Board Thread:Versus Debates/@comment-30830650-20170112062326/@comment-26107879-20180327215439

"Gutsy Shinobi did not sell well when it was released. Minato - selected as Konoha's Fourth Hokage after Jiraiya refused the position[18]" Jiraiya's Wiki Page.

This was after the Third War. There was about three prospects. Orochimaru, Minato, and Jiraiya. They choose Jiraiya and he turns them down, reasons aren't stated why. Hiruzen then chooses Minato over Orochimaru.

Also. Just cause he turned them down, doesn't mean anything. You only get selected to become Hokage if you're one of the strongest. Jiraiya was Kage caliber because they chose him to be Hokage, he denied them. He just liked his freedom, liked writing, and chasing girls.