Chapter 352: Retreat as a Strategy
The Hokage's office fell into an uneasy silence. After a long pause, Hiruzen Sarutobi's face showed a look of resignation and defeat. But the jounin present were far too seasoned to be moved by any show of emotion; years on the battlefield had taught them to be cold, even ruthless.
Taking a deep drag from his pipe, Hiruzen sighed. "You're right, Shikaku. I am getting old, and it may not be right for me to keep sitting here." With a heavy tone, he continued, "It's time to gather the jounin council and select the Fifth Hokage."
Hearing him acquiesce, everyone seemed to breathe a sigh of relief, inwardly celebrating the unexpected ease with which Sarutobi had agreed. But Kakashi didn't share their confidence. He cast a skeptical glance at Hiruzen, knowing better than to trust such a straightforward retreat. After all, the information Ye Wen had provided on Sarutobi's complex nature included a detailed analysis of his tactics.
"Retreat to advance…" Kakashi mused silently, his expression hardening. But now he held absolute faith in his own newfound power and would not be deterred by any of Hiruzen's tricks.
The jounin assembly was called promptly; only jounin with considerable influence and leadership roles could participate, as these individuals were the foundation of Konoha's strength. Standing before them as the meeting's facilitator, Shikaku Nara cleared his throat.
"Ahem, as today's meeting host, I'd like to announce our agenda: to nominate and choose the Fifth Hokage," Shikaku began, scanning the attentive faces in the room. "Let's proceed by putting forward nominations for your chosen candidate."
As small slips of paper bearing different names piled up on the table, Shikaku sifted through the options thoughtfully. The likely candidates were well known, and there were few surprises.
Finally, Shikaku began writing the shortlisted names on a board: Tsunade, Jiraiya, Kakashi Hatake, Asuma Sarutobi, Fugaku Uchiha, Hiashi Hyuga, and himself, Shikaku Nara. He even let out a small, reluctant chuckle upon seeing his own name nominated, knowing that someone was stirring up trouble by including him. And Asuma's inclusion was clearly an attempt by some to support Sarutobi's interests, even though Asuma had been away from the village in the Twelve Guardian Ninja, a prestigious yet politically weightless position.
Unperturbed by such interference, Shikaku continued, "Let the voting begin." The assembly proceeded with remarkable order, and it wasn't long before the ballots were tallied. Kakashi had secured a resounding victory with seventy seven votes, far surpassing any other candidate.
Just as Shikaku was about to announce Kakashi as the new Hokage, Hiruzen's voice cut through the room.
"One moment."
All eyes turned toward the elderly Third Hokage, who was dressed in his ceremonial robes, looking resolutely around the room.
"As much as I respect your choice and the support Kakashi has garnered, I cannot, in good conscience, allow this appointment to proceed without addressing a grave concern. Kakashi has been in contact with an unknown individual whose intentions are as yet unclear. This raises doubts, and we cannot afford any uncertainty in a role as vital as the Hokage."
Shikaku's brow furrowed in thought. He could easily connect Hiruzen's vague accusations to the unusual techniques Kakashi had demonstrated. But in his mind, such power should inspire confidence, not suspicion. Maintaining his diplomatic tone, Shikaku asked, "With all due respect, Third Hokage, could you clarify what threat this encounter presents? Unless you can convince those gathered here, it may be difficult for us to consider delaying Kakashi's appointment."
Feeling a flicker of uncertainty, Hiruzen glanced around the room, sensing the mounting resistance. But he stood his ground, determined not to let Kakashi advance uncontested.
Hiruzen unfurled a scroll onto the desk in front of him, recounting the ANBU's mission report from the day before. "Kakashi, explain this encounter. Who is this mysterious person, and why did you kneel before him? If you cannot clarify these actions, you cannot assume the Hokage mantle. Konoha cannot entrust its future to someone who submits to an unknown entity."
His words, delivered with grave conviction, stirred unease among the assembled jounin, especially those who had grown up under Hiruzen's influence. But the clan leaders were unmoved, each watching Kakashi with intense interest, waiting to see if he could match his newfound strength with political savvy.
Kakashi glanced impassively at the scroll on the table, containing meticulous details of his encounter. He had expected Hiruzen's move and had already prepared his response.
Without a word, he withdrew a storage scroll and set it down. After a quick series of seals, the scroll's contents a set of six imposing scrolls appeared. The sight of these scrolls piqued the interest of the jounin, who exchanged curious glances. What could these contain that gave Kakashi such confidence?
Upon seeing the scrolls, Hiruzen's face paled, his shock evident. "Kakashi, how did you obtain those?"
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