"Shizune-senpai, why aren't you with Tsunade-sensei today?"
Kitazawa suddenly realized her absence and asked curiously.
"She went to see the Third Hokage—probably to consult him about something," Shizune replied.
"I see."
Kitazawa stroked his chin thoughtfully.
He recalled that Hiruzen had once mentioned wanting to teach at the Academy after retiring.
'Wouldn't it be perfect to invite him to the Genius Class?'
Kitazawa's schedule was already packed, and once the new combat systems were implemented, he'd only get busier. It wasn't unusual for missions to take ten days—or even half a month.
If one day he, Kosuke, and Kakashi all couldn't make it back in time for class, who would handle the Genius Class then?
Yes—asking Hiruzen to join might just solve that problem.
Besides, Kitazawa was close to mastering the Five Release Great Combination, meaning all five chakra natures would soon reach the proficient level. The only one left was Fire Release—which he planned to finish during next month's practical exam.
If Hiruzen really did teach at the Academy, it would make seeking his guidance far easier.
At nine sharp, Homura and Koharu entered the conference room ahead of Tsunade.
Their seats—flanking the Hokage's chair—made their status clear: power still lingered with the old guard.
Moments later, Tsunade pushed open the door and strode in, her presence commanding instant attention.
"Hokage-sama," all the Jonin said in unison, rising to their feet.
"The Jonin Meeting will now begin."
After taking her seat, Tsunade's tone turned firm. "First matter of business: the establishment of a new Hokage Secretariat."
"Hokage Secretariat?" Koharu frowned. "How does that differ from a Hokage Secretary?"
"It's a department," Tsunade explained coolly, "dedicated to assisting the Hokage in managing Konoha's daily affairs."
Koharu's expression eased slightly.
So, it wasn't about concentrating power—it was about dividing it.
She had feared Tsunade's 'Hokage Secretary' would strip authority away from her and Homura. But this… this sounded less threatening.
"The Hokage Secretariat will consist of four directors and nine members," Tsunade continued. "The appointments are as follows: Nara Shikaku, Shizune, Uchiha Itachi, Kitazawa, Hyuga Hisashi… Inuzuka Tsume."
A wave of murmurs filled the room.
Homura's and Koharu's eyes widened in disbelief.
Shikaku's inclusion was expected—his intellect and experience made him a natural choice.
But Uchiha Itachi? Hyuga Hisashi? That was something else entirely.
Two of the most powerful clans in the village—both now holding positions close to the Hokage.
The advisors exchanged uneasy glances.
Was Tsunade deliberately empowering the great clans?
Or worse… was this Secretariat meant to replace them?
A sense of dread crept up both their spines.
Kitazawa, meanwhile, raised an eyebrow.
'Uchiha Itachi, huh?'
He hadn't expected the Uchiha to push someone that young into the Hokage's inner circle. Then again, it made perfect sense—the Uchiha had always played the long game.
With Itachi's talent and his new political standing, he was practically a shadow Hokage candidate. Even if he'd never wear the hat himself, he'd pave the way for Sasuke one day.
A dual strategy. Typical Uchiha.
Still, the appointments were surprisingly balanced.
Twelve secretaries—eight representing major clans, and four from non-clan Jonin.
It reminded Kitazawa of the structure he'd used for the ANBU selection—power spread evenly, but the message unmistakable: Konoha's future would no longer be monopolized by the elders.
The Jonin murmured among themselves—shock mixed with approval.
After all, for the first time in decades, both the Uchiha and Hyuga had official voices in Konoha's central administration.
Even during the reigns of Hiruzen and Minato, that had never happened.
"The head of the Hokage Secretariat will be Nara Shikaku," Tsunade announced with a faint smile.
"His official title—Hokage Advisor."
"What?!"
Koharu shot to her feet, face pale with disbelief.
Homura didn't rise, but the tension in his jaw said enough.
The room erupted again—Jonin whispering, wide-eyed.
Even Shikaku himself blinked, as if struck by lightning.
An Advisor?
That wasn't a subordinate post—it was near equal to the Hokage herself.
"I object!" Koharu snapped, her voice sharp.
Shikaku's gaze hardened. With his intelligence, he understood immediately—this wasn't about him. It was about power.
Once he joined the advisory council, Koharu and Homura's influence would inevitably weaken.
But he wasn't going to refuse.
For the Nara Clan.
For the Ino–Shika–Chō alliance.
And for the future Tsunade envisioned.
She had given him an opening, and a man like Shikaku never ignored opportunity.
"How can the Hokage's secretary and advisor both be confused?"
Koharu's sharp voice broke through the silence. "Tsunade, your decision is unreasonable."
"It's just a title," Tsunade replied coolly. "If you disagree, we'll take a vote."
"No!" Koharu refused almost instinctively.
She knew what that meant. The Hokage's Secretariat had already distributed benefits among the major clans and Jonin—the outcome of the vote was obvious, and it definitely wouldn't favor her.
"This won't do, that won't do. Tell me, who's the Hokage here?"
Tsunade's gaze hardened, her tone carrying quiet authority. "I am the Hokage."
Koharu froze. A chill ran down her spine—something in Tsunade's eyes made her feel genuine fear.
"Vote."
Tsunade's voice cut through the room like a blade. "Those who agree with Advisor Koharu, raise your hands."
The conference room fell into silence.
A few Jonin who had ties with Koharu twitched as if about to raise their hands, but one glance around the room was enough to make them hesitate. Raising their hands wouldn't change anything—worse, it would paint a target on their backs. So they quietly lowered them again.
Koharu trembled with barely contained fury.
Tsunade could've easily phrased it differently—something like, 'Those who support Nara Shikaku as Hokage Advisor, raise your hands.' But no, she'd chosen this wording deliberately—to humiliate her.
"Koharu," Homura murmured, shooting her a warning look.
No matter how influential an advisor was, they couldn't oppose all the Jonin in Konoha. Pushing this further would only make things worse.
Koharu knew that too. But her pride burned.
Tsunade was their junior, once a child under their guidance—how dare she defy them so blatantly? Even Hiruzen wouldn't have done this.
"Any other objections?" Tsunade asked calmly.
All eyes turned toward Koharu.
"…"
Her lips trembled. In the end, she could only shake her head.
"Then let's continue," Tsunade said, a small smirk tugging at her lips.
Watching Koharu's reaction was unexpectedly satisfying. No wonder the old man loved declaring, 'I am the Hokage.' In Konoha, those words carried an unmatched authority.
"Second order of business—the Konoha Military Police Force will be expanded." Tsunade's tone was steady. "Fugaku will oversee recruitment. All shinobi are eligible to participate in the assessment."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Fugaku stood up, his tone calm and respectful. The arrangement had been agreed upon earlier, so he accepted it without surprise.
Many clan heads already knew what was coming, but the independent Jonin were left stunned.
The Uchiha Clan… opening recruitment?
Unbelievable.
Kitazawa could only sigh inwardly—experience truly changes people.
The Uchiha of the past had been proud to a fault, clinging desperately to their authority over the Police Force. But times had changed.
Danzo's suppression, Shisui's death, and their forced relocation had taught them humiliation the hard way. Without Tsunade's rise—and Kitazawa's own butterfly effect—they would've reached a breaking point and brought about the infamous Night of the Clan's Downfall.
But fate had shifted. Tsunade became Hokage. Danzo entered the Pure Land early.
Now, the Uchiha had a chance to rise again.
'And what's wrong with a little humility, if it keeps you alive?'
Homura and Koharu exchanged wary glances.
They could feel it—the balance of power in Konoha was changing. The Uchiha were returning to the center of power, rendering Danzo's lifelong schemes meaningless.
They had thought about protesting, but seeing the calm expressions of the other clan heads, they realized with a chill—they were the only ones out of the loop.
"The third matter," Tsunade continued smoothly, "Kitazawa will act as Konoha's representative, with Shikaku handling negotiations, to welcome the envoy from the Hidden Mist Village."
"Yes, Sensei."
Kitazawa responded immediately.
A ripple of surprise spread among the Jonin.
It was the first time they'd heard Kitazawa call Tsunade "Sensei" Before this, it had always been "Hokage-sama" or "Tsunade-sama." The change was subtle but unmistakable—he had officially become her disciple.
Considering his incredible strength, more than a few Jonin silently thought: 'Could he be the next Hokage?'
After all, none of his peers could truly rival him. Kakashi, Asuma, even Gai—they all fell short.
"The fourth matter—announce Naruto's identity as Minato's son."
The room erupted.
"What?!"
"Tsunade!" Koharu blurted out, "You're endangering that boy's safety!"
"If Konoha can't even protect one child," Tsunade shot back, "then we have no right to call ourselves one of the Five Great Villages."
"But Naruto… he's not just—" Koharu stopped abruptly, biting her tongue. The fact that Naruto was the Nine-Tails' jinchūriki wasn't meant for public ears. Her unfinished words were enough for Tsunade to understand.
"Indecisive as ever," Tsunade said coldly. "Are you really fit to call yourself an advisor?"
She raised her hand. "All in favor—raise your hands."
One after another, the Jonin complied.
Fugaku and Shibi, who had both respected Minato, raised theirs without hesitation.
"…"
Koharu slumped back into her chair, defeated.
The contrast from the previous vote couldn't have been sharper.
After that, the remaining agenda items passed smoothly.
Tsunade, unlike Hiruzen, ran her meetings with sharp precision—what might have taken half a day under the Third was done in under two hours.
Kitazawa had expected a long ordeal, but it was over before noon.
A Hokage like this—firm, decisive, unyielding—was exactly what Konoha needed.
The Jonin Meeting concluded.
Kitazawa left the Hokage building with Nono and Kabuto, planning to visit Haku next.
Meanwhile, back in the advisors' office, Homura and Koharu sat fuming.
"We can't let Tsunade act so willfully!" Koharu snapped, her voice trembling with anger.
The humiliation she'd suffered at the Jonin Meeting still burned. Not only had Tsunade embarrassed her in front of everyone, but the Hokage's growing influence was also eroding the advisors' authority.
"Tsunade's prestige is at its peak right now," Homura said evenly, far calmer than his partner. "It's unwise to confront her head-on."
"Then let's find Hiruzen!" Koharu's eyes lit up, excitement sparking in her voice.
Homura nodded slowly. "Good idea. Hiruzen just retired—his influence is still strong. If he steps in, he might be able to rein Tsunade in."
"Then what are we waiting for?" Koharu said impatiently, already striding out the door.
Homura followed, sighing quietly.
The two soon arrived at the Sarutobi Clan compound, where Hiruzen sat peacefully by a pond, fishing.
When he sensed them approach, he didn't even turn his head, merely lifting an eyebrow. He already knew why they were here—Tsunade had visited him that morning to discuss her plans.
"Hiruzen, you're living quite the relaxed life," Koharu said coldly, her gaze flicking to the empty bucket beside him. "Meanwhile, your old comrades are suffering."
"What's the matter this time?" Hiruzen asked, his tone mild.
"It's your dear student, Tsunade!" Koharu said sharply. "She actually allowed the Uchiha and Hyuga into Konoha's high command!"
Hiruzen blinked in mild surprise. He hadn't been informed of the meeting's details.
"It seems you don't know what your successor has done," Homura said, stepping forward. He quickly explained everything that had transpired at the Jonin Meeting—including Tsunade's public announcement of Naruto's parentage.
When he finished, Hiruzen exhaled softly and smiled. "That does sound like Tsunade. In her, I can see my teacher's spirit."
"Your sensei was our sensei too," Koharu huffed. "Tsunade is Tsunade. Don't compare the two."
Hiruzen's expression hardened slightly. "Then tell me—what's the real issue here? Are you worried Tsunade can't control the Uchiha and Hyuga? That Naruto's identity will draw foreign attention? Or is it simply that your power has been diminished?"
"We're worried about the first two, of course!" Koharu blurted, avoiding his gaze.
"Tsunade's only just begun her term," Hiruzen said calmly. "How do you know she can't handle it?"
"I—" Koharu started, but the words caught in her throat. Hiruzen was different now—colder, sharper, less indulgent of their politics.
"I understand your concerns," he said finally, shaking his head. "But I'm no longer Hokage."
"Hiruzen, you won't even advise her?" Koharu pressed, her tone heavy with disappointment.
"Tsunade's actions are far too reckless," Homura added. "She should have at least consulted us first."
"I've already told you," Hiruzen said, turning back to the water. "I can't interfere. Think about what happened to Danzo."
The name hung in the air like a warning.
Both Koharu and Homura froze.
Danzo's death had shocked them. Whatever his faults, he had served Konoha loyally in his own way. They had never imagined Tsunade would be ruthless enough to eliminate him.
But Tsunade was not Hiruzen. Her leadership was swift and decisive—perhaps too decisive.
Konoha Hospital
Kitazawa met Haku in a quiet room.
"I've given him a full examination," Nono reported. "Aside from mild malnutrition, he's in good health."
"That's a relief."
Kitazawa turned to Haku. "Have you learned any Ice Release techniques yet?"
Haku hesitated, then shook his head. "No… I only managed to use it once by accident."
"You've got strong potential in both Water and Ice Release," Kitazawa said thoughtfully. "From now on, we'll work on both together. I might not know Ice Release myself, but I can give you some guidance."
[Current Mission: Help Haku master three Ice Release techniques.]
[Reward: Ice Release.]
[Accept mission?]
Kitazawa's eyes narrowed slightly as the glowing words appeared before him.
Ice Release, huh? That reward was tempting. But the mission wouldn't be easy.
Haku barely had any foundation as a shinobi—he'd be learning from scratch. Kitazawa could only accelerate the process by referencing what he remembered from the original world's Ice Release techniques.
Still… Ice Release was Ice Release.
'At the very least, I could make free popsicles in summer.'
He coughed into his hand. "Accept mission."
"Thank you, Kitazawa-sama," Haku said earnestly.
"You'll start with basic chakra refinement," Kitazawa instructed. "Kabuto, you'll teach him."
"Yes, Sensei," Kabuto replied with a respectful nod.
Kitazawa didn't linger. Leaving the hospital, he made his way to the Ninja Academy.
Not long after lunch, there was a knock at his office door.
"Come in," Kitazawa said.
The door opened—and Konan stepped inside.
She wore the signature black Akatsuki cloak, its red clouds vivid against the dark fabric. The high collar and flowing hem concealed her figure, save for the glimpse of high-heeled, open-toe boots that revealed perfectly painted black toenails—striking against her pale skin.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "That outfit's a bit too conspicuous for Konoha. From now on, you'll wear this."
He handed her a Konoha Anbu vest and a long white robe.
Anbu uniforms came in two styles—one with just the vest, the other with a white cloak layered over it.
"In Konoha, you'll operate under an Anbu identity," Kitazawa said firmly. "But remember—you take my orders at all times, even for missions."
His tone left no room for argument.
Konan nodded silently. Treating Nagato's legs came first—she wasn't about to jeopardize that.
"Change into it," Kitazawa said, turning toward the door. "I'll be outside."
Once he left, Konan unzipped her cloak. Beneath it, she wore a backless black top and tight light-purple pants, her flat stomach exposed, a small ring glinting on her navel.
After donning the Anbu vest and robe, she slipped on the porcelain mask.
Her aura shifted instantly—from cool and distant to something altogether more mysterious.
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