Sarutobi Hiruzen would definitely deal with Haruwajima.
But not now.
And this disposition couldn't be made explicit.
Anbu… Haru and Kojima would no longer be allowed to remain.
Not just the Anbu—
For any other influential position in the core of Konoha's authority, Sarutobi Hiruzen would never appoint them.
Analyzing the situation recklessly, disregarding chain-of-command protocol, and colluding privately to disobey a direct superior's orders, ultimately worsening Konoha's standing in a sensitive mission—
How could Sarutobi Hiruzen reuse such people?
He shook his head.
Tian Yu dismissed these tangled thoughts from his mind.
"Well then… should I bring a gift for Tian Tian?"
He hummed a cheerful tune and stepped briskly toward her house.
---
Hokage's Office.
Sarutobi Hiruzen sat calmly, smiling at the slightly impatient Tsunade before him.
"Tsunade, come back. Don't disappear without a word again."
"Old man, I already told you—I only returned to check on things."
Tsunade immediately laid her cards on the table.
"I'm definitely leaving. Don't think you can persuade me. You can't make me stay!"
"Tsunade, I am old. As the Third Hokage, I may not have many days left."
Hiruzen wasn't discouraged. He spoke slowly, deliberately.
"There's no one in the village right now suitable to take up the mantle of the Fifth Hokage."
"Now that you've returned… you can't run away this time."
Tsunade shook her head firmly. "Forget it. I'm not cut out for it!"
"Anyone else can be the Hokage—not me!"
"Tsunade, your grandfather and granduncle—Hashirama and Tobirama—were the founding pillars of Konoha. Can you bear to watch this village decline?"
"Old man, I told you already—I'm leaving! Don't play the emotional card with me!"
Tsunade's voice was resolute. "If you say one more word about this, I'll leave right now!"
Seeing Tsunade's fierce expression—she'd rather break than bend—Hiruzen's cheek twitched involuntarily.
Hokage…
The supreme position in Konoha.
The top of the ninja world.
And Tsunade… can you please stop being so stubborn!?
"Alright, alright. I'll drop it. No more talk about that."
With that, Sarutobi's expression grew serious.
"Tsunade, Tian Yu was with you on this mission. Tell me the details again."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "What's there to say? Didn't Tian Yu report to you already?"
"Exactly, old man!"
"You just said there's no candidate for the Fifth Hokage. What about that kid Tian Yu?"
"I think he's pretty damn good!"
"Good personality, strong abilities—if there's one shortcoming, it's just his youth…"
"But that's fine, old man. You've still got plenty of years in you."
"By the time you kick the bucket, Tian Yu will be in his prime!"
Her eyes sparkled as she spoke.
The more she thought about it, the more Tsunade felt that Tian Yu might just be the best candidate for the next Hokage.
---
Looking at the increasingly excited Tsunade, Hiruzen Sarutobi narrowed his eyes slightly.
"The enemy… you really didn't help him take it down?"
"Of course not!"
Tsunade's voice turned sharp, staring at Hiruzen in disbelief.
"Old man, don't tell me you doubt Tian Yu's strength!"
"He's an elite Anbu. Don't pretend you don't know his combat level!"
"You still have to ask me something like that?"
"He's shown strength before—but nothing to this extent."
Hiruzen sighed deeply and shook his head.
"This time, the opponent… it was Kakuzu of Takigakure."
"A man from the same era as the First Hokage. Not quite on par, but still—"
Kakuzu.
Back when Hiruzen was a mere genin, Kakuzu was already a fearsome name.
Living for decades…
Five hearts.
Enhanced by Takigakure's forbidden jutsu.
To be honest, even Hiruzen himself wouldn't dare claim a guaranteed victory against someone like Kakuzu.
But Tian Yu brought back Kakuzu's head?
This truly exceeded his expectations of the boy's capabilities.
Even though Tian Yu had personally explained the details earlier, Sarutobi still found it hard to believe.
"Tsunade, you're sure you didn't help him fight Kakuzu?"
"Where would I even find the time? You know my condition. You know why I left Konoha."
"When Tian Yu fought Kakuzu, I was busy fending off his partner—an immortal lunatic who wouldn't die even if decapitated! I could barely protect myself!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "…"
Tian Yu…
What a terrifyingly capable shinobi.
Before he could reflect further, Tsunade's voice turned sharper.
Known as Konoha's princess, Tsunade still viewed this place as her true home—even after years away.
So when her temper flared, she made it known.
"Hey, old man!"
"Tian Yu did a phenomenal job. Don't you dare try to play any political games with him!"
"A genius like him—if you won't name him as your successor, at least promote him!"
"Anbu captain? Tch."
She clicked her tongue in frustration.
That post was practically cannon fodder during times of crisis!
Tsunade had received the custom Tracking Bow Tian Yu sent her and liked the ninja tool immensely.
She owed the kid a favor.
And more than that, she appreciated his attitude.
Sharp, clever, and composed—not to mention powerful.
So she chose to speak up now.
"What are you thinking? You think I'd turn against Konoha's own people?"
"As Hokage, suspicion is necessary…"
"But since you're so optimistic about Tian Yu—fine, I won't test his loyalty."
Sarutobi Hiruzen suddenly grinned.
"Let's not talk about the Hokage successor right now."
"But promotion…"
He nodded slowly.
"Tian Yu made a remarkable contribution this time. He definitely deserves a promotion."
There was more Sarutobi hadn't said yet—
Because there were still pieces missing.
According to both Tian Yu and Tsunade, the two enemies wore black cloaks with red clouds—unmistakably the attire of the Akatsuki.
An enigmatic organization.
One that could recruit terrifying figures like Kakuzu.
An entity shrouded in secrets.
And with techniques like multiple hearts, undead rituals, and forbidden arts…
This force could no longer be ignored.
He needed to assign more people to investigate.
---
Land of Rain – Akatsuki Base
Yahiko—now under Nagato's control—sat quietly, the haunting Rinnegan glowing in his eyes as he stared at the severed head of Hidan.
His voice was low and solemn.
"…Black Death God."
"Konoha cannot be underestimated."
Whoosh, whoosh.
Sheets of white paper fluttered through the air and reassembled into a woman's silhouette.
Konan.
"Pain, what are you planning?"
"Isn't it obvious?"
"The Akatsuki hasn't even begun its true operations…"
"And already, we've lost a member."
"If we don't retaliate against the one who killed our own… how can we keep the loyalty of those who remain?"
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