met free Chapter 191: Applying for Retirement
Chapter 191: Applying for Retirement
Inside the Hokage Building.
Wanci raised his hand to rub his temples, gazing outside. "Time flies... It's time to go, time to make a final exit..."
I should have left long ago.
Manji originally intended to leave shortly after Madara Uchiha's birth and die a natural death.
Unexpectedly, Tajima pulled himself up and came out of retirement.
So Manji went all out and established Konoha, experiencing what it's like to build a village.
Now, it's time to go.
Sigrún has taught at the Iceland University of the Arts as a part-time lecturer since and was Dean of the Department of Fine Art from -. In – she held a research position at Reykjavík Art Museum focusing on the role of women in Icelandic art. She studied fine art at the Icelandic College of Arts and Crafts and at Pratt Institute, New York, and holds BA and MA degrees in art history and philosophy from the University of Iceland. Sigrún lives and works in Iceland.
In the blink of an eye, two years have passed.
On this day, Manji, in the name of Hokage, summoned all the high-ranking officials of Konoha to discuss important matters.
From high-ranking officials in charge of government affairs, advisors involved in core decision-making, to respected elders from various ethnic groups.
Representatives from all walks of life, including ninja schools, medical institutions, and police, flocked to the Hokage Building.
On the high platform, Manji sat upright in the Hokage's exclusive chair, first slowly recounting the recent events in Konoha, and then praising Hashirama, Madara, and others.
After this preamble
Wanci slowly raised his hand, clearing his somewhat hoarse and dry throat, and the originally noisy hall instantly quieted down.
"I have gathered you all here today not to discuss trivial political matters, nor to deal with external crises, but to announce something of paramount importance."
Saying it ten thousand times
Everyone in the audience held their breath instantly, their eyes fixed on the elderly figure on the platform, even their breathing became softer, and they waited anxiously for what was to come.
"I have decided to resign from my position as Hokage of Konoha and formally apply to the village leadership and all Konoha villagers for retirement."
"From this day forward, I will relinquish all the powers and responsibilities of the Hokage, withdraw from the core decision-making level of the village, and no longer concern myself with any political affairs within the village."
He said this heavily, ten thousand times.
One sentence, like a thunderclap from a clear sky, exploded in the silent hall!
The entire venue fell into a deathly silence, and thousands of gazes froze.
Everyone's face was filled with disbelief and astonishment, their minds seemingly going blank for a moment, completely stunned by this sudden news.
This is an unprecedented event in the history of the ninja world.
In the old days, amidst constant warfare, the leaders of the various ninja clans served their positions for life, until they died on the battlefield or passed away peacefully in their old age. No one in power ever voluntarily stepped down early.
Manji was the founder of Konoha and the undisputed pillar of the village and even the ninja world.
He actually took the initiative to resign and retire, breaking the rules that had been followed in the ninja world for hundreds of years.
It's as if a famous person has said they want to abdicate early.
This disruptive impact caught everyone present completely off guard.
After a brief silence, exclamations and urgent pleas for dissuasion filled the hall instantly.
"Lord Hokage! You absolutely mustn't!"
An elder of the Hyuga clan suddenly stood up: "You are the root of Konoha, the pillar that supports the entire village!"
"If you step down, the villagers will surely be in turmoil, and the consequences will be unimaginable!"
"Sir, although you are advanced in years, your mind remains clear and decisive. All matters, large and small, in the village depend on your leadership. Please do not say such things again!"
Several senior village advisors also stood up, looking extremely anxious, their words filled with reluctance and earnest pleas to stay.
The other representatives also looked worried. In their hearts, Manji was the backbone of Konoha.
As long as he is there, the village will always be safe and secure.
Once he left, everyone instantly lost their emotional support.
At the front of the crowd, Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, Tobirama Senju, and Izuna Uchiha all wore expressions of shock, clearly never expecting Manji to suddenly propose abdication.
But after a moment of stunned silence, a sense of understanding dawned on everyone.
Of course
This old man is already over 100 years old. He has devoted his entire life to Konoha and worked tirelessly for the country. He should have long since retired and enjoyed his golden years.
It was just too sudden.
In addition, Wanci has been in charge for so long that everyone has almost forgotten whether Wanci is nearing the end of his life.
The sudden mention of it gave people a real shock.
"The village is now safe and secure, and my life's mission is now completely complete."
Wanci slowly opened his mouth, and as he spoke, he subconsciously tightened his grip on the solid wood cane in his hand, his body swaying slightly.
"Cough cough cough..."
He coughed several times in succession, and a sickly flush appeared on his aged cheeks, revealing his exhaustion.
"Furthermore, my old body is no longer able to bear the heavy responsibility of Hokage..."
Seeing Wan Ci's weak and aged appearance, everyone present showed expressions of guilt and self-reproach.
Yes, they only thought about relying on this old man, but never really considered that he was already a centenarian with his life force exhausted.
They devoted all their energy to protecting Konoha, never having a single day of peace and rest.
At this moment, the Sarutobi clan chief quickly stepped forward and asked solemnly, "Hokage-sama! Do you have a chosen candidate for the next Hokage?"
The moment the words "next Hokage" were uttered, the entire audience fell silent once again.
Hashirama Senju, Madara Uchiha, and the other three straightened up, their eyes fixed intently on Manji on the high platform, holding their breath as they awaited his final decision.
Many clan leaders also subtly turned their attention to Uchiha Madara, ranking him according to the bloodline inheritance and strength ranking of the old era.
Madara, as Manji's grandson, possesses unparalleled strength among the younger generation, making his appointment as the new Hokage almost a certainty.
high platform
Wanci's gaze slowly swept over the crowd below the stage, and he pondered for a few seconds.
He then raised his hand and pointed in the direction where Hashirama, Madara, Tobirama, and Izuna were, and slowly began to speak:
"The new Hokage will be chosen from among these four."
Before everyone could fully grasp his words, Wanci spoke again:
"Let's abandon old practices and have all the villagers of Konoha elect a new Hokage through a fair vote!"
People elect Hokage!
These four words once again plunged the entire audience into utter shock. Everyone stood there, stunned and bewildered, unable to believe their ears.
Since ancient times, the ninja world has revered the strong. The positions of clan leaders and chiefs have always been determined by strength, supplemented by bloodline inheritance. There has never been such a thing as "democratic election"!
Letting the villagers decide who becomes Hokage is a groundbreaking move that completely overturns the rules of the ninja world.
This completely shattered everyone's deep-seated beliefs, causing an uproar and shock throughout the venue.
Wanci did not offer any further explanation, but simply bowed slightly to the audience below, his tone earnest:
"Finally, thank you all for granting my request to retire."
Meeting adjourned.
He thanked everyone ten thousand times.
After the words were spoken, the noisy attempts to dissuade him ceased, leaving only profound emotion and silence in the hall.
As everyone gazed at the elderly yet still imposing figure on the high platform, their reluctance and panic gradually transformed into deep respect.
This old man who founded Konoha did not abandon the village, but rather fulfilled his mission.
Everyone looked at Wan Ci with reluctance; the old man probably didn't have much time left...
The next time we meet, I'll probably be covered in the village flag.