Konoha Village – Clothing Store
"Miss, do you have any clothes for little girls?" Uchiha Mikoto asked.
"Of course!" the shop owner replied cheerfully. "But Mikoto-san, don't you have two boys at home? Why are you buying little girls' clothes all of a sudden?"
"It's a gift," Mikoto replied casually.
The shop owner nodded and led her to the section for little girls' clothing. As they stood before rows of frilly dresses, colorful tops, and cute accessories, Uchiha Mikoto's eyes sparkled. She waved her hand decisively—"I'll take ten sets."
The shop owner nearly fainted from joy and quickly helped pack up the ten outfits, her smile brighter than a summer day. "Thank you so much! Please come again!"
Mikoto stepped out with the bags in hand, eyes gleaming with excitement.
Meanwhile, at the Ninja Academy…
Sasuke suddenly shivered.
Why do I feel cold all of a sudden? Did I catch something?
He looked sideways at Naruto, who was "seriously" staring at Iruka-sensei.
Wait, Naruto isn't sick… then why me?
Sasuke shook the thought off and forced himself to focus on class.
…Meanwhile, in Naruto's mind, a grand debate was underway: How many bowls of Ichiraku Ramen should I eat after school? One? Nah, make it two!
Hokage Building – Conference Room
"Shikaku, do you know what's going on?" Yamanaka Inoichi whispered. "Why'd the Third call all of us so suddenly?"
Shikaku Nara, seated beside him, glanced around. "I have a guess," he said cryptically, "but let's wait."
Alongside them were the heads of Konoha's major clans: Akimichi Chōza, Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, Aburame Shibi, and Inuzuka Tsume.
Choza fidgeted. "Man, how long are we gonna sit here? I'm getting hungry…"
"Be patient," Shikaku replied. "It should start soon."
The Yamanaka, Akimichi, and Nara clans had always worked closely together—known collectively as the Ino–Shika–Chō trio. And among them, the Nara clan was the brain, and Shikaku was the top strategist.
Right then, the doors opened.
In walked the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, draped in his robes.
"Hokage-sama," the room greeted in unison.
Sarutobi nodded and took his seat at the center.
"The reason I've summoned you all," he began, "is simple. I'm getting old. It's time to pass on the torch. I propose that Tsunade will succeed me as the Fifth Hokage."
Shock rippled through the room.
Tsunade?!
Everyone turned toward Jiraiya instinctively.
But Jiraiya… was smiling.
Thank God it's not me, he thought. I'd rather die than spend the rest of my life buried under paperwork.
He silently gave thanks to Menma. With a clever kid like that around, who needs divine intervention?
Tsunade had been hesitant, but it was Menma's passionate speech—and Naruto's innocent affection—that had swayed her. Jiraiya knew, had it been up to him alone, Tsunade might've walked away again.
"Anyone object?" the Third asked. "Those who agree, raise your hands."
Jiraiya's hand shot up first.
Soon, every hand followed—except one.
Danzo.
My Hokage seat… Danzo clenched his fist under the table.
Even though he'd been dismissed, Hiruzen had called him to attend this meeting—to make it clear: You will never be Hokage.
The message was loud and clear.
"The majority is in favor," said Hiruzen. "I hereby declare Tsunade the Fifth Hokage of Konoha. The succession ceremony will take place in 30 days."
Relieved, he stood and stepped aside.
Tsunade took his place at the center seat, back straight, golden eyes calm and commanding.
"My name is Tsunade," she began. "I am honored to serve as the Fifth Hokage of Konoha Village. First, I'd like to thank Sarutobi-sensei for his many years of service and contribution to the village."
Clap clap clap clap!
Everyone applauded.
Even the Third Hokage got misty-eyed hearing her call him "Sarutobi-sensei" again.
Old. I really am old. Time to rest…
As the clapping died down, Tsunade continued.
"As my first decree as Hokage, I am officially removing Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane from their positions as village advisors."
The room went still.
"They're both elderly, and I believe they should enjoy a peaceful retirement with Sarutobi-sensei. It's time the younger generation took over."
Tch.
Koharu shot up from her seat. "Tsunade! We—"
BOOM!
Tsunade slammed her hand on the table.
The conference table exploded into pieces.
"Am I the Hokage or you?" she snapped.
Koharu and Homura paled. They were completely overwhelmed by her aura.
"…You'll regret this," Koharu growled as she stormed out.
Good riddance, Tsunade thought.
Once they were gone, she turned back to the others.
"With those two positions vacated, we need strong, wise, and loyal people to fill them."
She looked around.
"Nara Shikaku. Hyuga Hiashi. Uchiha Fugaku. Are you willing to serve as advisors to the Hokage?"
Everyone in the room froze—surprised.
But it made sense. Shikaku had unparalleled intellect and the loyalty of the Yamanaka and Akimichi clans. Hyuga and Uchiha were Konoha's strongest bloodline families. Bringing them in would stabilize the entire village.
Nara Shikaku stood up, eyes calm.
"Hokage-sama," he said clearly. "I am willing."
(End of this chapter)
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