"Danzo?!"
Tsunade's expression shifted from surprise to solemnity.
Danzo.
His ROOT organization had been decimated, but he surely still had loyal followers, though perhaps not many.
However.
With the Daimyo and the Kyoto nobility backing him, Danzo could easily rebuild his forces unless the Daimyo trusted Konoha more than him.
At the moment, she couldn't predict the Daimyo's stance.
Tsunade's face darkened.
"What did he want from you?"
"He wants to unify the shinobi world, but I believe his abilities don't match his ambitions, so I refused."
Kyohiko smiled faintly.
Then, he looked at Tsunade.
"Nee-san, I think it's time you had a talk with the Hokage. The situation is clear now. Sandaime-sama should step down gracefully to avoid further embarrassment."
"Perhaps Danzo sent a shadow clone to test you with the same intention."
Tsunade nodded.
From her perspective, this development was advantageous.
"Yes, so he said, 'the fee has already been paid.'"
Kyohiko agreed.
Tsunade stood up. "I'll head to the Hokage Building."
In an instant, she vanished.
Kyohiko sat in Tsunade's office, pondering what to do next. After a moment of thought…
He sat cross-legged.
The chakra he'd accumulated over the past two weeks had been depleted in the recent battle. Now was the perfect time to experiment with modifying the Yin Seal—
Shrinking the main "reservoir" and adding a smaller "secondary reservoir."
...
Konoha Hokage Building.
Sarutobi Hiruzen exhaled deeply.
On his desk lay a resignation letter. He glanced around the room, sighing softly.
Over a decade as Hokage…
It was about to come to an end. He couldn't help but feel a pang of sadness, especially since his departure wouldn't be as dignified as he'd hoped.
As he reflected, there was a knock at the door. Sensing Tsunade's chakra, he called out, "Come in."
Hiruzen covered the resignation letter and looked toward the entrance.
Tsunade arriving now…
He took a puff from his pipe.
"Tsunade."
"Old man, you know what I want. Give me a clear answer. I don't want things to get worse. If you keep hesitating, I'll have to take drastic measures!"
Tsunade's expression was stern.
She was here to deliver an ultimatum.
Hiruzen was momentarily stunned, then sighed wistfully.
"Have we really come to this? You're now capable of becoming Hokage. I have no reason to stop you. Or do you think I'd cling to this position at all costs?"
"Danzo won't wait."
Tsunade closed the door, her expression cautious.
Hiruzen frowned.
"What happened?"
"He attacked Kyohiko…"
Tsunade explained the situation in detail.
Danzo was beginning to take Kyohiko seriously.
For her, this wasn't good news. She needed power and authority to counter Danzo, and the only way was—
To become Hokage as soon as possible!
Danzo's attack on Kyohiko was a fatal blow to Hiruzen's reputation. If she chose to expose it, the Third would have to step down.
Hiruzen was silent for a moment, then moved the scroll covering the resignation letter.
"I've already made my decision. You don't need to worry."
He stood up and took two steps forward.
Hiruzen patted Tsunade's shoulder, his expression serious.
"Tsunade, I've said it before—Danzo and I ultimately want what's best for Konoha. Since your return, your methods and abilities have grown rapidly. I believe you're ready."
He handed her the resignation letter.
Attached was a recommendation letter addressed to the Daimyo, nominating Tsunade as his successor.
Hiruzen took another puff from his pipe, steadying his emotions before continuing.
"Take good care of Konoha's people."
"Cherish them, protect them…"
Then, he removed his Hokage robe, took the Hokage hat from the shelf, and placed it in Tsunade's hands.
With his personal recommendation and the villagers' support, the Daimyo would likely approve the appointment.
For Tsunade, it was now just a matter of ceremony.
Hiruzen smiled.
"Jonin Sarutobi Hiruzen, congratulations to the Fourth Hokage!"
"Sensei, I…"
Tsunade accepted the hat, still processing what had just happened.
She had longed to become Hokage.
To this end, she had learned and done many things she previously avoided. But now that she had succeeded, she found her emotions mixed.
At this moment, her teacher seemed like a fading hero.
"I originally planned to wait a few more days, to let things settle before approaching you. But now… let's act decisively."
Hiruzen puffed on his pipe, smiling.
"In the short term, I can still help guide you, so don't worry too much."
Wait.
Guide her?
Tsunade's expression darkened.
"Sensei, you're not planning to…"
"I'll serve as an advisor, helping you transition smoothly and overseeing your duties."
Hiruzen nodded solemnly.
Crash!
A chair shattered instantly.
Tsunade roared, "Give me back my emotional moment, you old fool! What's the difference? You're just adding another person to do your work!"
"The difference is significant. Now, the village is under your command. We can only offer advice."
Hiruzen coughed lightly.
Tsunade's face darkened.
His words sounded nice.
But.
She knew the old man wouldn't relinquish power entirely. He would cling to some authority.
A centipede dies but doesn't stiffen.
At that moment, a voice came from outside.
"Hokage-sama, is everything alright?"
"Nothing's wrong. Attend to your duties."
Hiruzen called out.
Then, he retrieved the resignation and recommendation letters.
"Within two weeks, the appointment should be finalized. By then, you'll officially be the Fourth Hokage."
As he left, Tsunade felt the situation was almost comical.
She had indeed wanted Hiruzen to step down gracefully, but she hadn't expected him to simply walk out of the office, leaving it to her.
Shortly after, an ANBU operative appeared.
"Tsunade-sama, it's time to attend to official duties."
"That voice…"
Tsunade turned, momentarily dazed. "Shinnosuke?"
The man nodded slightly.
Tsunade was silent for a moment, then said, "Let's hold off on paperwork for now. Go to Konoha Hospital and summon Ryoho Kyohiko. He should still be there."
"Yes!"
...
Arriving at the Hokage Building, Kyohiko wasn't particularly disoriented.
Earlier, at Konoha Hospital, he'd already learned that Hiruzen had decided to transfer power to Tsunade. At the time, it had nearly caught him off guard—
[Sarutobi Hiruzen steps down as Acting Hokage.]
Acting Hokage…
Kyohiko almost laughed.
Still, this news indicated that Hiruzen was ready to relinquish the Hokage title and pass it to Tsunade.
But the expected rewards hadn't appeared.
Then, not long after, an ANBU operative arrived, escorting him to the Hokage Building.
Before entering, his emotions were mixed.
On one hand, he was happy for Tsunade.
On the other…
After all that effort, getting no reward was frustrating!
Once inside, he finally had an idea.
Seeing the Hokage hat, he knew what to do.
After entering, Shinnosuke left, and Tsunade closed the door, leaving only the two of them in the office. Before they could share their thoughts…
Kyohiko picked up the Hokage hat, feigning curiosity.
"Nee-san, can I try this on?"
Tsunade paused for a second, then smiled warmly.
"Of course."
Kyohiko placed it on his head.
Nothing happened!
Well.
Meanwhile, Tsunade's eyes welled up with tears. When Kyohiko looked up, she quickly turned away, wiping her eyes.
"Seeing you wear the hat reminds me of Nawaki. He always dreamed of becoming Hokage. If he were still alive, he'd probably be pestering me to try it on too."
She chuckled softly.
"I always thought you were mature, but sometimes, you act so childish…"
Suddenly, she felt something on her head.
It was the Hokage hat.
"Take the oath!"
Kyohiko encouraged with a smile.
Tsunade sighed but quickly composed herself, standing tall and declaring, "From this day forward, I will lead Konoha!"
In Kyohiko's anxious anticipation, a familiar voice echoed.
[The target has accepted your appointment as the new Acting Hokage and is willing to die for you, never betraying you.]
[Reward: Senju Bloodline Enhancement]
Bloodline?
Kyohiko was stunned, his eyes widening.
This could be rewarded too?
Fortunately, Tsunade didn't notice his reaction. She turned around.
"How do I look?"
"Amazing!"
Kyohiko quickly praised.
Tsunade laughed heartily, then set the hat aside, focusing on business.
"Let's not get carried away. Kyohiko, the ninja education reform was your idea, and Jiraiya isn't in the village. Before pushing it forward, I want to hear your overall thoughts."
Tsunade grew serious.
She took out a sheet of paper, writing "Enrollment," "Graduation," and "Genin" as three stages.
"We can't overhaul everything at once. We need to take it step by step. My idea is…"
Tsunade's vision largely aligned with Kyohiko's earlier suggestions, but her plan was still vague, lacking specific details.
That was what she wanted to discuss.
After all, the academy typically lasted six years, but for talented students, one or two years were often enough.
How to structure this was a challenge.
"The first year should focus on the basics—chakra control, basic ninjutsu, genjutsu theory, and practical applications."
"The second year should delve deeper into theory, survival skills, combat techniques, and advanced chakra control."
"The third year should involve screening. Slower students continue refining their basics, while advanced students can specialize."
"Based on their strengths and interests, we can tailor their education. For example, those with strong chakra control or learning abilities can start studying medical ninjutsu or genjutsu early…"
Kyohiko spoke confidently.
He had pondered these issues for a long time.
Specialization!
In Konoha's current system, there was no clear concept of "specialization" before graduation.
This was illogical.
Advanced theoretical knowledge in the later stages was often unnecessary for many genin, as they might never use it.
Tsunade saw the benefits of specialization but…
There were drawbacks too.
"Fields like medical ninjutsu and genjutsu require rare talent. Won't that leave few students in those classes? And finding instructors is another issue."
She considered the practicalities.
Kyohiko replied, "Many courses overlap across specializations, like taijutsu, shurikenjutsu, and battlefield awareness… The difference lies in elective courses. Think of it as a mix of mandatory and optional classes."
"Mandatory and optional."
Tsunade immediately understood.
Good!
Great idea!
This way, instructors wouldn't need to be divided, and they could focus on elective courses.
Moreover.
Students who couldn't specialize would still attend mandatory classes, using their free time to improve in areas of interest…
As expected of Kyohiko!
Tsunade quickly took notes, her excitement evident.
"This makes finding instructors much easier!"
"If we're short on elective teachers, we can recruit interested or specialized shinobi. Genin, chunin, even jonin could take on these roles as D-rank or C-rank missions…"
Kyohiko suggested further.
They discussed until evening, when the sun dipped below the horizon. Tsunade reluctantly put away her notes, while Kyohiko had already downed several glasses of water.
She could really talk!
But the results were worth it.
They had essentially mapped out the academy's structure and addressed its challenges.
"Tonight, I'll refine the proposal. Tomorrow, I'll have the three elders and academy representatives meet to discuss it."
Tsunade smiled, holding the booklet.
"Let's see what they have to say now!"
To her, the proposal was flawless.
It addressed all the academy's issues with corresponding solutions.
Better than ever!
...
After bidding farewell to Tsunade, Kyohiko returned home and sat in meditation, sensing the changes in his body.
Bloodline enhancement—
He didn't notice any immediate physical improvements.
However, a new memory surfaced in his mind.
After integrating it, he understood the situation.
The bloodline enhancement wouldn't manifest instantly but would gradually take effect. The Senju bloodline primarily enhanced physical attributes—strength, endurance, and chakra control.
This reward was akin to a Kekkei Genkai.
Though it wasn't exactly one…
Kyohiko scanned his system panel, marveling at the changes.
With his current abilities, he could at least survive on the battlefield, no longer just cannon fodder in the tides of war—
As Konoha's turmoil deepened, conflict seemed inevitable!
But.
Kyohiko had no regrets.
Stability didn't equate to strength.
Temporary pain would invigorate Konoha, making it stronger in the long run!
...
The next day, the staff at the Hokage Building quickly noticed the changes.
Though the documents were still signed "Sarutobi Hiruzen," the handwriting was different. Moreover, they saw Hiruzen outside the building.
So who was in the office?
Soon, they had their answer.
Tsunade!
The news spread rapidly, electrifying the village.
If Hiruzen had stepped down abruptly before, the villagers might have panicked. But over the past month, Tsunade's actions and words had demonstrated her competence.
Her proposed reforms, like the academy restructuring, gave hope to many civilians.
Compared to Hiruzen, who had recently faced numerous controversies, the villagers trusted Tsunade more. Her ascension wasn't met with resistance but with widespread celebration.
Bars and teahouses were packed with revelers.
Standing on a rooftop, Hiruzen sighed but soon smiled in relief.
Though he would soon no longer be Hokage, Konoha had found its next leader. Considering Tsunade's departure years ago, the current situation was far better.
Hiruzen puffed on his pipe.
In the Hokage's office…
Chunin after chunin arrived with documents, hesitating over how to address Tsunade before finally stammering,
"Tsunade-sama…"
"Sensei is unwell. I'm taking over for now. Leave it here."
Tsunade rubbed her temples.
Paperwork was exhausting!
She sighed, then tapped the desk.
"Are you there?"
"Here."
Shinnosuke appeared.
Tsunade instructed, "Contact your father and the other two advisors. Have them select representatives from the academy's various courses. We'll hold a meeting at the academy to discuss the restructuring plan."
"Yes!"