What nonsense—Orochimaru can step aside.
When it came to the Hokage candidate, if Tsunade took action, there was essentially no competition left for anyone else.
After all, her lineage was a major factor, and her strength was nothing to scoff at either.
Not to mention her countless contributions to the village, coupled with the support of the Daimyo's office.
Even if Orochimaru and Jiraiya joined forces, they couldn't outmatch Tsunade.
"What are you smiling at?"
Takuya was smiling silently, a mix of relief and excitement in his expression.
Tsunade frowned, doubting her own eyes. Was he actually feeling relieved? Feeling proud? What was that about?
Did she want to become Hokage, and that made him feel so... satisfied?
"Nothing, really. Just happy for you. If you'd had this thought sooner, I wouldn't have had to feel so stifled all these years. I'd just have held on to your coattails and called it a day."
"Get lost!"
Tsunade's head filled with black lines.
She angrily slapped the table.
"You brat, don't try that with me. I'm only involved because of you. Though wanting to become Hokage was my own decision, it has nothing to do with you.
But don't think about any coattail riding either. Eat your meal and rest well, because tomorrow at five, we set out.
And this time, no holding back. Use whatever means you have to obliterate those bastards!"
The war with Sunagakure had barely ended three years ago, and yet here they were again, tearing up the peace treaty and declaring war on Konoha.
This constant flip-flopping made Tsunade sick, and she couldn't help but swear out loud in frustration.
"Understood."
Takuya smiled and shrugged. He didn't mind at all.
He had Tsunade's blessing, but whether he would fight with all his strength still depended on the orders given by his commander. No way could he go rogue, ignoring commands, and act on his own.
"Forget about that."
Tsunade poured herself a drink and gulped it down, then complained:
"No one's giving you commands this time. Even though Sakumo-senpai is coming back, he won't accept a command role. He'll refuse, just like always."
"And Nara Shikashige-senpai wouldn't dare take on that responsibility so lightly."
"You might have to figure things out on your own."
Nara Shikashige, if you put it nicely, was an advisor; put it bluntly, he was an assistant.
The old man was determined to help the younger generation rise. Given the issue of the Hokage candidacy, he didn't want to get involved and certainly wouldn't want to take on a direct command.
As for Sakumo Hatake, Tsunade believed he would represent Konoha in the fight, but taking on the role of commander? No chance.
After his past experiences, all Sakumo wanted was to quietly serve as a leading Jonin.
He had no desire to get entangled in any more of the mess.
Tsunade even suspected that Sakumo might never wear the Hokage-endorsed vest again.
"Me?"
Pointing to himself, Takuya's eyes widened, and he practically jumped up, as if the floor itself was on fire.
"You must be joking! You expect me to lead? How capable do you think I am?! Even I know my limits!"
"Sort it out, one way or another. You're my guy, someone I support. I brought Sakumo-senpai out of retirement, which means I stand behind you both. If you win the war, we all benefit, but if we lose… you know the consequences."
"Shikashige-senpai will take care of administrative matters. But as for the rest, it'll be up to you, since Sakumo-senpai won't be taking charge."
"..."
I don't know the first thing about this, Takuya thought. Would the village even agree to this?
The Elders and the Third Hokage would probably jump out of their skins!
But Tsunade was right about one thing—if they won, it would be great for everyone.
But if they lost… they would all bear the blame.
He would face consequences, and so would Tsunade. Even Sakumo and Shikashige wouldn't be able to escape responsibility.
Though, honestly, Takuya didn't see himself losing.
Push him too far, and he'd go all out—bring out the "Gundam" and bulldoze everything in his path. He really couldn't see how they could lose.
After dinner, Takuya was slightly tipsy from being forced to drink so much.
Tsunade, too, left with flushed cheeks, wobbling slightly as she went back to handle the affairs of the Logistics Department.
"Sarutobi, have you lost your mind?"
"How could you let Tsunade run wild like this?!"
Upon learning what was going on, Danzo couldn't stay calm. He immediately had someone from the Anbu summon the Third Hokage, demanding to see him.
The Third Hokage eventually made time, though he kept Danzo waiting through most of the night.
"No, I haven't lost my mind. In fact, I'm more clear-headed now than ever before."
Facing Danzo's accusations, the Third Hokage shook his head.
"Danzo, ever since the Second Great Ninja War, our village hasn't had time to recover. Now, the Third Great Ninja War has erupted, and Konoha is already struggling under the pressure. It can't withstand any more devastation."
"And Tsunade is right. I've grown old. I no longer have the courage and resolve I once did. Perhaps with Tsunade in charge, Konoha could experience a change for the better."
"No way, I oppose this!!!"
What the hell, Sarutobi Hiruzen—what's gotten into you, talking like this? If you want to step down, fine, but why put Tsunade in charge?
What about Orochimaru?
If Tsunade took the Hokage position, what was there left for Danzo?
The Third Hokage stepping down wasn't out of guilt or pressure from Tsunade, but an inevitability.
Only three years had passed since the Second Great Ninja War, and already a new war was upon them. If it were just against Mist Village, that would have been one thing.
But now even Sunagakure had joined in, practically announcing to the world that a new Great Ninja War had begun.
In such a short time, Konoha had yet to recover. The scars of the last war hadn't even healed, and now a new war was already impacting Konoha's economy, and countless families were being torn apart. All of this was being blamed on the Third Hokage.
As time passed, the discontent of the villagers grew. It wasn't orchestrated by anyone; it was simply how people felt.
When even the ordinary villagers began doubting the Hokage's competence, it was hard not to see the writing on the wall.
Unlike Danzo, the Third Hokage wanted power but only as long as it supported the well-being and prosperity of Konoha.
If Konoha was reduced to ruins, getting worse day by day, what good was holding on to power?
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(P)(S): If you're interested, you can read up to chapter 400+ at Patreon com/ Emik01.
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