"Please, have a seat," Tsunade said as she settled into her chair. "By the official record, you're Jiraiya's disciple, which makes you my junior. But considering your status as the de facto leader of the Land of Vegetables, I'd say we're equals today. Let's treat this as a casual conversation—though I'll bring up a few formal matters as well."
So she's leading with courtesy...
Kimimaro smiled faintly. "My so-called master doesn't exactly act his age, Hokage-sama. If I didn't already know your title, I'd probably be calling you 'older sister' instead."
Tsunade's lips curled into a smirk. "I don't mind being called 'older sister.' It's much better than being nagged by that brat Naruto."
"Let's maintain a bit of decorum, or Jiraiya might give me an earful the next time we meet," Kimimaro replied with a shrug. "So, Hokage-sama—what did you want to discuss?"
"At first, I only meant to meet the young man Jiraiya singled out—the one who now governs a country. But you really surprised me." Her eyes sharpened. "Wood Release—strong, and clearly mastered. I'll have to investigate."
"Feel free," Kimimaro said coolly. "Do you think I'm unworthy of the First Hokage's techniques?"
"It's not about worthiness," Tsunade replied. "My grandfather wasn't the possessive type. But as Hokage, I have to ensure no harm came to Konoha's interests in the process."
It was just a tube of blood, Kimimaro thought.
"Let's drop it," he said aloud, leaning back. "I don't see much point in dwelling on the past."
"Fair enough." Tsunade shifted topics. "I'm curious—how did you gain Jiraiya's favor? From what I know of him, he doesn't take disciples lightly. There must be something in your ideals he resonated with. My guess? Your political vision."
"What makes you say that?"
"I've been following your reforms in the Land of Vegetables. A more egalitarian structure, education initiatives, civilian welfare—those are things Jiraiya would support. They align with his idea of peace."
"So?" Kimimaro replied, indifferent. "He offered to take me in. I never asked why."
Tsunade narrowed her eyes slightly. "In the Land of Vegetables... do you plan to expand?"
Kimimaro looked amused. "Do you think that backwater country has the strength to do that?"
"Strength isn't always the deciding factor. Will and strategy matter just as much. The ones who attacked you today must've seen that. Wood Release alone isn't the problem—it's the fact that someone with Wood Release is also building political capital. That's what makes you dangerous."
"So... does Konoha intend to keep me here?"
Tsunade shook her head. "That's not my way. You've shown goodwill to Konoha. I won't punish you over speculation and fear."
"Then the Hokage is truly magnanimous."
"I follow my grandfather's will," she said, her tone quieting. "And my teacher's."
A pause followed, comfortable yet weighty. Then Kimimaro asked, "Didn't you mention official business?"
"Yes." Tsunade nodded. "Now that you control the Land of Vegetables, I hope you'll consider formal diplomatic relations with the Land of Fire. This year, I intend to organize a joint Chūnin Exams with the other villages. If your Shinobi are ready, I welcome them to participate."
Kimimaro understood immediately. The joint Chūnin Exams were less about promotion and more about diplomacy—an arena for nations to display power and foster cooperation. Like a sports tournament from his past life, the real value was symbolic.
"Understood. When the date is fixed, inform us. I'll decide then."
He already knew it was a good opportunity—for his Shinobi to gain experience, and for others to witness what the Land of Vegetables had become. He might even include the Star Ninja from the Land of Bears. As for Snow Country... it was still better for them to remain hidden for now.
They exchanged a few more thoughts casually when a commotion erupted outside the office.
"Shizune, go check what's going on," Tsunade ordered.
Shizune moved to comply, but before she could leave, Sakura Haruno burst in, panting slightly. "Shishō, the heads of several clans are here—Hyūga Hiashi-sama, and Jonin Inoichi Yamanaka, Nara Shikaku, and Akimichi Chōza as well."
Tsunade sighed. "Shizune, calm them down and then bring them in, one group at a time."
"Understood."
"Sakura, long time no see," Kimimaro greeted her calmly.
"Ah, Kimimaro, sorry—I was a bit distracted," Sakura replied, straightening up.
"You're maturing nicely. No wonder Naruto can't get you out of his head. Besides Sasuke, you're probably the one he treasures most."
Sakura's smile immediately dropped. "Could you not say the 'besides Sasuke' part? What do you mean by that?"
Kimimaro tilted his head slightly. "Naruto originally cared deeply for Sasuke—maybe even more than anyone else. That's just a fact. You were the same, weren't you? But if you and Naruto truly care about each other now, then Sasuke's shadow doesn't have to define your future."
Sakura clenched her fist, her irritation barely contained. Tsunade, watching from behind the desk with folded arms, intervened before things escalated.
"Sakura, don't be impulsive. Kimimaro just neutralized a Jonin and four Tokubetsu Jonin—without suffering a scratch."
Sakura's anger dissipated into shock. "He's that strong?"
At that moment, the office doors were thrown open, and several figures strode in.
"Hokage-sama, the Hyuga Clan demands an explanation!" Hyuga Hiashi's voice was cold, barely restrained fury beneath his formal tone. He had already heard Hanabi's account: a group of masked shinobi had attempted to detain her without authority.
"I will address this incident," Tsunade said evenly, before turning to another familiar face. "Inoichi, are the Ino–Shika–Chō also here to weigh in?"
"Hokage-sama," Inoichi said, flanked by Shikaku Nara and Choza Akimichi. "We understand the complexities of your position. But this matter cannot be ignored. Whoever attacked Hanabi crossed a line. His power must be checked."
Although the Hyuga Clan held considerable sway, the Ino–Shika–Chō trio had long been trusted by the Hokage for their individual specialties—intelligence (Inoichi), strategy (Shikaku), and battlefield leadership (Choza). Their political influence in Konoha was on par with, if not greater than, Hiashi's.
They already suspected who the culprit was.
"You want to restrict me?" A gruff voice interrupted as a man stepped inside. His right eye and arm were wrapped in bandages.
"Danzo…" Tsunade's eyes narrowed.
Danzo Shimura didn't wait for permission. "Tsunade, five of my Root operatives are dead. Eliminated by him." He cast a sharp glance at Kimimaro. "We'll need to settle this."
"You dare show your face after what your dogs did to my daughter?" Hiashi barked. "Those men tried to abduct Hanabi! Danzo, you've gone too far!"
"The noble clans of Konoha should act for the village's benefit, not scheme behind closed doors. Don't think I'm blind to your ambitions, Hiashi," Danzo said coldly.
Hiashi's restraint snapped. "I send my daughter in goodwill, and you interfere? You've crossed the line, Danzo!" Without hesitation, he lunged forward with Gentle Fist.
Danzo countered with a flicker of motion, prepared to defend himself.
"Enough—both of you!"
In a burst of speed and chakra-enhanced strength, Tsunade wedged herself between them, catching Hiashi's palm and Danzo's wrist simultaneously.
"This is the Hokage's office," she growled. "Danzo, you authorized a covert operation on a guest under clan protection—that's a breach of village law. Those Root agents acted outside my authority. They had no right. Their deaths were justified."
Tsunade's tone made it clear: she was the Hokage. And Danzo had overstepped.
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