Konoha, August 2, 45.
Today, not only marks Tsunade's 35th birthday and her succession ceremony to assume the role of Konohagakure's Fourth Hokage officially.
Right under the four Hokage faces, the Hokage building, situated in the heart of the village, Tsunade removed the Hokage hat adorned with the symbol of "Fire" from her head, revealing a strikingly youthful face that made one of the most beautiful in the elemental nations. With resounding vigor, she proclaimed, "As the Fourth Hokage, I will protect the village and do everything in my power to defend it from harm."
Below, in the bustling square, tens of thousands of Konoha residents had gathered, each raising their hands in unison and cheering enthusiastically.
"Master Tsunade! Fourth Master!"
"So splendid! Tsunade-sama!"
"I love you Tsunade-sama."
"Lead us, Hokage-sama!"
...
"Well, that's a bit much, isn't it? Almost makes me feel small by comparison." Tsunade quipped, her tone laced with sarcasm, but with a hint of amusement in her eyes.
Meanwhile, at the Intelligence Division building located half a mile away from the Hokage office, Tatsuya, dressed casually, lounged on the balcony with his legs crossed, indulging in self-amusement.
In contrast to the likes of infamous Shinobi such as Sakumo, Tatsuya, and Orochimaru known for their abilities to kill., Tsunade, bearing the title of the Princess and best Medic-nin commanded a higher level of respect among Konoha's populace, including Tatsuya's and other clan or civilian shinobi.
Indeed, among the ranks of Konoha's shinobi, there existed none who would question Tsunade's prowess in the medical jutsu. Moreover, considering Hiruzen's missteps during the Third Ninja War, Tsunade's ascension to the position of Hokage seemed both fitting and seamless.
"Yet, there remains a lingering sense of uncertainty, my dear Aniki," noted Nawaki, seated behind him, casting a fleeting glance towards the Intelligence Division building below.
Ever since Hiruzen assumed the mantle of the Third Hokage, the Shimura clan had presided over the Intelligence Department for nearly three decades.
During the latter stages of the Second Ninja War, the Senju clan fell victim to an enemy ambush, resulting in near annihilation, all due to an intelligence failure on the part of the department.
However, one might ponder whether such oversights were truly "errors" at all. This predicament echoed the circumstances surrounding Sarutobi Shinnosuke's demise, which Sarutobi Hiruzen and his cohorts attributed to Tatsuya without concrete evidence.
Caught in a similar web of uncertainty, Tsunade and Nawaki found themselves at an impasse.
They harbored a steadfast suspicion that the three advisors orchestrated the Senju clan's tragedy while the Hiruzen turned a blind eye or acquired it. They lacked concrete proof.
In such a situation, assigning blame became an exercise in futility unless they had proof. Hence, the siblings could only grit their teeth and endure the frustration.
"Speaking of the old men, what are they doing recently, I wonder?" Tatsuya inquired, his back turned to Nawaki.
"Unexpectedly quiet, it seems they've gained an inkling into your thoughts, Aniki. They know you are goading them into attacking you in the open. They are showing rather a subdued response, though I doubt they can maintain it for long," Nawaki remarked, his hand resting on his hip, frustration palpable in his tone.
Expressing his discontent, Nawaki cursed vehemently, hoping at least Danzo would intervene and provide him with an opportunity to take action against their group. However, these seniors remained entrenched, evading confrontation like rabbits retreating into their burrows, frustrating Nawaki's attempts to hold them accountable.
"They always manage to stir up more trouble than one anticipates," Tatsuya commented, gesturing towards Nohara Rin beside him.
Observing Tatsuya's signal, Rinretrieved a scroll from her ninja pouch and handed it to Nawaki.
"Aniki, what is this?" Nawaki began, puzzled.
"A gift for you; the matter is now in your hands," Tatsuya replied with a smile before departing with Rin and Terumi Mei.
Bewildered, Nawaki blinked before unrolling the scroll. Within seconds, his eyes widened in astonishment.
"This, this is—" he exclaimed before abruptly rolling up the scroll and hastening towards the Hokage building.
...
...
The succession ceremony for the Fourth Hokage concluded.
With anticipation for the new leader, villagers resumed their daily routines and occupations. Ninja clans returned to their respective territories, deliberating on the direction their families should take under the new Hokage's leadership.
Though the former Hokage still lived, the mantle had been passed.
Such a transition was unprecedented in the Ninja World's history.
Nevertheless, all ninjas shared a common sentiment: unwavering support for the new Hokage, Tsunade Hime.
For now, her youth, strength, and progressive mindset were secondary considerations. The mere fact of a formidable figure standing behind her was sufficient.
Even those who had fervently supported Sarutobi Hiruzen, like Gekko and Shiranui clans. Now avidly aligned themselves with Tsunade, recognizing the shifting tide of power.
After assuming command, Tsunade would not allow those four individuals to escape justice. It's time to swiftly sever connections with the old guard and embrace new alliances. That's the most prudent course of action.
But all were not happy with Tsunade being the fourth Hokage. Among these ninjas, there exists a uniquely significant family. Though they may not openly resist, they carry many grievances within.
This ninja clan is Uchiha!
...
...
The Uchiha shinobis, dressed in black garb with a fan emblem on their back, returned to the clan compound.
As they passed through the gates, Jonin Uchiha Yashiro leaned towards Uchiha Fugaku, a member of the radical faction, and whispered:
"Patriarch, this marks the third Hokage from the Senju clan."
His discontent and envy were palpable in his tone. The recent events involving the Senju Tsunade had deeply unsettled and deterred the Uchiha.
Previously, out of fear of the elders' influence, the former patriarch, Uchiha Fugaku, reluctantly supported Sarutobi Hiruzen's appointment as Hokage.
But times have changed. With Tsunade's rise to the position of Fourth Hokage, Uchiha can now hold leadership roles in the village with full authority.
Of the four Hokages, three have been Senju, leaving the Uchiha feeling dissatisfied.
Especially radicals like Uchiha Yashiro.
"Yashiro, Tsunade's strength, track record, and reputation make her undeniably suited for the role of Hokage. There's no need for further debate," Uchiha Fugaku stated solemnly, his internal conflict apparent.
However, he knew he was not in a position to challenge Tsunade for the Hokage title. With her being the world's best medic, granddaughter of God of Shinobi, and now particularly with Tatsuya's backing.
Nevertheless, Uchiha Fugaku still held his trump card: the Mangekyō Sharingan. This secret granted him, an elite Jonin, power enough to kill a Kage.
Though unknown to the clan, Uchiha Fugaku kept this ace close.
"Understood," Yashiro replied, swallowing his pride at Uchiha Fugaku's words. After all, who could contend with such formidable opponents?
--
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