hotmtlnovel Chapter 872: The Results
Chapter 872: The Results
Once the Uchiha and Hyuga clans had completed their voting, the atmosphere gradually returned to normal.
Jonins from other major clans, as well as those from civilian backgrounds, stepped forward one by one to cast their votes. Despite the ongoing tension and nerve-wracking nature of the situation, there was a sense of order, and the voting process proceeded smoothly.
Notably, even the Jonins who were currently on duty or away from Konoha due to mission assignments had made arrangements to ensure their votes were accounted for. They had entrusted their votes to trusted individuals acting as proxies.
As a result, almost all of the Konoha Jonin, regardless of their circumstances, were able to participate in the crucial Vote of Confidence.
...
On the rooftop of the Hokage Building,
Fugaku's gaze fixed upon the ballot box, his eyes shimmering with anticipation. A long-desired smile gradually spread across his face. His heart raced with excitement as the final vote was dropped into the box.
Accustomed to suppressing his emotions, Fugaku couldn't contain his elation. The Sharingan in his eyes instinctively activated; a visible sign of his intense emotions. His body trembled slightly, his breath growing rough with the surge of adrenaline coursing through his veins.
Throughout the voting process, Fugaku had meticulously observed every detail, silently keeping track of the votes that favored his candidacy. By combining the votes of the Uchiha clan with the support he had garnered from other shinobi clans through discreet hints, he was confident that he held a significant lead over Hyuga Kuroto, surpassing him by at least twenty votes.
Even if there were slight errors during the voting and counting processes, Fugaku remained assured of his victory. The margin of error was substantial, providing him with a sense of certainty in his imminent triumph and Hyuga Kuroto's defeat.
As the voting period came to a close, a hushed silence fell over the once bustling square. All eyes were fixed upon the ballot box, be it the eager villagers, the vigilant Konoha ninjas maintaining order, or the shadowy figures of the Anbu operatives quietly patrolling the area. The anticipation was palpable as everyone awaited the announcement of the vote's outcome.
Sandaime, addressing both Kuroto and Fugaku, spoke solemnly, "The voting has concluded, and now it is time to begin the vote-counting process."
“Okay.” Kuroto, nodded in acknowledgment, expressing his readiness for this crucial stage.
Fugaku, on the other hand, remained silent but nodded humbly, his mind already occupied with the decisions he would need to make once he assumed the mantle of Konoha's Hokage.
With the consent of the two candidates, several staff members approached the ballot box, prepared to meticulously examine and tally the votes, determining the ultimate victor of this closely watched election.
...
On the viewing platform at the opposite end,
Godaime Kazekage Pakura turned to the other Kage assembled alongside her, posing a question that had been on her mind, "Who do you think will emerge victorious, Uchiha Fugaku or Hyuga Kuroto?"
In this pivotal moment, the atmosphere surrounding the rooftop became charged with suspense. All eyes were fixed on Hiruzen, eagerly awaiting the announcement that would reveal the chosen as the next Hokage.
After a fleeting moment of anticipation, Sandaime wore a gentle smile, his eyes reflecting both pride and satisfaction. With a voice that resonated throughout the rooftop, he declared, "The results of the vote of confidence have been tallied!"
The weight of those words seemed to hang in the air, and Fugaku's posture stiffened as he prepared to step forward, anticipating his own name to be called. His mind was already crafting the words he would speak upon assuming the revered mantle of Godaime Hokage.
Yui, standing by Kuroto's side, clutched his sleeve tightly, her anxiety manifesting as a thin sheen of sweat on her forehead. Every second felt like an eternity as she anxiously awaited the outcome.
Unlike Yui, Kuroto exuded a confident smile as he observed the scene unfolding around him. In his eyes, the outcome of the election had already been determined long before the voting process commenced. To him, the entire electoral procedure is a mere formality, devoid of any real suspense or concern.
Elder Koharu, Jiraiya, Tsunade-hime, along with other members of the Konoha Council focused their gaze upon Hiruzen, their collective breaths held in anticipation of the impending announcement.
Sensing the collective anticipation, Sandaime, in his role as the voice of the village, did not prolong the suspense. After inhaling deeply, he proclaimed to the assembled crowd, "The victor of this vote of confidence is none other than Hyuga Kuroto!"
In an instant, jubilation erupted among the ranks of the civilian background ninjas and the Hyuga clan members alike. The air was filled with resounding cheers and thunderous applause, their excitement permeating the atmosphere as they celebrated the triumph of their chosen candidate.
Amidst the jubilant uproar that enveloped the scene, Uchiha Fugaku's initial elation transformed into a stunned silence, his face etched with disbelief. His mind seemed to struggle to comprehend the unexpected turn of events.
Without warning, a surge of fury overcame Fugaku, his voice cutting through the celebratory atmosphere, "I demand a recount of the ballots!"
His outburst abruptly halted the cheers, causing all eyes to shift towards him, a mixture of surprise and curiosity on the faces of those present. Hiruzen with a creased brow, confronted Fugaku, his tone tinged with a hint of concern, "Fugaku, do you doubt the integrity of our village?"
Before Fugaku could respond, Mikoto reached out and clutched his sleeve, her touch a plea for restraint. Fugaku's seething anger was momentarily quelled as he locked eyes with Hiruzen, silently conveying his meaning.
Recognizing Fugaku's meaning, Hiruzen deliberated for a brief moment, then nodded, "Very well, if you have doubts, you may conduct a personal recount of the votes."
An eerie hush enveloped the rooftop as Fugaku proceeded towards the ballot box, the weight of the onlookers' silent gaze intensifying the gravity of the moment. No one dared to utter a word as they anxiously awaited the outcome.
As Fugaku closed the distance to the ballot box, his inner voice echoed with determination, "No! This cannot be. The votes were in my favor. They must have manipulated the count... There is no way I could have lost! It's inconceivable!"
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