Chapter 164: The Road to Hokage (1 & 2 Update)
It took a long time for Hiruzen Sarutobi to snap out of his daze.
He stroked his beard, contemplating the benefits of Hanzō's death to the Leaf Village.
The most direct benefit was the elimination of a massive threat.
Without Hanzō, the Hidden Rain Village was no different from minor villages like the Hidden Grass or Hidden Hot Spring Villages.
Furthermore, should they annex the Land of Rain?
The thought barely crossed Sarutobi's mind before he quickly dismissed it.
The Land of Rain's special location made it susceptible to retaliation from the Hidden Sand and Hidden Stone Villages.
Moreover, the country was perpetually rainy and lacked abundant resources.
The Leaf Village would have to rely on the Land of Fire for support, making it an unprofitable venture.
Sarutobi then thought of Tsunade.
Killing Hanzō this time would undoubtedly elevate her reputation to new heights.
If she intended to compete for the position of Hokage, the next one would most likely be her.
Sarutobi considered the matter carefully and found no reason to stop her.
She met all the conditions: strength, reputation, status, position, and personality.
It would be difficult for Orochimaru or Jiraiya to do better than her.
Hatake Sakumo was slightly inferior in status and personality.
As for Minato Namikaze, he was too young and suitable to be the Hokage after the next one.
And Hoshikawa could easily be the Hokage after the one after that.
Based on his performance in the battle to kill the Salamander, he was no less impressive than Tsunade.
"Looking at it this way, the future of the Leaf Village is infinitely bright."
Sarutobi nodded with satisfaction.
Having candidates for three consecutive Hokage terms meant several decades of stability for the Leaf Village.
And much of the credit for this belonged to him.
"Haru."
Sarutobi looked at the ANBU ninja in front of him. "Spread the news of Hanzō's death at the hands of Tsunade and Might Duy."
He intended to use this to assist Tsunade within the Leaf Village.
Besides, such a major event certainly warranted publicizing.
Back in the day, Hanzō had killed many Leaf ninjas with his poison gas.
Now that he was dead, it counted as a major vengeance achieved.
"Yes." Haru nodded.
"Also, Hoshikawa's kill of the Salamander." Sarutobi added.
While Hanzō's fame was great, the Salamander's reputation was also significant.
Since they were publicizing, they might as well include both.
"Yes." Haru turned and left.
"Now I need to consider what rewards to give them," Sarutobi rubbed his forehead.
Rewards generally consisted of jutsu, ninja tools, or money.
Tsunade lacked nothing but money.
Though giving money seemed crude, it was definitely an option.
Tsunade's three students could be rewarded with ninjutsu.
As for Might Duy, Sarutobi had previously considered promoting him to Chūnin.
But having killed Hanzō, Chūnin was no longer appropriate.
Jōnin? Might Duy only mastered Taijutsu, which didn't meet the standards. Then—Special Jōnin.
Simultaneously, Fourth Raikage's Office.
"This information is truly unbelievable!" Dodai exclaimed, unable to contain his emotion.
"Hanzō was simply old, no longer possessing the strength of his youth," the Third Raikage's expression was relatively calm. "My concern is the Leaf Village's next move."
"Indeed!" Dodai immediately grew serious upon hearing this.
Mabui looked at the scroll, slightly lost in thought.
The Third Raikage and Dodai only focused on Hanzō's death, failing to note that the Salamander had also perished.
And the one who killed it was Hoshikawa, whom they were familiar with.
Mabui couldn't help but sigh.
She thought of Yugito Nii.
Since her defeat, she had been training like a madwoman.
Although she hadn't utilized the power of the Tailed Beast in that battle, she still felt the humiliation of a crushing defeat.
"Mabui, what is your assessment?" the Third Raikage asked.
"The Leaf Village will take no immediate action," Mabui snapped out of her thoughts. "For them, simply waiting will grant them the greatest advantage."
"It seems we, the Hidden Cloud Village, are in the most danger," Dodai nodded slightly. "We have the Hidden Sand in front of us and the Leaf Village behind us, and now an additional Hidden Rain Village."
The intel indicated that Tsunade and Might Duy killed Hanzō to help the Akatsuki.
It was highly likely that the Akatsuki would take control of the Hidden Rain Village.
If so, the Hidden Rain Village would become a formidable ally of the Leaf Village.
"It's fine," the Third Raikage waved his hand, clearing the gloomy atmosphere, and said confidently, "It's just one Hidden Rain Village. Nothing will come of it."
Besides the Hidden Cloud Village, the Hidden Stone, Hidden Sand, and Hidden Mist Villages also received the news.
The Hidden Sand Village had its own problems, currently busy mobilizing ninjas and resources to prepare for war with the Hidden Cloud Village.
However, since the Land of Rain bordered the Land of Wind, eliminating Hanzō was a good thing for them.
But it wasn't entirely good; once they concluded their war, they might face an even stronger Leaf Village.
The Hidden Mist Village was too far from the Hidden Rain Village, and aside from expressing some surprise, they had no other reaction.
Only Mei Terumi, holding the intelligence, thought of Hoshikawa.
Though they hadn't met in a long time, she was constantly thinking about her wallet.
"You've certainly gotten stronger!" Mei Terumi bit her lip and snorted lightly. "But I've become even stronger!"
She had not only mastered Water Release but had also initially grasped two Kekkei Genkai.
The Hidden Stone and Hidden Sand Villages shared a similar thought: Hanzō's death meant one less headache.
A certain dark underground base.
The ground swelled, and an all-white, humanoid creature emerged from the earth.
"Lord Madara."
White Zetsu looked at the white-haired, aging man in front of him. "There's something you'll surely find interesting."
"I recall instructing you to monitor Nagato," Madara Uchiha glanced at him. "Has something happened to him?"
"He's fine. Hanzō is dead, and the Akatsuki will take over the Hidden Rain Village," White Zetsu quickly replied.
"Who killed him?"
Madara Uchiha was slightly surprised. "Nagato?"
Although he didn't go outside, he was aware of the ninja world's happenings through White Zetsu.
He was clear on Hanzō's strength and history.
Logically speaking, there weren't many ninjas in the current ninja world capable of killing him.
"It was Leaf Village ninjas, Tsunade and Might Duy."
White Zetsu briefly described the battle.
It had been hiding far away, observing the entire process.
The battle was chaotic, so no one discovered it.
After Hanzō's death, it immediately rushed back to report the news without delay.
"The Eight Gates Formation, is it?"
Madara Uchiha raised an eyebrow. "I might have to try it out sometime."
He naturally wouldn't train in such a 'one-for-one' ultimate Taijutsu, but he was curious about its power.
"Continue to monitor Nagato," Madara Uchiha ordered.
"Yes."
White Zetsu submerged into the ground and vanished.
"The Akatsuki needs someone to guide it," Madara Uchiha thought of Obito Uchiha. "This war is an opportunity."
Night fell.
Akatsuki Base.
Tsunade was in the bathroom, taking a bath.
Rising steam filled the space, quickly forming a hazy mist.
Tsunade reached out, scooping up hot water that cascaded onto her fair, full skin before dissolving into the bathwater.
She instinctively turned and saw the raincoat Hoshikawa had given her nearby.
A feeling of subtle tingling went through Tsunade's heart.
But she quickly dismissed it.
That was simply her nature.
As long as she didn't dislike it, she wouldn't stop it.
Whatever the final outcome, she could accept it.
Tsunade exhaled and closed her eyes.
The warm water caressed her, and she showed an expression of contentment.
The mist, like a divine aura, obscured her well-endowed figure, allowing only the voluptuous contours to be faintly visible.
When the water cooled, Tsunade stood up.
Clear water droplets rolled down her perfect body, tracing curves that caused ripples to splash in the water.
Tsunade stepped out of the bathtub and put on a yukata.
It's worth noting that the yukata belonged to Hoshikawa.
Because Tsunade never bothered to travel with her own.
"Sensei, come and eat."
Hoshikawa sat at the dinner table, smiling and waving her over.
"I'll dry my hair first," Tsunade said after a moment's pause.
"You eat, I'll dry your hair for you."
Hoshikawa stood up and pulled the chair back slightly.
"Thank you."
Tsunade didn't stand on ceremony and took a seat.
Hoshikawa came up behind her and reached out his hands.
His eyelids suddenly twitched.
The yukata Tsunade was wearing was a bit loose, and the neckline was slightly open.
From his angle, he could see the fair slope and the faint hint of a vein.
"We'll leave tomorrow morning after breakfast."
Tsunade picked up her chopsticks, grabbed a piece of chicken, and tossed it into her mouth.
The delicious flavor made her relax.
Hoshikawa involuntarily swallowed.
He felt like that blooming red flower was about to burst through the wall.
Hoshikawa struggled to avert his gaze, focusing on drying her hair.
In no time, Tsunade's golden hair was fluffy and dry.
"All done, Sensei."
Hoshikawa took the opportunity to pat her head.
"Thank you."
Tsunade took a bite of rice and asked, "Where are Kurenai and Rin?"
"They were too tired and have already gone to sleep," Hoshikawa said, sitting across from her and looking at her.
"You should go to sleep too."
Tsunade met his gaze and said.
"Alright then."
Hoshikawa considered it. "Good night, Sensei."
"Come here."
Tsunade put down her chopsticks and beckoned to him.
"What is it, Sensei?"
Hoshikawa leaned closer, asking with confusion.
Tsunade's mouth curled up. She immediately reached out and vigorously ruffled his hair a few times.
Hoshikawa's face instantly stiffened.
Damn it!
A zero-frame startup. How do I dodge that?
"You touched my head just now. That's my return gift," Tsunade said with a beaming smile.
But Hoshikawa felt like she was just asking for a punch.
Forget it. I can't beat her now. I'll just write it down in my little notebook and settle the score later.
"Good night!" Tsunade was all smiles.
"Thank you, Sensei!" Hoshikawa grit his teeth and said.
A new day.
Akatsuki Base Entrance.
"Lady Tsunade, won't you stay a few more days?" Yahiko asked, attempting to persuade her.
"We are not members of the Akatsuki. Staying here would only get in your way," Tsunade waved her hand. "You'll be busy. No need to see us off."
She turned and left after speaking.
"She's so decisive."
Yahiko felt like he didn't even have a chance to talk.
"Lady Tsunade is truly an extraordinary woman," Konan said, her eyes moving slightly. "No wonder she's an idol to so many female ninjas."
She didn't know Tsunade as well as Hoshikawa did.
But from their interactions over the past few days, her personal impression of Tsunade was excellent.
She was strong, handled matters efficiently, and unlike schemers like Hanzō, she was straightforward.
"Mhm." Nagato nodded in agreement.
Two days later, the five people finally returned to the Leaf Village.
"The weather in the Leaf Village is so much better."
Yūhi Kurenai said happily. "It's sunny and bright, and no more of that annoying rain!"
"I'll go sign us in," Nohara Rin volunteered.
"Lady Tsunade!"
Two unnamed gate guards saw Tsunade and shouted in unison, their voices full of excitement.
"Mhm." Tsunade nodded in response.
"I'll go notify everyone right away!"
The guard on the left immediately ran into the Leaf Village, shouting as he ran, "Lady Tsunade is back!"
"What is going on?" Tsunade asked, utterly confused.
The last time she returned to the village, he hadn't been this ridiculous.
"The entire village knows that Lady Tsunade killed Hanzō, and everyone wants to see you!" the remaining guard said excitedly.
Tsunade twitched her lips.
She knew instantly who was responsible for this—it was undoubtedly Hiruzen Sarutobi.
Publicizing this so dramatically... did that old man genuinely want her to be Hokage?
Tsunade immediately felt a headache coming on.
Although she didn't want to be Hokage, for some reason, things always seemed to go against her wishes.
Tsunade instinctively turned and glared at Hoshikawa.
It must be because of his jinxing!
Hoshikawa blinked innocently.
What is going on?
"Lady Tsunade, you're all signed in. Please, come in." the gate guard quickly said.
"Mhm." Tsunade snapped out of her thoughts and walked toward the village.
Soon, she saw a large, dense crowd of people waiting on both sides of the road.
Is this really necessary? Tsunade muttered to herself.
"Lady Tsunade!"
The next moment, a deafening sound erupted.
People cheered and waved at her. The atmosphere was as lively as a New Year's festival.
Although Sarutobi had publicized that Tsunade and Might Duy killed Hanzō, the problem was that Might Duy was completely unknown. No one recognized him.
Tsunade, however, was one of the Leaf's Three Sannin, with a recognized, formidable strength. Thus, they silently agreed that she was the one who did the killing.
Might Duy was just incidental.
Faced with this heroic reception, Tsunade could only respond with a forced smile.
She felt that this road was not the way to the Hokage Office, but the road to the position of Hokage itself.
Uchiha Clan Compound.
"Why is it so noisy outside?" Fugaku Uchiha stepped out of his room and asked.
"Lady Tsunade has returned to the village," an Uchiha ninja nearby immediately replied.
"Such a huge commotion?"
Fugaku Uchiha's heart stirred. He quickly sent for Mikoto Uchiha. "Mikoto, take a gift and go see her."
As the clan leader, his every move was watched. Openly cozying up to Tsunade was inappropriate.
But Mikoto Uchiha was fine; her relationship with Tsunade was already good.
It wasn't just the Uchiha; the Hyūga, Nara, Akimichi, and Yamanaka clans all made similar arrangements.
Mainly because they weren't fools.
Such a welcoming ceremony could not have been spontaneous; it clearly had Sarutobi's implicit approval.
With the Hokage's silent endorsement, they naturally had to make a gesture.
"Damn it!"
The only one who was unhappy was Shimura Danzō.
Hearing the cheers, he felt his own chance at the Hokage position slipping further and further away.
But the position of Hokage was secondary now. The most important thing was how to protect himself.
He had tried to pin the blame on Hanzō to Sarutobi, but Sarutobi clearly didn't believe him.
After all, the Root members underwent brainwashing training; how could they have been 'misled?'
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