Tsunade took a deep breath, and her clear, powerful voice, like a pre-war declaration, spread clearly throughout the conference room:
"Thanks to your trust, I, Tsunade, hereby take the position of the Fifth Hokage!"
There were no excessive humble words, no hypocritical pleasantries; she got straight to the point, expressing her feelings directly.
"Konoha is standing on the edge of a cliff! External questioning is like a blade, and internal trust has collapsed! All of this is not a tree without roots or water without a source!"
"And none of this is because of some heavenly screen. We must admit that the cause is certain darkness within Konoha."
Hiruzen Sarutobi's expression changed. Tsunade's words were a direct slap to his face, contradicting what he had said.
But as others heard this, the trust in their eyes grew even stronger.
Tsunade's voice suddenly rose, carrying an unquestionable determination and an awe-inspiring sense of justice:
"I hereby declare, in the name of the Fifth Hokage—"
"Konoha will begin a brand new chapter starting today!"
"Regarding all past darkness, no matter who is involved or how high their status, a thorough investigation and accountability will be conducted! There will be no leniency!"
"For all victims, Konoha will do its utmost to provide the compensation and explanation they deserve!"
"No matter who! No matter what!"
This earth-shattering declaration was like a giant boulder thrown into a calm lake!
"No matter who! No matter what!"
These words were like a heavy hammer, striking hard at everyone's heart!
This was not just for the Jonin below the stage to hear, but even more so for Hiruzen Sarutobi standing to the side!
It was for those Advisors and high-level officials who had not yet arrived but held power!
Even... it was for Danzo Shimura, who was hidden in the darkness!
Accountability!
Compensation!
This meant that the Uchiha massacre and even more unknown darkness might be unearthed and judged in broad daylight!
The audience below instantly broke into an uproar, followed by even more heated discussions mixed with excitement and exhilaration!
Many Jonin, who had long been dissatisfied with the corruption and dark operations of the upper management, saw the light of hope in their eyes!
Ultimately, the vast majority of the people present loved the Village.
Hiruzen Sarutobi stood to the side, listening to this declaration that sounded like a final judgment. He understood that Tsunade was not seeking opinions, but issuing an announcement.
The sky over Konoha had completely changed from the moment she stood in that position.
"Lady Tsunade!"
"Fifth Hokage!"
Below the stage, the shouts of the Jonin rose wave after wave. This was not just a ritualistic honorific, but recognition and support from the heart.
In this time of crisis for Konoha, Tsunade's strength and determination were like a shot of adrenaline injected into many people's hearts.
Looking at Tsunade standing in the primary seat, bathed in the trusting gazes of the crowd, Jiraiya's face showed a heartfelt smile filled with pride.
He knew that this was the leader Konoha should have—a powerhouse who dared to face the darkness and lead the Village toward the light.
He took a step forward, standing slightly behind Tsunade.
This subtle movement had a very clear symbolic meaning—he would be the Fifth Hokage's most steadfast supporter and backbone.
Jiraiya retracted the smile on his face, his gaze becoming steady and sharp. His resonant voice drowned out the noise of the scene and spread clearly throughout the conference room:
"I, Jiraiya, hereby solemnly declare!"
"I will unreservedly support the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, in completing the reform and rebirth of Konoha!"
"Any darkness that hinders reform, no matter their identity or where they hide, will be met with the most resolute strikes!"
"I also welcome every member of Konoha to supervise together!"
"Konoha belongs to everyone!"
These words were like the final hammer blow!
If Tsunade's declaration was the sounding of the horn for reform, then Jiraiya's public statement was the installation of the most powerful engine and strongest armor for this ship of reform about to sail into the storm!
One was the newly appointed, determined Fifth Hokage.
The other was one of the Sannin, with top-tier strength, high prestige, and a clear stance to use all means to support the reform.
The alliance of these two represented an absolute force within Konoha capable of crushing any opposing voice!
An era belonging to Tsunade and Jiraiya, accompanied by the liquidation of the old darkness, officially began.
The handover of power is never completed with just a piece of paper.
Tsunade knew this well.
She didn't even leave herself any time to adapt. That very afternoon, in an absolutely soundproof secret room deep within the Hokage Building, she summoned all active Anbu members.
Dozens of Anbu members, like silent statues, knelt on one knee, waiting for the new Hokage's first instruction.
An invisible pressure permeated the air.
Tsunade stood before them. Since she hadn't officially succeeded yet, she wasn't wearing the Hokage robes, but the majesty and determination belonging to the Fifth Hokage were more oppressive than any fancy clothing.
Tsunade's gaze swept across every mask like a scalpel.
She directly threw out her first iron rule:
"From this moment on, listen to me clearly and carve this into your brains—"
"The Anbu is the Hokage's direct force, responsible only to the sitting Hokage."
Tsunade paused deliberately, letting every word strike heavily into the hearts of the Anbu members.
"Do not accept, and absolutely do not allow the acceptance of, orders from anyone other than the Hokage."
"This includes—the previous Hokage, and... any other high-level officials of Konoha!"
"!!!"
Despite wearing masks, the momentary subtle physical stiffness and almost uncontrollable changes in breathing exposed the stormy waves in the hearts of all Anbu members!
For a long time, although the Anbu was nominally directly under the Hokage, the years of management by the Third Hokage and his advisory group meant that the command of the Anbu was far from a single solid block.
Many Anbu members' true objects of loyalty might not be the Hokage, but other big figures hidden in the shadows.
Tsunade's move was to completely sever these dark hands reaching toward the Anbu and firmly grasp this sharpest force in her own hands!
Ignoring the silent shock below, Tsunade's voice became even colder, with an unquestionable determination:
"I will give you three days."
"Those who cannot accept this order can submit an application and withdraw from the Anbu within these three days."
"In three days, I will be the Hokage. I guarantee in the name of the Fifth Hokage that you will be allowed to leave normally without being held accountable."
Then, Tsunade's tone suddenly turned sharp, like a cold winter wind:
"But—!"
"Choosing to stay will be regarded as accepting this order. If you violate it in the future... no matter the reason, no matter the background..."
"It will be uniformly regarded as—betraying the Village!"
Betraying the Village!