Chapter 55: The Fifth Hokage's Inauguration

Before anyone realized it, another month had passed.

A month was enough to change many things.

After the Konoha Crush plan, the village's strength had begun gradually recovering. Buildings damaged during the invasion had been restored to their original states through the coordinated efforts of villagers working together. The sounds of construction had faded, replaced once again by the bustle and activity of daily life.

On the streets, the familiar chaos of commerce and conversation had returned.

But the village's spirit hadn't fully recovered. Not yet. Konoha still lacked a pillar—someone who could provide safety and guidance to its people, someone who could stand at the center and give them hope for the future.

September 12th. Morning.

Today, the village atmosphere was unprecedentedly lively.

Walking through the streets, one could see villagers everywhere wearing bright smiles. Shopkeepers hawked their wares to customers. Women haggled over vegetables at the market. Acquaintances greeted each other on street corners. And from every conversation, certain words emerged again and again:

"Princess Tsunade..."

"The First Hokage's granddaughter..."

"Tsunade-sama..."

"The Legendary Sannin..."

Even after a month had passed, Team 8 had received special notice. Kurenai Yūhi had summoned her three students a few days ago to inform them of the upcoming ceremony.

That was why Hinata had arrived so early today—and why Hanabi had come with her.

"Ryuzen-kun. This is for you."

When they met at the training ground, Hinata handed him a package wrapped in plastic. Inside was a white garment.

Ryuzen opened it and examined the top. On the back, the character for "fire" had been embroidered in red thread—each stitch precise, each line perfect.

He smiled warmly. "Thank you, Hinata."

"Ryuzen-nii!"

Hanabi launched herself at him without warning, wrapping her small arms around his waist and looking up with a mischievous grin. "Big sister embroidered that fire character herself, you know~ She also said that winter is coming soon, so she wants to knit you a scarf!"

"Ha—Hanabi!"

Hinata's beautiful face instantly turned crimson. Steam practically rose from her head as her sister revealed her secrets so casually in front of Ryuzen.

Ryuzen laughed softly and raised his hand to ruffle Hanabi's long hair. His eyes met Hinata's over her sister's head.

"Then I'll look forward to it, Hinata."

"Mm..." Hinata's response was barely audible, thinner than a mosquito's wing.

Holding Hanabi's hand with one arm and carrying the new garment with the other, Ryuzen walked toward the house. "How much time until the Fifth Hokage's inauguration ceremony?"

"About two more hours," Hinata replied, following behind him.

Yes. Today was the day.

Kurenai had gathered Team 8 a few days ago specifically to inform them of the ceremony's importance. This garment was what they would wear for the occasion. Hinata and Hanabi were already dressed—white tops with the same "fire" character embroidered on the backs.

Entering the house, Ryuzen set down the garment and began removing his kimono. He needed to shower before changing.

"Ryuzen-nii~" Hanabi's voice carried that mischievous tone again. "Should I come in and scrub your back? I could do it, you know~"

"Hanabi!"

Hinata's face went red for the second time in minutes. She lunged toward her sister, intending to catch her and deliver a proper scolding.

But Hanabi had anticipated this. She darted behind Ryuzen, using him as a shield, and poked her head out to make a face at Hinata.

Ryuzen looked down at the lively girl—so different from Hinata's personality, yet equally endearing in her own way. He pinched her small cheek gently.

"No need. Stay here with your sister. After the inauguration ceremony, we'll continue today's training."

"Mm-hmm!" Hanabi squinted happily, leaning into his touch.

Over the past month, Ryuzen's strength hadn't changed dramatically. But his life had gained a new presence—a little fangirl who followed him everywhere.

After Hanabi had mastered tree climbing and water walking, Ryuzen had begun a unique training regimen. He would stand in the water while Hanabi attacked him with Gentle Fist techniques, striking his tenketsu points with all her strength.

Each blow landed with full force. Not one of them hurt him. Not even slightly.

Even her sister's Eight Trigrams Sixty-Four Palms—the advanced technique of their clan—couldn't make him take a single step back.

His overwhelming strength had earned Hanabi's complete admiration.

Over weeks of training together, their relationship had evolved. What began as idol and fan had become something closer to siblings. Hanabi treated him like an older brother, and Ryuzen doted on her accordingly.

As their intimacy grew, so did Hanabi's boldness. The things she said to him became progressively more daring. Several times, Hinata had actually fainted from embarrassment at her sister's words. The last time it happened, Ryuzen had been forced to carry Hinata home himself...

But that was another story.

Ryuzen disappeared into the bathroom.

Cold water washed over him as he stood beneath the shower. When he emerged, he dried off and put on the white top and casual pants Hinata had brought. Then he sat at the dresser, letting the two sisters tend to his hair.

In the mirror's reflection, he watched them—Hinata holding the hair dryer, Hanabi holding the comb. One older, one younger. Both focused on their task, working together to make him presentable for the ceremony.

A gentle smile spread across his face.

I never felt a sense of belonging to this village.

It was true. Konoha was just a place he lived. The people were just faces he passed. The Hokage was just a figure who gave orders. He felt no connection to any of it.

When he had discovered that killing brought experience—real, tangible progress toward Mihawk's power—the thought of leaving had crossed his mind. More than once. If he had never met Hinata, if he had remained alone, he might have chosen a very different path.

Judge Konoha. Defect. Seek out the Akatsuki. Join Obito's camp.

In the Fourth Shinobi War, every ninja on the battlefield would be his enemy. Every life he took would be experience. Every death would bring him closer to Mihawk's full power.

Especially now that he understood his swordsmanship—understood that he walked the path of a killer—the temptation was real. The chance of him turning dark had been very high.

But Hinata had filled the empty spaces in his heart. And now, Hanabi had added warmth he hadn't known he needed.

He wanted to protect this precious connection.

Even if the inheritance progressed more slowly, even if he missed opportunities for experience—it didn't matter.

This was worth more.

His hair finished, Ryuzen tied it into a single ponytail and left the house with the two Hyūga sisters.

The open space below the Hokage Tower was already packed with people. Men, women, children, elderly—all wearing white tops with the "fire" character on their backs. The crowd stretched as far as the eye could see.

When Ryuzen and the sisters arrived, heads turned.

Eyes followed them. Many eyes.

Some gazes held respect. Some burned with admiration. Some carried something close to awe—the look people gave when they had witnessed something they couldn't explain or forget.

These were the ninja who had seen Ryuzen during the invasion. Who had watched him slaughter enemies by the dozens. Who had witnessed the birth of a monster on their side.

Without realizing it, Ryuzen had transformed from an unknown genin into a figure of renown.

Soon, Aburame Shino approached, his characteristic high collar and sunglasses unchanged despite the occasion. He nodded to Ryuzen and Hinata in greeting.

Kurenai Yūhi arrived with Kakashi and Asuma. She smiled warmly at her students, pride evident in her expression.

The three jōnin no longer treated Ryuzen as a simple genin. He had displayed the power of a Kage. That changed things.

Over an hour passed.

Then, on the rooftop of the Hokage Tower, a figure appeared.

Long blonde hair caught the sunlight. A beautiful face showed no signs of aging despite the decades she had lived. She wore the distinctive red haori of the Akatsuki—a garment that would soon become familiar across the ninja world—and held a Hokage hat in her hands.

Tsunade. The Legendary Sannin. The granddaughter of the First Hokage.

The Fifth Hokage's inauguration ceremony had officially begun.

The crowd erupted in cheers. The name "Tsunade-sama" echoed from every throat.

Ryuzen watched with calm red eyes, Hinata on one side and Hanabi on the other.

The Godaime, he thought. The strongest kunoichi in the world. And the best medical ninja who ever lived.

With her in power, Danzo's influence will be checked. Konoha will stabilize.

And I can continue training in peace.

He looked down at the two sisters beside him. Hinata, whose hand had somehow found its way into his. Hanabi, who was jumping up and down trying to see past the crowd.

Yes, he thought. Peace.

For now.

The ceremony continued. Tsunade's voice, powerful despite her small frame, carried across the assembled crowd as she spoke of rebuilding, of hope, of the future.

And somewhere in the shadows, other forces stirred.

The world was changing.

The Fourth Shinobi War was still years away—but its seeds had already been planted.<｜end▁of▁thinking｜># Chapter 55: The Fifth Hokage's Inauguration