"It can be said... Orochimaru is indeed a talented genius in these turbulent times."

"However, malice and ambition hide in his eyes, and the weight of the Hokage's responsibility cannot be entrusted to such a person."

Seeing the eyes of everyone present focused on him, Lord Third, after a brief contemplation, stood up from his seat and spoke.

Although Orochimaru was once his most promising disciple, in recent years, Orochimaru's path had veered further and further away from Lord Third's initial expectations. Moreover, Orochimaru had colluded with Danzo in secret.

With a heavy heart, and possessing the will of the Fire, Lord Third absolutely could not allow Konoha, painstakingly built by the previous Hokages, to fall into the hands of individuals like Danzo and Orochimaru.

"Lord Third!"

Just as it seemed that Orochimaru, his collaborator, was about to be pushed into the seat of Hokage. Danzo couldn't help but stand up. But Before he could say anything Sarutobi cut him off.

"I recommend Minato Namikaze."

Ignoring Danzo's opposition who had stood up on the side, Lord Third continued to speak, expressing his ideal candidate.

"Jiraiya's disciple, and thus my grand student."

Hearing Lord Third's proposed candidate, another Konoha elder, Utatane Koharu, spoke up to supplement, "He is an elite ninja known as the Yellow Flash. Indeed, he is a good choice."

At this point, another high-ranking Konoha official, Mitokado Homura, also spoke up. "Oh? The Yellow Flash?"

Hearing Lord Third's recommended candidate, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire, sitting in the main seat, brightened. The ministers of the Land of Fire present began to whisper among themselves.

Indeed, compared to the gloomy and ruthless Orochimaru, Minato Namikaze, the bright and positive Yellow Flash, seemed more fitting for the positive image expected of the leader of one of the Five Great Ninja Villages. The title of the Yellow Flash had risen like a comet on the battlefield in recent years, and almost everyone in the ninja world knew about it. In terms of strength, he had already reached the level of a Kage.

"But Minato is still too young!"

Seeing that the Daimyo of the Land of Fire and the ministers were about to be persuaded by Lord Third, Danzo became anxious.

"Minato won the victory at the battle of kikyo pass, a significant contributor to bringing the Third Ninja World War to an end.

"If you think he's too young, then the alternative candidate I recommend will surely surprise you."

Danzo, as expected, stood up to oppose Lord Third, but Lord Third interrupted Danzo's words and placed a document on the conference table in front of everyone.

"What is this?!"

Seeing the document Lord Third placed on the table, everyone present was stunned.

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"Lord Third... In the past year, the death rate of Konoha Ninja in the hospital is only 10%?!"

Taking the document in front of him and flipping through the recorded data, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire showed a look of shock on his face.

"Yes, and the data also shows that the death rate of Konoha ninjas during missions has decreased by nearly sixty percentage points compared to before. It's truly astonishing data."

Similarly, looking at this data report in front of them, another minister of the Land of Fire couldn't help but express surprise.

"Hehe..."

"All thanks to that kid, Yakushi Yu, who became the head of the Konoha medical team last year. The data he brought in..."

Seeing the astonishment on everyone's faces, Lord Third continued speaking with a smile.

"Moreover, the Medical Seal he developed last year is a significant achievement that can change the current configuration of ninja teams in the ninja world."

"The significant reduction in casualties and the hard-won advantage of our front-line ninjas in this war are largely credited to the Medical Seal."

"Sarutobi! Could it be...?!"

Hearing Lord Third mention this name in such an important meeting, Danzo was suddenly shocked.

"Yakushi Yu?"

"Could it be the Scarlet Yu who has recently gained fame on the battlefield?"

After hearing Lord Third's words, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire showed a keen interest on his face, and the surrounding ministers began to whisper.

Apparently, all the lords and ministers of the Land of Fire present had heard of the name that had rapidly risen like a new star on the battlefield.

"That's right, Scarlet Yu is Lord Third's direct student, the junior brother of of the Legendary Three Ninjas."

"Although young, in the past year, his performance on the battlefield is almost unparalleled."

At this point, Mitokado Homura, sitting with Utatane Koharu, nodded. For the sake of interests, he chose to stand on Lord Third's side this time.

"No wonder you have such high praise for him. Indeed, Scarlet Yu is a rare genius."

"Whether in military achievements or the contributions made to Konoha, he has brought us immeasurable value..."

Utatane Koharu, with wrinkles shaking on her face, turned her gaze to Lord Third and uncommonly agreed with his opinion. "So, Lord Third, what do you mean...?"

"Well..." Lord Third took a deep breath, pondered for a while, and finally spoke, "I want to include Yakushi Yu in the list of candidates for the position of Hokage."

"What?!"

"Absolutely not!"

Hearing Lord Third's words, everyone present was shocked, and Danzo directly opposed, "Are you out of your mind?! Yakushi Yu is much younger than Minato Namikaze! How can he be a candidate for Hokage?!"

"Age is not the issue. It's not like we've decided to make him the Hokage. I'm just proposing him as a candidate..."

Ignoring Danzo's opposition, Lord Third continued to speak calmly.

"Well, Lord Third's consideration does make sense..."

At this point, the Daimyo of the Land of Fire in front of everyone also seemed to agree with Lord Third's opinion.

"In terms of strength, Scarlet Yu is indeed qualified. In terms of identity, he is Lord Third's disciple. In terms of contributions, he is one of the heroes of this war. Moreover, serving as the head of the medical team and developing this Medical Seal has indeed brought us significant benefits."

"Konoha should also be entrusted to the younger generation now..."

"Your Excellency!"

Seeing that the Daimyo of the Land of Fire unexpectedly agreed with Lord Third's opinion, Danzo became somewhat anxious.

"If there's no problem with that, let's settle it this way!"

Ignoring Danzo's opinion and seeing the Daimyo of the Land of Fire's agreement, Lord Third decisively made a decision. "We will immediately draft the list of candidates for Hokage. Minato Namikaze will be listed as the first candidate, while Yakushi Yu and Orochimaru will be listed as other candidates."

"Hmph!"

"I hope you won't regret the decisions you've made in the future!"

Seeing that everyone present had already decided on this proposal, Danzo's expression darkened, and he directly brushed his sleeves and stood up.

After leaving the Daimyo's residence in the Land of Fire, Danzo's face turned ashen. The position of Hokage had always been his coveted goal, and now it was completely under Sarutobi's control. This left his heart in turmoil, unable to find peace.

"Damn it, in the end..."

"It's also Orochimaru's fault for having no popularity... Otherwise, things wouldn't be so passive for me now."

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