Kitazawa stepped forward and bowed slightly.
"Let's go."
Tsunade waited until he finished, then said quietly, "It's about time. Let's grab some lunch."
"At home?" Kitazawa asked, glancing at her.
"No. I want to drink."
Her tone left no room for doubt.
Kitazawa sighed, rubbing his temple. "That's a problem. Shizune-senpai definitely won't approve… and you still have work this afternoon."
Tsunade just stared at him silently.
"…Should I go to work for you, then?" Kitazawa offered half-jokingly.
A faint smile curved her lips. "Good. Seems I didn't misjudge you."
She clapped his shoulder, and the two headed toward a nearby izakaya.
At the Izakaya
"Lady Tsunade, a toast to you."
Kitazawa raised his glass with a smile. "Congratulations on becoming the Fifth Hokage."
"There's nothing to celebrate," she muttered, clinking glasses before downing her drink in one go.
"You don't seem in the best mood," Kitazawa said lightly. "How about we gamble—with drinks?"
That earned a spark in her eye.
"You're on! I'm getting you drunk today!"
"Why do you want to get me drunk?" Kitazawa asked dryly.
"I've never seen you drunk before," she replied with a mischievous grin. "I want to know if you'll go crazy. Sounds fun, doesn't it?"
"You say that like I've ever lost before," Kitazawa teased. "Every time we drink, I win."
"Hah! Don't get cocky!" Tsunade slammed her hand on the table. "Today, I'll crush that arrogance!"
"Then let's begin."
They played rock-paper-scissors.
Tsunade inhaled deeply, biting her lip in mock seriousness before throwing her hand forward.
Unsurprisingly, she lost.
"Please drink, Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa said politely.
"Again!" she barked, taking a drink and throwing another round.
Glass after glass.
Ten minutes later, Tsunade's cheeks were flushed a lovely crimson, and her confident smirk had turned to a lazy grin.
"Lady Tsunade, maybe take a break and eat something," Kitazawa suggested.
"No!"
Tsunade leaned forward, gripping his shoulders. "Again!"
A faint blur of pale skin entered his vision. Kitazawa cleared his throat. "At least eat a little first."
"You saying no to me?" she challenged, glaring.
"If you throw me out, who'll drink with you? And who'll do your work later?" he replied evenly.
Tsunade froze, staring at him for a moment—then sat down with a huff. "Fine. Eat, eat."
She began stuffing food into her mouth with puffed cheeks, and Kitazawa couldn't help but smile.
Cute.
"When's the Jōnin vote next week?" he asked between bites.
He had classes coming up—except Monday.
"Mmm… Monday," Tsunade mumbled with her mouth full.
"Perfect. No schedule conflicts, then."
He smiled. "No need to skip class."
"If you're too busy, just… send a Shadow Clone," she murmured, voice slurred.
"Something this important? I'll attend in person," Kitazawa replied.
"It's just a formality anyway," Tsunade said, waving a hand. "Pour me another drink."
"Alright. Consider it a congratulatory gift," Kitazawa said, refilling her glass. "You'll like it."
"Hah, that's hard to do," she said with a teasing smile before gulping down another drink.
A trail of sake slid from the corner of her lips, down her chin, tracing her fair skin.
"What day's your inauguration ceremony?" he asked.
"Saturday," she replied, eyes hazy. "More villagers and shinobi can attend."
"Makes sense," Kitazawa said, placing a piece of fried fish in her bowl.
Tsunade sat up straight, shaking her head—and the motion made her kimono strain slightly at the chest.
Kitazawa blinked, momentarily stunned.
"Let's keep drinking!" she declared, biting into the fish. "I'll win this time!"
"Maybe we can drink another day—"
"What kind of talk is that?" she interrupted. "Real drinking means going until you drop!"
Kitazawa sighed. There was no stopping her now.
Five minutes later, Tsunade had downed six more glasses.
Then she slumped forward onto the table, her kimono slightly disheveled.
"Drink… more…" she mumbled, raising her glass weakly.
Lying on her side, she tried to sip—but the angle was wrong, and she ended up licking the rim instead, like a cat tasting milk.
Kitazawa froze.
The sight of the Fifth Hokage—flushed, unfocused, and lazily licking her drink—was… devastating.
He swallowed hard. "Lady Tsunade… maybe it's time to head home."
"I… don't need rest!" she protested, shoving a half-full glass toward him. "You drink too!"
"We'll drink next time."
He gently caught her wrist.
"Next time, then," Tsunade muttered, snorting softly. "You're… too weak."
"You're already drunk, and I'm the weak one?" Kitazawa sighed, taking the glass from her and finishing it. "The wine's gone. Let's go."
"No!"
She leaned back, arms crossed.
Kitazawa chuckled and began clearing the table.
"Wait! Don't touch that!"
She stood up abruptly, stumbling forward—straight into his arms.
Four words flashed through his mind: Charging with the ball.
"We'll drink when we get back," he said, steadying her by the waist.
"You better not lie to me," she mumbled against his chest.
"You'll find out soon enough," Kitazawa said softly, smiling.
"Fine. I'll trust you—just this once," she muttered, poking his chest before swaying off toward home.
Kitazawa followed quickly, shaking his head.
"Drinking with you is more fun than drinking with Shizune," Tsunade said as a cool breeze hit them, clearing her head slightly.
"If she heard that, she'd be heartbroken," Kitazawa laughed.
"Not my fault! She never lets me drink properly!"
"That's because she cares about you," Kitazawa said gently.
"Hmph."
Tsunade turned her head away but didn't argue.
"By the way," Kitazawa said suddenly, "since I'm covering your shift this afternoon, is there anything I should know?"
"No… nothing," Tsunade said after thinking for a moment. "If anything comes up, find Shikaku."
They chatted idly as they walked until they reached Tsunade's door.
"Kitazawa," she said suddenly, leaning against the frame, looking at him.
"What's wrong?" he asked, tilting his head.
"I'll give you a gift," she said with a faint smile. "For luck."
"Luck?" Kitazawa blinked. You and luck… that's new.
Tsunade stepped closer, motioning for him to bend down. "You're too tall. Come here."
Kitazawa froze for a heartbeat.
Wait… could this be… Tsunade's forehead kiss?
The First Hokage's necklace and the legendary kiss? That had to be some kind of ultimate buff.
He bent down.
Tsunade placed her hands on his shoulders. Her eyes, still a little hazy, softened as they met his.
For a moment, her mind drifted—to the warmth of his embrace when he'd treated her hemophobia, to the illusion of that beautiful dream he'd once shown her.
Before she realized it, she leaned forward and kissed him.
Not on the forehead—on the lips.
Her eyes snapped open.
She froze. Completely sober now.
That… was not what she meant to do.
Tsunade stared at Kitazawa, heart hammering wildly in her chest—a feeling she hadn't known in years.
After several stunned seconds, she stepped back abruptly, turned, and hurried inside.
The door shut behind her with a soft thud.
Inside, Tsunade leaned against it, gasping quietly.
"What… what was that?" she whispered, touching her lips.
Outside, Kitazawa exhaled slowly.
"…How did a forehead kiss turn into that?"
He stood there for a moment, then shook his head and turned toward the Hokage Building.
"Not bad," he muttered under his breath with a faint grin. "Guess I broke the 'death kiss' rumor."
When Kitazawa entered the Hokage's office, Shizune looked up, startled.
"Kitazawa? Why are you here? Where's Lady Tsunade?"
"Not gambling," he said quickly. "She's… finalizing the last step of the limb-regeneration technique for me."
"The last step?" Shizune blinked. "If that's true, it could help countless shinobi."
Kitazawa nodded, a knowing smile on his lips.
"Exactly."
"Lady Tsunade thinks so too."
Kitazawa replied evenly, his expression unreadable. "I'll be working for her this afternoon."
"Mm."
Shizune nodded, apparently satisfied. "Then have a seat."
"It wouldn't be proper for me to sit in the Hokage's chair."
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow.
"Are you saying you're not interested in the position of Hokage?" Shizune countered playfully.
"Lady Tsunade hasn't even been officially appointed yet, and you're already jumping ahead?"
Kitazawa stepped closer, smirking. "Shizune-senpai, you sound suspiciously like you're scheming something."
"I think you could be the Sixth Hokage," Shizune teased with a small smile.
"That's a bit too early to talk about," Kitazawa replied, glancing at the documents on the desk. "Let's get to work first."
Hours passed in quiet efficiency.
The afternoon sunlight gradually slanted across the office.
"Your work efficiency is impressive," Shizune commented, setting down her pen. "Honestly, you're better than Lady Tsunade at this."
"You and Lady Tsunade really do have a… mutually harmful relationship," Kitazawa mused, recalling Tsunade's teasing remark from their lunch.
"What mutual harm?" Shizune blinked in confusion.
"Nothing," he deflected smoothly. "So, what's the plan for tonight? My place?"
"That works," Shizune said after thinking for a moment. "I'll pick up groceries on my way."
"Then I'll go home first and wait for you." Kitazawa stood, stretching.
"When you get home, check on Lady Tsunade," Shizune said with clenched fists. "If she's gone gambling again, I swear I'll drag her back myself!"
Kitazawa chuckled. "You're truly the perfect Hokage's secretary. See you later."
He left the office.
When Kitazawa arrived home, he went next door and hesitated for a few seconds before knocking.
No answer.
"Don't tell me she actually went to the casino…" he muttered.
Taking out a spare key, he quietly unlocked the door and stepped inside.
He slipped off his shoes and made his way toward Tsunade's room. The door was ajar.
There she was—sprawled across the bed, still in her clothes, sleeping soundly.
Kitazawa's gaze flickered to the gentle rise and fall of her chest.
Four words crossed his mind: the highest when lying down.
He quickly looked away and knocked softly on the doorframe.
"Which bastard is it?" came Tsunade's groggy, irritated voice.
"It's me—the bastard in question." Kitazawa grinned.
Tsunade's eyes snapped open. She sat up, rubbing her temple.
Memories of earlier—the drinking, the kiss—flooded back in an instant.
Her face stiffened; she bit her lip.
"Lady Tsunade," Kitazawa said lightly, as if nothing had happened. "Shizune-senpai went to buy groceries. We're having dinner at my place tonight."
"Mm." Tsunade waved her hand. "You go first. I'll be there soon."
"Don't be late, or she will start getting suspicious."
With that, Kitazawa turned and left.
Tsunade watched his retreating back and let out a soft snort. "As expected… thick-skinned."
But her heartbeat gradually steadied—after all, she was Tsunade.
Dinner at Kitazawa's home was lively as usual—Tsunade, Shizune, Kurenai, Karin, and her mother gathered around the table.
Laughter and conversation flowed easily, as if nothing had changed.
Another night passed, and dawn broke into a new week.
Monday.
The village buzzed with excitement—it was the day of the Jonin vote.
Since Konoha's founding, this was only the fifth Jonin vote in history.
"I should've applied for Jonin right after the war," Kurenai sighed, visibly regretful.
As a non-Jonin, she couldn't participate.
"Doesn't really matter," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. "The outcome's already decided."
"There's still a difference," Kurenai countered, giving him a sidelong look. "At least we'd be showing our support in front of Lady Tsunade."
"If you really want to support her," Kitazawa said thoughtfully, "become her first Jonin after she officially becomes Hokage."
"That's actually a great idea!" Kurenai's eyes lit up. "I'll apply next week. By then, I'll have mastered Wind Release: Rasengan!"
Kitazawa chuckled. "Then I wish you success in advance."
Given her current abilities—Genjutsu, Sealing Techniques, enhanced strength, and even Wind Release: Rasengan—Kurenai already met the Jonin standards.
"Just don't forget our bet," Kurenai added with a teasing smile.
"I haven't forgotten," Kitazawa replied, sipping his milk. "But you've already lost. I'll complete the limb regeneration jutsu before next week."
"No one can say that for sure until the end!" Kurenai huffed.
"Then let's wait and see."
Just as Kitazawa finished his breakfast, a knock came from the door.
"I'll handle the dishes," Kurenai said. "You check who it is. You'll need to head to the Hokage Building anyway."
"Alright."
Kitazawa opened the door.
"Kitazawa-sensei," greeted Kabuto.
"Morning, Kabuto," Kitazawa nodded.
"I'll head to the Hokage Building with you," Kabuto explained. As a Jonin, he also had to participate in the vote.
"Let's go."
They walked together.
"When will our team start taking new missions?" Kabuto asked.
"You just had a week off and already can't sit still?" Kitazawa gave him a side glance.
"We want to keep improving, so we won't be a burden to you," Kabuto said sincerely.
Kitazawa smiled faintly. "I was just appointed as Anbu Commander."
Kabuto's eyes widened. "Anbu Commander? Congratulations, Kitazawa-sensei!"
"Since you're a Jonin and Izumi and Torune are Chunin with superior skill, you're all qualified to join the Anbu," Kitazawa explained. "Once you join, you can form your own squad and take missions freely."
"Understood. We'll follow your lead," Kabuto agreed.
Kitazawa rubbed his chin, thinking.
He needed four trusted subordinates—Kurenai, Kabuto, Izumi, and Torune fit perfectly.
All four were capable and already loyal.
"Kitazawa!"
Gai's booming voice cut through the crowd. He was with Kakashi and Asuma.
"Kitazawa!" Gai shouted again as he jogged over. "Asuma said the Anbu's recruiting—is that true?"
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "You want to join the Anbu?"
"Why not? I'm ready to bring my youth to the shadows!" Guy declared proudly, flashing a thumbs-up.
Behind him, Asuma frantically waved his hands, mouthing don't encourage him.
Kitazawa stifled a laugh. "You can sign up first."
"Excellent!" Gai cheered.
"Kakashi," Kitazawa turned to him, "thinking of rejoining the Anbu?"
"No," Kakashi said, a faint smile tugging at his lips. "Being a teacher suits me just fine."
Asuma folded his arms. "Funny. My old man wants me to take charge of a team soon."
"The new Ino-Shika-Cho generation?" Kakashi asked knowingly.
"You know too?" Asuma raised an eyebrow.
"Who doesn't know the Sarutobi Clan's connection with the Ino-Shika-Cho?" Kitazawa added with a chuckle.
Gai scratched his head, confused. "Wait—what connection?"
Asuma sighed and patiently explained it to him as they reached the meeting room.
Inside, the atmosphere was thick with anticipation.
A third of the Jonin had already arrived.
"Lord Kitazawa," several Jonin greeted respectfully as he entered.
"Clan Head Fugaku," Kitazawa greeted when he spotted the Uchiha leader.
"Kitazawa," Fugaku said with a forced smile. "Has your Anbu recruitment concluded? Many Uchiha wish to serve the village."
Kitazawa managed to keep a straight face. "Not yet. There are many applicants this time—it'll take a while."
"Many?" Fugaku's smile wavered slightly.
"Yes, from all major clans."
Fugaku's irritation was well-hidden, but it was there. Why hadn't the other clans shown this enthusiasm under Hiruzen?
Still, he remained confident. The Uchiha were Konoha's strongest clan, after all.
By nine o'clock, the hall was full.
Kitazawa, Kakashi, Gai, and Kabuto sat together in the third row, though Kitazawa's rank entitled him to the front. He didn't care.
The doors opened.
Tsunade entered, followed by the two advisors—Homura and Koharu.
Her eyes scanned the room, lingering on Kitazawa a heartbeat longer than necessary.
That fleeting memory—the kiss—flickered through her mind before she forced it away.
"Shikaku, begin the vote," Tsunade said briskly.
"Yes, Hokage-sama." Shikaku began distributing the special ballots.
Kitazawa raised an eyebrow. "Lady Tsunade's presiding over her own election?"
Kakashi gave a low hum—he'd noticed too. Traditionally, the previous Hokage oversaw the vote.
Still, Kitazawa took his pen and calmly wrote "Tsunade" on his ballot.
After everyone voted, the ballots were tallied.
"Lady Tsunade has received the most votes," Shikaku announced.
No one was surprised.
"Tomorrow will be the civilian vote," Tsunade said. "Shikaku will oversee it. The police force will maintain order."
"Yes, Hokage-sama!" everyone chorused.
"Meeting adjourned."
She turned and left decisively.
"Lady Tsunade's a woman of few words," Asuma said with a grin. "If it were my old man, we'd still be here till noon."
Kitazawa patted his shoulder. "Aren't you afraid he'll hear that?"
"He won't be Hokage soon, so it's fine."
Filial piety, truly. Kitazawa chuckled.
"I'm heading back to the Academy," Kakashi said. "Still have to finish my Lightning Release research."
"Hey, Kakashi! How about a youthful race to the Academy?" Gai challenged.
"No thanks," Kakashi deadpanned.
Kitazawa smiled. "Asuma, this is my student, Yakushi Kabuto."
"Asuma-senpai," Kabuto greeted politely.
"I've heard of you," Asuma said warmly. "A talented medic and Wind Release user."
Kitazawa got to the point. "Today, please process the applications for my three students to join the Anbu."
"Of course," Asuma agreed without hesitation.
Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi already met the requirements—and being Kitazawa's students sealed the deal.
"Kabuto, go find Torune and Izumi," Kitazawa instructed. "Meet Asuma at the Anbu Office."
"Yes, Kitazawa-sensei."
Kitazawa nodded. "Alright then—see you next time."
After leaving the meeting room, Kitazawa made his way to the Hokage's Office.
"Come in."
Tsunade looked up from her paperwork as the door knocked.
When her gaze met Kitazawa's, a faint, indescribable feeling stirred within her—one she quickly buried beneath composure.
"Kitazawa, what brings you here?" she asked, her tone steady.
"Lady Tsunade, do you remember what I mentioned yesterday at noon?" Kitazawa asked with a faint smile.
"I forgot," Tsunade said flatly, narrowing her eyes. "Just say what you came to say."
"This is my gift to you."
Kitazawa held out a scroll.
"Medical Ninjutsu for limb regeneration?" Tsunade unrolled it, skimming the contents. Surprise flashed in her eyes. "You really succeeded?"
"Just a stroke of luck," Kitazawa replied modestly.
"How can an S-rank Medical Ninjutsu be 'luck'?" Tsunade murmured, studying the formula intently.
"I should be thanking you, Lady Tsunade, for your help and guidance," Kitazawa said with an easy smile.
"I didn't do much—it's your achievement," she admitted, exhaling softly after she finished reading. "With this Ninjutsu, countless shinobi will be given a new lease on life."
Her words were no exaggeration. For a ninja, losing a limb meant losing not only strength but their entire purpose. If both hands were gone, they could never fight again.
"This technique shouldn't be locked away in some vault," Tsunade said thoughtfully. "It should be taught—every Medical Jonin should learn it."
"I agree." Kitazawa nodded.
The broader its reach, the greater the system's reward would be—and curiosity burned within him about what kind of prize awaited this time.
"You're remarkably generous," Tsunade said, still looking at him with quiet admiration.
To hand over a medical ninjutsu of this caliber so freely was unheard of in Konoha's history.
"Since you've become Hokage, it's only proper to bring a gift of congratulations," Kitazawa said seriously.
"Have you already mastered it yourself?" she asked, averting her gaze slightly.
"Yes," he replied with a calm nod. "It's stable."
"Good. After the succession ceremony, perform the first surgery at Konoha Hospital. All medical ninjas and Jonin will attend and observe," Tsunade decided after a moment's thought.
Her words were both an endorsement and a stage—an opportunity to promote the new Ninjutsu and raise Kitazawa's standing at the same time.
"Thank you, Lady Tsunade." Kitazawa's eyes lit up.
It was a perfect plan.
"Other villages—like the Hidden Mist—suffered many amputations during the war," Tsunade continued. "We could offer them treatment… for a price."
"That's a sound idea." Kitazawa nodded. "They'd surely pay handsomely for the chance."
"Who will be your first patient?" she asked, setting the scroll aside.
"Maruboshi Kosuke-senpai," Kitazawa answered without hesitation.
"A fine choice," Tsunade said, nodding. "His reputation will give the demonstration impact—and credibility."
"As expected of Lady Tsunade, always thinking ahead."
"Alright, enough flattery," she said, rolling her eyes. "You've just submitted a medical ninjutsu of this magnitude—what reward do you want?"
"I haven't decided yet," Kitazawa replied. "Just owe me one. I'll come to collect later."
"That works."
Tsunade smiled faintly. She understood him—he truly lacked nothing.
It was the same as the old Sannin days. Sometimes, Konoha simply couldn't match the value of one's contributions. But such debts could be used later—for one's students, one's family.
"Then, I'll take my leave," Kitazawa said, bowing slightly.
"Kitazawa."
Tsunade watched his retreating back. A strand of golden hair slipped over her cheek as she brushed it behind her ear.
"I really like this gift," she said softly. "Thank you."
"It seems you didn't forget after all," Kitazawa replied, waving casually as he walked away. "See you next time."
"..."
Tsunade's expression stiffened slightly.
Kitazawa left the office and, instead of returning to Anbu Headquarters, went home.
Asuma could manage things for now.
With the limb regeneration Ninjutsu complete, it was time for him to begin his next pursuit—Wood Release.
He stepped into the open training field behind his house.
The first technique he chose was Wood Release: Wood Locking Wall—a defensive Ninjutsu that summoned arched pillars of wood to shield the user.
The day's training ended quietly.
Kitazawa welcomed a long-awaited return to the classroom.
After breakfast, he arrived at the Academy.
"Kitazawa-sensei, welcome back!"
All the students of the Genius Class had arrived half an hour early, shouting in unison when they saw him.
Kitazawa blinked in mild surprise, a rare warmth flickering across his face.
These kids really were something.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Naruto ran up, brimming with curiosity. "Is Old Man Hokage really retiring? I heard some rumors on my way here!"
Hinata, Kiba, Shino, and the others quickly gathered around—training hadn't started yet, and everyone was eager to know.
"Yes," Kitazawa said with a smile. "The Third Hokage's getting old. It's time for him to rest."
"Then who's the new Hokage?" Kiba asked, eyes wide.
"It must be Lady Tsunade!" Ino said excitedly. "The first female Hokage and Kage!"
"And the first medical ninja to ever become Hokage!" Sakura added, her eyes shining.
"You're all right," Kitazawa confirmed. "It's Lady Tsunade."
"That means I'll have to compete for the Sixth Hokage!" Naruto declared, fists clenched with fiery resolve.
"Compete with Kitazawa-sensei, you mean?" Shikamaru drawled lazily.
"Huh?" Naruto froze mid-pose, face twitching.
Even Sasuke, who was about to speak, shut his mouth.
"Considering the age gap, it really should be Kitazawa-sensei," Ino said brightly. "Then I'll be the Hokage's student!"
"What's going on in that head of yours?" Kitazawa sighed, flicking her forehead. "No one can predict the future."
Too many people were already jinxing him.
"Then I'll be the Seventh Hokage!" Naruto quickly corrected, refusing to back down.
Kitazawa chuckled. "Alright, enough daydreaming. Get to training."
He turned to Kiba. "Kiba, come with me."
"Yes!" Kiba's eyes lit up—Kitazawa had promised him a new technique last week.
"Your Fang Over Fang and War Trampling are both strong, but their destructive power has limits," Kitazawa said. "So I'll teach you a new secret technique to use with your hellhound—called Fang Bullet."
The technique drew inspiration from the Great Fireball Jutsu.
The three heads of Kiba's Hell Hound would simultaneously launch chakra spheres like cannonballs.
Since Kiba's chakra nature was Earth, Kitazawa had originally planned to make them Earth bullets—but that required mastery of Earth Release first. So he opted to start with a neutral version.
"This sounds awesome!" Kiba exclaimed, eyes sparkling. "Three heads firing chakra bullets—so cool!"
"Then practice hard," Kitazawa said with a grin. "Once you add chakra nature to it, its power will multiply."
"Yes, sensei!" Kiba replied, full of determination.
After half an hour of guidance, Kitazawa let him train freely.
He scanned the field—the three training groups were all diligently practicing. Satisfied, he headed toward the artificial lake.
There, he found Kosuke, Sakura, and Shino.
"Kitazawa-sensei!" Sakura paused her Water Release training and waved.
"Kosuke-senpai," Kitazawa said, approaching. "Are you free next Monday?"
"More or less," Kosuke said curiously. "Why?"
Kitazawa smiled. "Would you like to have a healthy left leg again?"
Kosuke blinked, stunned. "What do you mean?"
"I've developed a medical ninjutsu for limb regeneration," Kitazawa explained.
"What?" Kosuke froze.
"That's… incredible!" Sakura gasped, eyes wide. As a budding medical ninja, she understood exactly how revolutionary that was.
"So, what do you say?" Kitazawa asked gently. "If you're willing, meet me at Konoha Hospital next Monday."
"Of course I'm willing!" Kosuke said, his voice trembling slightly.
No shinobi who'd lost a limb didn't wish to be whole again.
"Congratulations, Kosuke-sensei!" Sakura said brightly.
"I never thought I'd see the day I could stand complete again," Kosuke murmured, deeply moved. "Thank you, Kitazawa."
Kitazawa smiled. "This is what a Medical Ninja is meant to do."
After chatting with Kosuke, Kitazawa found a quiet place to continue practicing Wood Release.
His days returned to a calm rhythm.
The only change was that, alongside teaching, he occasionally reported to the Anbu HQ.
Saturday
Konoha was alive with excitement—the day of the Hokage Inauguration Ceremony had arrived.
With the final procedures complete, she was officially the Fifth Hokage.
From early morning, the Konoha Military Police and Anbu were on full alert.
The ceremony was monumental; nothing could be allowed to go wrong.
The Police handled internal order, while Anbu watched for foreign threats.
After all, the audience wasn't just Konoha's villagers—Fire Daimyo, nobles, and wealthy merchants had also gathered.
It was the largest event since the war's end.
At the Anbu office, Kabuto entered briskly. "Kitazawa-sensei, Jiraiya-sama has returned to the village. He's in the Hokage's Office now."
"I see. Get back to your duties," Kitazawa said, raising an eyebrow.
Once Kabuto left, Kitazawa headed straight to the Hokage's Office.
"Tsunade, I'm curious," Jiraiya said as he leaned against the desk. "What kind of trick did the old man use to convince you to take the hat?"
He knew Tsunade well. She'd always despised the Hokage position—especially after her hemophobia and the losses of her loved ones.
Tsunade said nothing. Her appointment had little to do with Hiruzen… and everything to do with Kitazawa.
As she thought this, she noticed movement—the door wasn't fully closed. Kitazawa stood outside.
"Come in," she called.
"Who?" Jiraiya turned his head.
"Lady Tsunade."
Kitazawa stepped in and nodded politely. "Jiraiya-sama."
"So, this is your student," Jiraiya said with a smile. "Your name's reached even the Land of Earth—you've got Minato's touch, kid."
"He's nothing like Minato," Tsunade said without thinking.
"I meant in reputation," Jiraiya chuckled. "And in taking disciples, you're catching up to me."
"What were you doing in the Land of Earth?" Tsunade asked, changing the subject.
"Gathering intel," Jiraiya said with a cough. "But you still haven't answered my question."
"There's nothing to answer," Tsunade said coolly. "If I want to be Hokage, I'll be Hokage. If I don't, I won't."
Jiraiya grinned. "That's the Tsunade I know. But since you've accepted the mantle, make it count."
He sounded much like Hiruzen, still half-expecting her to abandon it all.
"It should've been you, you know," Tsunade murmured. "But Konoha's entering a new era now. If you stayed—"
"Sorry," Jiraiya interrupted gently. "Konoha has you now. I have other paths to walk."
The Child of Prophecy.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Tsunade's eyes, but she didn't protest. She'd already expected that answer.
And truthfully—Konoha no longer needed Jiraiya. Kitazawa's presence had filled the gap in its strength.
"Old man!" Jiraiya suddenly called out, sensing another chakra presence.
"Still remember the way back, do you?" Hiruzen said dryly as he entered. "You vanished without notice last time—I haven't forgotten."
He meant last New Year's.
"Tsunade becoming Hokage—of course I had to return," Jiraiya said with an easy smile. "No point making you angry on such a good day."
"Forget it," Hiruzen grumbled. "Tsunade's Hokage now. She can deal with you."
"What's there to deal with?" Tsunade said with a shrug. "I'll just pretend he doesn't exist."
Jiraiya froze, scratching his head awkwardly. Surely… she was joking.
"The Fire Daimyo's arrived," Hiruzen said. "Let's go."
"Mm."
Tsunade stood and donned the white Hokage robe embroidered with the words Fifth Hokage.
She handed the hat to Hiruzen instead of wearing it herself.
The four of them stepped onto the rooftop.
Below, the plaza was a sea of people—voices merging into one great roar.
Tsunade walked forward slowly, her gaze drifting to the Hokage Rock in the distance.
Two faces of the Senju Clan already watched from stone. Now, it was her turn.
As she reached the edge, the crowd erupted into thunderous cheers.
Her becoming Hokage wasn't just accepted—it was celebrated.
There was hardly a soul in Konoha who opposed it.
Danzo, the only one who might have, was long gone—to the Pure Land.
"The Fifth Hokage of Konoha—Tsunade Senju!" the Fire Daimyo announced loudly.
"Konoha is entrusted to you, Tsunade," Hiruzen said, handing her the hat.
"I'll do my best, Sensei."
For the first time, she used that respectful title again—not "Old Man," but "Sensei."
She placed the hat on her head and turned to face the roaring crowd below.
"Say a few words," Hiruzen said, smiling.
From today, he was officially retired.
Tsunade raised her fist high.
"I, Tsunade Senju—the Fifth Hokage of Konoha!"
The plaza exploded into deafening cheers—an ocean of sound that shook the air.
And thus, Konoha Village welcomed a brand-new beginning.
------------------
AN: Check out my P@treon For +40 extra chapters.
Thank You For your Support!!
[email protected]/noviceauthor777
-----------------------
To keep the chapters coming - Support with POWER STONES.
For Every 200 power stones - 1 BONUS chapter.