Hearing Aoki's shout, Kakashi and the others were momentarily stunned. But when they personally witnessed the First Hokage's Wood Release, the Second Hokage's various Ninjutsu, and the Fourth Hokage's Flying Thunder God Technique, they were already convinced in their hearts that these people were indeed Konoha's successive Hokage.
Kakashi hesitated for a moment, then slowly walked up to Aoki. Noticing that Aoki was also wearing the Fourth Hokage's God Robe, he was momentarily speechless. After a long pause, he finally managed to utter, "Lord Fourth Hokage."
"Kakashi, these two old fellows are entrusted to you," Aoki ordered. "Take them, along with this evidence, and make a public announcement to the entire village!"
Faced with Aoki's command, Kakashi felt a moment of hesitation. But when he looked at Obito beside him, and Obito nodded at him, Kakashi no longer hesitated. He immediately took Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane into custody, picked up the evidence from the ground, and turned to leave.
After Kakashi left, everyone once again surrounded Sarutobi Hiruzen and Danzo. Feeling the gazes of the crowd, fine beads of cold sweat broke out on Hiruzen's forehead, his heart in turmoil.
Fearing that he would be tortured in countless ways before meeting a miserable death, he hurriedly began to make excuses: "All Hokage-samas, and Sensei! I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, can examine my conscience and say that although I haven't accomplished earth-shattering feats for Konoha, I have also dedicated my heart and soul to developing the village into the number one Hidden Village in the Ninja World! Please, do not negate everything I have done just because of my past mistakes!"
As he spoke, Hiruzen wiped away tears of remorse, portraying himself as a loyal minister wholly devoted to Konoha. Aoki and the others watched quietly, curious to see what other astonishing words this old man could come up with.
Seeing that Aoki and the others did not immediately take action, Hiruzen felt he could further play the victim and show weakness. He intensified his tone: "First Hokage-sama, Sensei, Tsunade, when I conducted experiments on the Senju Clan members, my original intention was for Konoha's glory—to cultivate powerful ninja who could master Wood Release, revitalize the Senju Clan, and inherit the First Hokage-sama's will!"
"Although the experiments ultimately failed, Sensei, I never intended to exterminate your clan. I terminated the experiments in time. Everything I did was sincerely for Konoha's sake!"
Listening to Hiruzen's shameless defense, even going so far as to whitewash his evil deeds as being for Konoha's benefit, veins bulged on Senju Hashirama and Senju Tobirama's foreheads, their anger surging. These words were nothing short of betrayal, allowing everyone to see his true nature clearly.
Before Hiruzen could finish speaking, Tobirama swiftly formed hand seals, and a Water Release technique shot toward him.
"Water Release: Water Severing Wave!"
The high-pressure water stream instantly struck Hiruzen's arm, cleanly severing it. Seeing this, Hashirama also immediately acted. Clapping his hands together, a small red torii gate descended from the sky. The power of Rashōmon spread out, forming a powerful pressure that sealed Hiruzen's Chakra, preventing him from even using the Substitution Technique and leaving him with no means of escape.
Sarutobi Hiruzen was pinned firmly to the ground, unable to move, his breathing growing labored. Tobirama took a deep look at the aged Hiruzen and ultimately said nothing.
In the next moment, he unleashed another high-pressure water jet that pierced straight through Sarutobi Hiruzen's skull, ending his life. This was perhaps the final mercy a teacher could show his student.
With Hiruzen dealt with, only Danzo remained on the scene. Compared to Hiruzen, Danzo's will to resist was far stronger. Without hesitation, he unsealed the binding on his right arm, revealing the limb implanted with Hashirama Cells and several Sharingan.
Seeing Hashirama's face on Danzo's arm, Madara Uchiha's rage ignited instantly. Hashirama was the person he cherished most in this life, and now someone had not only studied him but also transplanted his cells into their body—something Madara could never tolerate.
In an instant, Madara's Sharingan evolved into the Mangekyo Sharingan. He appeared before Danzo in a flash, gripping his throat with one hand, his crimson eyes fixed coldly on the arm as he spoke in an icy tone, "How do you wish to die?"
Caught off guard, Danzo had no time to react.
Holding Danzo like an insect, Madara's furious question was met with unwavering defiance. Danzo spat out several vacuum blades from his mouth. Madara snorted coldly, casually tossing Danzo into the air while summoning two Swords of Susanoo, striking from both sides to slash at Danzo mid-air.
Thud!
The speed was extreme, leaving Danzo no chance to resist. The two swords instantly cleaved him in half.
But Madara wasn't finished. He controlled the Swords of Susanoo to strike another location. With a flash of blade light and the shattering of a Genjutsu, Danzo's horrified figure reappeared. "Hmph! The abilities of the Uchiha Clan are not something an outsider like you can casually wield!"
With those words, Madara swung his sword again, aiming for Danzo's revealed position. This time, although Danzo used Izanagi to evade death once more, Shisui's Sharingan lost all its light.
Staring at the Chakra blade piercing his body, Danzo finally breathed his last. Madara's fury still unquelled, he ignited Danzo's upper body, ensuring no one would ever covet Hashirama Cells again.
After all this, Kakashi finally understood everything Obito had told him earlier.
Nearby, Guy and the others watched in stunned silence. Obito patted Kakashi's shoulder, and Kakashi smiled, saying, "Obito, congratulations on becoming Hokage in your world. Your dream came true."
Obito laughed too, teasing, "Likewise. In my world, you're always nagging me!"
Everyone burst into laughter. Obito spoke up, "Hahaha, let's go. Everything's settled. It's time for the final decision."
With that, he led Kakashi and the other Jonin to stand before Aoki and the others. Aoki looked at the group and asked, "Everyone, what are your thoughts on the Hokage candidate for this world?"
They fell into contemplation. The current problem was that in this world's Konoha, the strong had either perished or left, creating a severe gap in strength.
Aoki's gaze settled on Kakashi as he said, "I propose that Kakashi become the Fifth Hokage of this world. Does anyone object?"
All eyes turned to this world's Kakashi, with Obito naturally being the first to express agreement.
Aoki also considered that having two Tsunades in the chat group made it difficult to distinguish between them, and Kakashi's talent was undeniable. If not for the successive blows of his father's death, Rin's death, his own struggles, and the passing of the Fourth Hokage, which plunged him into despondency, his strength would undoubtedly have been exceptionally formidable, far surpassing others.
"Good!" Aoki declared loudly. "I agree that Kakashi should become the Fifth Hokage. Those in favor, please raise your hands!"
As his words fell, Hashirama and the others exchanged glances, looking at Kakashi and then at the others in the Leaf Village. They all understood that no one was more suitable than Kakashi at this moment. Everyone raised their hands, passing the motion unanimously.
"Excellent! It's settled then. Kakashi will be the new Hokage of this world!" Aoki officially announced.
The decision was quickly reached. Though Kakashi had no grounds to object, he was directly thrust into the position of Hokage. As for any dissent within the village, it would likely be thoroughly suppressed. Those individuals would probably be sent to the Forest of Death to become nourishment for the plants and trees.
With the Hokages as witnesses, Kakashi officially assumed the role of the Fifth Hokage of the Leaf Village. With Obito by his side offering guidance, Kakashi quickly reignited his fighting spirit. Seeing this, Obito smiled with relief.
"Well then, Kakashi, develop this world's Konoha properly. Don't let me surpass you."
With those words, Obito returned to the chat group along with Aoki and the others.
Not long after everyone left, a notification suddenly sounded in Kakashi's mind.
[Ding! You have joined the Konoha Hokage Chat Group. Please continue participating in the Hokage Gathering on behalf of this world!]
Hearing this notification, Kakashi finally understood that this was the Hokage Chat Group Obito had mentioned. Without hesitation, he chose to join, and in an instant, a dazzling light enveloped him.
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