Land of Rain, Hidden Rain Village.
After finishing breakfast, Konan heard a knock at the door.
She stood up, walked to the entrance, and opened it.
"What is it?"
Konan looked at the White Zetsu standing outside and asked expressionlessly.
"Two big things happened in Konoha yesterday."
White Zetsu took out a scroll and said, "The details are all inside."
Konan nodded.
After she accepted the scroll, White Zetsu sank into the ground and vanished.
Konan casually unrolled it and skimmed the contents, her eyes widening in surprise.
The first item was the Advanced Class graduation exam and the new team assignments.
The report described Uchiha Sasuke and Uzumaki Naruto's fight in particular detail.
"At eighteen or nineteen, he's already awakened the Mangekyō Sharingan… and reached a partial tailed-beast state?"
Konan murmured softly. "No wonder—he really is his student."
She didn't know what "Nine-Tails Chakra Mode" was, so she mistakenly interpreted it as a partial tailed-beast transformation.
Konan continued reading.
When she reached the second item, she fell silent.
The second item said that next Monday, Kitazawa would become the Sixth Hokage.
Konan subconsciously clenched the scroll.
If Kitazawa became the Sixth Hokage, that meant his fate would be tied to Konoha's survival.
Even with the Flying Thunder God Technique, he wouldn't abandon the village and run on his own.
Now, the only hope rested on the arranged meeting between Kitazawa and Nagato.
Even though she didn't know what Kitazawa intended to do, she had no choice but to trust him.
Konan rolled the scroll back up and headed toward the tower where the Deva Path of Pain resided.
She climbed the stairs and soon found Deva Path Pain.
"This is Konoha's latest intelligence."
Konan handed him the scroll.
Deva Path Pain opened it and began to read.
"From this report, Uzumaki Naruto and Uchiha Sasuke are already comparable to Kage-level."
After he finished, Konan spoke.
"No matter."
Deva Path Pain understood what she was implying, but his tone remained flat. "In front of a god, they can't stir up any real waves."
In his view, the Mangekyō Sharingan and a partial tailed-beast state posed no threat to him.
After all, he possessed the Rinnegan.
The Rinnegan came from the legendary Sage of Six Paths—an eye that surpassed the Mangekyō Sharingan.
And he had already witnessed both partial and full tailed-beast transformations. None of them could overcome the Rinnegan.
Even if Naruto carried the strongest tailed beast, the Nine-Tails, its record was nothing special.
Uchiha Madara had controlled the Nine-Tails more than once, for example.
On top of that, Nagato also possessed the Demonic Statue of the Outer Path.
After absorbing seven tailed beasts, it had recovered most of its combat power—an overwhelming summon, arguably the strongest in the ninja world.
In the end, Nagato's earlier disadvantage came down to missing information.
And that was normal.
Nine-Tails Chakra Mode had only ever appeared in Naruto.
Neither Uzumaki Mito nor Uzumaki Kushina had been any different from other jinchūriki.
So Nagato didn't believe Naruto's "special" partial transformation could surpass him.
Konan wasn't surprised by his reaction at all.
She knew that Nagato, right now, was in a state where he believed himself invincible.
He wouldn't give up on Konoha and the Nine-Tails just because of one report.
"Kitazawa has Wood Release. He'll be even harder to deal with than Tsunade-sama."
Konan hesitated briefly, then asked, "Are you confident you can beat him?"
"A god does not lose."
Deva Path Pain casually handed the scroll back to her. "Notify everyone. We move on Konoha in one month."
"Yes."
Konan's heart trembled, but she agreed.
She took the scroll, turned around, and descended the tower.
Konan walked back to her room in a slight daze.
When she pushed the door open, she froze.
"Why do you look so weighed down?"
Kitazawa was sitting on the sofa. He raised an eyebrow at her expression and asked.
"In one month, the Akatsuki will be heading to Konoha."
Konan snapped back to herself and answered without hiding anything.
Kitazawa smiled, not surprised.
Earlier he'd still been a little wary that things could go sideways, but after obtaining Sage Art: Wood Release: True Several Thousand Hands, he'd become much calmer.
With that technique in hand, Nagato would definitely be able to sit down and talk with him—calmly.
"Two days before you leave, set up a meeting with Nagato for me," Kitazawa said after a brief pause.
Konan looked like she wanted to say something, but in the end she could only nod.
"Come here."
Kitazawa beckoned.
Konan walked over.
"Don't worry. I already have a way."
His hand rested gently on her thigh over her Akatsuki uniform, steady and reassuring rather than forceful.
Konan glanced at him.
"As for what the 'way' is," he added, "you'll find out when the time comes."
Then Kitazawa seemed to remember something and withdrew his hand.
"I bought you something new to wear."
He opened a summoning storage scroll and took out a qipao.
"Thank you."
Konan accepted it, then—still completely calm—changed into it off to the side, making sure everything remained appropriate and unhurried.
When she stepped back into view, the dress fit her neatly, accentuating her figure with a clean, elegant silhouette.
Konan turned once in place, letting him see it properly.
From the side, Kitazawa could immediately understand the appeal of the qipao.
The tailored lines traced her curves perfectly, and the subtle, half-revealing style made the whole look both refined and quietly alluring.
"It's beautiful," Kitazawa said, patting his leg.
Konan stepped forward and sat on his thigh, close but composed.
With the movement, the fabric tightened slightly at the waist and hips, sharpening the contrast—her waist seeming slimmer, her shape fuller.
Kitazawa nodded, clearly satisfied.
Having Konan wear a qipao really was the obvious choice.
Her build suited it perfectly—neither too thin nor too full.
By comparison, Tsunade-sama was more voluptuous, so a qipao would sit differently on her… though it still wouldn't look bad if she chose to wear one.
"Do you like it?" Kitazawa asked, his hand resting lightly along her inner thigh, warm and familiar.
"I do."
Konan's breathing tightened a little, her toes curling with a restrained reaction, but she didn't pull away.
"I bought a few other outfits too," Kitazawa said with a smile. "Wear them for me next time."
"Mm."
Konan answered softly, feeling his touch sink past her guard in a way that made her mind go hazy.
"Did you receive the intel?" Kitazawa asked, looking at her.
"What intel?"
Konan's lips parted slightly as she spoke.
"That next Monday, I'll become the Sixth Hokage," Kitazawa said.
"The Akatsuki received that information," Konan replied, her unfocused gaze clearing a little. She looked at him, not understanding why he brought it up so directly.
"After I become Hokage, Anbu will be short one overall commander," Kitazawa said, meeting her eyes. "Do you want that position?"
"I do."
Konan answered without hesitation.
"Then I'll pay you what you're owed—starting today."
Kitazawa drew his hands back to her waist, holding her firmly.
"Thank you."
Konan lowered her head and kissed him.
The intimacy that followed was mutual and consensual—private, brief in description, and unmistakably between adults.
Two hours later, Kitazawa returned to the Hokage's office.
He stretched lazily, feeling refreshed.
After all, he'd gotten a lot out of his "questioning" of an Akatsuki member and learned quite a bit of useful information.
Just then, someone knocked.
"Come in."
Kitazawa looked up toward the door.
"Kitazawa."
Shizune walked in and asked, "Where did you go earlier? I couldn't find you."
"I had something to take care of outside. I just got back," Kitazawa said evenly.
"This is the detailed procedure for the Hokage inauguration ceremony."
Shizune didn't think much of it. She handed him a file and asked, "Do you see anything that needs changing?"
"No."
After reading it, Kitazawa shook his head.
He'd attended Tsunade-sama's inauguration once before, and the process here was identical—nothing to revise.
"Alright."
Shizune nodded. "I'll pass the instructions along."
"Thanks, Shizune-senpai," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"No problem."
Shizune paused, then reminded him, "Try not to give Tsunade-sama too much money, or she'll lose it all at the casino."
She'd originally wanted to retire with Tsunade, but both Tsunade and Kitazawa had stopped her.
Having Shizune do nothing but supervise Tsunade would be a waste of her talents.
"Actually, Konoha's casino is mine," Kitazawa said after a moment.
"It's yours?!"
Shizune looked stunned.
"Blocking it outright is worse than managing it," Kitazawa explained. "We can't stop her from gambling, so we reduce the damage another way."
"That really is a good method. At least we don't have to worry about her burning money pointlessly," Shizune said, smiling. "Alright, I'm relieved. See you next time."
She turned and left with the file.
After the door closed, Kitazawa withdrew his gaze.
Once he finished handling the paperwork, he began studying the standard Yin Release Chakra Mode.
Even though most of the Advanced Class students had graduated and been assigned team leaders, it wouldn't affect his teaching.
Besides, he was Hokage now—he could do what he wanted.
A week passed quickly.
Monday, 8:00 a.m.
The inauguration ceremony was still an hour away, but the plaza in front of the Hokage Building was already packed.
There were villagers, and there were ninja.
The Konoha Military Police Force was responsible for keeping order.
Uchiha Sasuke stood in the plaza and glanced to the left.
Two familiar figures came into view.
Uchiha Fugaku and Uchiha Itachi.
To ensure nothing went wrong, the two of them were personally leading the security detail this time.
"Sasuke-kun!"
Sakura Haruno's voice drew closer.
Sasuke turned his gaze back.
Along with Sakura were her two teammates—Shino Aburame and Chino.
"Sakura! Shino! Chino!"
Naruto Uzumaki called out enthusiastically.
Hinata Hyuga snapped out of her thoughts and greeted them as well.
She'd been watching the Hokage Building—more precisely, watching for Kitazawa.
But since it wasn't nine yet, she hadn't seen him.
"Good morning," Shino said in his usual calm tone.
"Are the other squads not here yet?" Chino asked, looking around.
Since graduating, they operated in ninja squads.
Even their daily training was done with their own teammates.
"I'm here, ya hear?!"
Kiba Inuzuka ran over with Akamaru.
Behind him were Kurama Yakumo and Karin, strolling in at an unhurried pace.
"Kiba, long time no see!"
Naruto crouched down and patted Akamaru.
"Naruto, guess what kind of mission we did this week?" Kiba asked mysteriously.
"What mission?"
Naruto stood up, a little disappointed. "We didn't do any missions this week. We just trained."
"We filmed a movie with Kurenai-sensei!"
Kiba said proudly.
"Filmed a movie?"
Naruto's eyes went wide. "That's a mission too?"
"What movie?" Ino Yamanaka asked as she walked over.
"It's a biographical film about the First Hokage," Kiba explained briefly.
"Is it for propaganda?" Shikamaru Nara asked thoughtfully.
"Yeah," Kiba nodded. "It's to promote the First Hokage's deeds."
"Then I'm going to film my own biopic someday!"
Naruto got excited instantly, giving a thumbs-up. "The whole ninja world will know the way of my youth!"
"You'll have to become Hokage first," Shikamaru reminded him.
"Maybe Sasuke-kun will be first—"
Sakura started, but Sasuke cut her off.
"It's too early to talk about that," Sasuke said evenly. "With Kitazawa-sensei's age, the next Hokage will probably be a long time from now."
"That's true," Ino agreed.
"Kurenai-sensei's in charge of the film department. Right now she's only made the First Hokage biopic," Kiba said with a grin. "Maybe someday she'll even make an Advanced Class biopic."
"Only if we all become famous," Tenten said as she arrived with Hyuga Neji and Shion.
"No problem."
Shion waved a hand casually. "If you want a movie, it's easy—I'll pay to hire a whole crew."
As the priestess of the Land of Demons, she had a nation's wealth behind her. Funding a film was nothing.
"You'd still need fame," Tenten shook her head. "No fame means no one buys tickets."
"Right now Sasuke-kun is super famous!" Sakura said proudly.
"Sasuke, Naruto, and Hinata are all famous," Kiba said enviously. "They've already been labeled the new Konoha Three Sannin."
"With your strength, you'll all be famous sooner or later," Kosuke Maruboshi said with a genial smile.
"Kosuke-sensei!"
Naruto and the others greeted him.
Meanwhile, inside the Hokage's office…
Tsunade-sama was sprawled over the Hokage's desk, flustered and red-faced, her eyes repeatedly flicking toward the door in nervous anticipation.
Kitazawa held her by the waist, his chin resting against her shoulder, thoroughly unbothered by her glare—if anything, he looked amused by it.
"Ho-how much time is left?" Tsunade asked through a breath.
"Fifteen minutes," Kitazawa said, glancing at the clock on the wall.
"Today is your inauguration," Tsunade reminded him, taking a steadying breath. "Don't be late."
"That depends on how hard you decide to make it," Kitazawa replied, blinking innocently.
Tsunade's expression darkened. She stopped holding back and used her monstrous strength.
Kitazawa's pupils tightened.
He shifted their positions, and the moment turned into a mutual struggle of wills—heated, private, and very clearly consensual—before both of them were left catching their breath.
A knock sounded.
"It's about time, Kitazawa," Shizune called from outside the door.
Tsunade inhaled and used the Strength of a Hundred Seal to steady her exhausted body.
Thankfully she had that seal. Otherwise, stepping out with flushed cheeks would absolutely invite suspicion.
Kitazawa looked at her and smiled, then calmly put on the Hokage robe.
His stamina was absurd—after all that, he didn't look drained in the slightest.
He walked over and opened the door.
"Tsunade-sama, you're here too?"
Shizune froze when she saw Tsunade.
"I'm handing over the work with Kitazawa," Tsunade said evenly. "Let's go. Don't keep everyone waiting."
Kitazawa shut the door behind them, and the three headed up to the roof of the Hokage Building.
"Nervous?" Tsunade asked, glancing at him.
"What's there to be nervous about?" Kitazawa countered.
"Fair point," Tsunade tugged at the corner of her mouth.
If he could waste time with her in the Hokage's office right before an inauguration, he obviously wasn't the type to get nervous.
They quickly reached the rooftop.
The moment the ninja and villagers below saw them, cheers erupted.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Naruto and Kiba hopped up, waving and shouting to get his attention.
Kitazawa noticed and chuckled.
"Sorry to trouble you, Daimyō-sama," Tsunade said as she approached the Fire Daimyō.
"I didn't expect you to retire this quickly," the Daimyō said with a smile.
"Kitazawa is my student. He's even more outstanding than I am," Tsunade replied. "There's no need for me to cling to this position."
"Then let's begin."
The Daimyō looked down at the crowd and shouted, "I hereby announce that Konoha's Sixth Hokage is Kitazawa!"
"Kitazawa."
Tsunade picked up the Hokage hat and said with a teasing smile, "After I retire, don't you dare assign me any work."
"Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa complained, "is this really the time to say that?"
"What else is there to say?"
Tsunade paused, then said, "From here on, Konoha is yours. Don't let everyone down."
"I'll do my best," Kitazawa said.
He took the Hokage hat and put it on.
Then he stepped forward to the railing and began his first speech as Hokage.
Tsunade stood not far behind him, watching his back, her expression drifting for a moment.
Seeing her student become Hokage filled her with pride.
But thinking of the "special" relationship between them also left her with emotions she couldn't neatly explain.
Still… no matter what, she was satisfied with her life now.
Kitazawa didn't speak for too long.
There wasn't much to say, really.
After about half an hour, he announced the inauguration ceremony was over.
"From today on, we're the Hokage's students!"
Kiba said excitedly.
"If you put it that way, weren't we already the Third Hokage's students?" Shikamaru shook his head and retorted.
Strictly speaking, only Naruto, Sasuke, and Hinata were truly the Hokage's personal students.
But the Advanced Class was special, so the others could count too.
"Then we're students of the Third Hokage and the Sixth Hokage!" Kiba said shamelessly.
"Kiba's right!"
Naruto thrust up a thumbs-up. "To celebrate becoming the Hokage's students, let's do three hundred extra laps!"
"Why train on such a good day?" Ino hurriedly stopped him. "We should treat Kitazawa-sensei to a meal!"
"Right!"
Naruto's eyes lit up. "Then let's go to Ichiraku Ramen!"
"Ichiraku isn't ideal," Sasuke suggested. "Let's get barbecue."
"I agree!" Sakura immediately said.
"I want barbecue too!" Chōza Akimichi chimed in excitedly.
"Then who's going to invite Kitazawa-sensei?" Tenten asked, sweeping her gaze across the group.
"I will!" Ino blurted out.
"I…"
Hinata was beaten to it. She opened her mouth, then tightened her grip on her clothes, a little flustered.
"Then you and Hinata go together," Shikamaru said, glancing between them.
"Fine," Ino nodded.
Hinata let out a quiet sigh of relief and immediately brightened.
Hokage's office.
"Shizune-senpai, notify everyone: tomorrow at 9:00 a.m., we're holding a jōnin meeting," Kitazawa said from the Hokage's chair.
"Understood."
Shizune nodded and left.
As for Tsunade, she had already vanished the moment the ceremony ended—probably afraid of getting "questioned" again.
After the door closed, Kitazawa stretched.
He'd already been acting as Hokage for a week, so aside from the ceremony, today felt no different.
"Kitazawa-sensei!"
Ino's cheerful voice rang out.
"Come in," Kitazawa said with a soft chuckle.
Ino and Hinata walked in.
"What do you need?" Kitazawa asked.
"Kitazawa-sensei, we want to treat you to barbecue!"
Ino rushed up, hugging his arm. "You have to come!"
Hinata watched, unable to help feeling a little envious.
"Alright, let's go," Kitazawa said, lifting a hand to tap Ino lightly on the forehead.
"Yay!"
Ino released his arm, smiling brightly.
~~~
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