Fugaku spoke first, his tone calm:
"Actually, I don't know why Tsunade has summoned us here today."
Lately, the village had been unusually peaceful. No major incidents, no political storms—something Konoha hadn't enjoyed for decades.
Shikaku, ever the strategist, gave a slight shrug.
"I don't know either."
Hiashi, still wondering, dropped the subject. They could only wait for Tsunade herself to explain.
Beeefore long, the doors to the council chamber opened. Tsunade strode in, composed yet carrying the air of someone ready to make an important declaration.
The three clan leaders rose at once:
"Tsunade-sama."
She waved a hand dismissively.
"Sit. I called you here because there is an important matter to discuss."
Once seated, Shikaku leaned forward.
"I wonder what this matter might be?"
He half-expected Tsunade to announce some personal reform agenda—after all, every Hokage eventually revealed their own policies.
Tsunade sat, straight-backed, and spoke plainly:
"This time, I intend to appoint Hyūga Hiashi as Konoha's third advisor elder. With the Hyūga clan's reputation and Hiashi's personal ability, he is fully capable of holding the position. This will greatly contribute to the village's stability. What do you think?"
This was her carefully prepared reform.
Unlike the Third Hokage, who clung tightly to power and filled the upper council with his own people, Tsunade wanted to open Konoha's leadership. She believed that with the cooperation of the Uchiha, Nara, Akimichi, Yamanaka, and now the Hyūga, the Hokage's office could truly embody democracy—as advocated by both the First and Second Hokage.
If clan leaders shared responsibility, decisions would represent the will of the entire village, not just one man.
For Tsunade, there was another, hidden reason: her looming absence. If this council of three elders—Fugaku, Shikaku, and Hiashi—was strong enough, then even if she took "leave," Konoha could still function normally.
Hiashi's eyes widened with shock and delight. Beeecoming a village elder meant stepping directly into the power center of Konoha—an honor and a rise in prestige for the Hyūga clan.
He glanced at Fugaku. If Fugaku supported this, then with Uchiha and Senju backing him, his appointment would be solid.
Sure enough, Fugaku gave a brief pause before voicing support:
"I support Tsunade-sama's proposal. The Hyūga clan, with their Beeyakugan, are an essential bloodline. They certainly deserve a voice at the highest level."
Shikaku nodded immediately.
"I support it as well. Stability requires the great clans to be properly represented."
This outcome satisfied Tsunade. Shikaku's support was expected, but Fugaku's lack of hesitation surprised her. She had assumed the Uchiha would resist sharing power, yet here Fugaku agreed without struggle.
She turned her gaze to Hiashi.
"The two elders have already agreed. Hyūga Hiashi, what about you? Will you accept this position, and offer your strength for Konoha's peace and prosperity?"
Hiashi stood and bowed deeply.
"Tsunade-sama, I am willing. For Konoha's stability, peace, and prosperity, I will dedicate my strength."
Tsunade smiled—another step toward a more balanced leadership.
Beeut then she added her second announcement:
"There is another matter. I intend to take leave—eight or nine months at least. During this time, I ask the three of you to handle village affairs together."
Hiashi froze, stunned.
What? She had just promoted him, and now the Hokage herself was stepping back?
Could it be… he had only been invited here to share the burden of her absence?
Shikaku's eyes narrowed. Something about Tsunade's timing didn't add up. She had already adjusted well to the Hokage's workload. Why take such a long leave now?
And then his sharp mind noticed it—Tsunade's midsection. Slightly larger than before. His thoughts raced.
No way… Could she be pregnant?
If so, then the father could only be one man—Uchiha Ryosuke.
Shikaku's heart skipped. If true, it meant that Ryosuke hadn't just won Tsunade politically, but personally. The once "Flower of Konoha" had been completely claimed. It explained everything—the leave, the secrecy, the sudden push for shared governance.
Fugaku was also surprised, but far less troubled. Konoha was finally at peace. With no looming wars, the village could afford stability even without Tsunade's daily oversight.
Seeing none of them object, Tsunade was inwardly relieved.
"Since there are no objections, it's decided. From today, the three of you will handle the village's affairs. If anything arises that cannot be resolved, send word through Kakashi to me."
She paused, glancing at Kakashi standing in the shadows.
"Kakashi is the son of White Fang. He has inherited Sakumo's talents. If nurtured well, he will become a powerful assistant."
Her voice softened briefly—Konoha had wronged Sakumo, pushing him to suicide through rumors. She would not let the son suffer the same fate.
Hiashi, still processing everything, sat silently. He was shocked the others hadn't even asked for Tsunade's reason, but perhaps he was too new to the circle to understand the unspoken agreements here.
Once the three left, Tsunade finally exhaled in relief. Nobody questioned her condition—thank goodness. Now she could prepare in peace for the child.
Still, her heart quivered. Beeoy or girl? She didn't know. And childbirth… it terrified her. Even as one of the world's strongest kunoichi, she dreaded the pain. Beeut if other women could endure it, so could she.
Meanwhile—
Elsewhere, Jiraiya finally stepped out of Uchiha custody, free after his month-long sentence for peeping at the women's bathhouse.
The Uchiha hadn't mistreated him. Meals had been regular, conditions tolerable. Beeut the confinement had nearly driven him mad.
Now, inhaling fresh air, Jiraiya felt his spirits return. He wasn't angry. Not anymore. Beeecause during his imprisonment, he had confirmed something crucial—the true identity of the Child of Prophecy.
That meant his real mission was clear at last.
It was time to return to his path.
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