The sudden announcement of a Hokage candidate was shocking enough. The fact that the candidate was Tsunade, someone often at odds with Koharu, was even more infuriating. Koharu simply couldn't accept it.
"She's just a Hokage candidate; it doesn't mean anything," the Hokage said, lighting his pipe and offering a calm explanation.
"Doesn't mean anything?" Koharu's voice rose in frustration. "Hiruzen, don't you understand what it means to declare a Hokage candidate? This all but guarantees that Tsunade will become the next Hokage! And you went ahead and made the announcement without consulting anyone."
"Can't Tsunade be the next Hokage?" Hiruzen replied evenly, turning to face her.
"She has the identity, the strength, the prestige in the village—she's the perfect candidate."
"That's not the point!" Koharu shouted, her voice trembling with anger. "You should have discussed this with us! Even if you think Tsunade is the right choice, this decision was far too hasty."
Deep down, Koharu knew Tsunade was the most suitable candidate. But her personal dislike for Tsunade, combined with being excluded from the decision, stung deeply.
"Hiruzen, you've changed!" Koharu accused.
"Enough!" Hiruzen slammed his hand on the desk, silencing Koharu. "I am Hokage. I have the authority and the qualifications to make these decisions. I trust Tsunade, and I chose her."
Koharu stood frozen in shock, staring at Hiruzen. The man she'd known for years had just yelled at her, something he'd never done before.
Her gaze turned to Mitokado Hamura, who had remained silent throughout the argument. He sat quietly, sipping his tea as if the entire conflict didn't concern him.
"Menyan, you won't say anything either?" Koharu asked, her voice laced with bitterness.
Hamura avoided her gaze and continued sipping his tea, leaving Koharu feeling isolated and unsupported.
"No one helps me. No one cares," she muttered, her anger bubbling over. "Fine. Just don't regret it."
With that, Koharu stormed out, slamming the door behind her.
After the door closed, Hamura calmly set his teacup down and turned to Hiruzen. "What's your real reason? Tell me."
Hiruzen sighed, rubbing his temples. "Koharu's becoming more unreasonable by the day."
Hamura chuckled lightly but remained silent, prompting Hiruzen to continue.
"It's Danzo," Hiruzen admitted after a pause. "He's growing restless. He's given me an ultimatum—release him soon, or he'll ensure certain secrets spread through the village. And we both know he's capable of doing it."
Hamura nodded, understanding the delicate situation. "So, that's why you made the Hokage candidate announcement without informing the elders. You didn't want to deal with opposition from Koharu."
Hiruzen sighed again, this time with a hint of exasperation. "Shinki and I had an honest discussion. He made it clear that if Tsunade becomes the Hokage candidate, he'll allow Danzo's release. He also promised that as long as Danzo doesn't provoke him, he won't target him."
Hamura raised an eyebrow. "And Tsunade? She truly is the most suitable candidate, isn't she?"
"Without a doubt," Hiruzen affirmed. "Tsunade has everything—a strong identity, abilities, prestige, and even a good relationship with the Daimyo. Her leadership would ensure stronger support from the Daimyo's court, something we desperately need."
Hamura smiled knowingly. "You didn't inform the elders because you didn't want to argue with Koharu, did you?"
Hiruzen glared at Hamura, who chuckled but soon grew serious. "You're right, though. Koharu is becoming increasingly difficult to handle."
Hamura absentmindedly touched his face. Though his injuries had healed, his nerves weren't the same, leaving his expressions slightly stiff. "I hope Danzo can stay in line after this. If not, he'll be the one to pay the price—and you might suffer for it, too."
"I hope so," Hiruzen replied, though his voice lacked conviction.
Suddenly, the door burst open, and Tsunade strode in with an expression of barely contained fury. "Old man, what's wrong with you? Why did you suddenly choose me as the Hokage candidate? You know I have no interest in becoming Hokage!"
Hiruzen took a long drag from his pipe and replied nonchalantly, "It was Shinki's decision."
Tsunade froze, her anger evaporating instantly. "Shinki's decision? Oh, that boy... Fine. What kind of deal did you make with him?"
"Simple," Hiruzen explained. "You're the Hokage candidate, and in exchange, Shinki won't oppose Danzo's release. That's all."
Tsunade pinched the bridge of her nose and let out an exasperated sigh. "That damn kid. He didn't even bother to tell me."
She paused, her frustration giving way to resignation. "Forget it. I'm going to find Shinki. You two can figure out the rest. I don't have the energy to care about being a Hokage candidate."
As she turned to leave, she muttered under her breath, "Couldn't you have chosen someone else? Orochimaru would be fine. Even Jiraiya would do."
Her grumbling brought a faint smile to Hiruzen's face. It was precisely this candidness and reluctance that made Tsunade the perfect choice in his eyes.
"Because you are the balance between Shinki and me," he said softly. "It can only be you."
"Balance my ass," Tsunade snapped as she stormed out. "I'm going to give that boy a piece of my mind!"
After she left, Hiruzen let out a weary sigh. "If not for Tsunade, I don't know who else in the village could keep Shinki in check."
Hamura gave Hiruzen a strange look before shaking his head with a wry smile. "When someone has a big sister who isn't gentle but genuinely cares, teaches them medical ninjutsu, and stands as their backer, how could they ever abandon that person?"
Hiruzen blinked. "What kind of ridiculous description is that? Tsunade is my student!"
"True," Hamura replied, "but that doesn't make it any less accurate."
Hiruzen muttered under his breath, "You're impossible, Hamura."
>>>>>
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A/N: Hey Guys,
I was going over the discount code and saw that it wasn't toggled on for all the tiers. I fixed it now, sorry about that. ;)