The rest of the afternoon was spent with Hiruzen making notes and preparing for the discussions ahead. He knew that speaking with his former students, Shikaku, and Fugaku would be crucial. Without a doubt, the meal and everything that would follow could change the course of the village's future. Hiruzen understood that he had to be ready for whatever outcome might arise, whether good or bad. Hiruzen knew this was important and that he was going to have to work hard for the sake of his family, village and those important to him no matter who was hokage next.
Soon, Tsunade, Jiraiya, Fugaku, Hiashi, and Shikaku were all gathered at the dinner table. Hiruzen knew that this was a significant moment. With some time before the meal was brought out, he looked between the four of them.
"Now, it is good to see you all here, and I hope you are doing well," Hiruzen said in a calm tone as he surveyed them. "Tonight, I believe, is the most important night Konoha has seen in many years. As you know, or might have heard, I have no plans of becoming Hokage again following the passing of the late Fourth Hokage, Minato-sama. He was a great ninja with tremendous potential as a leader, but his time is over. My time is also over. There are many things I wish to focus on, and I made a promise to raise Naruto as my own, to Minato-sama," Hiruzen began.
"First, Jiraiya-san, I am going to assume you have no interest in becoming Hokage, correct?" Hiruzen asked, knowing that the fastest way to resolve this would be to have Jiraiya take the job.
Jiraiya leaned back in his chair, a wry smile tugging at his lips. "You assume correctly, sensei," he replied, his tone light but firm. "Being Hokage has never been my thing. I'm better suited for life on the road, gathering intel, and, well, you know, doing my research." Jiraiya gave his former sensei a smile though tas he knew that this was important. His tone showed that, he took this thought seriously. "I am not the right person for this job. I am not good stuck in an office all day. I am best in the field and being hokage just doesn't work for me. I will help and support them the best I can though."
"Then your job is simple from now on, Jiraiya-san," Hiruzen said firmly, as he looked at his student, "I will be working with you a lot. We need to figure out who targeted and killed your student, his wife, and my wife, and many others. I believe he is still alive. I believe they are a threat to this village, maybe not now, but in the future, they will be if nothing else. Jiraiya-san, I want you to gather information on who this might be."
Jiraiya nodded as he listened. He knew that this was a task he could handle, and that he wanted. He wanted to know the truth. He didn't want what happened to his prized pupil to happen to someone else. "I understand, sensei," he replied, his usual playful demeanor replaced by a rare focus. "I've been thinking about it ever since the attack. Whoever this guy is, he's dangerous—real dangerous. I'll do everything I can to track him down and find out who's behind this."
His eyes narrowed slightly, a hint of determination in his voice. "I won't let Minato-san's death and sacrifice be in vain. I am going to help you however I can get to the bottom of this and figure out just what really happed that night."
"Good, I know you will, Minato-sama was special to you, and in time I will need your help potentially with his son. The boy is named after one of your book's characters after all," HIruzen said with a small chuckle. "I will raise him with both my son's, and Kakashi-san's help for now."
Jiraiya couldn't help but crack a small, sheepish grin at the mention of his book. "Heh, yeah, I guess he was. Minato-san always did have a way of surprising me," he replied, the fondness in his tone evident. "The kid's got a lot to live up to, but if he's anything like his parents, he'll be one heck of a ninja someday."
His grin faded slightly as he nodded. "I'll be around to help however I can. Raising him with your sons and Kakashi-san watching over him… that's a solid plan. We'll make sure he's ready for whatever comes his way."
"Next, that leads me to you, Tsunade-san," Hiruzen said as he looked over at another of his students. He gave her a smile and glanced at Shizune. He gave Shizune a smile before he refocused on Tsunade. "I know your life has been harder than most. I know that things have been challenging. I know I have made my fair share of mistakes too. I am sorry for all of that, I truly am, I know you know loss better than anyone," Hiruzen said with a soft and sincere tone to his voice. "Now, I must ask you, Tsunade, if you would consider taking the job of Hokage. You are more than worthy of it, and I believe you can make a significant difference. If you're not interested in the position, would you be willing to return to the village to at least help out at the hospital? Your skills could help create a new generation of ninjas and ensure that others don't have to suffer needless deaths."
Tsunade's expression was a mix of skepticism and hesitation. She glanced briefly at Shizune before meeting Hiruzen's gaze.
"Hiruzen-sensei," Tsunade started, her voice rather warm as she knew her former sensei was doing his best. "I appreciate the offer, but you know how I feel about the Hokage position. It is an important job, and it is a job that I am not cut out for. I have been avoiding it because of this reason. As you know I have had to deal with much. I don't think I have it in me to do this job. I believe you would be better off giving this job to someone else other than me."
She paused, her eyes softening as she looked at Shizune. "However, the thought of returning to the hospital and helping train the next generation… that's something I could consider. I still care deeply about this village and its people, and if my skills can make a difference, then perhaps I can contribute in that way."
Tsunade sighed, her resolve firming. "I'll help out at the hospital and lend my expertise where it's needed. But as for the Hokage position… you'll have to find someone else. I have my own path to follow for now."
Hiruzen nodded as he looked at Tsunade. "I figured that might be the case. Thank you, Tsunade. I look forward to your help with the future. I will make sure to give you plenty of leeway so you can take timely vacations when you need to get away as well," he said with an understanding tone.
Tsunade gave a small, appreciative nod. "Thanks, Hiruzen. I'll do what I can to help the village, and I'll make sure to take those breaks when I need them. Just make sure to keep me informed about what's going on with Naruto and the village's future. We all have a lot of work ahead of us."
Hiruzen nodded his head. "That brings me to you three. First, Fugaku, I believe we, as a village, must build trust between the central government and the Uchiha. I worry that with everything that happened during the attack, it was done to widen that divide. I suspect the attacker is a rogue member of your clan—someone who left the village or disappeared from history. A member who is outside of your control, like a ghost from the past or someone who turned on us during or after the last war."
Fugaku's expression was serious as he listened to Hiruzen. After a moment, he spoke with a measured tone.
"I understand your concerns, Hiruzen-sama. The Uchiha clan has always had its share of issues, and I won't deny that there could be members who have gone rogue. I'll make sure to investigate any potential leads within the clan. Hiruzen-sama, know that I take this very seriously. I will do my best to look into the records of the unknown and missing Uchiha, we will figure out if something is amiss. We will also work with you to bridge the gap between the village and the Uchiha. We must work hard to ensure the safety and the unity of Konoha in these dangerous times."
"Shikaku," Hiruzen said, pausing, "you were a key adviser to Minato-sama, what are your thoughts on who would be worthy of being hokage?"
Shikaku paused as he thought for a moment. He knew that this question was coming and that was why he was here. He would have turned down the position of hokage if offered, but he didn't think he would be. He knew he wasn't strong enough to stand for the village in a direct fight.
"Hiruzen-sama," Shikaku started, "I believe we need someone who can bring the whole of the village together and who can lead us with wisdom and understanding. Someone who can handle the external pressures of our world and the internal pressures of having to deal with so many different clans with different interests."
He paused for a moment, "I believe either Tsunade, or Jiraiya would have been wonderful choices. I know a late friend would have been an idea choice too, but he like Minato-sama is no longer here. I do believe that Fugaku has the wisdom, and experience that could help us a great deal. I know that the challenges with having an Uchiha Hokage are going to be there though. That will take work, but it is do able."
Shikaku paused, considering the implications of his words. "Ultimately, we should choose someone who can lead with wisdom and fairness, someone who can address the immediate threats while also planning for the future of Konoha. It might be worth discussing these options further and weighing the pros and cons of each potential candidate before making a final decision."
"Hiashi, you have been a thought as well, but I must say your clan's cursed seal is unacceptable," Hiruzen said firmly, "If not for that, I would have considered you for the job of hokage. I however will hope you work with my choice as my successor."
Hiashi nodded with a solemn expression, understanding the weight of Hiruzen's words.
"I appreciate your honesty, Hiruzen," Hiashi replied with a calm but firm tone. "The curse seal is a significant concern, and I am aware of how it reflects on the Hyuga Clan. It is something we must address to ensure the safety and integrity of our village."
He paused, glancing at the other members of the table. "I will support your choice for Hokage and work towards resolving the issues with the curse seal. I must admit I am surprised you are not taking the job again. I will support your choice, and I will do what I can to support the next hokage. While we Hyuuga are not going to change, we will continue our path, we will also continue to support the village to the best of our ability and support the hokage as well."
"As such, there are not many options left, most that would have qualified are dead, or long gone from this village, and I know there will be a backlash to my choice," Hiruzen said firmly as he looked at them. "Fugaku, I wish to show the village's commitment to the relationship between us and the Uchiha. The best way I can do this is by offering you the job as Hokage. Can you lead in the way that Shikaku so wisely put what we need?"
Fugaku met Hiruzen's gaze, processing the weight of the offer and the responsibility it entailed. He took a deep breath before responding.
"Thank you for your trust, Hiruzen," Fugaku said with a measured tone. "I very much know the importance of the clan. The Uchiha have for many generations dreamed of having one of our own as the Hokage. I promise though to not just rule as a Uchiha, but as a member of the village. I promose, Hiruzen-sama that I will do my utmost to lead with integrity and fairness."
He paused, considering the implications of his words. "I will accept the role of Hokage, but I ask for your continued guidance and support as I take on this responsibility. Together, we will work to heal the divisions and ensure the future of Konoha is one of unity and strength."
"Then we are settled, I trust you all will support the new hokage in his tasks," Hiruzen said looking at the others, having moved through the conversation as he wanted. He had said his word, and he had come to the choice he needed to come to. "Now, I will be busy, I will look into this assassination of the last hokage and I will raise Naruto as best as I can. So, does anyone else have anything to say?"
Jiraiya, leaning forward slightly, spoke up. "I think we've covered a lot of ground tonight. It's clear we all have our roles to play moving forward. I'll get started on gathering information about the attacker and ensure we're prepared for any future threats."
Tsunade nodded in agreement. "I'll return to my duties at the hospital and focus on training the next generation. If there's anything I can do to help support Fugaku or the village, just let me know."
Shikaku looked thoughtful. "I'll continue to support Fugaku as needed and offer any strategic insights I can. We need to be united more than ever."
Hiashi gave a curt nod. "I will work with the new Hokage and do what I can for the village. My clan will also support the leadership transition."
Fugaku, now the center of attention, looked around at the assembled group. "Thank you everyone. I know that having your support will be a big help in brining unity and working to make the village as good as it can be. I will work to live up to your expectations. If there is something you need form me or if you have advice, I promise to keep my door open. There is much work we are going to have to do."
Hiruzen looked at everyone with a mix of relief and determination. "Very well. If there's nothing more, I'll let you all return to your preparations. Together, we'll face whatever challenges come our way and ensure that Konoha remains strong."