A few days later, the team sent to support the Sand Village finally returned to Konoha.
From Kakashi's report, Tsunade learned more detailed information about Sasori of the Red Sand, Deidara, and Chiyo's death.
"So… Chiyo finally passed," Tsunade murmured, momentarily dazed. It wasn't grief so much as the quiet acknowledgment of an old rival's end.
As for Fujimoto Tōma cutting down Deidara in a single strike, she wasn't particularly shocked. After hearing how he'd escaped from those four monsters, that level of performance felt almost expected.
More than anything, Tsunade could clearly sense it now. Tōma was walking the same path her grandfather once did.
She rubbed her forehead, feeling complicated. Even her Second Uncle had never truly reached that height.
"About Chiyo's death," Tsunade said, looking at him. "You knew already, didn't you? Why didn't you mention it?"
"I did know," Tōma replied honestly. "It didn't seem important, so it slipped my mind."
Tsunade choked for a second, then nodded. Fair enough. It was probably only people like her who still carried those old attachments. This really was the younger generation's era now.
"And Danzo?" she asked next. "Any progress? If not, I can go vent some frustration for you."
"Please don't," Tōma said flatly. "Your idea of 'venting' is storming his place. That just gives him ammunition."
Tsunade sighed. "He's been quiet lately. Like a block of wood. No moves at all."
"I have a direction," Tōma said. "You don't need to worry about it."
In truth, his search inside the village had hit a wall. Danzo had spent too long lurking in the shadows. His tracks were unnervingly clean. Tōma had even placed Spirit Transformation marks on nearby ANBU, only to confirm they were genuine.
Danzo had completely pulled back. No surveillance. No pressure. A turtle hiding in its shell.
He was probably waiting. Waiting for this whole thing to fade.
Tōma didn't like that.
Even if he couldn't imagine how Danzo could scheme against him now, leaving an enemy plotting in the dark was never comfortable.
"If you've got a plan, I'll leave it to you," Tsunade said, then pushed a set of keys toward him. "Shizune prepared the house. You and your mother can move in today. It's already been cleaned."
"Thank you, Tsunade-sama." Tōma reached out but noticed she wasn't letting go.
"…You're not short on money, right?" she asked with a smile.
"…No," Tōma admitted, already regretting forgetting who he was dealing with.
Without another word, he pulled out a generous portion of Kakuzu's old funds and handed it over.
"Enough?"
"Plenty!" Tsunade beamed. With Shizune not around, this went straight into her private stash.
"Tsunade-sama," Tōma said dryly, "you're famous now. You'll be recognized if you go gambling."
"It's fine," she waved it off. "I'll use a Transformation Jutsu." Then she paused and leaned closer, smiling nervously. "Don't tell Shizune."
"I won't. Just don't overdo it."
"I know, I know," Tsunade grumbled. "Ever since becoming Hokage, I barely get to gamble. Honestly, how long until you take over as Sixth Hokage? Why not just do it now?"
She'd never say that to anyone else. But with Tōma, it was already settled. He was the successor. And frankly, probably more suited than she was.
"At least a little longer," Tōma replied.
Tsunade blinked, then studied him seriously before smiling. "I see."
Tōma's desire for the Hokage seat was straightforward. A pull toward the peak. But he knew himself. He probably wouldn't stay forever.
Once Naruto and Sasuke grew into their prime, he'd happily let them fight it out.
After all, being reborn into this world and never becoming Hokage felt… incomplete.
With nothing else to discuss, Tōma left the Hokage's office and returned home.
—
For once, Fujimoto Sana was already there.
She'd explained everything to her boss and coworkers. She'd expected awkwardness, but instead received understanding and encouragement.
What surprised Tōma was the crowd filling his house.
Nine people. All familiar faces.
Naruto, loud as ever. Sasuke, still cool and silent, with Sakura beside him. Shikamaru complaining about how troublesome this was. Chōji eating nonstop. Ino standing next to Sana.
Even Team Eight was there. Hinata sneaking glances at Naruto. Kiba playing with Akamaru. Shino lurking quietly in the corner.
"Yo, Tōma!" Kiba shouted. "We're here to help you move!"
"…How did all of you get here?" Tōma asked. "And who told you I was moving?"
"I did," Ino said helplessly. "I only meant to ask Shikamaru and Chōji. Then it kind of… escalated."
"Tōma, you're terrible," Naruto said loudly. "Moving is a big deal! And I'm great at it!"
"I was just going to teleport the furniture," Tōma said casually.
Silence.
They all froze.
"…Right," Naruto said slowly. "You can do that."
"Do you at least know where the new house is?" Tōma asked, realizing his mistake.
"Yeah! Next to Granny Tsunade's place!" Naruto said confidently.
"And do you know where Tsunade-sama lives?"
"Of course—" Naruto stopped, scratched his head, and turned to Sakura. "Uh… where does she live? The Hokage Tower?"
"That's her office," Sakura said flatly.
"Um, Naruto-kun," Hinata said softly, blushing. "I know where Tsunade-sama's house is. I can guide you."
"Really? That's awesome!" Naruto grinned. "Thanks, Hinata!"
"N-Not at all…" Hinata murmured, red to the ears.
Tōma smiled. Ino's matchmaking was clearly working.
"Alright," he said. "You head over first. I'll teleport the furniture. Once it's there, help place everything."
"No problem!" Naruto said, already following Hinata.
"Ino," Tōma added, "go reserve seats at my mom's barbecue place. Dinner's on me."
"Got it."
"Barbecue!!" Chōji's eyes sparkled.
Tōma counted silently. Naruto. Chōji. Hinata. Dangerous lineup.
Good thing this was a one-time thing. Even Kakuzu's fortune had limits.
He handed the key to Shikamaru.
Naruto stared at it. "Why him?"
"Because you'd lose it. Let's move. If we're late, the restaurant closes."
They took off.
Sana watched them go, smiling nonstop. She'd always worried Tōma was too mature, too distant. Seeing him surrounded like this eased something in her chest.
"Mom," Tōma said, "let's mark what needs to go. Once they're there, I'll transfer everything."
"Alright."
At the new house, furniture appeared one piece at a time, popping into existence out of thin air.
Everyone stared.
Flying Thunder God was absurdly convenient.
Too bad none of them could learn it.
...
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