Right now was the most crucial period for Konoha, a time to rebuild after the devastating Collapse Plan.
Most of the village's Chūnin and Jōnin were burdened with missions, while even the Genin weren't idle—assisting in reconstruction efforts across Konoha.
It was at this moment that Sasuke chose to leave. Compared to the original timeline, his departure was even quieter, almost unnoticed. By the time Naruto and the others realized, he would already be on his way to Orochimaru.
Unknowingly, time slipped into August.
That morning, the village was unusually lively.
Smiles spread across the faces of Konoha's people, and the streets buzzed with conversation. Words like "Lady Tsunade,""Legendary Sannin," and "Granddaughter of the First Hokage" filled the air.
At the village's main gate, Nara Shikaku and other high-ranking Konoha officials waited in anticipation. Behind them, countless villagers lined the road, eager eyes fixed on the entrance.
Before long, two figures appeared at the far end of the boulevard.
The woman who had vanished from Konoha for twenty years, but whose legend never faded, had finally returned—
Senju Tsunade.
The cheers of the villagers roared like a tidal wave, a warm welcome that shook the air.
For Tsunade, however, the sight was overwhelming. Twenty years away, and now tens of thousands of people celebrated her return. The noise, the expectation—it all pressed down heavily, making her uneasy.
Guided by Shikaku and the others, she was escorted through the crowded streets and into the Hokage Building.
"I thought Danzo would try to assassinate you."
The words came as soon as the door opened, carrying with them an unsettling weight.
Looking up, Tsunade saw Kenya lounging on the Hokage's chair, chin propped on his hand, a faint smile curving his lips as his sharp gaze locked onto her.
Tsunade's nose twitched slightly. She snorted and walked forward. "When I first heard about your true identity, I was stunned. But thinking about it again… it's not impossible. After all, with what happened to the Uchiha clan…"
Kenya rose from the chair, surrendering the seat to her, and casually sat down on the nearby sofa.
From the corner, Shikaku and the other senior ninjas exchanged uneasy glances. Their expressions were complicated. If even Tsunade's succession as Fifth Hokage had been foreseen and orchestrated by Uchiha Kenya, then his reach was terrifying.
"By the way," Tsunade suddenly frowned, recalling his earlier words. "What did you mean just now—about Danzo?"
Kenya chuckled. "Koharu and Homura already know about the connection between us. At first, they opposed you becoming Hokage and tried to push Jiraiya instead. But Jiraiya turned them down. That left only Shimura Danzo. To stop you from taking the Hokage's seat, I thought he would resort to assassination."
Shikaku and the others were stunned.
They disliked Danzo as much as anyone, but even they didn't believe he would go so far as to kill the next Hokage.
"Tch… those three old fossils."
Tsunade's brow furrowed. From childhood, she had never held a good impression of the councilors. "But you're right—Danzo wouldn't make a move unless he was certain of success."
In her eyes, Danzo was someone who acted for the sake of Konoha, no matter the cost. If he thought killing her was necessary, he would do it. But the risk now was too high. Failure would mean facing not only her wrath but also Uchiha Kenya's.
So, Danzo had chosen to wait.
"Ahem."
Breaking the tense silence, Shikaku cleared his throat as several ninjas stepped forward, placing towering stacks of documents onto Tsunade's desk.
"Lady Tsunade, as the Fifth Hokage, these are the documents left behind after the Third's death. Please review them within one month. Also, preparations for the succession ceremony must be completed by tomorrow."
Tsunade twitched at the sight of the mountain of paperwork.
"Hey, brat, you worked in Sunagakure for years, didn't you? Come help me deal with this mess!"
The words left many of the high-ranking Konoha officials frozen in shock. Was it really appropriate to hand Hokage-level documents to a man who was once considered a traitor?
Their fear grew sharper when Kenya's lips curved into that familiar, chilling smile.
During the peace talks with the Sand, he had handled every matter flawlessly, to the point that even Sunagakure revered him like a deity. But if one looked deeper, it was filled with suspicious coincidences.
Most unsettling of all—how had he found Tsunade so easily, bringing her back in time to claim the Hokage's mantle?
For that to happen, one condition had to be met.
The Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had to die.
Which meant, if Kenya had planned this from the start… he must have ensured Hiruzen's death during Orochimaru's invasion.
And yet, according to the Anbu's reports, Kenya had fought alongside the Third Hokage to repel Orochimaru. There was no clear evidence to accuse him.
Still, the possibility was terrifying.
Kenya waved lazily at Tsunade's request. "Forgive me, Tsunade-senpai. After years of drowning in Sand Village paperwork, I've had more than enough. That's why I invited you back to be Hokage—it's your job now."
"You annoying brat…" Tsunade smacked the desk irritably.
Shikaku and the others exhaled in relief. At least Kenya hadn't agreed to interfere with Hokage's duties.
But just as calm began to settle, Kenya spoke again—words that sent a chill through the room.
"By the way, Tsunade-senpai… do you know what position your grandfather, Senju Hashirama, once gave to Uchiha Madara, the other founder of Konoha?"