System Evaluation:
Your swordsmanship has reached the pinnacle of mastery. At this point, you are one of the rare sword masters in the world.
What the—?! Even the usually snarky Sword-Heart System is giving a positive evaluation now? Is this what it means to be a true Kage-level powerhouse?
I love it!
Since Tsunade and the others were still waiting outside for news, Hoshiyomi didn't immediately choose a new skill from the system. He exited the system and turned to give them a clear answer:
"Thanks, old man. I owe it to you. I've successfully broken through."
Hiruzen's broken ribs had already been healed by Tsunade. Standing upright once more, he slowly slipped back into his Hokage robes, flashing Hoshiyomi a warm smile.
"That's good to hear. At least this beating wasn't for nothing.
"You reaching the Kage level is a great thing for the village. Even before your breakthrough, your combat strength was already enough to contend with Kage-level shinobi. Now that you've crossed that threshold—and with swordsmanship as elusive and unpredictable as yours—even most seasoned Kage would struggle to match you.
"With someone like you around, I don't have to worry about Konoha's forces being wiped out by elite squads from other villages on the battlefield. I can finally rest easier knowing we have reliable strength at our side."
After speaking, Hiruzen turned to glance at Tsunade and Orochimaru, who were standing nearby.
"You two—and Jiraiya too—should hurry up and catch up. If all of you step into the Kage level, then including Sakumo, we'll have six Kage-class shinobi on our side. I'd like to see who dares to pick a fight with Konoha then."
As they celebrated Hoshiyomi's breakthrough, Tsunade and Orochimaru gave confident responses. They both believed in themselves—believed they could one day stand as equals to Hiruzen.
Hearing their responses, Hiruzen's smile grew even brighter.
"When the day comes that all of you can shoulder a battlefield on your own... that'll be the day I retire. By then, this position will have been mine for over a decade—about the same length as when Tobirama-sensei held office. That'll be enough.
"When this war ends, it'll be time for the younger generation to take over."
As he spoke, Hiruzen cast a glance at Tsunade and Hoshiyomi, a glint of deeper meaning in his eyes. Tsunade, still beaming from Hoshiyomi's breakthrough, didn't catch it—but Hoshiyomi did. He gave Hiruzen a small, meaningful nod.
Satisfied, Hiruzen said nothing more. He gently placed the Hokage's hat atop his head, lit his pipe, and walked off slowly.
Watching his retreating back, Hoshiyomi couldn't help but feel a wave of emotion. Hiruzen's political instincts might be a disaster, but his love for the village—and for the new generation of Leaf shinobi—had never wavered.
Maybe... his own plans didn't need to be carried out with such ruthless finality.
As Hoshiyomi stood there, lost in thought, Tsunade suddenly wrapped her arm around his and grinned:
"Don't space out! You just broke through to the Kage level. That's something worth celebrating! Let's go grab a big meal!"
Orochimaru nodded in agreement:
"Indeed. This is no small matter. Tonight, let's call Shinku and his wife as well and celebrate properly."
Tsunade, now even more energized, added excitedly:
"Let's invite Nawaki and Kushina too! If we're throwing a party, the more, the merrier!"
And just like that, the two of them decided everything on their own—completely ignoring the so-called main character of the celebration.
The group split into two teams to prepare.
Hoshiyomi didn't go with Tsunade to the Senju compound and the ninja academy to pick up Nawaki, Minato, and Kushina. Instead, he chose to go with Orochimaru to invite Shinku and his wife.
Tsunade didn't think twice and happily skipped off on her own, while Orochimaru and Hoshiyomi walked together for a while before Orochimaru casually remarked:
"You didn't go with Tsunade to pick up your disciples. I assume you had something to discuss with me?"
Hoshiyomi chuckled.
"Can't hide anything from you, huh?"
After a moment's pause, he got straight to the point:
"Orochimaru, if I told you that I plan to support Tsunade in becoming the Fourth Hokage, would you be upset?"
This was the real reason he had stayed behind.
Hoshiyomi knew full well that Orochimaru once had aspirations of becoming Hokage. In canon, his loss to Minato in the post-war succession was one of the triggers for his descent into darkness.
It had taken countless efforts and guidance on Hoshiyomi's part to steer Orochimaru away from those dangerous paths. He genuinely worried that backing Tsunade might reignite some of those old frustrations—and sour the fragile bond between them.
Orochimaru glanced over and replied calmly:
"I used to. But not anymore."
Surprised, Hoshiyomi asked:
"Why not?"
Orochimaru gave him a knowing smile.
"You've done so much for Tsunade already. Back when we were on the front lines, you spent every day trying to meet with and win over various senior shinobi in the village. You really think I didn't notice?
"If I said I wanted to be Hokage now, we'd probably end up at each other's throats."
He paused, then added:
"Besides, I've heard bits and pieces about the Senju situation. If you're really trying to help Tsunade revive her clan, making her Hokage is an essential step."
Hoshiyomi scratched his nose sheepishly.
"Was it really that obvious?"
Orochimaru gave a soft laugh:
"You don't need to worry about me resenting anything. In fact, if it weren't for Tsunade, I'd say you are the best candidate for Hokage. You're someone people are willing to follow with all their heart.
"That you're willing to hand that position to Tsunade... why would I complain?
"And truth be told, I should thank you. It's because of your guidance that I've realized something—even more important than becoming Hokage: what I truly want is to uncover the secrets behind every jutsu in this world. To seek the true nature of reality.
"If Tsunade—or you—ever do become Hokage, I have only one request: let me see the Second Hokage's personal notes and the Scroll of Seals."
His voice intensified, eyes burning with fervor.
"Only by understanding the gap between myself and Lord Tobirama can I find the drive to surpass that man!"
Seeing that passion, Hoshiyomi couldn't help but laugh. To think he had been worried that this mad scientist would turn bitter over not becoming Hokage.
He looked at Orochimaru and said earnestly:
"Don't worry. When Tsunade becomes Hokage, I'll make sure she gives you access to both the Second's notes and the Scroll of Seals. More than that, I'll build you the most advanced laboratory in the entire shinobi world.
"As long as it's within reason, you'll have everything you need to push your research to the limit. I'll help you surpass Tobirama in the realm of ninja science."
Orochimaru licked his lips in anticipation, eyes gleaming.
"Now I'm really looking forward to the day Tsunade becomes Hokage, Hoshiyomi-kun."
Author's Note:
Originally, I planned to jump straight into the new skill reveal this chapter, but I figured this was a good time to lay out some of the future plans. It's important to show where things are heading. Tsunade's rise to power will be peaceful and natural—no palace intrigue or backstabbing plots (not that I'm any good at writing that anyway...).
This story leans more toward high-action shounen, so even when political elements appear, don't expect too much drama or coup attempts.
Also, I've decided that like in Boruto, Orochimaru in this version will simply embrace his role as "Auntie Orochi" and skip the whole "dark descent" arc.