, whether from great clans or commoner backgrounds, were almost unanimous in their support for Tsunade's succession.
On one hand, the illustrious fame of Tsunade as one of the "Sannin" and her top-tier Medical Ninjutsu were such that many present had either been saved by her personally or had subordinates and relatives who benefited from the Medical Ninja System she pushed to establish; her prestige was second to none.
On the other hand, everyone knew that in the face of Konoha's current mess—internal strife, external threats, and a ruined reputation—they needed someone with a strong personality, a decisive style, and a clear break from the darkness of the past like Tsunade to turn the tide!
Seeing those faces looking eagerly toward Tsunade as if seeing a savior, and hearing those unattached, impatient voices of support... Hiruzen Sarutobi felt a surge of blood rush to his head, his face burning, wishing he could immediately turn and flee from this place that made him feel so ashamed!
Not even a single fake pleasantry?
In your hearts, am I really... so unbearable, so desperately in need of being replaced?
He tightly clenched his fists hidden inside his sleeves, his nails digging deep into his palms, just to barely maintain that last bit of stiff "calmness" belonging to a Hokage.
The shift in people's loyalty, at this moment, appeared so cold and real.
Hiruzen Sarutobi almost gritted his teeth as he squeezed out the words: "Since everyone... has no objections... then... Tsunade, why don't you say a few words."
He stepped aside somewhat staggeringly from the center of the podium, the place where he had stood for decades.
His back appeared exceptionally hunched and lonely at this moment, as if all his spirit had been instantly drained away with the transfer of power.
Since the decision had been made, Tsunade did not hesitate in the slightest.
She straightened her spine and, with firm and powerful steps, walked to the main seat that symbolized Konoha's supreme power.
The moment she stood still, the entire meeting room seemed to brighten significantly.
Tsunade scanned the audience, her gaze sweeping over every face, familiar or strange, taking in all the looks of expectation, trust, and even a bit of unease.
She did not look at the ashen-faced Hiruzen Sarutobi beside her; in her eyes, there was only the future of Konoha and the past that must be settled.