Konoha: Start with the card-drawing mobile game.

Chapter 53 Candidate for the Fourth Generation—Uchiha Fugaku
"Sandaime-sama, is this news related to the Third War?"

Uchiha Fugaku hurriedly asked the Sandaime Hokage to sit down. After clearing away the tea cups left on the table, he poured a cup of tea for Sarutobi Hiruzen, and then asked respectfully.

"Yes, the Third Ninja War." Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed, full of worries about the future of Konoha, "Konoha's situation will be very difficult, which is why I came to visit this time."

As the topic mentioned by the Sandaime continued, Uchiha Fugaku replied in a serious tone:

"No matter what, Uchiha will fight for Konoha!"

"Konoha cannot lack the power of Uchiha. I believe that Uchiha will be recognized by all villagers in this war with his military exploits."

Hiruzen Sarutobi nodded happily and expressed his thoughts: "Get everyone's trust, build and lead the future of the village, these are the words left by the previous Hokages for future generations."

In the eyes of Uchiha Fugaku, Sarutobi Hiruzen's kind words had another meaning.

This conjecture is indeed a bit bold, and has reached a level that Uchiha Fugaku can hardly believe.

'Is it possible that the Sandaime is preparing to candidate for successor? '

Uchiha Fugaku, who was shocked by this somewhat outrageous idea, struggled in his heart for a while and finally asked:
"Sandaime-sama, do you want to plan the number of Hokage candidates in advance?"

The serious-looking Hiruzen Sarutobi did not reply immediately, but he also implied his acquiescence.

"It turns out that such a long time has passed since the day when I received the Hokage from the Nidaime."

Hiruzen Sarutobi did not stop talking as he recalled the past, and then stated: "I am getting a little old, and I really need a qualified successor."

What Sarutobi Hiruzen said coincided with what Uchiha Fugaku was thinking, but out of respect for the third generation, Fugaku politely declined:
"Please don't say that, Konoha is thriving under your leadership."

Shaking his head, Sarutobi Hiruzen expressed his current concerns about the next successor.

"Both Jiraiya and Tsunade have made it clear that they will not participate in the Hokage campaign, and now only Orochimaru is the one."

As for Danzo, who has longed for the position of Hokage all his life? He was not in Sarutobi Hiruzen's consideration at all.

"I think that the Hokage's election cannot be limited to my disciples. Ninjas who have made outstanding contributions to Konoha should also be considered."

Almost stunned by the beautiful thing, Uchiha Fugaku continued to ask despite his rapidly accelerating heartbeat:
"So, what do you mean?"

"Clan Chief Fugaku, you can participate in the Fourth Generation election."

After a moment of confusion, the teacup in Uchiha Fugaku's hand fell to the ground.

The clanking sound was accompanied by the broken tea cup, and the still warm tea flowed out as the cup was broken.

His eyes were full of disbelief, and Uchiha Fugaku was already wondering whether he was dreaming.

"Of course, this is just a ticket to participate in the election of the Fourth Hokage. I cannot guarantee that the Fugaku clan leader will be able to succeed the Fourth Generation."

"The Hokage not only needs to be recognized and trusted by the ninja clan and villagers, but also needs to have sufficient prestige and military exploits."

"In the Third Ninja War, please ask Chief Fugaku to let the entire ninja world see that he is hidden under the name of Uchiha."

A trace of fear flashed in the eyes of the Third Hokage Sarutobi Hiruzen, but it was quickly restrained.

"The power it contains!"

Uchiha Fugaku was completely inspired by Sarutobi Hiruzen's words.

Ignoring collecting the fragments of the teacup on the ground, he stood up quickly and assured Sarutobi Hiruzen: "Sandaime-sama, in this war, Uchiha will become the sharpest blade in Konoha." He suppressed his excitement and was too excited. After almost opening the three magatama, Uchiha Fugaku calmed down and spoke his inner thoughts.

Sarutobi Hiruzen's expression was slightly solemn, and he told Uchiha Fugaku his current expectations for Uchiha:
"The Kirigakure battlefield is left to you and Orochimaru!"

"As for the arrangement of Hokage's election, it depends on the comprehensive military merits after this ninja war."

Not forgetting the most important purpose of coming this time, Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up from his seat after the explanation and asked tentatively: "Chief Fugaku, I have a more personal question."

"Do you think there will be kaleidoscope-level ninjas in Uchiha today?"

"Kaleidoscope?" In an instant, Fugaku understood Sarutobi Hiruzen's intention, "Sandaime-sama, the incident of betraying the ninja Uchiha Madara will never happen again. Even if a new Kaleidoscope ninja appears, it will only become the power of Konoha. .”

"Clan Chief Fugaku, in fact, maybe we are all trapped in a huge conspiracy."

Sarutobi Hiruzen thought of the mysterious 'Kaleidoscope Ninja' that might appear, and directly expressed his thoughts.

"The future of Konoha is left to you."

After saying that, Sarutobi Hiruzen, whose expression returned to normal, immediately prepared to leave Fugaku's home.

"Sandaime-sama, the power of Uchiha is the power of Konoha, you don't need to worry about this."

Uchiha Fugaku sideways sent Sarutobi Hiruzen out of the living room, walked in front and opened the door next to the entrance hall for the visiting Sandaime.

"In this case, I hope that Chief Fugaku can spread the reputation of Uchiha throughout the ninja world in the third war." The Third Hokage walked out of Fugaku's house slowly, "I hope that the next meeting with Chief Fugaku will be during the election of the Fourth Hokage. During the ceremony.”

Even though he was about to leave, the Sandaime Hokage did not forget to draw a pie for Fugaku again.

"Eh? Hokage-sama!"

Uchiha Mikoto, who was holding Uchiha Itachi, returned home at this time, and noticed in surprise the Sandaime Hokage who came to visit.

Sarutobi Hiruzen smiled and nodded to Uchiha Mikoto. After looking at Uchiha Itachi who was held in Mikoto's arms, he turned to say goodbye to Fugaku:

"Then Chief Fugaku, I will take the first step."

Immediately afterwards, Sarutobi Hiruzen, who had completed the purpose of his trip, ended his visit to Fugaku.

Looking at the retreating figure of the Sandaime Hokage, Uchiha Mikoto couldn't believe it: "Fugaku, Lord Hokage came to visit in person?"

Uchiha Fugaku, who was immersed in the joy of being the fourth generation candidate, took a long breath and tried to maintain his usual composure.

"Yes, except for the arrangements for Uchiha." Fugaku paused for a moment, then whispered the follow-up, "I may become a candidate for the Fourth Hokage."

"Candidate Yondaime?"

Uchiha Mikoto was already doubting her ears.

"Yes, but the first priority is to gather the clan members."

"The clan meeting needs to be started in advance. I will arrange for the third generation to inform all the Sanmagatama clan members at the clan meeting."

Fugaku, who had regained his calm state of mind, did not bother to have lunch and immediately prepared to convene the clan members for a special afternoon meeting.

(End of this chapter)