Naruto: Tobirama Reborn, Invincible in the Ninja World

"Who's in favor? Who's against?"

As soon as Tobirama spoke, the conference room plunged into an eerie silence.

"This…"

"I support it!" a voice broke the tension.

Everyone turned to see who had spoken.

It was Jiraiya?!

"Apologies, Sarutobi-sensei," Jiraiya said, his face clouded with guilt. "I know this might seem rebellious, but I believe stepping down and enjoying your twilight years is the best choice for you…"

His words stunned Hiruzen, who stared at his pupil in disbelief.

Jiraiya wasn't a fool—far from it. Beneath his carefree demeanor lay sharp intellect. While he had spent years traveling across the shinobi world, away from the village, it didn't mean he was ignorant of Hiruzen's failures.

Allowing Danzo to slander Sakumo Hatake.

Standing idle while tensions with the Uchiha Clan worsened, even suppressing them.

Turning a blind eye as Naruto, the son of a hero, suffered mistreatment from the villagers.

Jiraiya might not have been present for these events, but he was well aware of them. Yet, he had remained silent.

The once-great hero of Konoha had grown old and corrupt. In Jiraiya's eyes, Hiruzen stepping down peacefully was the greatest kindness he could offer as a student.

"Sensei, don't let power blind you any longer…" Jiraiya thought silently.

The room erupted into murmurs.

Who would have expected the first to support Hiruzen's retirement to be his own student?

"Jiraiya…" Hiruzen muttered, his expression heavy. He glanced at his pupil and seemed to come to a decision. His gaze hardened as he declared:

"There's no need for further discussion. I, Sarutobi Hiruzen, willingly resign from the position of Hokage!"

"Oh?"

Tobirama's brows lifted in surprise. He studied the frail old man before him.

"It seems Hiruzen isn't as hopeless as I thought. To think he'd relinquish the Hokage title willingly… Danzo, on the other hand, is a true rot that must be purged."

Tobirama's eyes flickered toward Danzo Shimura, who was smiling smugly.

"That guy… Does he think Hiruzen stepping down clears the path for him to become Hokage?"

Knowing the events of the future, Tobirama couldn't help but sneer inwardly.

Danzo.

Exploiting the guise of protecting Konoha to abduct talented children from various clans, brainwashing them into his loyal subordinates in the Root.

Stealing Shisui Uchiha's Mangekyō Sharingan and orchestrating the massacre of the Uchiha Clan by manipulating Itachi.

Plotting with Hanzo to ambush the Akatsuki, resulting in Yahiko's death and Nagato's descent into darkness, indirectly leading to the Pain assault.

Manipulating Kabuto Yakushi and Nono to kill each other, giving rise to one of the Fourth Great Ninja War's biggest threats.

Danzo's actions had singlehandedly altered the trajectory of the shinobi world. Compared to him, Hiruzen almost seemed virtuous. Almost. But Hiruzen's enabling behavior had allowed Danzo's misdeeds to fester.

Tobirama clenched his fists. Danzo had to die.

But barging in and beheading him here and now? That wouldn't be a good look.

First things first: reclaim the Hokage position, gain control of Wood Release, and eliminate every threat in Konoha to restore its unity.

"Well done, Hiruzen. You've exceeded my expectations."

Tobirama's voice carried approval, drawing the attention of the room.

"Since the Third Hokage has voluntarily stepped down, the Ino-Shika-Cho trio supports this decision."

Nara Shikaku, head of the Nara Clan and a strategic genius, quickly assessed the situation. Hiruzen's resignation was inevitable, and aligning with Tobirama seemed the wisest choice.

Traditionally, the Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Nara clans moved in unison. They cast their votes decisively.

Shikaku's mind raced: Will the Second Hokage reclaim his title, or will he appoint someone else to lead Konoha?

"The Hyūga Clan supports this decision!"

"The Aburame Clan supports it!"

"The Shimura Clan supports it!"

One by one, the clans and civilian representatives cast their votes in favor of Hiruzen's resignation.

Hiruzen seemed to let out a breath he'd been holding. A weight lifted off his shoulders, and for the first time in years, his eyes regained a glimmer of vitality.

"Second-sama," a voice rang out, "Konoha cannot go a day without a Hokage. I propose you return to the position!"

"?!"

The crowd turned toward the speaker in astonishment.

----------------

Pls drop some Power Stones

Read 10 chapters ahead for free on my patreon, read the 'About' tab on my profile!

+70 chapters on patreon.com/Jixo