Chapter 204: Internal Nomination Meeting
A country cannot go a day without a leader, just as a family cannot go a day without a head.
With Hiruzen's abdication, Konohagakure needed a new Hokage. As the only senior Konoha counselor not implicated by Hiruzen, Koharu, at Kawakaze's suggestion, gathered the heads of each clan to participate in the nomination of the next Hokage.
In Kawakaze's words, the process still needed to be followed. It also served as an opportunity to identify any remaining diehard supporters of Hiruzen.
On this day, the largest conference room in the Hokage Building was filled with people. It was Koharu's first time sitting in the main seat, and she looked slightly uncomfortable. In the past, she and Homura had sat flanking Hiruzen.
Most of the attendees were familiar faces. Koharu, glancing briefly at Kawakaze, cleared her throat and began to speak.
"Today, I have gathered everyone together," she began. "I'm sure you all know why we're here."
She paused, scanning the room. Seeing no confusion, she continued.
"Konoha has always upheld democratic principles. We need to discuss and decide on the successor to the Fourth Hokage. I don't have much experience chairing meetings, so I'll get straight to the point. If anyone has a candidate in mind, feel free to speak up."
Regardless of the underlying truth, Koharu's words reassured those present. The chance to propose the Hokage candidate was a symbol of influence, though most people understood their own limitations when it came to actually becoming Hokage.
For a while, no one spoke. Everyone was treading cautiously.
"Since no one is speaking, I will go first," Duy said.