- Hiding? Not at all! - The man snorted derisively, glaring at the kunoichi. - I only served Konoha where I was needed, unlike some.
He didn't even need to add anything - the slightest hint hit the target and the sannin had a hard time suppressing the rage that flared up, realizing that this was neither the place nor the time. The promising look she gave the jonin, however, spoke for itself.
Perhaps their verbal altercation would have continued to amuse the assembled ninja, but at that moment the doors of the hall opened and Daimyo and his entourage of six men, two of them guards, entered, and all conversation ceased.
Those present rose from their seats and exchanged polite bows with the ruler of the Fire Nation. Waving a graceful fan, he traditionally took a seat at the head of the table, next to the Kage's currently empty seat. The meeting has begun.
- I thank you all for your presence," Elder Mitokado, who was not down with everyone, began his speech, fixing his glasses meaningfully, "and the first agenda for today is the election of the Fourth Hokage, and the floor is given to those who wish to nominate their candidates.
Almost everyone turned to Sarutobi, giving him the right to vote. It was a farce, but even ninjas had to follow the rules, even though all the possible candidates were already well known. Bureaucracy be damned!
Past Kage Leafs may have been appointed literally on the battlefield, but by the letter of the law, this is an elected position and everything must be registered accordingly.
- I nominate my apprentice Orochimaru as a candidate for the position of the Fourth Hokage," Sarutobi stood up, "You all know him well, and there is no need to list his many accomplishments, both in war and peace, but I will add that I am fully confident in Orochimaru's personal qualities and the Will of Fire that he possesses to lead new generations of Konoha ninja.
Despite his involuntary expectations, Hiruzen was surprisingly brief in his speech, not going off on a tangent and not promoting his favorite ideology.
Following him, Shenesu lazily rose from his seat, apparently chosen by the coalition to represent our candidate.
- I nominate Hatake Sakumo as a candidate for the position of the next Kage," his uncle began, looking around the room, "this shinobi needs no introduction - his numerous feats are known to almost everyone in our village, and his fame has spread far beyond the Fire Nation....
The snake sannin is known more as a teammate than a player in his own right, but Sakumo has made his mark in many places.
- ...While the position of Hokage requires a great deal of personal power, it also requires a great deal of organizational and managerial skills, which Hatake-san possesses as the head of the clan, unlike Orochimaru-san, who has no such experience," Shenesu said, "and because of his reputation, you can be sure that the new Hokage will not use his power for personal gain.
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