Start with a Zanpakuto and build the strongest Mist Village.

This is not surprising.

Fugaku Uchiha's popularity and prestige are beyond doubt; looking at the entire Hidden Leaf Village today, no one can rival him.

Everyone watched this scene with bated breath, especially the members of the Uchiha clan, who clenched their fists, their excitement beyond words.

"Yes! Absolutely right!"

"If we keep this up, Fugaku's position as Hokage will definitely be secure!"

"Go, Fugaku clansmen!"

The Uchiha clan members looked excited and nervous, and Fugaku Uchiha was no exception, his hands clenched tightly, his eyes fixed on the ninjas voting below.

The position of Hokage is within reach. If he continues on this momentum, he will soon become the first Uchiha Hokage since the founding of Konoha, achieving what even his ancestor Uchiha Madara could not do. How could he not be excited?

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Danzo Shimura, and the others watched the voting crowd with extreme tension.

Fugaku's prestige is truly terrifying. If we hadn't had a plan and preparations in advance, judging from the current momentum, it would have been almost certain that Fugaku would become the Fifth Hokage. Danzo and Torifu's votes were less than half of Fugaku's!

Thankfully, everything is under control!

Meanwhile, the captains inside Kushina's residence were also watching everything on the light screen intently, each with a different expression.

"It seems that the result of this election should be Fugaku."

Orochimaru cracked open an egg, a strange smile on his face.

He missed out on becoming the Fourth Hokage, and now the Fifth Hokage has fallen into the hands of the Uchiha clan. What an interesting development!

As Tsunade and Kushina watched the voting unfold on the screen, they both let out complex sighs, a mixture of helplessness, regret, and reminiscence.

But more often than not, it's...

Fortunately?

Indeed, under the control of the Third Hokage and other Hokage lineage, Konoha's development has deteriorated in recent years, with various forms of suppression, control of public opinion, dark experiments, and even the killing of war heroes.

With this leadership team, replacing them with the Uchiha clan would be a completely new beginning, wouldn't it?

"Shisui-kun, who do you think will be the ultimate winner in this election?" Minazuki Yoru asked suddenly while simmering his hot pot.

Uchiha Shisui paused, looking at everything on the light screen with a complicated expression, and shook his head: "I can't say for sure right now. Although Fugaku had the most votes, given the nature of Konoha's higher-ups, if this really happened, they wouldn't be so indifferent and calm."

"They either secretly made some kind of deal with Chief Fugaku, or... they have some other hidden scheme!"

These words startled the other three people present, and their gazes fell on Shimura Danzo and Sarutobi Hiruzen, where they saw the composure and calmness on their faces.

"So, are you nervous, Shisui-kun?"

Ye smiled faintly and casually took a skewer of grilled fish from in front of Shisui: "This is the Uchiha clan's biggest chance to take power...tsk tsk tsk, what will Konoha be like under the control of the Uchiha?"

"..."

Shisui said in a low voice, "I am the head of the Uchiha clan of Kirigakure. What happens to the Uchiha clan of Konoha is none of my business."

"You're just saying one thing and meaning another."

Ye let out a sneer, and the others present also looked at Zhishui with the eyes of someone looking at an idiot, and all shook their heads.

You've got your big toes all tightly bound, and your Sharingan is all activated, and you're still not nervous!

However, Shisui's words were not unreasonable. With such substantial support from Fugaku Uchiha, how could Danzo Shimura, Hiruzen Sarutobi, and the others remain so composed? Could it be that there is still something else going on?

Time passed quickly, and about three hours later, the voting was over.

Eleven boxes were placed alone in front of the eleven representatives, and all eyes were on them.

Especially the Uchiha clan.

They were all incredibly excited, their crimson Sharingan eyes blazing as they counted the votes one by one, having already memorized the number of votes for everyone.

Their votes for Fugaku Danzo far exceeded those of the others!

The Uchiha clan took the Hokage position!

Hiruzen Sarutobi looked around and said in a deep voice, "The voting is over. Next, we'll tally the results..."

"and many more!"

Suddenly, Koharu Utatane, who was on the platform, stood up and spoke. As she spoke, she poured all the ballots from the box in front of her into the wooden box in front of Danzo in full view of everyone.

"I am deeply moved by your votes, but compared to me, the Dark Ninja have made even greater contributions to Konoha. So I will cast my vote for Representative Danzo."

Such abrupt actions and words instantly caused a huge uproar in the entire venue, with countless people discussing it.

"Consultant Xiaochun, what's wrong...?"

"This...this isn't in accordance with the rules!"

A chorus of astonishment and disbelief filled the air. A candidate voluntarily relinquishing his right to vote and then casting his vote for someone else—this was simply unbelievable…

Countless television stations aimed their cameras at the Hokage's platform, continuously recording this moment that was poised to change history.

"quiet!"

Hiruzen Sarutobi adopted the airs of the temporary Hokage and said in a deep voice, "This is the voting stage, so please be quiet!"

The noise in the hall subsided considerably, but countless people were still whispering among themselves. However, many more seemed to have understood something, their faces showing astonishment. In particular, the members of the Uchiha clan clenched their fists, their Sharingan turning blood red.

Inside Kushina's residence in Kirigakure.

Whether it was Tsunade, Orochimaru, or the others, they were all stunned at this moment, while only Mizuki Yoru laughed heartily.

"You were right, Shisui-kun. Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others really did have a backup plan."

"This is equivalent to Fugaku Uchiha's vote against all of Tsuyoshi's votes... This is something..." Kushina couldn't help but say, somewhat indignant.

She and Mikoto were best friends, and Fugaku was, after all, Mikoto's husband.

"The teacher really is..."

Tsunade sighed deeply.

For the sake of becoming Hokage and for the sake of power, her teacher would stop at nothing.

So even if the Hokage position continues to be under Hiruzen Sarutobi's control, is that really a good thing for Konoha?

"Representative of Xiaochun who changed dorm rooms."

Hiruzen Sarutobi glanced at everyone in the hall, his gaze lingering on the area deep within the Uchiha clan's territory. After giving Fugaku a deep look, he turned to Koharu Utatane: "Are you sure you want to give up your election eligibility and transfer the votes you've received to Representative Danzo Shimura?"

You're asking a question you already know the answer to. All the tickets are already combined, why are you asking about the market?

"I am sure."

Koharu Utatane nodded emphatically, and then, under the gaze of countless people, walked down from the high platform of the Hokage Building.

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't say much, but continued, "Since that's the case, then..."

"I also favor Elder Danzo. I'll give all my votes to Elder Danzo."

The sudden sound rang out again.

It's Mitokaku inflammation!

For a moment, the entire arena fell silent. The Uchiha clan members clenched their fists, and Fugaku exuded a chilling killing intent. Even his Mangekyou Sharingan had been activated.

The Naruto faction is going too far!

Chapter 187 Hiashi's Defection! The Glory and Splendor of the Hyuga Clan!

Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado's actions plunged the entire venue into a deathly silence.

Countless ninjas looked bewildered, the higher-ups frowned, and even the commoners and nobles watching the show sensed something was amiss.

This practice has completely affected the course of the election and violated the rules of fairness and impartiality.

Moreover, everyone witnessed the entire voting process. Given the current situation, Fugaku Uchiha's position as the Fifth Hokage is almost guaranteed. But this sudden turn of events is something that Fugaku and the Uchiha clan cannot tolerate.

Countless eyes turned to Uchiha Fugaku, watching this war hero who had slaughtered his way across the battlefield and defeated Kumogakure for Konoha.

His fists were clenched, his eyes were bloodshot, and his crimson Mangekyou Sharingan stared at the Hokage's faction on the high platform, as if trying to lift the thick darkness and see what was behind all of this.

"Acting Hokage."

Fugaku Uchiha's voice rang out slowly, his tone subdued, yet anyone could hear the emotions contained within: "The actions of Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado... are inappropriate!"

Countless eyes fell on Hiruzen Sarutobi.

As the acting Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi is not only the host of today's Hokage election, but also the 'referee' and the supreme leader.

If he says it's unreasonable, then it's unreasonable. Even if the votes are mixed up, you can 'vote again'.

But if he says it's reasonable...

"Although Xiaochun's actions regarding the dormitory change were somewhat inappropriate, they did not violate any rules."

Hiruzen Sarutobi lowered his eyes and said calmly, "I ask Representative Fugaku Uchiha not to interfere with the Hokage election process."

These words caused an uproar. Fugaku's eyes turned cold, and the Uchiha clan members were even more enraged!

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, I call you Feng Legefu!"

"This is a momentous event for the entire Hidden Leaf Village! This is a historic moment for the entire Land of Fire! This is a live broadcast being watched by the entire ninja world!"

"It's a complete rigged affair! The Hokage election was entirely a conspiracy!"

"Hiruzen Sarutobi, you've lost your mind!"

"You bastard Hiruzen Sarutobi, do you even deserve to be Hokage? Do you even deserve to be a referee? I'm truly speechless!"

The sounds of cursing, mocking, and clamor were incessant.

Countless gazes, filled with complex emotions, fell upon Hiruzen Sarutobi. Even Danzo Shimura, Koharu Utatane, and others looked at him.

They all knew very well that staging such a scene in such a public setting, under such intense scrutiny, not only risked driving the Uchiha clan mad and forcing them into rebellion, but would also forever brand Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had barely escaped with the 'Box of Bliss,' with shame.

Regardless of today's election results, Hiruzen Sarutobi's reputation will be completely ruined. It can be said that he almost went all out to stop the Uchiha clan!

"Rain, prepare the barrier. Be careful that the Uchiha clan might resort to desperate measures. If they make a move, cut off the live broadcast signal first."

Danzo used chakra to transmit his command, and a Root ninja instantly disappeared from his spot. At the same time, several Root ninjas surrounded Uchiha Fugaku from four corners.

They would immediately take action if Fugaku Uchiha made any rash move.

At this distance, no matter how powerful the Mangekyou Sharingan is, it cannot escape the limitations of the sealing technique!

Hiruzen Sarutobi didn't speak, but a glint of light flashed in his lowered eyes.

The numerous secret agents maintaining order in the shadows also began preparations.

Countless eyes were focused on Fugaku Uchiha, everyone wanting to know what the head of the Uchiha clan would do.

In a fit of anger, he flipped the table?

Probably.

Hiruzen Sarutobi's actions were utterly disrespectful to the Uchiha clan, clearly indicating that the Hokage position was not for them to even dream of. Given the Uchiha clan's volatile nature, Fugaku Uchiha might very well have erupted in fury and overturned the table on the spot.

However, under the gaze of countless people, Fugaku Uchiha did not speak, but instead gave Hiruzen Sarutobi and Danzo Shimura a deep look with his blood-red eyes.

"I hope the Acting Hokage understands that this is an election, not a game."

"Hehe, Representative Uchiha Fugaku is joking. Of course I understand that this is an election." Seeing Fugaku's actions, Hiruzen Sarutobi smiled and said, "Everything we do must naturally comply with the rules of the election."

As for the rules... that's naturally up to me, the acting Hokage!

"..."

Fugaku Uchiha did not respond, which made many people present look disappointed, but in the eyes of many more people, a sense of helplessness and resentment appeared.

"Damn it, Hiruzen Sarutobi is going too far! Chief Fugaku was only trying to protect Konoha from internal strife, but Hiruzen Sarutobi and his gang are taking advantage of this opportunity to intensify their suppression of Chief Fugaku!"

"That's right, that's right. It's pitiful that our clan leader, Fugaku, was so devoted to the people and to Konoha, but now..."

"Damn Hiruzen Sarutobi!"

"Shady! Shady! Shady!"

Countless members of the Uchiha clan were filled with resentment. Many ordinary ninjas were also somewhat moved by this scene, but the voting had already ended, and no matter how moved they were, they could not change the result.

Many people shouted that it was all a conspiracy, but they were restrained by ninjas from the Anbu or Root after only a couple of shouts.

It even has a miniature silent barrier to filter out all these unbearable noises.

"A ninja is someone who endures what ordinary people cannot. Chief Fugaku is truly exceptional in this regard."