"Hokage-sama."
After a slight bow, Kurenai Yuhi said, "The Daimyo has agreed for Lord Natsume to serve as the Sixth Hokage."
"He didn't come back with you?"
Tsunade nodded, then asked, "Without the Daimyo's in-person authorization, the Hokage can't officially take office."
"The Daimyo wants to meet Lord Natsume, so he hopes Natsume will go to the Fire Country's capital in person."
Kurenai produced a letter. "This is the Daimyo's writ."
"I see?"
Tsunade tore open the envelope, skimmed it quickly, and found nothing noteworthy.
By convention, there was indeed no problem.
After all, given the Daimyo's status, the Hokage should normally go pay respects.
"Kurenai, thank you for your hard work."
Tsunade put the writ away and smiled. "You can go for now."
"It's what I should do."
Kurenai replied at once, bowed again, and left the Hokage's office.
"Looks like you'll have to make a trip to the capital."
Tsunade casually handed the writ to Natsume standing behind her.
"It's fine. I have the Flying Thunder God Technique—it won't take any time."
Natsume didn't look at the writ.
"Then let's prepare to convene a jonin meeting."
A relaxed look appeared on Tsunade's face. "I've been Hokage for years—body and mind exhausted. I don't know how the old man kept it up, and even enjoyed it."
"Everyone pursues different things," Natsume chuckled. "That's what makes you so unique, sis."
"If you have time for sweet talk, use it to notify the jonin."
Though Tsunade sounded dismissive, she clearly enjoyed it.
"Mm."
Natsume nodded and headed to the Hokage secretariat next door.
"Uncle Hiashi, please notify the jonin in Konoha: the day after tomorrow, in the morning, there will be a jonin meeting to announce an important matter."
"No problem!"
Hyuga Hiashi could barely contain his joy; his face positively beamed.
He had already learned from Hyuga Hizashi in advance that Natsume would become Hokage, and that he would be promoted to Hokage advisor.
Now that it was confirmed, he couldn't help it.
Natsume glanced at him but said nothing.
He'd deal with the Caged Bird later, after officially taking office.
But it would have to center on Hinata.
He wondered if she had the resolve now.
Hmm, looks like this teacher needs to teach her well.
…
Time flew.
Two days passed in a flash.
Hokage Building, council chamber.
It was already packed.
Most jonin had no idea what was coming.
Only a portion had heard in advance and remained calm.
"Lord Third, why are you here?"
The noisy hall changed atmosphere the moment Hiruzen Sarutobi arrived.
Since Tsunade took office, he'd stayed idle at home, not interfering in Konoha's affairs, and naturally not attending meetings.
His sudden appearance today clearly hinted that something big was afoot.
That made some jonin fidget, afraid it involved them.
Though retired, Hiruzen's seat was of course in the front row.
The central seat originally for Natsume was now occupied by him.
"Kosuke, long time no see."
"Lord Third."
Kosuke Maruboshi was unruffled.
"We've known each other so long, and I'm an ordinary ninja now. Just call me Hiruzen."
Hiruzen waved a hand. "I didn't expect you'd be willing to take the position of head of the Konoha Police Department."
More than that, he hadn't expected the reforms Tsunade and Natsume made to the Police Department.
How to put it?
A stroke of genius.
They took what had been the Uchiha clan's private force back into the Hokage's hands.
And they even defused the conflicts with villagers.
"It's nothing. Since Konoha needs me, of course I'll do my duty."
Kosuke Maruboshi's face darkened slightly. "But did you come today specifically to oppose this?"
As Police Chief, he was high-level leadership, so he knew the purpose of today's jonin meeting.
"Is that what I am in your eyes?"
Hiruzen smiled bitterly.
He had been unable to let go before, but now, he had no other designs.
"Good."
Kosuke glanced at him. "You're no longer Hokage—don't interfere in Konoha's affairs."
"You're that confident in Natsume?"
Hiruzen was a bit surprised. "He's strong, but he's still young and prone to mistakes."
"It's not confidence. It's firsthand experience."
Kosuke shook his head.
He'd watched Natsume work as Hokage's aide these years.
Far more seasoned and decisive than Hiruzen had been.
Even trivial Police Department matters were handled in perfect order.
Hiruzen hadn't worked with Natsume, only heard scraps of rumors.
So he didn't understand Kosuke's response—he also felt a little sour.
Old friend, when I was in office, you didn't say that.
Not far away, Might Guy elbowed Kakashi. "Lord Third took Natsume's seat. What do we do?"
"You don't know?"
Kakashi stared at him with dead-fish eyes. "You're on the Hokage Guard, at least read the memos?"
"You know me—those files put me to sleep."
Might Guy flashed a row of gleaming teeth. "My youth must not be wasted on that!"
"That's why you turned your office into a gym?"
Kakashi sighed. "Just wait—you'll find out soon."
He didn't tell Guy now because the man had a big mouth.
Soon everyone would know anyway.
Kurenai hid a smile.
Two amusing guys.
She had been shocked when she first learned, too.
Given Tsunade's age, she could've served a few more years.
Handing it to Natsume then would seem more reasonable.
Now it did feel too young.
Kurenai took a deep breath. In any case, the result was set.
As the Fifth Hokage's guard, she only hoped Natsume would arrange things well for them.
A new sovereign brings a new court.
She'd enjoyed the perks of the Hokage Guard—losing them suddenly would feel uncomfortable.
As all jonin arrived, the hall was nearly full.
Soon, Tsunade pushed the door open and entered.
Natsume followed silently behind her.
"Thank you all for taking time out of your busy schedules."
Tsunade took the chief seat, hands clasped, and spoke sternly. "There's only one item today: vote for a new Hokage."
"What?"
"A new Hokage?"
"What's going on?"
The crowd buzzed, faces surprised.
Compared to Hiruzen's age and refusal to step down, Tsunade's resignation now seemed too early.
"Quiet."
Tsunade said slowly, "I'm past my peak as a ninja, and I feel fatigued. It's time for the young."
An obvious lie.
Some jonin who were about to speak suddenly noticed something.
All the heads of the major clans were very quiet with no opinions voiced.
The hall fell into a brief silence.
After all, getting to jonin meant you were no fool.
"Now, propose Hokage candidates."
Tsunade's gaze swept the room. "I personally nominate Natsume. If anyone has another candidate, raise your hand."
"I nominate Sarutobi Asuma."
A voice piped up eagerly.
It was the current head of the Shimura clan.
Hiruzen's heart skipped a beat.
He hadn't prompted this.
After Danzo Shimura's defection, the Shimura clan's prestige plummeted; they couldn't back their own now, so they turned to their former ally, the Sarutobi.
Hiruzen instinctively wanted to stop it, but hesitated two seconds.
He had to admit: those words stirred his thoughts.
At that moment, many jonin chimed in.
They were those who had benefited from Hiruzen or embraced his Will of Fire—his old retainers.
Hiruzen's mood grew heavy.
If he refused, he'd inevitably hurt their loyalty.
If he didn't refuse, Asuma's chances were slim.
Even with the groundwork laid—
All that was left was a favorable wind.
But after Hiruzen stepped down, it couldn't match Natsume's current favor.
Hiruzen opened his mouth and closed it again, ultimately staying silent.
No harm in trying.
Given Tsunade's temperament, she wouldn't make things hard for Asuma.
"Anyone else?"
A faint frown crossed Tsunade's face.
She was annoyed.
Sarutobi Asuma's sudden nomination disrupted her plan.
Was Hiruzen fanning the flames behind the scenes?
Old man, don't think I can't get angry.
Natsume isn't just my student.
No one can take his place.
"If not, we'll vote now."
Tsunade waved a hand. "Hiashi, collect the votes."
Soon.
The tally was in.
Natsume defeated Sarutobi Asuma in a landslide.
Hiruzen sighed. As expected.
His last little ember of hope was snuffed out.
"Natsume."
Tsunade turned, eyes full of affection, a gentle smile on her face. "From today on, you are the Sixth Hokage."
"Mm."
Natsume suppressed the urge to hug her and nodded. "I'll do my best."
[Because of your actions, Tsunade's fate has changed. You gain 90 Fate Points.]
[Because of your actions, Hatake Kakashi's fate has changed. You gain 80 Fate Points.]
Tsunade let the smile fade and grew stern again, facing the hall.
Aside from a few disgruntled faces, most had accepted the result.
"If there are no objections, announce it publicly. After Natsume meets the Daimyo, we'll hold the succession ceremony."
"Yes!"
Voices answered in unison.
Prepared ANBU fanned out, and within ten minutes, notices were posted all over Konoha.
…
"So boring!"
Naruto laced his hands behind his head, impatient. "It's been days. Why hasn't Teacher Natsume called us?"
Sasuke stayed silent.
He was thinking of their recent sparring.
Since they trained together, they'd sparred more often.
But nine times out of ten he lost; the remaining one was a draw.
Sasuke blamed chakra.
He'd always end up exhausted, yet Naruto seemed tireless, as if with limitless energy.
It made him question life.
"Sasuke, looks like something's happening."
Naruto pointed at a bulletin board.
A crowd had gathered.
"Not interested."
Sasuke glanced over, indifferent.
"Come on, let's take a look!"
Excited, Naruto dragged him into the crowd.
"The Sixth Hokage, Natsume?!"
He sucked in a breath, then slumped. "Teacher Natsume beat me to it!"
"…"
Sasuke was speechless.
If Naruto fought with the same brains he had outside battle, Sasuke would've won many times.
But no.
The moment he fought, Naruto became razor sharp—born a ninja, it seemed.
"Sasuke!"
Naruto was fired up again. "Now that Teacher Natsume is Hokage, can we take higher-rank missions?"
"Idiot."
Sasuke turned to leave.
Natsume becoming Hokage wasn't that simple.
As students of the Hokage, their lives would inevitably change.
In a sense, it benefited Sasuke.
Complex struggles accelerate growth.
Sasuke suddenly thought of Itachi.
He had once been a firm defender of the Hokage.
News of Natsume's appointment spread not only in Konoha, but rapidly across the ninja world.
…
Sunagakure.
Some ruins.
Danzo Shimura opened his eyes.
He looked at the endless desert and thought of Konoha.
What beautiful scenery.
He had once been second only to one, the Hokage's aide, yet didn't cherish it.
Now he could only regret.
"Lord Danzo."
A young ninja suddenly appeared before him.
"What is it?"
Danzo glanced at him. "Is the seal undone?"
"Not yet."
The youth shook his head. "The Kazekage brings you an interesting message."
"What is it?"
Danzo's tone was flat. "Don't waste my time."
"Natsume is about to become the Sixth Hokage."
The youth spoke.
"What did you say?"
Danzo's face changed. "Are you sure it's true? Natsume isn't even twenty—how can he be Hokage?"
"Absolutely true."
The youth hadn't believed it either, but spies in Konoha had confirmed it.
"Has Konoha gone mad? Letting a snot-nosed kid be Hokage?"
Danzo's face was full of unwillingness.
He couldn't understand.
Why would Hiruzen, Hiashi, Shikaku and the others agree to such an absurd appointment?
If you can approve Natsume, why didn't you choose me back then?
I admit I can't compare to Minato or Tsunade.
But am I worse than a kid?
Danzo gripped his cane tightly, a sharp killing intent flashing in his eyes.
He took a deep breath. "I need to meet the Kazekage."