"Naruto: Ice God"Chapter 142: The Trust Vote
Feng Bai's cooking was excellent—the table full of dishes was quickly devoured by the group.
After dinner, Shisui took Itachi back to the clan compound.
The next day arrived.
Feng Bai woke up early, having received notice two days prior that a jōnin meeting would be held today.
Learning that Feng Bai was leaving, Itachi—who had arrived at the Shimura household early with Shisui—showed a flash of loneliness in his eyes. Though he concealed it well, he could only watch Feng Bai depart.
Following the messenger's description, Feng Bai easily found the spacious room where many shinobi had already gathered.
Most were faces Feng Bai couldn't name.
Carefully stepping around the neatly arranged floor cushions, Feng Bai searched the crowd for familiar faces.
The assembled shinobi also curiously observed this young newcomer.
Some who didn't know Feng Bai's identity began whispering, mistaking him for some child who'd wandered in looking for his parents.
"Hey, isn't that Feng Bai?"
A hearty voice accompanied by a broad hand—Feng Bai coughed twice, looking at Chōza who was patting his back: "Uncle Chōza's grip is as strong as ever."
"Is that so? Hahaha, must be all that barbecue I eat every day."
Ignoring Feng Bai's teasing, Chōza enthusiastically led him to the front row.
"Shikaku, Inoichi, this is the promising youngster I told you about—Konoha's youngest jōnin. That's right, isn't it?"
The older generation Ino-Shika-Chō trio.
Through their distinctive features, Feng Bai identified the two men before him.
The Nara clan's characteristics were too obvious—only they possessed that distinctive pineapple-shaped hair.
Hearing Chōza's introduction, Yamanaka Inoichi, with his blonde ponytail, didn't speak, merely nodding.
Nara Shikaku, however, studied Feng Bai with interest, smiled, and extended his hand: "I'm Nara Shikaku. Please take care of me, Feng Bai."
Shaking hands briefly, they separated without further exchange.
Under Chōza's guidance, Feng Bai knelt beside him, listening to battlefield stories while receiving snacks from his host.
But was eating snacks really appropriate at such an occasion?
Feng Bai wanted to ask, but since the platform remained empty, he figured no one would object.
Glancing at the seats clearly reserved for the leadership, Feng Bai hesitated before popping the snack into his mouth.
With Chōza's endorsement, many now knew Feng Bai's identity.
Initial dismissiveness vanished, replaced by praise and admiration.
Everyone conversed quietly—some discussing war experiences like Chōza, others boasting about their talented children. Sitting postures varied widely.
Some sat cross-legged, others propped up one leg while folding the other, and some mischievously draped themselves over others—Jiraiya being the prime example of such behavior.
What nerve, putting his leg on Orochimaru.
Even Feng Bai could see the sharp killing intent in Orochimaru's eyes.
Tsunade remained silent, simply enjoying the spectacle. Her face was slightly flushed—clearly she'd had some sake before arriving.
Only two people sat perfectly upright in formal seiza, never uttering a word from beginning to end.
Those pale eyes revealed their identity.
Hiashi Hyūga and Hizashi Hyūga.
Seeing most people were relaxed, Feng Bai also adjusted to a more comfortable position.
However, when the small door on the platform opened and Feng Bai saw who was slowly walking to the front, he snapped to attention, resuming perfect seiza posture—his back even straighter than the Hyūga brothers.
Shimura Danzō, Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and finally Sarutobi Hiruzen.
The leadership controlling Konoha's destiny gathered in the room, taking their seats without a word, instantly silencing the assembly.
"Sorry to interrupt everyone's rest time. To end this meeting quickly, I'll be brief."
Hiruzen spoke with a gentle expression, explaining his purpose: "I have formally submitted my resignation as Third Hokage to the Daimyō and recommended Sakumo Hatake as Fourth Hokage. Today's gathering is to conduct a trust vote."
So that's it—Big Brother Minato becomes Fourth Hokage—
Wait, Sakumo Hatake?!
Feng Bai was surprised, jerking his head up to stare at the F4 on stage, especially his father's expression.
Danzō's face remained calm—he must have known about this already.
Damn, did I accidentally change the plot?
Feng Bai felt somewhat panicked, but quickly adjusted.
Right, Obito is fine, so having someone else as Fourth Hokage isn't unacceptable.
But what exactly is a trust vote? Is it by name?
This was Feng Bai's first time at such an event—quite thrilling.
Fortunately, many war-promoted jōnin were equally unfamiliar with trust vote procedures.
Therefore, Sarutobi Hiruzen thoughtfully provided explanation.
Simply write "yes" or "no" on the paper slip—no signature required, with votes counted publicly on the spot.
Taking the paper and pen, Feng Bai naturally wrote "yes."
Probably everyone would write "yes."
After all, Uncle Sakumo's reputation spoke for itself.
But what was his father's attitude? So anxious!
[Isobu, do you think my dad supports or opposes this?]
[Isobu: ...How the hell would I know?]
[In the mindscape, Isobu rolled over, ignoring Feng Bai.]
[Don't be so cold—we're partners! More communication helps build our relationship.]
[Isobu: I don't even know who your dad is, how could I know what he's thinking?]
[Isobu was exasperated, wanting to smack Feng Bai with his tail.]
With an uneasy heart, Feng Bai folded his paper slip and stuffed it into the ballot box held by an ANBU member, convinced his father—so obsessed with the Hokage position—was probably cursing internally.
As for what he was cursing, it was probably quite vulgar.
Danzō had no idea his son was mentally slandering him like this. If he knew, he'd definitely give Feng Bai a loving slap and restart Jinchūriki training plan 3.0 with a new whip.
Currently, Danzō only wanted this meeting to end quickly so he could focus on hunting down the Uchiha who dared attack his son.
Results came quickly—Sakumo passed the trust vote without surprise.
"Everyone should know that although Kumogakure and Kirigakure have withdrawn, neither has signed peace agreements with us, so war hasn't completely left us. Please work hard during this period and stay vigilant."
Sarutobi Hiruzen gave final instructions, about to rise when Danzō was already ahead of him, striding quickly past the others and vanishing instantly.
Indeed, father is furious!
From Danzō's hurried reaction, Feng Bai "cleverly" judged that his father was enraged about not obtaining the Hokage position, while thoughtfully imagining his current mental state:
"Father must be thinking: 'Hiruzen, you'll regret this!'"
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