Marvel: Trading with Worlds

The Jōnin seemed paralyzed, unsure of how to speak. Even the ninja chiefs and the Sannin in the front row were silent.

Although Hyuga Hiashi was young, he kept his composure, sitting calmly with his eyes closed in meditation. 

The other ninja chiefs, except for the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, followed the Hyuga patriarch's lead, though they lacked the Hyuga clan's aristocratic traditions.

As for the Sannin, Orochimaru watched the scene unfold the entire time, only interrupting to warn Nara Shikaku.

 Tsunade kept frowning and biting her nails, while Jiraiya fidgeted as if there were nails under the cushion.

At that moment, Sarutobi Hiruzen began to understand why the daimyo was being so tough—his confidence lay in the next Hokage, likely Orochimaru. 

When Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced at Orochimaru, the latter smiled back at him.

'Orochimaru, I will never let you succeed!'

After a long silence, Sarutobi Hiruzen spoke slowly: "...I understand what lord daimyo means. Five days from now..."

The daimyo suddenly interrupted him, saying, "Aren't all the Jōnin in the village here? If the Hokage is to be elected, when would be better than now?"

Sarutobi Hiruzen couldn't help but respond angrily, "Isn't the Hokage election a matter of great importance, daimyo? Don't go too far!"

"It should be Konoha that has gone too far. The Daimyo Mansion trusted Konoha so much, yet all they've received in return is deception!"

The Fire Nation daimyo slammed his fist on the table and yelled in frustration. He then grabbed the evidence on the side and tossed it in front of Sarutobi Hiruzen. 

However, his throw lacked strength and skill, and the papers landed just short of Sarutobi Hiruzen, falling harmlessly to the ground.

Despite the miss, the daimyo's action caused most of the Jōnin present to feel ashamed. What they had learned in ninja school was the importance of respecting the employer and upholding the ninja spirit. 

Instead of feeling proud, they lowered their heads in shame.

'Blame Utatane Koharu and...'

More than one person thought this way. Among the hundreds of Jōnin present, at least one-third of them shared this sentiment.

Sarutobi Hiruzen glanced around. Most of the Jōnin had their heads down, and he couldn't find many who supported him. 

As for Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, their reputations had been tarnished, and it would only make matters worse if they spoke up now.

Danzo, meanwhile, was like a sick dog—no matter how loudly he barked, he couldn't scare the Fire Country daimyo.

Sarutobi Hiruzen slowly closed his eyes and, with a heavy sigh, said, "As you wish, Daimyo-sama. We will hold the Hokage election now."

After saying this, Sarutobi Hiruzen seemed to age ten years.

The Hokage election itself was simple. The only official election had been when the First Hokage was appointed. 

It was held grandly to celebrate the founding of the village. The Second Hokage had inherited the position directly through his strength and prestige, and the Third Hokage had been appointed on the battlefield.

In reality, there was no fixed process for this. There had only been three instances, each different from the last, so there was no reference point.

The Fourth Hokage's election had been similarly unique, marked by severe conflict between the Daimyo and Konoha, with even the possibility of separation. 

Under these circumstances, the Hokage election was held.

In fact, at Sarutobi Hiruzen's age, he was still in his prime.

"In terms of contribution and strength, the people in the village who support Hokage candidates are Orochimaru-sama, Jiraiya-sama, Tsunade-sama, and Namikaze Minato Jōnin."

Nara Shikaku spoke to everyone. Namikaze Minato, though young, was on par with the Sannin in terms of military achievements and strength. 

Tsunade was so powerful that even Orochimaru had to admit that she was a formidable opponent.

"Since all the Jōnin are present, we will tentatively allocate one vote per person: twenty votes for the daimyo, three votes for the Minister of the Fire Nation, and the person with the highest number of votes will become the Fourth Hokage."

This was the only solution Nara could think of. He could only hope that Namikaze Minato would be more popular within the village.

However, the votes held by the daimyo and the Minister of the Fire Nation were an unexpected addition. 

This was a request from the daimyo, which Sarutobi Hiruzen and the others had not contested. As a result, Nara Shikaku had no choice but to accept.

Before Nara could finish speaking, Tsunade interrupted: "You don't need to add me. I recommend Orochimaru."

After Tsunade spoke, Jiraiya and Sarutobi Hiruzen's faces both soured. Meanwhile, the medical Jōnin present nodded slightly, as if they had received a signal. 

Some civilian ninjas, uncertain of who to vote for, seemed to have found a target.

Jiraiya quickly chimed in, "I also abstain. I support Minato. He's the most suitable ninja for Hokage in terms of strength and quality."

'If you're going to abstain, then abstain! Don't try to rally support', Tsunade thought, giving Jiraiya a contemptuous look. It was just like him to not admit defeat.

But with Tsunade at the forefront and Jiraiya trailing behind, his words didn't have much of an impact.

Nara Shikaku sighed inwardly and said, "Then the only candidates are Namikaze Minato and Orochimaru-sama. Colleagues, please cast your votes."

Soon, everyone wrote down their choice for the Fourth Hokage on their notes. Nara Shikaku was in charge of counting the votes, and he didn't dare try any tricks with so many eyes on him.

The votes were quickly counted, and Nara felt a sense of helplessness, but he had no choice but to announce the result: "Namikaze Minato Jōnin, forty-five votes. Orochimaru-sama, one hundred and ninety-seven votes. The Fourth Hokage is Orochimaru-sama."

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