Early morning.
Tsunade sensed a peculiar chakra fluctuation and opened her eyes.
She yawned and instinctively glanced toward the window.
This chakra fluctuation was familiar to her—it was Wood Release.
Without even thinking, she knew who it was.
Tsunade stood up and removed her kimono-style nightgown.
A snow-white, voluptuous body was exposed to the air.
A faint fragrance wafted through the room.
Tsunade gathered her golden hair into a ponytail, her movements causing a slight ripple.
She dressed and walked to the window.
Outside, in the open space, Hanekawa came into her view.
He was practicing Wood Release, specifically the Wood Release: Great Forest Technique.
This technique transformed his right arm into multiple wooden vines to capture enemies.
Although Tsunade had never learned Wood Release, she was well-versed in its intricacies, so she recognized it immediately.
A faint smile appeared on her face.
It had been a long time since she had seen Wood Release.
Tsunade remembered seeing similar scenes during her childhood.
But the feeling Hanekawa gave her was entirely different from that of Hashirama Senju.
Tsunade instinctively reached up and touched her forehead, recalling the kiss from before.
Her heart trembled slightly.
"Good morning, sensei," Hanekawa turned around and flashed a bright smile.
Tsunade felt her heartbeat quicken.
She realized something but maintained her composure and nodded.
"Sensei, there's a document on the table. Could you take a look at it for me?" Hanekawa dispersed his chakra and said, "I'll go make breakfast now."
"Work right after waking up?" Tsunade's expression stiffened.
She shook her head helplessly and walked to the living room.
Picking up the document, Tsunade was slightly taken aback.
The title on the cover read: "ANBU Salary System."
Shinobi didn't receive salaries; they only earned a share of mission rewards and occasional village bonuses.
Most shinobi, especially genin and chunin, were relatively poor.
Jonin were slightly better off, but only the elite jonin.
Tsunade opened the document.
The content wasn't complicated. It proposed retaining mission rewards while also providing ANBU members with a fixed monthly salary.
The salary was divided into base pay and performance-based bonuses.
Base pay depended on the ANBU member's strength, with jonin receiving the most, followed by special jonin.
Performance evaluations considered factors like mission completion rates and the number of missions undertaken.
Tsunade couldn't help but fall into deep thought.
Undoubtedly, this salary system would greatly boost the motivation of ANBU members.
Not only for missions but also for improving their strength.
The only downside was that this fixed salary would be a significant expense.
"How did you come up with this salary system?" Tsunade asked, standing at the kitchen door.
"Ordinary villagers get paid for their work. ANBU does so much; they deserve some compensation," Hanekawa explained casually.
"This system is quite good," Tsunade nodded slightly. "I'm even considering implementing it across the entire Konoha village."
"Sensei is so generous," Hanekawa glanced at her subconsciously.
Indeed, she had a broad mind.
"Let's try it in ANBU first and see how it works," Tsunade thought for a moment and said. "As for the funding, I'll discuss it with the daimyo at the celebration tomorrow."
The expense would be significant for Konoha, but for the Land of Fire, it would be a drop in the bucket.
Given her relationship with the daimyo's family, she could likely secure increased support.
"We also have the Cloud Village," Hanekawa reminded her.
"Right," Tsunade smiled. "It seems we'll need to add a condition: allowing Konoha to take on missions from the Cloud Village."
Normally, Konoha shinobi could only take missions from the Land of Fire.
Occasionally, they could take on high-difficulty missions from smaller nations whose shinobi couldn't handle them, requiring assistance from the Five Great Villages.
Missions from the Land of Wind, Land of Lightning, Land of Earth, and Land of Fire were naturally handled by the other four great villages.
But times had changed.
The Cloud Village's leadership had been captured, leaving them vulnerable.
Konoha could easily take over missions from the Land of Lightning.
More missions would not only bring in revenue but also increase the number of shinobi.
The Sand Village in the original story was a counterexample. Due to reduced support from the Land of Wind, they were forced to adopt an elite shinobi system.
After breakfast, Tsunade headed to the Hokage building, while Hanekawa went straight to the ANBU base.
"Lord Hanekawa," Haru greeted him as usual.
"Gather all the ANBU members who aren't on missions. I have an announcement to make," Hanekawa said straightforwardly.
"Yes," Haru was surprised but didn't ask further. She turned and left.
Soon, ANBU members began to appear.
Hanekawa glanced around; there were about forty people, more than half of the total ANBU force.
"Lord Hanekawa!" the ANBU members shouted in unison.
Despite his young age, Hanekawa's strength had earned their respect, so their voices were filled with genuine admiration.
"Haru," Hanekawa handed her a document. "You announce it."
"Yes," Haru opened the document and her eyes widened.
Wasn't this salary system essentially giving them money?
Haru composed herself and began reading.
All ANBU members were elite shinobi with high discipline.
But even they couldn't help but stir upon hearing the details of the salary system.
Why become a shinobi?
While some did it for dreams and protection, most did it for survival—in other words, money.
This salary system seemed almost too good to be true.
"Starting today, ANBU will implement this salary system," Hanekawa announced with a smile.
"Great!"
"Long live Lord Hanekawa!"
"No more slacking off! Gotta earn those performance bonuses!"
The ANBU members chattered excitedly, their voices eventually turning into cheers.
Haru closed the document, silently noting that Hanekawa had effectively taken control of ANBU in just one day.
But she was no exception. With such a generous salary system, loyalty was almost guaranteed.
Hanekawa suddenly raised an eyebrow.
Three lines of text appeared before him:
[S-rank Talent Entry: Puppet Master Behind Konoha (Not Acquired).]
[Trigger Condition: Secretly Control Konoha.]
[Current Progress: 9%.]
Hanekawa twitched his lips.
What's this? Trying to sow discord?
I'm completely loyal to my sensei!
But there's no harm in grinding for entries.
Hanekawa rubbed his chin. The definition of "secretly" seemed flexible.
The 9% progress bar indicated he had control over ANBU.
But Tsunade also knew about it.
Hanekawa thought the definition of "secretly" might mean controlling Konoha without being the Hokage.
If that were the case, success was possible.
After all, Tsunade hadn't officially taken over as Hokage and was already considering stepping down.
"Go attend to your duties," Hanekawa waved his hand.
"Yes!" The ANBU members bowed deeply and left.
"Lord Hanekawa," Haru stepped forward. "I've already sent out the recruitment notice as you instructed. We should receive responses soon."
"Are there any criteria for ANBU recruitment?" Hanekawa asked curiously.
"There are two main criteria," Haru explained. "First, strength. Second, character."
"I see," Hanekawa could guess what those criteria were.
Strength had to be at least chunin level, preferably special jonin or jonin.
As for character, loyalty to the Hokage and possessing the Will of Fire were essential.
Although Hanekawa didn't care much for the Will of Fire, ANBU members who embodied it were more trustworthy.
After all, the Will of Fire now represented Tsunade.
"Compile a list of qualified shinobi for me, and I'll make the final selection," Hanekawa said after some thought.
"Yes," Haru quickly agreed.
A new day arrived—it was the weekend.
From early morning, Konoha was bustling with activity as the village prepared to celebrate the victory of the Third Great Shinobi War.
The celebration was divided into three parts.
First, preparations and setup in the morning.
Second, performances in the afternoon, including speeches by the daimyo and Hokage and festivities by various vendors.
Third, the evening fireworks festival, featuring fireworks, yukata, and games.
In other words, the celebration would run from noon until night.
"Sensei, good afternoon," Hanekawa opened the door and entered the living room.
Tsunade, lying on the couch, waved her hand weakly.
She had just returned from the Hokage building after a morning of work.
"Sensei," Hanekawa walked up to her. "This is the Hokage robe I had custom-made for you."
"It's done already?" Tsunade glanced at it, her voice faint.
"You can wear it at the celebration," Hanekawa reminded her.
"Mhm," Tsunade murmured.
Although she hadn't officially assumed the role of Hokage, it would be improper not to wear the Hokage robe at such a large-scale event.
"Sensei, would you like a massage?" Hanekawa asked, his heart stirring.
Tsunade instinctively looked up at him.
After a few seconds, she suddenly sat up.
"Sit down," she said just as Hanekawa thought she would refuse.
"...?" Hanekawa was slightly confused. How could he massage her while sitting?
But he obediently sat down beside her.
Tsunade adjusted her position and lay back down, this time resting her head on Hanekawa's lap.
So that's how it is.
Hanekawa looked down at Tsunade's delicate face and couldn't help but smile.
"What are you smiling at?" Tsunade snorted.
"Sensei, you're really beautiful," Hanekawa complimented her.
"Don't waste time," Tsunade avoided his gaze and closed her eyes. "Massage me."
"Yes, sensei," Hanekawa placed his hands on her temples and began applying gentle pressure.
Tsunade's tense body gradually relaxed, her ample chest rising and falling with her breath.
Hanekawa wasn't sure where to look, but his gaze eventually settled on her strained clothing.
Time passed.
The quiet living room was filled with Tsunade's steady, rhythmic breathing.
Hanekawa was surprised.
She fell asleep?
Being Hokage really isn't for humans.
Hanekawa thought of Naruto Uzumaki, who had been so busy as Hokage that he barely had time for his family.
It seemed things would only ease up after the advisory council was established.
Then, all the trivial matters could be handed over to Shikaku Nara and the others.
Hanekawa looked at Tsunade, hesitated for a moment, and then placed his hand on her face.
The softness made him instinctively pinch her cheek.
Suddenly, he froze, startled.
Tsunade pursed her lips, biting them lightly and leaving a faint, glossy mark.
Hanekawa's gaze lingered on her lips.
She wasn't wearing lipstick, but her lips still looked rosy and tender.
Logically, with Tsunade's strength, she should have noticed such actions.
Hanekawa pondered this and, without hesitation, continued to pinch her smooth, fair cheeks.
"Brat!" Tsunade opened her eyes a few minutes later. "Have you had enough?"
"I was just giving you a facial massage," Hanekawa said guiltily.
"You expect me to believe that?" Tsunade rolled her eyes and sat up.
"Yes," Hanekawa said seriously. "I've always been upright."
"You?" Tsunade couldn't help but kick him. "You're just a smooth-talking brat. I don't think you've ever told the truth!"
"I have, I have," Hanekawa smiled. "When I said you're beautiful, I meant it. I could say nine more things like that in one breath."
"Enough nonsense. Let's go to the celebration," Tsunade averted her gaze and stood up.
"Yes, sensei," Hanekawa followed Tsunade out the door.
Of course, they changed into celebration-appropriate outfits before leaving.
Hanekawa wore a yukata, a lightweight kimono, so he wouldn't need to change again in the evening.
Tsunade, on the other hand, put on the Hokage robe.
The square in front of the Hokage building was already packed with people, waiting for the arrival of the Land of Fire's daimyo and the new Hokage.
"Go have fun," Tsunade glanced at Hanekawa and headed for the stage.
"Hanekawa! Over here!" Hanekawa had just turned away when he heard Kurenai Yuhi's excited voice.
He followed the sound and saw a group of friends.
Besides Kurenai, there were Rin Nohara, Kakashi Hatake, Shisui Uchiha, and Asuma Sarutobi, among others.
This was probably the most complete gathering since their graduation from the academy, even including Yamato.
Of course, Obito Uchiha, who had become a "hero," wasn't present.
Hanekawa walked over and greeted them one by one.
"You've been so busy as Hokage's assistant that we barely see you anymore!" Asuma elbowed him.
"I only realized how much work it was after becoming the Hokage's assistant," Hanekawa sighed. "I'm busy from morning till night, with no time to train."
"You make me want to hit you!" Asuma's mouth twitched. "You're just showing off!"
"Could you even beat him?" Kurenai hugged Hanekawa's arm and smiled.
"..." Asuma was left speechless.
They chatted while waiting.
At 1 p.m., the celebration officially began.
The first event was the daimyo's speech, followed by the Hokage's speech.
By the time both speeches ended, it was already 2:30 p.m.
"Everyone, enjoy the celebration!" Tsunade stood on the stage and announced.
The crowd erupted into cheers.
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