Nara Shikaku had long been regarded as one of the most clear-headed and reliable figures within Konohagakure.
As the head of the Nara Clan and the strategist of the village, he stood at the center of Konoha's political and military decision-making. Among the Ino–Shika–Chō trio, he was the undisputed brain, and his understanding of the hidden currents within the village far exceeded that of most.
Shikaku knew very well what kind of man Shimura Danzō truly was.
From the night of the Nine-Tails' rampage twelve years ago, to the quiet elimination of the Uchiha clan several years later, and now the joint invasion launched by Sunagakure and Otogakure—Danzō's shadow could be found behind nearly every major upheaval Konoha had suffered.
This time was no exception.
Although Danzō had not appeared on the battlefield, his influence was unmistakable. The ease with which the enemy forces had infiltrated the Land of Fire, the blind spots in Konoha's defense, and the absence of Root during the crisis—all of it pointed to deliberate manipulation.
To Shikaku, it was painfully clear: Danzō had once again chosen to stand in the shadows, allowing the village to bleed so that he might advance his own ambitions.
And this was precisely why Shikaku could not allow Danzō to become Hokage.
If that man were to sit atop the village, Konoha would no longer be guided by the Will of Fire, but by fear and ruthless pragmatism.
Shikaku also knew that many of the clan heads shared his view.
That was why, from the moment the emergency council convened, he had silently resolved to support Jiraiya's ascension.
—
"Very well," Mitokado Homura said slowly, breaking the silence. "Since we have reached a consensus, the matter will be reported to the Fire Daimyō immediately. We will simplify the formalities as much as possible and announce the decision to the village."
He glanced toward Shikaku.
"Shikaku, you will be responsible for coordinating the report."
"Yes," Shikaku replied with a nod.
Before he could say anything more, however, a voice interrupted.
"Wait."
All eyes turned toward Jiraiya.
The white-haired Sannin stood with his arms crossed, his expression uncharacteristically serious.
"I'm not the right person to become Hokage."
The words landed like a stone dropped into still water.
Shikaku's eyes widened slightly.
Even Homura and Koharu, who had already prepared themselves for Jiraiya's acceptance, were visibly startled.
"Jiraiya," Koharu said sternly, "this is not a matter of personal preference. Konoha is facing its most dangerous moment. You are the most suitable candidate."
"I know," Jiraiya replied calmly. "And that's exactly why I can't take the position."
The room fell silent.
Shikaku frowned deeply, quickly understanding what Jiraiya was implying.
"…You mean her," he said quietly.
Jiraiya gave a small nod.
"Tsunade."
For a brief moment, even the veteran elders were taken aback.
It had been many years since Tsunade Senju left the village. Though her strength and status as one of the Sannin were unquestionable, her long absence had made her name feel distant.
After a short pause, Koharu spoke again.
"If it is Tsunade, then… yes. She is indeed qualified. But Jiraiya, she has not returned to the village for many years. You cannot be certain she will accept."
"I'll bring her back," Jiraiya said firmly. "That's my responsibility."
His voice carried an unmistakable resolve.
"If she refuses," Koharu continued, her gaze sharpening, "then you must accept the position. This is not a matter of personal desire. It concerns the survival of the village."
"I understand," Jiraiya replied. "If it comes to that, I won't run."
Shikaku exhaled quietly. The tension in the room eased slightly.
At the very least, a path forward had been decided.
However, the atmosphere grew heavy again when another matter was raised.
"There is still the issue of Sunagakure, Orochimaru… and the Nine-Tails Jinchūriki," Koharu said gravely. "Of all the matters before us, this is the most urgent."
Her gaze hardened.
"The defection of Uzumaki Menma cannot be ignored. He is the Nine-Tails' vessel. Losing him is far more dangerous than losing any single village."
The room fell silent.
Everyone understood the implication.
The Tailed Beasts were the foundation of the great nations' balance of power. Losing the Nine-Tails meant losing deterrence—losing authority.
Shikaku clenched his fist slowly.
"Finding Menma," he said in a low voice, "must become our highest priority."
Jiraiya's eyes darkened.
"I'll take responsibility for that as well."
No one objected.
Because everyone present knew one thing
If even Jiraiya failed to bring Menma back, then the world truly was on the verge of falling into chaos.