In Konoha, there are no rules that restrict anyone from becoming the Hokage. Their background is irrelevant. It doesn’t matter whether they are civilians or someone from the noble Shinobi Clans.

Namikaze Minato is the best example. Despite being a commoner, he became Konoha’s Yondaime Hokage.

As long as the person is a resident of Konoha, has the necessary strength, contribution, achievements, and reputation, is selected by the members of the Elder Council, and successfully wins the election, they can become the Hokage.

But there is an exception. There is a certain group of Ninjas in Konoha who can not by any means become Hokage. There is no rule that says that they can not, it’s just a unanimous understanding within Konoha that they can not become the Hokage. This group is the Branch division of Konoha’s Hyuga Clan.

Since all the members of the Hyuga Branch Family are marked with the ‘Caged Bird’ Juinjutsu, their lives are always in the hands of the members of the main family. The Hokage’s life can never be controlled by someone else, the village will never allow this, therefore, the members of the branch family will never be selected as the Hokage candidates no matter how capable or worthy they are. This is a unanimous understanding within Konoha.

That’s why, when Sandaime Hokage heard of Kakashi’s proposal, he immediately denied it, “Kuroto can not be selected as the candidate. I believe I don’t need to explain the reason why he can not be selected.”

Kakashi nodded in understanding, “I know the reason.” And added, “However, I still believe that he is our best bet.”

Sandaime asked with a frown, “What do you mean?”

“At this point in time, I can not think of anyone other than Kuroto capable of restraining Shisui. No matter how much I train, I can not see myself defeating Shisui, not when he decides to use that Susano’o of his. But with Kuroto in the game…” explained Kakashi.

“You mean?” Sandaime narrowed his eyes upon understanding the meaning behind Kakashi’s words. He couldn’t help but ponder a little…

Seeing that Sandaime understood what he was talking about, Kakashi added, “I had a conversation with Shisui a few days back, and based on that, I have concluded that Shisui doesn’t really desire to become Hokage. The only reason he is taking part in the election is that he was ordered by the Uchiha Patriarch. Now if we request Kuroto’s aid… then…”

The friendship between Kuroto and Shisui… he knows a lot about it. So, if there is anyone in Konoha who can eliminate Shisui from the election, it’s undoubtedly Kuroto.

Of course, Hiruzen doesn’t think that Kuroto is strong enough to defeat Shisui in a head-on battle, but he does agree that if Kuroto were to fight Shisui, Shisui wouldn’t go all out. In fact, there is even a possibility that he might admit defeat and withdraw.

After a while of thinking, Hiruzen nodded, “This approach is indeed feasible.”

Even Hiruzen couldn’t come up with any other solution against Shisui. If Shisui were to go all out, then no one in Konoha is capable of defeating Shisui. But with Kuroto in the picture, even if Shisui can not be defeated, he can be eliminated.

And as long as Shisui is defeated, the rest of the election will be easy.

Uchiha Fugaku isn’t really that big of a threat. Hiruzen personally believes that with the help of Flying Raijin, Kakashi will definitely be able to defeat Fugaku.

But there is still one issue, “Will he agree?” After all, Kuroto gains nothing from helping them.

“There is no harm in trying to ask him.” Answered Kakashi.

“Hmm, you are right.” Nodded Hiruzen, and added after a pause, “Let’s try negotiating with him. As long as his conditions aren’t excessive, we can agree.”

Principal’s Office, Ninja Academy

Looking at silent Kuroto, Itachi asked, “Kuroto-san, have you given it a thought? About the elections…”

Kuroto sighed lightly and shook his head.

The matter of the election came too suddenly. Currently, Kuroto’s entire focus is on the Rinnegan and the ‘Type-II Biological Armor’, he doesn’t have enough energy to think about the elections. But the problem is, if he doesn’t do anything about it, civil strife is likely to occur.

As far as Kuroto knows, Hokage Faction has no intention of allowing the Uchiha Clan to take over the position of Hokage any time soon. They may allow the Uchiha Shinobi to become Hokage in the sixth or the seventh generation, but now? No chance.

The only reason Sandaime-sama even agreed to the Uchiha Patriarch’s demands is that he couldn’t come up with any solution immediately in the Council meeting, and believed that they would still be able to defeat the Uchiha Clan in the final Vote of Confidence.

And there is no doubt about it, in the final Vote of Confidence, the Uchiha Clan really has no hope of defeating the Hokage Faction. Let alone Fugaku, even Shisui despite everything he has for Konoha won’t get the support of most of the Jounin.

And there is only one reason, the fear of the Uchiha Clan is rooted in the heart of Konoha Shinobi.

Besides, even if the political influence of the Hokage Faction is not as strong as it was back in the day, because of numerous failures against the Akatsuki Organization, it’s still not something the Uchiha Clan can fight against.

Most of the other Shinobi Clans will undoubtedly support the Hokage Faction over the Uchiha Clan.

And if talking about the strength of the Hokage Faction, it’s not that bad. Although old, Sandaime Hokage is still a force to be reckoned with. Then there is Tsunade-hime and Jiraiya both of whom are Kage ranked in terms of strength. Not to mention Kakashi with his Flying Raijin.

The Hokage Faction is more than strong enough to fight the Uchiha Clan, the existence of the Uchiha Clan keeps them at bay, but if push comes to shove, they will not hesitate.

Most of the Uchiha Clan, including Fugaku, don’t seem to realize this.

Unlike other Uchiha clansmen, Itachi is different, he has seen through the intention of the Hokage Faction as well as the leaders of the other shinobi Clans and is worried about the consequences.

“Kuroto-san…–” Just when Itachi wanted to say something he noticed Kakashi entering the office through the window.

Noting Kakashi’s arrival, Itachi immediately greeted the Hokage candidate and left the office. Obviously, he can not discuss these important matters in front of Kakashi.

After Itachi left, Kuroto looked at Kakashi, “Well? Did you want to talk about something?”

Without beating around the bush, Kakashi directly revealed his purpose of coming to meet him.

Hearing Kakashi’s reasons, Kuroto smiled, “Did I hear that correctly? You wish for me to become one of the Hokage candidates?”

Kakashi nodded, “Yes.”

Kuroto asked, “May I ask why?” He had already guessed the reason, he still wanted Kakashi to speak.

And Kakashi didn’t hide anything, “You can eliminate Uchiha Shisui.”

“I see.” Nodded Kuroto with a thoughtful expression.

Kakashi asked, “So, will you do it?”

Kuroto thought about it, and said, “Before I give my answer… I want to know… are you confident of defeating the Uchiha Patriarch?”

Kakashi nodded, “Yes. The Patriarch of the Uchiha Clan won’t be that problematic, so I believe that I can defeat him.”

Kuroto could see that Kakashi was actually taking Fugaku lightly. He thought about warning him, “Kakashi – …” but decided against it. Instead, he asked, “So, let’s suppose that I work for you, what do I get in return?”

“Anything, as long as it’s nothing too excessive.” Answered Kakashi.

Kuroto smile widened as he answered “100 million Ryo.”

chapter-834
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