Comparison of the two Hokage: Both ninja worlds are devastated.

Hiruzen Sarutobi can indeed be considered a competent politician.

Before being impeached or dethroned, he decisively brought it up himself.

Once it became clear that a Fourth Hokage would indeed be elected...

The wind direction in the entire Hidden Leaf Village instantly made a 180-degree turn.

Although the Third Hokage wasn't a great leader, everyone clearly saw the prestige he wielded in that position, and the benefits and advantages he reaped as a result.

The Hokage throne is indeed incredibly tempting.

Countless people felt a burning passion in their hearts.

Whether they are eligible to run for office, or eligible to vote and take sides.

Konoha produced many strong individuals during the Third Shinobi World War, but only a handful were truly qualified to claim that position, a fact known to everyone.

Orochimaru, who dominated both World War II and World War III, reigning supreme and achieving unparalleled success in Konoha.

Minato Namikaze, who single-handedly turned the tide of the battle at the most critical moment,

And then there's the Uchiha clan from the Land of Water, who single-handedly fought on a single front.

Among them, Orochimaru is the most popular.

Don't let this snake's sinister and seemingly perverted appearance fool you; surprisingly, it possesses an incredibly charismatic personality.

Many people may not like him, but if they had to choose the Naruto, they would still vote for Orochimaru.

Simply put, even ordinary people understand that being a good Hokage and being a good ninja are two completely different things.

After all, Naruto isn't just about fighting and killing; it's about human relationships and social interactions, so skill points are allocated differently.

Orochimaru possesses both qualities.

He is the gust of wind that will soon set Konoha's old windmill spinning again.

He is also the most suitable candidate for the Hokage position, and countless people believe and firmly believe this.

Orochimaru himself was no exception.

If I had to describe his thoughts at that moment, it would be this:

"The position of Hokage is rightfully mine; who else but me?"

or:

"Two Kings, four Twos, and the rest of the cards can form a straight flush. How can I possibly lose? How...how...can I...lose...?"

He didn't even campaign for votes like the Uchiha.

He appeared calm and composed, as if nothing had happened.

However, one evening, a familiar, aged figure entered the Uchiha clan's territory, a rare occurrence.

Late that night,

Nanga Shrine,

"I have decided to support Minato Namikaze."

With a wise and confident expression, Fugaku Uchiha addressed the Jonin of the Uchiha clan in this way.

"Becoming Hokage is certainly a good thing; it can completely change the clan's situation, allow it to grow stronger, and restore the glory of the Uchiha clan."

But have you ever thought about what the consequences would be if you failed?

The hostility and targeting from the previous Hokage and higher-ups have already caused the clan heavy losses, forcing them to pay countless unnecessary prices.

If he were to offend the new Hokage, especially one who is young and energetic and has been in power for at least two or three decades,

At that time, how should the Uchiha clan conduct themselves? Did they really plot a rebellion?

Can we defeat Konoha, with its Dr. Ninja, the Yellow Flash, and the cold-blooded Orochimaru?

"Given the current situation, I'm only ranked third. I can't even compare to Minato Namikaze, let alone Orochimaru."

Furthermore, the Third Hokage and other high-ranking officials were unwilling for the Uchiha to become Hokage, which would make things even more unpredictable.

It's safe to say my chances of being elected are almost zero, so I have no choice but to start planning early.

"My family, you must listen to me this time."

My wife, Uchiha Mikoto, is best friends with Uzumaki Kushina, Minato Namikaze's fiancée. Their relationship is extremely good, and this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the clan.

There's also Obito Uchiha. Although he died in battle, he was once a disciple of Minato Namikaze, so that connection remains.

The Yellow Flash would definitely not be hostile to the Uchiha clan.

Furthermore, Minato Namikaze is currently at a disadvantage in terms of public support.

If he were to become Hokage because of our Uchiha support, how do you think he would treat us Uchiha?

"Furthermore, Minato Namikaze is not like Orochimaru; he has his own loyal followers and staunch supporters."

He only has public support, but that alone isn't enough to secure his position.

If one truly succeeds in becoming Hokage, and wants to seize power and realize their ambitions, they must have trustworthy subordinates.

"Wouldn't that be our Uchiha's chance?"

……

The wise Fugaku Uchiha had completely forgotten why he had even considered running for Hokage in the first place.

He delivered a passionate speech to the family's elites.

Moreover, it sounded so reasonable and well-founded, as if the future was bright.

The Uchiha clan members were once again misled by their clan leader.

The next day,

Suddenly, a large number of unfamiliar Jonin with the surname Sarutobi appeared in Konoha. The Uchiha clan, which had the most Jonin, then strangely unanimously voted for the Yellow Flash.

Orochimaru's expression instantly turned extremely ugly.

The entire atmosphere seemed to darken in an instant, like a black hole, swallowing everything, bottomless.

He doesn't really care about being Hokage, he really doesn't.

The reason I wanted to become the fourth generation was simply because I felt that some things needed to be changed.

He wanted to prove to his teacher, Hiruzen Sarutobi, that he could do everything and do everything well.

I want to see what the Leaf Village will look like when it's stirred by a fresh breeze.

But the third generation leader didn't even consult him before cutting off his own escape route.

In full view of everyone, they turned raw rice into cooked rice.

"Fourth Generation, congratulations."

Orochimaru gave Minato Namikaze a deep look.

He burst into laughter, then turned and left.

Chapter 72 The Nine-Tails' rampage and the night of the massacre, the Uchiha turtle with its head still locked.

Minato Namikaze's rise to power certainly gave the Uchiha clan a much-needed reprieve.

Because not only Fugaku, but everyone else also saw the close relationship between the Fourth Hokage and the Uchiha clan.

Not only did they share a very deep personal bond—Mikoto and Kushina were best friends—but Fugaku Uchiha himself had also fought alongside Minato Namikaze.

Moreover, they are natural allies in terms of interests and circumstances.

Even though Hiruzen Sarutobi still sat in the Hokage's office, even though many important matters were still decided by the elderly Third Hokage, and even though Minato Namikaze seemed to lack authority,

However, many of those who previously relentlessly slandered, targeted, and ostracized the Uchiha clan have begun to quietly approach and show goodwill.

Even the Sarutobi clan, or the direct descendants of the other third generation, dare not act too outrageously now.

After all, Minato Namikaze was too young, more than thirty years younger than Hiruzen Sarutobi.

In other words, after outliving Hiruzen Sarutobi, he could remain Hokage for another thirty years.

With such a long time span, no one can predict what will happen during that period or where the situation will go.

Even the shrewd and calculating third-generation leader himself dared not make any guarantees.

Faced with significant positive developments in the political situation,

The Uchiha clan seemed to have suddenly transformed from a pariah to a truly revered and trusted elite family.

Within the family, the usual intense hostility dissipated considerably, and everyone's face was filled with smiles.

Everything seemed to be moving in the best possible direction.

Unfortunately, this good fortune didn't last long.

In less than a year,

One night, when a deafening roar echoed across Konoha, the entire Uchiha clan was stunned.

The Nine-Tails emerged, and within its enormous pupils were clearly imprinted the Sharingan pattern.

Tailed beasts are synonymous with disaster, let alone the strongest Nine-Tails.

Its enormous size alone imbues every movement with immense power.

With a casual swipe of its claws, entire buildings can be completely flattened or collapsed.

Furthermore, for some unknown reason, the Nine-Tails, which had initially appeared on the outskirts, was mysteriously teleported directly into the center of the village in the next instant.

Konoha didn't even have time to react before the losses were already devastating.

Faced with this terrifying disaster, many ninjas rushed forward without hesitation.

Relying on a meager amount of ninjutsu, they attempted to limit or even repel the Nine-Tails.

Even if their strength is completely mismatched, even if their full-force attacks can only tickle a tailed beast, while the opponent can sweep away an entire area with a single swipe of its claws,

But as long as it gives the rear a second to evacuate their family members, they are willing to sacrifice their lives.

The Uchiha were no exception.