---
Mitokado Homura, Utatane Koharu, and the other elders sat silently during the high-level meeting, unusually restrained in their discussions about Menma's identity. They understood that the issue was beyond mere debate—the "time bomb" had already detonated, leaving them with limited options.
Their top priority was capturing Menma, but even that seemed unattainable.
Perhaps if Orochimaru betrayed him... though it would have to be the perfect betrayal for it to work.
In the dimly lit chambers of the Root headquarters, Danzo simmered with anger. How dare Orochimaru defy him? Even now, Danzo held to the belief that Orochimaru was still his subordinate, bound to follow his orders without question.
The old war hawk considered severing ties completely and mobilizing Root to hunt him down. Yet the reality was different. Danzo couldn't act freely; he was restricted by the village's shifting alliances and political interests. Times had changed.
When Orochimaru first defected, Danzo's support had been essential. But now, Orochimaru had grown formidable in his own right, possessing resources and ambitions beyond Danzo's control. Instead, it was Danzo who relied on Orochimaru—for research on the Sharingan, Wood Release, and other forbidden techniques.
Thus, the "Darkness of the Shinobi" could only curse in the shadows, holding onto his grudges.
Konoha's elite shinobi and other high-ranking officials also sensed the underlying tension. The village wasn't what it once was; everyone felt as though they were walking on thin ice. The appointment of the Fourth Hokage, Minato Namikaze, had briefly inspired hope among the clans, only for it to shatter when Minato died after barely a year in office.
Though the Third Hokage's death gave clan leaders like Nara Shikaku a sense of liberation, they remained cautious. They needed a strong, decisive leader. Tsunade or Jiraiya were their best hopes now; they believed that, with one of them as the Fifth Hokage, Konoha might regain its former glory—or perhaps even surpass it.
---
Nara Clan Compound, Konoha
Nara Shikaku sat on his porch, his gaze resting on Hokage Rock in the distance, deep in thought.
The Nara clan had always been steadfastly loyal to Konoha, and he feared for the village's future. Any crisis would impact everyone—shinobi and civilians alike.
---
Southwestern Border of the Land of Fire
Jiraiya, Naruto, and Shizune traveled alongside Tsunade as they made their way back to Konoha. Their journey to find her had gone mostly as planned, though Naruto seemed quieter than usual.
The encounter with Orochimaru still weighed on him.
"Naruto, what's with the long face? This doesn't seem like you," Tsunade teased, allowing a slight grin to soften her usual sternness.
"Huh? Me? I'm fine, Granny Tsunade," Naruto muttered, scratching his head in embarrassment. "I was just… thinking about Menma, that's all."
"Terrible liar," she chuckled, flicking his forehead lightly.
Naruto winced, rubbing the spot, then sighed. "Do you think Menma could ever come back to Konoha? I mean... I know he killed Genma, but it just doesn't feel right. He's my brother. I can't believe he's beyond saving... maybe Orochimaru did something to him."
Menma's defection, and the cold-blooded murder of Shiranui Genma, left no doubt in Konoha's eyes about where he stood. Traitors were meant to be executed, yet Naruto held onto hope, no matter how small, that his brother could be saved.
Tsunade's expression softened, understanding Naruto's pain and conflict. She saw in him the same unyielding spirit she had once seen in her brother, Nawaki, and her lover, Dan.
"Naruto, if that's what you believe, then hold onto it. Don't let anyone sway you. That's your ninja way," she said, arms crossed with quiet resolve.
"Besides," she continued with a glint in her eye, "if I become Hokage, I'll have the power to make exceptions."
Jiraiya nodded in agreement. "She's right, Naruto. A strong Hokage can change things. Don't let doubt stop you."
Naruto looked at them, a new resolve in his eyes. He clenched his fists, nodding. "Right! I'll bring Menma back—even if I have to drag him by his feet!"
With a renewed sense of determination, Naruto gazed toward the horizon, his blue eyes shining with purpose.
---
Thanks to Jiraiya and Naruto's efforts, Tsunade returned to Konohagakure to assume the role of Fifth Hokage, as fate had intended. Menma hadn't interfered—there was no need. Tsunade's return would ensure that Konoha would soon fall back into familiar patterns of factional conflict and inner discord.
Watching from the shadows, Menma knew it was the perfect setup. Unlike Hiruzen Sarutobi, who had held the authority to keep Danzo restrained, Tsunade's position was fragile. As a new Hokage, she lacked the influence needed to quash Danzo's ambitions entirely. This tension was exactly what Menma wanted. A divided village would be far less capable of hunting him down or rallying against him.
Danzo as Hokage, however, would have been a much greater threat. That man knew how to consolidate power and would have stopped at nothing to eliminate Menma. Unchecked, Danzo might have even brought a twisted stability to Konoha—but not one that aligned with Menma's plans.
---
Back in the Hidden Leaf Village, word of Tsunade's return spread quickly. The villagers felt a resurgence of hope as they learned the granddaughter of the First Hokage would lead them.
"Lady Tsunade will restore Konoha to its former glory!" they said, their spirits lifting. She was the legendary Sannin's medical prodigy and carried a legacy that reminded them of the First Hokage's strength and wisdom.
Upon taking office, Tsunade acted swiftly. She reorganized Konoha's defenses, opened negotiations with Sunagakure, and adjusted the stance on Menma. Instead of a standing order for his capture at all costs, she refocused the mission on persuading him to return. Her sense of duty toward Minato and Kushina's children was strong, and she couldn't bring herself to condemn Menma entirely.
The approach mirrored her stance toward Sasuke in later years—she never deployed elite forces solely to bring him back by force. Tsunade understood that, at times, the rules had to bend for the greater good. This way, Naruto could try to bring Menma back without risking the bonds that connected them.
But the decision didn't sit well with the village elders. They made their displeasure known almost immediately.
---
Hokage's Office, Konohagakure
Danzo entered Tsunade's office, flanked by advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu. His gaze was sharp, radiating a familiar disapproval.
"Tsunade, you must rescind these reckless orders," he began coldly, his tone cutting through the room. Shizune, standing nearby, bristled at his disrespect, while Shikaku Nara, reviewing reports, glanced up with concern.
Danzo's objections centered around two critical issues: the eased pursuit of Uzumaki Menma and the decision to allow Sunagakure to reclaim their Jinchuriki, Gaara. To him, these choices were unthinkable.
"Are you truly willing to let our village's interests be undermined by these… sentimental decisions?" Danzo pressed, voice full of contempt. "You would risk our security by weakening our position with the Sand and reducing pressure on a known traitor?"
Tsunade, seated calmly behind her desk, met Danzo's gaze without flinching. "Do you question the authority of the Hokage, Danzo?" Her voice was steady, though the tension in the room was palpable.
Despite her authority, Tsunade was acutely aware of her constraints. Hiruzen's legacy and the enduring influence of the elders limited her freedom. Danzo's Root division operated largely outside her jurisdiction, and many departmental heads still looked to Homura and Koharu for guidance.
She despised Danzo's condescension but couldn't deny his tactical acumen. Over the years, he had transformed Root into an autonomous, covert force—a hidden power extending far deeper than she could address alone.
But she was Hokage, and she would not allow Danzo to dictate her decisions.
"What exactly is your concern, Danzo?" she asked, her tone cold but controlled.
Danzo's lips tightened. "My concern is that your sentimentality risks destabilizing our village's future," he replied icily. "By pardoning Uzumaki Menma and compromising with the Sand, you invite weakness. As Hokage, you should know better than to prioritize traitors and foreigners over the security of our own village!"
Tsunade leaned forward, her gaze unwavering. "Konoha has endured worse and survived. Menma is still Minato's son. While he may have strayed, that doesn't make him disposable. Unlike you, Danzo, I don't discard Konoha shinobi like weapons. If I can find a way to bring Menma back without spilling blood, I will."
Shikaku, observing the exchange, took a subtle step forward. "Danzo, Lady Tsunade has the village's best interests at heart. A measured approach may prevent unnecessary conflict and, in the long run, strengthen us."
Danzo scoffed. "You suggest that inaction is a strategy? Menma, like Orochimaru, is a threat—and we cannot afford half-measures."
Shizune spoke up, firm yet respectful. "Danzo, Lady Tsunade understands the risks. But pursuing Menma without restraint could lead to disaster. The same was true when Orochimaru left. Flexibility isn't weakness; it's wisdom."
Danzo's scowl deepened, and he took a step closer, placing both hands on the desk. "Weakness is all I see in these soft-hearted policies," he sneered. "One day, your leniency will cost this village dearly."
Tsunade stood, her expression unyielding. "If that day comes, then I'll take full responsibility. But until then, I am Hokage, and you will respect that." Her tone was final, leaving no room for argument.
Danzo's fists clenched, but he held his tongue. With a curt nod to Homura and Koharu, he turned and exited, his departure as ominous as his arrival.
Once the door closed, Shikaku let out a sigh. "Lady Tsunade, you handled that well. But with Danzo, it's always wise to watch your back."
Tsunade gave him a brief nod, her resolve firm. "I know, Shikaku. But as long as I'm Hokage, I won't allow Danzo's shadow to dictate Konoha's future."
Yet, in the back of her mind, Tsunade couldn't help but consider Menma's intentions. She knew he was a threat, but she also recognized the pain he'd endured as an outcast. Perhaps, she thought, Naruto's determination might still bring his brother back.
---