Chapter 39: The Plot Run Amok

"What did you just say?"

The Third Hokage spoke in disbelief. He had led Konoha to victory in both the Second and Third Shinobi World Wars; was Orochimaru really asking him to abdicate during the very celebration of the Third War's victory?

"It is the same no matter how many times I repeat it, Teacher Hiruzen. I do not wish to discuss further why Danzo has been able to commit so many heinous acts and yet remain alive to this day. The reason I want you to step down is that the power of the Hokage is simply too great!"

Orochimaru knew full well that even though his own prestige now rivaled that of the Third Hokage, the vast majority of people were still more inclined to trust Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had held the position for decades. Fortunately, Orochimaru had other means. He did not need to prove he would be a stronger Hokage than the Third; he only needed to ensure that those who mattered knew he was willing to devolve more power to the people.

"Nonsense!"
"The Third Hokage is wise and powerful..."
"How dare you covet the seat of the Hokage!"

The shaken advisors and elders of Konoha finally regained their composure, hurling angry rebukes at Orochimaru, painting him as a villain who would frame Danzo just to usurp power.

"Do you understand what you are saying?"

The Third Hokage’s face was cold. Although he had once considered grooming Orochimaru as his successor, that did not mean he would accept a coup. If Orochimaru thought that being a hero of the Third Shinobi World War entitled him to seize the Hokage's seat, the Third would make him realize just how gravely mistaken he was.

"The First Hokage founded this village so that the older generation could protect the young, yet now we have five-year-old genin appearing on the battlefield. Each clan joined Konoha with the intention of receiving the village's protection, yet now, there are those who use the village's power to persecute its own ninja..."

Orochimaru spoke calmly. His voice was not loud, but those advisors who had been shouting at him gradually fell silent. The surrounding ninja and villagers, especially the subordinates who had followed Orochimaru into battle, were deeply stirred. Orochimaru had voiced the inner thoughts that countless people had wanted to say but dared not. Even the typically arrogant Uchiha clan fell into an uncharacteristic silence as they faced him.

"I see. What you have said is indeed significant. I will discuss this with the advisors later..." the Third Hokage said in a low voice. At this moment, he no longer viewed Orochimaru as a student to be taught, but as a rival competing for his throne.

***

"Discuss? You still don't realize it, do you, Teacher Hiruzen..."

The corners of Orochimaru’s mouth curled upward. Since he had made up his mind to claim the Hokage position, his preparations were naturally not so simple. The next moment, facing the sea of villagers and ninja, Orochimaru took a deep breath.

"I swear to the First Hokage who founded this village: if I become the Hokage, I will establish fixed terms for the office. Starting with me, no Hokage shall serve for more than twenty years!"

The Third Hokage’s expression shifted once more. He was, after all, the longest-serving Hokage; although he had occasionally entertained the thought of retirement, he had never voiced it. Many had simply assumed he would serve until his death. It would have been one thing if no one had mentioned it, but now that Orochimaru had brought it up, anything the Third said in response would put him at a disadvantage.

"I will return power to a newly elected council of elders that truly represents the village, retaining only the authority over the Anbu and military command during wartime!"

Orochimaru continued, his tone steady. Even the advisors who stood firmly behind the Third Hokage were tempted. While they wielded significant influence, they technically only had the right to offer suggestions; if the Hokage refused to listen, they were merely spectators. They only held sway when the Hokage’s own prestige was insufficient.

"I will open access to all ninjutsu stored by the village and establish a system allowing all ninja to exchange their contributions for the techniques they require!"

The ninja, who had previously been mere onlookers, all looked up; some even rubbed their ears, doubting what they had heard. For the vast majority of ninja, being able to earn the techniques they desired through contribution was a dream come true.

"I will return the power to choose the next Hokage to all the ninja of Konoha. Every registered ninja shall vote to decide the successor!"

The cheers of the crowd instantly drowned out everything else. With a pained expression, the Third Hokage removed the hat that symbolized his office. Even if the First Hokage himself were to return, he could not stop Orochimaru from becoming the Fourth.

If this were the world before Borsalino’s transmigration, especially in countries with established electoral systems, these four promises would have caused barely a ripple. People were accustomed to the grand promises of politicians; no one took campaign pledges seriously. However, for a Konoha that had never experienced such a thing, these four declarations were enough to decide the fate of the Fourth Hokage.

The live feed ended there, but those in the chat group remained immersed in the thunderous cheers.

[Kobayashi: That was truly remarkable, Orochimaru-san. So many people are cheering for him~]
[Haibara Ai: Indeed. But I am more curious: how did he come up with this idea?]
[Passerby wanting to hug Luo Feng's thigh: Ah... this... it really has nothing to do with me!]
[Haibara Ai: You're overthinking it. No one thinks this has anything to do with you.]
[Passerby wanting to hug Luo Feng's thigh: Wait a minute! What is that supposed to mean? I clearly advised Orochimaru-dono!]
[Fubuki: Oh? And how did you advise him?]
[Passerby wanting to hug Luo Feng's thigh: Ah... well...]
[Borsalino: @Orochimaru, care to share your thoughts?]
[Orochimaru: Heh. I am simply taking back what should have been mine.]

Standing on the roof of the Hokage building, Orochimaru had already donned the Hokage’s hat, accepting the cheers of the countless villagers and ninja below. To others, limiting his own power might seem unwise, but for Orochimaru, the power one gains after becoming Hokage was never what he truly cared about.

"Long live the Hokage!"
"Lord Orochimaru!"
"Long live Konoha!"

With the end of the Third Shinobi World War, the arrival of a Hokage willing to decentralize and voluntarily limit his own power was, to many in Konoha, a cause for celebration. Whether they were clan ninja or commoners, they were all genuinely won over by this Fourth Hokage. Even the proud Uchiha were deeply grateful to this new leader for having sought justice on behalf of their kin.