The jonin of Konoha were all gathered in the meeting chamber again, some standing against the wall and others sitting in the bleacher seats. Homura, the old crone Koharu, Danzo, and the Third Hokage sat at a table in front of everyone. Orochimaru's former sensei rubbed the bridge of his nose and then his mouth. He looked weary, but why wouldn't he be?
Three days ago, a high-ranking enemy shinobi had been welcomed into the village under the pretense of peace then attempted to kidnap the heiress of the Hyūga clan and all of this had happened under his watch. The following morning, one of the jonin, Fugaku Uchiha, had gone as far as to suggest that Hiruzen had gotten soft and senile. He pointed to the peace treaty that ended the Third Shinobi World War and this instance as evidence before calmly sitting back down.
When the blindly loyal followers of the old man had settled down, the old man stood and groaned softly. "It is true that I bear sole responsibility for the events that transpired. In my optimism, I indeed compromised the safety of our village and the secrets that we hold dear." He paused and seemed to consider his words carefully. "I will step down and allow the Fourth Hokage to be installed. As is our process, I shall bring forth a candidate, the Council will suggest alternatives, and the jonin within this chamber will vote."
The collective gasp of shock had been music to Orochimaru's ears. It's all going according to plan, he thought. He had cut his snake-like eyes to Danzo and couldn't help but giggle to himself. The agents of Root had proven useful in neutralizing the guards protecting the Hyūga girl and provided enough of an opening that Kumo's head ninja could infiltrate and attempt to get away with her.
Tipping the police force off had helped to ensure that no harm would actually come to her or the village, something that Danzo cared more about than Orochimaru did. All that mattered was that Hiruzen was now deposed.
When they had met earlier, Danzo had said, "Koharu and Homura may go with whichever candidate that Hiruzen brings to the table, but rest assured, I will make certain that everyone is considered equally." Danzo rested a hand on Orochimaru's shoulder before adding, "You already have my vote. We have much work to continue."
We do, Orochimaru thought as the meeting began. The Council members looked very severe and for a brief moment, the Sannin found it to be a sign of his victory being assured. He knew that he'd never be their first choice but if Danzo was able to sway them against the only other suspected candidate, Minato Namikaze, then all would be well. The blonde man stood on the wall, and he appeared to be pensive. Perhaps, he was also weighing the odds of his selection. How will he take the news? Orochimaru thought smugly.
Koharu knocked on the table, her voice rising above the chatter in the room. "The meeting will now begin and proceed in the following order. Lord Hiruzen will suggest his candidate for the title of Hokage then by we three members of the Council. After that, we will open the floor for considerations from you all."
It was eerily silent as Sarutobi's chair skid back on the floor. He cleared his throat and said, "I have served as Hokage for many years since the passing of the honorable Lord Tobirama Senju. I hoped to instill the belief in the Will of Fire into all of our citizens and shinobi. I also hoped that my administrative decisions would cause our senseless conflicts to end and usher peace into our great land. However, my optimism towards the future has caused me to grow neglectful in the present. As such, I wish to nominate a man who can dwell on and impact both. My recommendation for my successor is Minato Namikaze."
The murmuring rose up again amongst a few jonin, however, most stayed silent. Minato looked to be fairly surprised himself even it was blatantly obvious to almost everyone that he'd be in the running and Sarutobi's personal selection. It was disrespectful to be as gifted as he was at such a young age and to be this humble.
Danzo was next. "It is true that Lord Hiruzen has attempted to do all within his power to usher us to an age of peace and while commendable, it has exposed us to infiltration, espionage, and insult. The Village Hidden in the Leaves deserves a Hokage who will do whatever is necessary to keep us ahead. Therefore, I nominate Orochimaru to succeed Lord Hiruzen and become the Fourth Hokage."
Orochimaru expected a loud cacophony of protests from the jonin, each of them trying their best to present counter arguments. However, there was silence. No one uttered a word and Orochimaru looked around to see that the jonin were just sitting, not even sparing a glance at him. He frowned and shifted his gaze to Danzo. The elder man sat down and locked eyes with him. The still quietness of the room gave him pause and it was unsettling. For some odd reason, he had an odd feeling in his stomach.
"I understand Lord Third and Danzo's assessment of their candidates. They both represent distinct aspects that I believe a Kage should have," Homura said when stood. Then, he paused. "However, I do not agree with their choices. While we do require leadership that seeks to build our village towards a better future while also maintaining a grasp on the present, I do not believe Minato is seasoned enough as a shinobi to deal with the pressures that being Hokage brings. Likewise, a Hokage must be able to do what is necessary for our village's success, whether it be war or peace, without bringing us in harm's way. I do not believe that Orochimaru is that kind of man." The old man paused and Orochimaru fumed.
If not me or Minato, then who? Danzo's face was as still as it always was when the Sannin looked to him for some kind of sign. There was nothing that his plain visage revealed and Orochimaru felt a cold sweat. Who would be nominated? Who?
"Koharu and I agree that the man that best fits this description is Fugaku Uchiha," Homura said. The old woman next to him nodded and Orochimaru's jaw would've dropped had it not been clenched together in anger.
"During the war, Fugaku not only carried out his duties effectively, but he carved a path of fear through our enemies, forcing them to flee rather than to fight. He also secured the capture of the Kumo shinobi that attempted to steal the heiress of the Hyūga clan. He has been steadfast, loyal, and a ninja we can be proud of as a village and nation," Koharu said.
Even this didn't cause the crowd to talk amongst themselves and Orochimaru's eyes darted around quickly. What is happening? His mind instantly went to treachery and conspiracy, though it wasn't lost on him how that would be. Somehow, it seemed, that Fugaku had gained unprecedented favor from the elders and the jonin. But how?
How? How was Kumogakure's head ninja captured and dispatched before any harm could come to the girl? Orochimaru hadn't gotten any reports about how he'd been subdued or where he went.
Could it be that it was...
Jonin Commander Ikkaku Umino stood up and Hiruzen dipped his head for him to speak. "May we have time to deliberate amongst ourselves?" he asked.
The Third Hokage nodded. "The candidates and the council will leave and allow you time. We shall convene in half an hour," he said.
Orochimaru slunk out of the room, teeth grinding and his mind racing. He crept into a corner and let out a sharp breath. "You said that I'd be made Hokage. What is going on?"
"I said only that I would make sure your name was considered equally. Fugaku's name was the last brought out both those two and they wouldn't relent," Danzo replied.
Sucking his teeth, Orochimaru folded his arms. "So what are we going to do? If he's elected Hokage, your project is as good as finished." He tried to restrain the desperation and anger in his voice. "I've almost reached a breakthrough with the First's cells. Time is the one thing keeping both you and I from immortality."
"At least, the perception of it," Danzo said flatly. "If all else fails, I will recruit you into Root. The organization answers to no one except me, regardless of who the Hokage is. Fugaku won't dare make drastic changes to our government so long as he doesn't want an insurrection."
Orochimaru scoffed. He didn't share his optimism but before he could respond, Danzo was gone, disappearing into the shadows. He spent the next twenty-five minutes stewing in his mind. He was close to perfecting his experiments. The clones were nearing their completion, and he'd lost the least amount of his test subjects this cycle. If the damned Uchiha discovered what he'd been doing...
No, no... he thought. It wouldn't come to that. The jonin would side with Hokage and choose Minato. The boy was soft and kind. Orochimaru would have time to figure out a way to either complete his work in Konoha or move his materials elsewhere. He just needed things to swing his way.
"Come," Danzo said, appearing again out of the shadows. What has he been doing all this time? Orochimaru thought as he followed him, gathering with the others at the door. Minato and Fugaku looked as if they had been talking before Orochimaru arrived. Narrowing his golden eyes, the Sannin faced forward.
The door opened and the three men fell silent and the jonin watched them all proceed into the chamber. The Council sat at their seats while the three candidates stood still in front of them.
"Have you come to a decision, Ikkaku?" Hiruzen's gravelly and warm voice rose in the room.
Ikkaku Umino stood. "Yes, Lord Hiruzen."
"Please step forward and speak."
Ikkaku did what he was bid and cleared his throat. "After some deliberation, it is the decision of Konohagakure's jonin that Fugaku Uchiha be installed as the Fourth Hokage," he said. There was some murmuring of agreement from a large majority of the men, although Orochimaru noticed a small group of what seemed to be silent dissenters.
"Is there anyone morally opposed to this appointment?" Hiruzen asked. This question was again met with silence and Sarutobi lowered his head. "Then it appears things are settled. If it is the will of the people, I have no objections to this decision."
Orochimaru felt his stomach turn and his teeth grind together in anger. His fist clenched and he could feel Danzo's eyes shift to him. This is wrong! He screamed in his head.
"Then, I guess I'll say something now," Minato said suddenly. He was looking at Fugaku now, his face pleasant and brimming with confidence. "I'll do everything I can to support you as the Fourth Hokage, Lord Fugaku."
To Orochimaru's surprise, this show of support didn't seem to shock Fugaku. The leader of the Uchiha dipped his head in acknowledgment. "For the sake of the village, I humbly accept the nomination and I vow to serve Konoha to the very best of my ability." The village jonin gave a professional level of applause and congratulations while Orochimaru wanted to sink beneath his skin and flee. He turned his eyes to Danzo. The old man's one exposed eye was closed as if he were either sleeping or in deep meditation.
Damn him! He gave me his word. Now, I have to make sure the lab is shut down. I have to...
When Orochimaru looked up, he saw that the Fourth Hokage Candidate Fugaku was staring at him. And for the briefest moment, he thought that his eyes had flashed blood-red...