After school, Kitazawa returned home.
"Only just getting back now?" Kurenai, sitting on the sofa, asked with a puzzled expression. "Did you have a meeting all day?"
"No, I went back to the Ninja Academy this afternoon." Kitazawa sat down beside her.
"I see." Kurenai's face showed understanding, then she asked, "Did your students miss you?"
"I originally just wanted to glance at them and come back, but they were too enthusiastic, so I just gave them new training assignments," Kitazawa replied.
"That sounds like repaying kindness with enmity." Kurenai paused slightly, then couldn't help but laugh.
"How is that repaying kindness with enmity?" Kitazawa raised his hand and patted her fair, tender thigh.
But Kurenai's words reminded him of a story from his previous life—about students who were "rewarded" with extra homework.
"Alright, I'm going to make dinner. What do you want to eat tonight?" Kurenai lifted her clean, jade-like foot and kicked him lightly as she asked.
"Anything is fine," Kitazawa sighed. "After eating out for two and a half months, coming home makes everything taste delicious."
"Home is definitely better."
Kurenai stood up, pressed her rosy lips against Kitazawa's cheek, then turned and went to the kitchen.
After dinner, Kitazawa took advantage of the quiet time to return to his room and continue improving his Medical Ninjutsu for Limb Regeneration.
After this war, many Konoha shinobi had lost arms or legs.
If Kitazawa could heal them with this technique in time, both his reputation and the influence of his S-rank Medical Ninjutsu would grow tremendously. At that point, the system's mission rewards might be even more generous.
Night deepened.
Kitazawa suddenly heard faint footsteps. A moment later, he felt a soft touch on his back.
"Kitazawa." Kurenai leaned gently on him. "I've prepared the hot water for you."
Kitazawa turned his head and saw her looking at him, dazed and warm. He couldn't help but smile. "Want to bathe together?"
"I'll wait for you," Kurenai said softly, her cheeks faintly red.
"At this point, do you think saying that still works?" Kitazawa chuckled, standing up as he lifted her into his arms.
Kurenai gasped, but didn't resist.
The two of them went to the bathroom together.
Hot water flowed from all directions, and Kitazawa let out a long sigh as the warmth seeped into his body.
The first bath back home lasted two hours. In the end, Kurenai fell asleep, dizzy and relaxed.
---
A new day dawned.
Kitazawa woke up early—today, he was scheduled to assist Lady Tsunade.
He glanced at Kurenai's sleeping face and couldn't help but marvel at the remarkable vitality of the Senju bloodline. Their recovery abilities were far superior to ordinary shinobi.
After changing his clothes and having breakfast, Kitazawa continued his research on Limb Regeneration Medical Ninjutsu.
At nine o'clock in the morning, a knock sounded at the door.
"Finally here?" Kitazawa stood up and went to open it.
Outside stood Tsunade and Shizune.
"Let's go," Tsunade said, waving her hand as she led the way toward the Hokage Building.
Sarutobi Hiruzen had specially arranged an office for her. When the three arrived, someone was already waiting inside—Nara Shikaku and Nara Suzaku, two Jonin from the Nara Clan. Their presence alone showed how seriously Hiruzen was treating this matter.
Nara Suzaku didn't have many appearances in the original records; he was only mentioned during the Fourth Shinobi World War.
"Lady Tsunade." Both Shikaku and Suzaku stood and bowed respectfully.
"Hmm." Tsunade sat unceremoniously in the main seat. "What's the arrangement?"
"Lady Tsunade," Shikaku began, "I'll explain the plan."
A total of four thousand shinobi had participated in the war. He divided them into three merit categories.
The first category consisted of those who simply completed their missions—no extra reward necessary.
The second category included those who performed exceptionally, accomplishing results beyond expectations.
The third category was reserved for a very small number of shinobi with extraordinary achievements—such as Tsunade and Kitazawa.
Shikaku's plan was to first distribute the rewards for the first two categories.
The third would be handled last, as their contributions required multiple discussions and approval from the Hokage himself.
"Very good." Tsunade smiled. "Shikaku, you're always dependable."
"It's my duty," he replied calmly.
"Then let's divide the work and begin," Tsunade said, sitting up straight, her tone serious. The sooner they finished, the sooner she could be free.
Shikaku distributed the categorized files to Tsunade, Kitazawa, and Shizune.
Kitazawa casually opened the folder. It contained detailed records of each ninja's wartime missions and performance.
His task was to evaluate their achievements based on that data—an initial assessment. The final decision, however, would rest with Tsunade.
---
Time moved into the afternoon.
A knock sounded at the door.
"Lady Tsunade." Itachi stood outside the office, not stepping in.
"Kitazawa," Tsunade called out as she stood and walked toward the door. "We're going out for a bit."
Kitazawa immediately understood why Uchiha Itachi had come looking for her. He nodded to Shizune and the others, then followed them out.
"Let's talk here," Tsunade said, stopping in the corridor.
"After our investigation, he was indeed a Root shinobi," Itachi reported, his tone solemn. "Codenamed Tiger. He joined the Anbu after Root was disbanded. But… he's already dead—killed by a Hidden Mist shinobi."
"Did he intentionally seek death?" Tsunade frowned, her expression hardening.
"Was the body found?" Kitazawa asked, unsurprised. Danzo was no fool—he would never leave behind solid evidence.
"It was found," Itachi replied, "but the body was heavily damaged. The analysis team said most of the brain's memories are no longer retrievable."
"How troublesome," Tsunade sighed.
Without concrete proof, she couldn't act directly against Danzo. As long as he remained a Konoha shinobi, Sarutobi Hiruzen and others would stand in her way.
"Is there anything else you need me to do?" Itachi asked, regret flickering in his eyes.
Putting aside loyalty to Konoha, he deeply wished to personally kill Danzo—to avenge Uchiha Shisui. But once again, Danzo had slipped through unscathed.
"Not for now. You've done enough. You can go," Tsunade said, shaking her head.
"Yes." Itachi bowed slightly before turning to leave.
Though unable to act this time, he saw a glimmer of hope. As long as Lady Tsunade stood firm, Danzo would eventually pay the price he deserved.
"Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa said once Itachi left, "I think it's time we take the initiative."
"What do you mean?" Tsunade turned to him, narrowing her eyes. "Do you intend to assassinate Danzo?"
"Lady Tsunade, such a thing would go against Konoha's rules," Kitazawa replied, blinking innocently.
"If you have a plan, then speak!" Tsunade glared.
"The reason Danzo targets you is because he's obsessed with the Hokage's seat," Kitazawa said, clearing his throat. "If we initiate the Hokage selection process, he won't be able to stay still. He'll make his move—and expose himself."
"You really want me to become Hokage that badly?" Tsunade asked with a mix of amusement and exasperation.
"Of course," Kitazawa said frankly. "Once you become Hokage, I can walk around Konoha with my head held high."
"..." Tsunade was momentarily speechless. Somehow, it felt like all the benefits went to him if she took the hat.
"Lady Tsunade, being this indecisive doesn't suit you," Kitazawa said with a teasing smile.
"Do I need you to lecture me?" Tsunade snapped, kicking him lightly.
"Lady Tsunade will decide for herself," Kitazawa replied sincerely. "I'm only making a suggestion."
Tsunade looked at him in silence. After a moment, she exhaled and let out a small, self-deprecating laugh.
Just as Kitazawa said—since when had she become so hesitant?
"Come with me to the Hokage's Office."
Her tea-green haori fluttered behind her as she turned, the bold kanji for Gamble on her back swaying with each confident step.
Seeing that, Kitazawa smiled faintly. So, it had finally come to this step.
Bang! The door to the Hokage's Office burst open under Tsunade's kick.
"It's you two," said Sarutobi Hiruzen, his tone calm. "Have you encountered any issues with your work?"
"Old man," Tsunade said bluntly, "when are you planning to retire?"
Hiruzen froze. If anyone else had asked, his first reaction would've been 'Are you trying to rebel?'
But coming from Tsunade… he wasn't quite sure what to make of it.
"Why are you asking me this all of a sudden?" he asked, shaking his head. "I'm still Hokage. A Hokage can only retire once the successor has been decided."
"If you want to retire," Tsunade said evenly, "then start the Hokage selection process."
"You mean…?" Hiruzen's eyes widened slightly, though disbelief lingered in his expression.
"I've said what I came to say. I don't intend to repeat it."
Tsunade's gaze drifted toward the window, where the Hokage Rock stood tall against the skyline. Her eyes softened, filled with mixed emotions.
She had never truly considered becoming Hokage. All along, that dream had belonged to Nawaki.
But fate had taken its own course.
"Good!" Sarutobi Hiruzen stood up with rare energy. "I'll send word to the Daimyo immediately!"
There were three formal steps in selecting a new Hokage: the Daimyo's approval, the Jonin vote, and the villagers' vote.
Technically, the Daimyo's endorsement came first—though in practice, it all began with the current Hokage's decision. Once he named a successor, the rest was mere procedure.
"I'll go myself," Tsunade said. "It's the perfect chance to invite the Daimyo to our celebration banquet—after all, we just won the war."
"That's an excellent idea," Hiruzen said with a smile. "If the Daimyo's pleased, next year's funding might even increase."
While part of Konoha's income came from mission commissions, the majority came from the Land of Fire's allocation.
That was why the Daimyo held such high status among the Five Great Nations—because, ultimately, they controlled the purse strings.
Of course, much of that balance of power dated back to Senju Hashirama, who had established the "One Nation, One Village" system.
After so many years, no one even thought of overturning it.
"When are you leaving?" Hiruzen asked after a pause. "I'll have Shikaku select a few capable shinobi to accompany you."
"No need for such trouble," Tsunade said, waving a hand. "Kitazawa and I will go alone."
"Just the two of you?" Sarutobi Hiruzen asked, somewhat surprised. "Isn't that a bit against the rules?"
"The Daimyo won't mind," Tsunade replied with a calm expression.
"That's true." Sarutobi suddenly remembered that Tsunade had always maintained a good relationship with the Land of Fire's Daimyo family.
Among all the previous Hokage of Konoha, besides Senju Hashirama, only she could achieve such a connection.
"I'll go on Friday," Tsunade said after a moment of thought.
Since she had taken on the task of rewarding merits, she naturally wouldn't go back on her word. Although time was tight, they could use Shadow Clones to increase work efficiency.
"Friday?" Sarutobi thought for a moment and said, "Then I'll move Saturday's funeral to Sunday."
Tsunade and Kitazawa were key figures in winning this war—it would be inappropriate if they didn't attend.
"Hmm." Tsunade paused, then said, "The Jonin vote and Villager vote will be held next week."
"No problem," Sarutobi agreed without hesitation. Once that process was completed, he would finally be able to retire before next Sunday.
Having served as Hokage for decades, he now felt a faint sense of anticipation.
After all, being Hokage meant bearing great responsibility—the lives of both the villagers and the shinobi rested on his shoulders. He was old now. It was time to step down and let the next generation take over.
"Alright, I'll leave the rest to you. We're going back to continue working," Tsunade said, waving her hand as she left the Hokage Office.
Although she had decided to become Hokage, old habits die hard—she still had that laid-back personality, always willing to slack off whenever possible.
"Is Lady Tsunade thinking that Danzo will attack us on our way to the Capital of the Land of Fire?" Kitazawa caught up to her and asked.
"Yes," Tsunade nodded.
"But just the two of us?" Kitazawa cleared his throat and said, "I think we could bring Itachi. If something really goes wrong, he can still step in."
"What?" Tsunade glanced at him and asked, "Do you not have faith in me?"
"Of course I do," Kitazawa replied seriously, "but I personally prefer to act only when I'm confident. And we don't know how many people Danzo might bring at that time."
"You have a point." Tsunade pondered for a moment before saying, "Then let Itachi lead a squad of Anbu to follow us secretly."
"I'll go notify him then," Kitazawa said with a nod.
---
Hokage Office
"Haru." After they left, Sarutobi Hiruzen immediately called out.
"Hokage-sama." Haru pushed the door open and entered.
"You are to send people to notify the villagers and shinobi that the Hokage selection process will begin next week. Tell them to prepare for voting," Sarutobi ordered directly.
"What?" Haru's expression showed surprise upon hearing this.
The Hokage was going to be replaced? Who would be the next Hokage?
Tsunade's name immediately came to mind. After all, she had just left the office, and in all of Konoha, no one was more qualified than her to inherit the title.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Haru responded quickly.
Changing the Hokage was a major event, though the Anbu would be less affected.
Generally, a new Hokage would select two or three shinobi from the Anbu to train. For example, he himself had been chosen by Sarutobi Hiruzen as a personal guard.
"Wait," Sarutobi said suddenly, as if remembering something. "While you're at it, call Danzo here."
"Yes, Hokage-sama."
Haru bowed slightly, then turned and left.
Sarutobi sat calmly in the Hokage's chair, waiting.
He knew that Danzo had always harbored ambitions for the Hokage position. But no matter how ambitious he was, he was not qualified to become Hokage.
Now that Tsunade was about to take the position, Sarutobi intended to warn him—to prevent unnecessary trouble.
After all, they had worked together for so many years. He didn't want to see Danzo fall further.
"Hiruzen." Not long after, Danzo, leaning on his cane, walked into the Hokage Office.
"How have things been at home lately?" Sarutobi asked with a light chuckle.
Danzo was momentarily stunned.
Having known Hiruzen for decades, he could sense something unusual from those words. Normally, why would Hiruzen care about his personal life?
"Alright," Danzo said indifferently.
"It seems you've adapted somewhat," Sarutobi nodded. "After I retire next week, we can see each other more often."
"You're retiring?" Danzo's pupils suddenly contracted. His heart felt as if it were being squeezed tight.
"Yes," Sarutobi smiled faintly. "I'm old now—it's time to step down. Konoha will be left in Tsunade's hands."
"Hiruzen!" Danzo exclaimed sharply. "This matter should be considered carefully!"
"Is there any shinobi in Konoha more suitable to be Hokage than Tsunade?" Sarutobi countered.
"..." Danzo fell silent.
He wanted to say himself, but deep down, he knew he couldn't compare to Tsunade. Still… he was unwilling to accept it.
"Danzo, you're getting old too," Sarutobi said earnestly. "Some things need to be let go."
"You're old—but I'm not!" Danzo snapped, turning around angrily.
Bang! The door slammed shut.
Sarutobi sat quietly for a while, then shook his head.
He had said what needed to be said. If Danzo did something foolish again, it would no longer be his responsibility.
It would be up to the next Hokage to deal with it.
--
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)