The launch of the Hokage selection process caused a huge stir in Konoha Village.
A new Hokage meant new changes for the village—and new opportunities.
It was rare for a new Hokage to retain the previous administration completely. Ninja with strength and ambition would benefit from this shift.
Major ninja clans would also be affected—particularly the Uchiha Clan.
"Clan Head!" Uchiha Yashiro rushed into Fugaku's office, urgency written on his face.
"What happened?" Uchiha Fugaku noticed his expression and raised an eyebrow.
"An Anbu ninja just came to inform us to prepare for next week's Jonin vote," Yashiro said, taking a deep breath.
"Jonin vote?" Fugaku immediately stood. He knew exactly what that meant.
"If nothing unexpected happens, the new Hokage will be Tsunade."
Fugaku's shoulders relaxed. "Our Uchiha Clan has finally seen the light after enduring so much hardship."
With Sarutobi Hiruzen's retirement and Danzo's loss of power, the clan now enjoyed an unprecedentedly favorable situation.
"Given Lady Tsunade's personality, Danzo will absolutely not be reinstated!" Yashiro said with a smile. "From now on, he can no longer target our clan!"
"I just don't know if Tsunade will take action against Danzo," Fugaku mused, sitting back in his chair. If she did, the Uchiha Clan would naturally have to lend support.
"We can have Itachi monitor the situation more closely," Yashiro suggested after a moment's thought.
"Indeed." Fugaku nodded, then asked, "Do you know what is most important for our clan right now?"
"Is it to produce a Hokage candidate?" Yashiro asked hesitantly.
"A Hokage candidate is important, yes, but that matter cannot be rushed," Fugaku replied directly. "It's reclaiming our original compound."
"Exactly!" Yashiro's spirits lifted. "Our clan should regain its rightful status!"
After the Nine-Tails Rampage, Danzo had suppressed the Uchiha, forcing them from the village center to the outskirts—partly to facilitate Root's surveillance, and partly to remove them from the heart of Konoha's power.
"Then what should we do?" Yashiro asked, calming himself.
"After Tsunade becomes Hokage, she will appoint a new batch of ninja," Fugaku said gravely. "Our clan must secure as many positions as possible."
"That might be difficult," Yashiro admitted, considering the Uchiha Clan's reputation in Konoha.
"It won't be simple to reclaim our status," Fugaku smiled. "Fortunately, we invested in Kitazawa. We can ask him for help when the time comes."
"Clan Head is brilliant!" Yashiro praised immediately.
"I didn't do much," Fugaku said with a sigh. "It's mainly Kitazawa's rapid rise in strength and status over the past two years that makes him impossible to ignore."
"Indeed," Yashiro agreed wholeheartedly. "The last ninja to rise like a comet was the Fourth Hokage."
"Do you think Kitazawa could be the Sixth Hokage?" Fugaku asked, narrowing his eyes.
Though the Uchiha desired a Hokage from their clan, they had to weigh the current reality.
Kitazawa was at the peak of his power, and very few among the younger generation could surpass his fame.
"I feel there's a high possibility," Yashiro said thoughtfully. "Itachi's strength is formidable, but in fame, he is far below Kitazawa."
"Investing in Kitazawa was indeed wise," Fugaku admitted.
If Kitazawa became Hokage, Uchiha Izumi would become his student. And with Sasuke's age, when he graduated, he too could train under Kitazawa.
This way, the Uchiha would have two potential Hokage candidates—though Izumi's chances were slim. Sasuke, however, only needed to stand out among his peers. Given his talent, it wasn't impossible.
---
While Konoha prepared for the new Hokage, Kitazawa worked overtime.
With only Wednesday and Thursday left to finish tasks originally scheduled for five days, he deployed five Shadow Clones to assist.
As the sun set and the clones returned, Kitazawa felt the weight of accumulated fatigue and experience.
"Everyone worked hard today. Let's continue tomorrow," Tsunade said, rising.
Nara Shikaku and Nara Suzaku exchanged greetings and left the office.
Tsunade looked at Kitazawa, noting his weary expression. She reached out and placed her hand on his forehead.
Kitazawa froze, instinctively looking up, though too close to see her full expression. Light green chakra flowed into him, refreshing his body and mind.
"Go back and rest," Tsunade said, stroking his head gently.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa replied. He rarely experienced such tenderness from her.
The two returned home.
---
"I'm home!" Kitazawa opened the door and called into the living room.
Hearing him, Kurenai immediately paused her training, stepping barefoot across the floor as she walked toward him.
Kitazawa closed the door, changed his shoes, and embraced her, giving her a playful pat.
"When I went out this afternoon, I heard everyone discussing the new Hokage."
Kurenai didn't mind his teasing and asked curiously, "Do you know who the new Hokage is?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen had only instructed the Anbu to announce the villagers' and Jonin's votes for next week.
He hadn't directly announced Tsunade as the next Hokage—procedures had to be followed. Yet most ninja had already guessed, including Kurenai, who only asked Kitazawa to confirm.
"Who else could it be?" Kitazawa said with a smile. "It's naturally Lady Tsunade."
"It really is Lady Tsunade!" Kurenai exclaimed happily. "Then you'll be the Hokage's student from now on!"
She knew the significance of being the Hokage's student. It automatically marked one as a potential Hokage candidate.
With Kitazawa's current strength and fame, he might even succeed Tsunade, and her own status would rise alongside him.
The thought of possibly becoming the Hokage's wife made Kurenai want to spar with Kitazawa for three hundred rounds. But she understood the gap between them and suppressed the impulse.
"I'll cook tonight!" she said, standing on tiptoe to kiss him on the cheek. "Let's celebrate!"
"If we're really celebrating, why not wear black stockings tonight?" Kitazawa blinked.
"I'm talking about something serious!" Kurenai rolled her eyes.
"This is serious too," Kitazawa said, expression unchanged.
"Then you'll have to hope I'm feeling merciful!" Kurenai snorted lightly and turned toward the kitchen.
After dinner, Kitazawa, as usual, began researching his limb-regeneration Medical Ninjutsu.
As night deepened, faint moonlight spilled through the window. Footsteps echoed, and Kitazawa turned to see two long legs in black stockings.
"Do they look good?" Kurenai walked in front of him.
Before he could reply, she lifted a leg, pressed it to his thigh, and plopped onto the table, smiling with sparkling eyes that radiated an indescribable charm.
"They look good," Kitazawa said, standing to lift her elegant legs.
---
The night passed quietly.
The next day, as usual, they headed to the Hokage Building for work.
"Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa asked suddenly, "will you move after you become Hokage?"
"I'm used to living here, too lazy to move," she replied casually. "Besides, I can freeload on your meals when I have nothing to do."
Her home—the Senju Clan compound—held many beautiful and painful memories. Most importantly, it was empty and desolate.
"Alright then," Kitazawa said with a smile. "If Lady Tsunade and Shizune-senpai moved away, it would feel like a lot of the fun was lost."
"Just come over for meals whenever you want," Tsunade said, glancing at him.
"No problem," Kitazawa agreed immediately.
"...?" Shizune looked puzzled. If Kitazawa were to cook from now on, what would she do? Did she no longer have a place in this home?
"Tomorrow is Friday," Tsunade said after a moment's thought. "We'll depart for the Capital of the Land of Fire at nine in the morning."
"Understood," Kitazawa and Shizune said in unison.
"Shizune, you stay home," Tsunade waved.
"Huh?" Shizune's eyes widened.
This was the first time Tsunade was going out without her. Was her position really being replaced by Kitazawa?
"There will be danger on this trip," Tsunade explained. "You're a Medical Ninja; there's no need for you to come along."
"Danger? Is it… Danzo?" Shizune asked, realization dawning.
Kitazawa laughed.
"What are you laughing at? Did I guess wrong?" Shizune asked, confused.
"No, you guessed perfectly," Kitazawa said, shaking his head. "Danzo really does have quite a reputation, doesn't he?"
"He brought it upon himself. Everything he's done defines him," Shizune said worriedly. "Are just the two of you going? Should you bring more people?"
"There will be Anbu following us. Don't worry, nothing will happen," Kitazawa reassured her.
"That's good," Shizune said, feeling slightly relieved.
Though she wanted to go, Tsunade was right—her combat skills were limited. Against ordinary ninja, she was fine, but a fanatic Root ninja could overwhelm her, and she would only slow Tsunade and Kitazawa down.
Another day of work.
By six in the evening, after everyone's efforts, 99% of the work was complete—only 1% remained. This concerned the undetermined rewards for a ninja who had made significant contributions on the battlefield.
"Shikaku, you will distribute these rewards over the next two days," Tsunade instructed. "For the remaining few, we will discuss them next week."
"Yes, Lady Tsunade."
Nara Shikaku and Nara Suzaku immediately left the office with the documents.
They would retrieve Ninjutsu, ninja tools, and money from the Konoha Village warehouse according to Tsunade's suggestions.
Then they would contact the ninja who participated in the war and distribute the rewards.
"I'm not even Hokage yet, and there's so much work. If I become Hokage, I'll probably be swamped," Tsunade sighed, rubbing her temples.
In her eyes, the position of Hokage—coveted by all—was a thankless job.
"You can learn from the Fourth Raikage and set up secretaries," Kitazawa suggested.
"Hokage secretaries? That's not bad," Tsunade said, her eyes lighting up. "If I set up a few more, I won't have to do anything myself."
"How can you be such a lazy Hokage?" Kitazawa couldn't help but laugh.
"Is that not allowed?" Tsunade glared at him before suddenly threatening, "Then I'll make you the only Hokage secretary, working every day without rest."
"Lady Tsunade's words are indeed very reasonable," Kitazawa said seriously. "We can set up several Hokage secretaries, and everyone working together can make Konoha Village better."
Shizune couldn't help but laugh.
"Your personality is quite suitable for a Hokage secretary," she teased.
Tsunade's lips curved slightly. "Shameless."
"How can this be called shameless?" Kitazawa immediately retorted. "This is called being adaptable."
"But with so many Hokage secretaries, will the two Hokage Advisors agree?" Shizune asked, stopping her laughter.
Konoha Village didn't have Hokage secretaries, but it had Hokage Advisors. In a sense, they performed similar duties—but their status was higher.
"These two Hokage Advisors are also troublesome," Tsunade pouted.
Though she hadn't been in Konoha long before developing hemophobia, she often had to deal with them.
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu gave her the impression of old foxes—smooth, conciliatory, and opinionated whenever something happened.
"Lady Tsunade is the Hokage; their opposition is useless," Kitazawa shook his head.
"We'll talk about it then." Tsunade felt a headache coming and was too lazy to think further. She stood and said, "Let's go, we're going back."
"Speaking of which, Kitazawa, you made the biggest contribution this time. What reward do you want?" Shizune asked curiously as they walked.
"You've got me on that question," Kitazawa frowned slightly. "I don't know what I want either."
"You can think about it carefully," Tsunade said. "As long as it's not an excessive request, Konoha Village will grant it."
"Hmm." Kitazawa nodded.
He lacked many things, but Konoha Village couldn't give him much. Suddenly, he thought of Wood Release.
Could he specify Wood Release Ninjutsu, then claim he synthesized it through Earth and Water Release?
"Remember to notify Itachi," Tsunade reminded him.
"I'll go now," Kitazawa said, glancing at the sky. "Itachi should have finished work and gone home by now."
After speaking, he parted ways with Tsunade and the others, taking a different route.
It wasn't Kitazawa's first time in the Uchiha Clan compound; he was familiar with it. But this time felt different.
The clan members were unusually enthusiastic. Along the way, people greeted him, and he noticed the unpracticed smiles of many Uchiha ninja—a subtle strangeness in the air.
"Kitazawa."
Fugaku had already known of his arrival and stood at the entrance to greet him. Alongside him was Uchiha Itachi.
"Lord Kitazawa," Itachi addressed him formally.
Previously, he had called him Teacher Kitazawa, following Uchiha Sasuke, but now that Tsunade would soon be the Fifth Hokage, Kitazawa's status had naturally risen.
As her student, he deserved such recognition. Itachi, as an Anbu ninja, had no problem addressing him in this manner.
"Clan Head Fugaku," Kitazawa got straight to the point. "I'm here this time to ask Itachi for help."
"Whatever it is, just say it," Fugaku said generously. "Our Uchiha Clan will surely accomplish it."
"This matter is of great importance; please do not reveal it to anyone," Kitazawa said in a deep voice.
Fugaku and Itachi exchanged glances, both feeling surprised.
Could it be that before Tsunade even became Hokage, their Uchiha Clan was already being given important tasks?
"Of course," Fugaku said with a solemn expression. "Absolutely no one else will know the contents of our conversation today."
"Lady Tsunade is departing for the Capital of the Land of Fire tomorrow." Kitazawa nodded and said, "Itachi, you and your men will provide covert protection."
"Yes." Itachi immediately responded.
But at this moment, like Fugaku, various conjectures surfaced in his mind. Kitazawa was treating this so cautiously; could it be that he knew someone was going to attack Tsunade?
Then who was this person? The only possibility was Danzo!
Itachi's heart trembled. He felt an opportunity, an opportunity to avenge Uchiha Shisui.
Fugaku was also overjoyed. As long as Danzo died, no one in Konoha Village would target the Uchiha Clan anymore.
"Departure is at nine AM tomorrow," Kitazawa said with a slight smile. "See you then."
He didn't linger, leaving after he had said what needed to be said.
"Itachi, our chance has come; you must seize it." Fugaku watched the departing Kitazawa and exhorted.
"I understand," Itachi said with a serious expression.
"If Danzo truly dares to assassinate Tsunade, try your best to eliminate him," Fugaku said in a low voice.
He worried that Tsunade might spare Danzo's life out of respect for Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Lady Tsunade will not be soft-hearted."
Itachi had done several missions with Tsunade and already understood her. She absolutely detested Danzo.
"That's good then," Fugaku said nothing more after hearing that. But the smile on his face was completely unstoppable.
If it weren't for Danzo still being alive, he would have wanted to gather the members of the Uchiha Clan for a celebratory banquet. Only they understood how much Danzo had targeted them.
Fugaku felt that the most humiliating experience of his life was being driven out of the Uchiha Clan's original compound by Danzo.
That compound had belonged to their Uchiha Clan since the founding of Konoha Village. Yet, under his leadership, they were forced to give it up.
Now that he had the chance, he was determined to restore the glory of the Uchiha Clan and return to their compound.
Otherwise, after his death, he would be ashamed to face the past Clan Heads of the Uchiha Clan.
Kitazawa returned home.
He didn't know that Fugaku had become completely different from his original self because of him. But this was normal. A person's decisions are influenced by various factors.
In the original story, Fugaku didn't have the chance to kill Danzo, nor did he live to see the day Tsunade became Hokage.
Friday morning, nine o'clock.
Kitazawa and Tsunade had breakfast and then headed towards the Capital of the Land of Fire.
---
Shimura Clan's compound.
"Lord Danzo." A Root Ninja dressed as an Anbu knelt on the ground and said, "They have already departed."
"How many people?" Danzo asked expressionlessly.
"Two people." The Root Ninja paused and said, "But an Anbu squad is following them."
"You follow behind them, do not act, and wait for my command." Danzo stood up and said.
Even if it was a trap set by Tsunade and Kitazawa, he had to go through with it. If he missed this chance, he would never have another opportunity.
"Yes, Lord Danzo." The Root Ninja immediately responded.
Danzo walked out of the room. He looked up at the rising sun.
"Hiruzen, if you are merciless, don't blame me for being unjust." Danzo took a deep breath and said.
He had made thorough preparations to assassinate Tsunade, bringing all his Sharingan. The only regret was that he couldn't use Hashirama cells and Wood Release.
The surviving Wood Release Ninja had also been taken by Sarutobi Hiruzen to the Anbu.
Danzo had initially contacted Orochimaru to help him balance the Hashirama cells, but it was too late now. Besides, he didn't trust Orochimaru much either.
Once he became Hokage, he could use the entire village's resources to research Hashirama cells and Wood Release.
At that time, with the Mangekyo Sharingan and Wood Release combined, he would be invincible in the Ninja World.
As for Tsunade, Danzo felt that the Mangekyo Sharingan plus the Sharingan used for revival would be enough. He even had the confidence to fight Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"Hiruzen, this time I will truly make you regret it!" Danzo tightened his grip on his cane.
Tsunade was Sarutobi Hiruzen's student and the next Hokage he had designated.
If she died, Sarutobi Hiruzen would certainly regret it, perhaps even mourn for the rest of his life. He could also truly win against him.
--
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P@atreon/Arvinstorm (45+ Advanced Chapters)