Naruto: Unlocking Kaido Template

On the other side, Konohagakure, which had been ravaged by Orochimaru and his forces, was brightly lit. Despite the destruction, the village had to properly honor the passing of the Third Hokage. At the very least, they held a formal and respectable memorial service for him during the day.

Everyone wore solemn black mourning robes, their expressions as heavy as the atmosphere. It was certainly not an occasion for laughter.

Mourners silently placed white flowers on the altar before Sarutobi Hiruzen's portrait, their heads bowed in reverence. The only sound breaking the silence was the loud cries of a young boy, no more than seven or eight years old, a long blue scarf dragging on the ground as he sobbed uncontrollably.

"Aaaaaah! Grandpa!"

This child was none other than Sarutobi Hiruzen's grandson, Sarutobi Konohamaru. Even his name was a testament to the Third Hokage's expectations and ambitions for him.

A middle-aged man with a short beard extinguished his cigarette, exhaled a puff of smoke, and patted Konohamaru's back with a sigh.

He understood that while the Sarutobi Clan's good days weren't necessarily over, they certainly wouldn't be as comfortable as they had been under Hiruzen's rule.

Once the memorial concluded, life in the village resumed. The most pressing matter now was the vacant position of Hokage and the search for a suitable successor.

In a high-rise council building, several elder officials sat in a circular formation, engaged in a serious discussion.

"The envoy from Sunagakure delivered a message earlier," an elder reported. "They confirmed that the Fourth Kazekage had been assassinated by Orochimaru. Their attack on Konoha was due to false orders from him. As a gesture of sincerity and a desire for peace, Sunagakure is offering a large amount of reparations in supplies and funds to aid in Konoha's reconstruction."

The council members exchanged knowing glances. None of them were ignorant of the situation—Orochimaru's deception had been obvious. Still, considering the damage Konoha suffered, Sunagakure's compensation was a necessary means to restore stability.

"Another issue," the elder continued. "During the attack, several Hyūga branch members, along with some shinobi and civilians, have gone missing."

Before he could elaborate, a voice interrupted him.

"Forget about them. Move to the next issue."

Danzo Shimura, his right eye hidden beneath a bandage, waved dismissively. His remaining eye gleamed with a sharpness that made others avert their gaze.

He had already been in contact with Orochimaru about this matter. Losing a few members of the Hyūga branch was insignificant. Their Byakugan was nothing compared to the power of the Sharingan. Could the Byakugan awaken techniques like "Kotoamatsukami" or "Izanagi"? No. It was a weak bloodline, unworthy of concern.

"There's one more thing," the elder hesitated. "In the forest outside the village, on the scorched battlefield, witnesses reported seeing a dragon and a large feline. The feline has been identified as the One-Tailed Jinchūriki from Sunagakure. However, the dragon's identity remains unknown. Additionally, during the battle, our own Nine-Tails Jinchūriki was active, along with a descendant of the Uchiha Clan."

Danzo scoffed, waving his hand impatiently. "Is that all? Let's talk about something that actually matters. The Hokage selection."

The elder, sensing Danzo's piercing gaze, swallowed nervously and quickly changed the subject.

"...The Third Hokage's sacrifice was untimely, but our priority now is appointing a new Hokage to lead the village."

"Finally," Danzo thought to himself. "Now we're getting somewhere. This is what truly matters."

"After much deliberation, we have compiled a list of candidates..."

"Jiraiya."

"Huh?"

Jiraiya, who had been lazily lounging, snapped to attention, looking bewildered. He had long been disillusioned with Konoha's politics and preferred to wander freely. He had no interest in becoming Hokage.

More importantly, Naruto's transformation into the Nine-Tails Beast had left his chakra unstable, further influenced by the Nine-Tails' presence. Jiraiya needed to find a way to suppress or eliminate the Nine-Tails' chakra within Naruto before it spiraled out of control.

"I refuse," Jiraiya stated bluntly. "It would be irresponsible to make someone like me, who's rarely in the village, the Hokage. Besides, I value my freedom and have no desire to be tied down."

The elder cleared his throat awkwardly. "Then... next candidate, Hatake Kakashi."

Kakashi, engrossed in reading Icha Icha Paradise, suddenly shuddered as he heard his name.

"Me?" He hesitated before standing. "I... I don't think I'm fit for the role. I lack the necessary strength and experience. But if the village truly needs me, I won't refuse."

Kakashi knew his own capabilities. He was still at the level of an elite jōnin, and while he sensed that his Sharingan had the potential to awaken further, it had yet to happen.

Still, if the village required him to take responsibility, he would accept.

"Well... next on the list... Danzo Shimura."

Danzo, who had been suppressing his irritation, instantly perked up. He rose with a confident smile, already envisioning himself donning the Hokage's robes, standing tall as Konoha's supreme leader.

"Sarutobi, you basked in the sun as the leaves flourished. I have remained in the shadows, the root of Konoha. But now, even the root must see the light. Under my leadership, Konoha will become stronger than ever."

His mind raced with thoughts of how he would fulfill Tobirama's ideals. Sarutobi Hiruzen was weak. But I, Shimura Danzo, will complete what he failed to accomplish.

As he stepped forward, ready to claim his long-coveted position, a loud voice interrupted him.

"Ahem, I think it's my duty to step up for Konoha. Although I don't think I'll be the best Hokage, given the circumstances, I'm willing to take on the role."

Jiraiya's voice rang clear.

Initially, he had no intention of accepting the position. But the thought of Danzo leading Konoha was unbearable. Under Sarutobi's rule, Konoha had already suffered enough. If someone even more ruthless were to take over, the consequences would be unimaginable.

Danzo clenched his fists, resisting the urge to curse. His irritation deepened as the room erupted into applause, supporting Jiraiya's nomination.

Even the daimyō, who had been half-asleep, stirred at the sound. Rubbing his eyes, he glanced down at Jiraiya standing beneath the lights and assumed the decision had been finalized.

"Very well. Jiraiya shall be the Fifth Hokage," the daimyō declared with a yawn.

Danzo's face darkened. But he forced a smile, suppressing his rage as he uttered his final words.

"I am willing to assist Hokage-sama and remain the root in the darkness..."

A perfect display of what it meant to "smile on the outside while cursing on the inside."

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