"Hiruzen, I nominate myself!"
An old man in a black robe stepped forward from among the Jonin of the Ino–Shika–Cho Triad.
The elder was large and heavyset, with a weary, brooding look. He wore a black hat with two horns and resembled a fat, tsundere cat.
But everyone present knew this old man wasn't some playful kitten—he was a man-eating tiger.
He had once amazed Hidden Cloud with his overwhelming strength, earning great fame across the Ninja World.
Many Jonin couldn't help but call out his name in surprise upon recognizing him.
"It's Torifu-sama!"
"Actually 'Fatty' Torifu Akimichi!"
"He hasn't been seen around much since the Nine-Tails' attack!"
"But whenever the village faces crisis, he always appears right on time!"
"Seeing Torifu-sama always brings unexpected peace of mind!"
"..."
Though the Ino–Shika–Cho clans had their share of experts, historically none had broken free from the trio formation—until Torifu Akimichi.
Torifu Akimichi was unquestionably the strongest genius in Akimichi Clan history. His power surpassed nearly anyone recorded in ninja history.
Even at peak condition, his unmatched physical strength made him an incredibly powerful Taijutsu expert. In his youth, after using the Secret Clan Technique, he could wrestle tailed beasts head-on.
Time is a merciless butcher's blade—especially for Taijutsu specialists.
Over a year ago during the Nine-Tails' Invasion, Torifu appeared personally to protect the village.
Unfortunately, the aged warrior no longer possessed that youthful brilliance. He lasted three rounds against the Nine-Tails before being gravely wounded, but that did nothing to tarnish his image.
Every ninja remembered this chubby old man who dared challenge the Nine-Tails.
Seeing Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others stunned into inaction.
"What? Don't recognize me?"
Speaking in a dejected tone, Torifu continued, "I've worked in Konoha all these years. Surely there's no need for me to introduce myself!"
Coming back to senses, Homura Mitokado shook his head, "No, no need."
Hastily, he wrote Torifu Akimichi's name onto the blackboard.
Hiruzen stopped coughing too. After scanning the names twice, he asked, "Is there anyone else who wishes to be nominated?"
The entire plaza remained silent.
First Hiashi Hyuga, then Guai, finally appearing was Torifu Akimichi.
Everyone gave up hope completely. Even those previously nominated ninjas felt helpless, secretly wishing to erase their names from the board.
Getting nominated might seem honorable now, but coming away with zero votes? That would be total humiliation.
"Very well then!"
Hiruzen loudly announced, "The vote of confidence for Hokage Deputy shall begin immediately! Every Jonin holds exactly one vote. Please choose wisely and correctly!"
At his words, a Chunin wearing a vest carried a half-man tall ballot box to the center of the plaza.
Looking at the complicated Sealing Formula inscribed on the box, Aozora asked, "Clan Head, do you have any way to detect what's happening inside?"
Fugaku shook his head, "None. Even Byakugan cannot penetrate its walls!"
As rivals of the Uchiha clan, Fugaku knew well that even with the Mangekyou, its insight couldn't match the Byakugan.
Seeing Aozora curiously examining the ballot box, Fugaku said, "Forget it. That's a special box designed to prevent cheating. Do you really think the box used for Jonin confidence votes is simple?"
Aozora suddenly asked, "What if it was specially made for cheating?"
Fugaku turned his head in surprise and looked at Aozora. "What did you say?"
Aozora shook his head. "Nothing, just random guessing! However, if our Uchiha ever want to run for Hokage, we should be careful about these devices that can easily manipulate results. At least before using them, we should inspect them carefully!"
Fugaku nodded seriously.
While Aozora and Fugaku were chatting casually, many Jonin had already stepped forward to cast their sacred votes in line.
Aozora swept his gaze across the surrounding ninja, roughly calculating the proportion of Clan ninja, and imperceptibly shook his head.
He realized that even after decades of the Ninja Academy, Konoha's strongest fighters still came from powerful Clans. Commoner ninja were treated like cheap, expendable tools.
There were more than 200 Jonin total gathered at the plaza, over one hundred of whom belonged to influential Clans. Together, the Hyuga and Uchiha alone accounted for one sixth of the total number.
This wasn't because commoner ninja lacked talent or the bloodlines of the great Clans were inherently superior—it was simply an issue of education.
Despite the existence of the Ninja Academy, the knowledge available there remained extremely limited. Outside of the basic Chakra refinement techniques, Three Basic Jutsu, ninja tool throwing, and Leaf-style Taijutsu, most other courses could essentially be categorized as brainwashing schemes.
Having practiced [Dao Yin Lian Qi] for six years, Aozora deeply understood the shortcomings of conventional Chakra refinement methods. The major ninja Clans vaguely recognized this too, which is why they ensured guidance during training and provided nourishing food and medicinal pills to support development.
Commoner ninja didn't have access to such resources. Driven by ambitions to rise above their station, many pushed themselves mercilessly beyond limits.
Some succeeded through this hardship, while others literally worked themselves to death.
Once they left school and entered the brutal world of shinobi, life got even tougher for commoner ninja.
Compared to Clan ninja, they lacked mentorship and experiential wisdom, mature battle systems, and sufficient ninja tools...
With nothing else to rely on except their own lives, they had no choice but to fight desperately.
In such a brutal struggle, success was fleeting, always followed by another deadly test.
Out of a thousand, barely one lived long enough to become a stable Jonin.
Aozora suddenly asked, "Clan Head, how about recruiting me into the Police Force?"
Fugaku gave Aozora a surprised glance, feeling deeply puzzled. During the past few months he'd known Aozora, he'd discovered that despite being young, the boy lacked youthful energy—he was cunning, experienced, and cautious, never seeking out trouble unnecessarily.
After thinking for a moment, Fugaku answered, "Not very smoothly. We've put up notices, but so far, nothing."
Aozora frowned, "Do you know why?"
Fugaku shook his head. "Recently I've been preparing shift rotation lists, getting ready to send our frontline members home for New Year."
"About to say more, Captain Iron Blue leaned in beside him and asked, 'It's almost our Uchiha's turn, Chief. How should we vote?'"
Until now, Fugaku had only instructed them to vote according to orders, without ever specifying who exactly.
Fugaku surveyed the room, quickly devising a plan in his head before turning to Aozora. "What are your thoughts?"
Aozora glanced around, a spark of inspiration flashing in his eyes, as he smirked lightly. "I've got three strategies brewing in my mind!"
In truth, regardless of how the election turned out, the Uchiha had already secured the support of the Hyūga and the Ino–Shika–Cho alliance, placing them in a secure and unshakable position. So Aozora was feeling pretty relaxed about it all.
Fugaku asked curiously, "Besides supporting Lord Torifu and Elder Hiashi, what else do you suggest? Could it be... we support Guai?"
"Why not indeed!"
Aozora gave a meaningful grin. "And I believe this would be the best strategy!"
After hearing Aozora's words, Fugaku, Iron Blue, and the others furrowed their brows in contemplation.
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