The aftermath of Uzumaki Chito's appearance left Konoha in disarray. Though no physical harm had been done, the psychological impact was profound. The lingering pressure of his chakra had left even the strongest shinobi shaken, their confidence fractured.
Hiruzen stood among his people, watching their lost and disheartened faces. A deep sigh escaped him. He felt the weight of his failures more acutely than ever.
Jiraiya, standing nearby, stared blankly in the direction where Uzumaki Chito and Tsunade had disappeared. His mind was clouded, and for once, he had no answers.
"Jiraiya, are you alright?" Hiruzen asked, his tone tinged with concern. With Konoha in its current state, Jiraiya was one of the few people he could still rely on.
Jiraiya remained silent, his expression unreadable. He didn't even glance at Hiruzen.
Back in the Hokage's office, Hiruzen scanned the room, his gaze falling on a report annotated by Danzo. He clenched his fists. Despite everything, Danzo had been working tirelessly to position himself as Hokage. The ambition was blatant in his actions.
"Danzo," Hiruzen called out, his voice firm, "come out. I know you're here."
From the shadows, Shimura Danzo stepped forward. His cold eyes met Hiruzen's, but his expression betrayed uncertainty. He wasn't sure what to expect from Hiruzen now.
"Danzo," Hiruzen said, his tone resigned, "I've made a decision. You will become the next Hokage."
Danzo's eyes widened in surprise, and he instinctively stepped back. The words he had longed to hear no longer filled him with excitement but dread.
"Hiruzen," Danzo said cautiously, "I no longer want the position of Hokage." His voice carried an uncharacteristic sincerity.
Hiruzen's brows furrowed. "You've always wanted this, Danzo. For years, you've schemed and pushed for this seat. And now, when I offer it to you, you suddenly have no interest?"
Danzo shook his head. "I've seen the cost of power, Hiruzen. The Hokage's seat is a dangerous position—one I'm not willing to take anymore."
Hiruzen's voice softened, though frustration lingered. "Danzo, your abilities are strong, your strategies effective. You've always been driven. That makes you the best candidate for Hokage."
Danzo's expression hardened. "We both know your words are meant to manipulate me. I won't take the position, Hiruzen. I refuse." With that, he disappeared into the shadows.
"Danzo!" Hiruzen shouted, but the room remained silent. Danzo had no intention of returning.
Hiruzen turned to Jiraiya, his voice almost pleading. "Jiraiya…"
But Jiraiya only sighed, avoiding his gaze.
Meanwhile, Uzumaki Chito's speed carried him and Tsunade back to the Land of Whirlpools in half a day. The once-ruined land was now bustling with activity. Houses were being built, and the foundation of a new village was taking shape.
Naruto and the others were relieved to see Tsunade return safely. Their concerns about Konoha were validated, but the sight of Tsunade with Uzumaki Chito reassured them that she had made the right choice.
Uzumaki Chito carried Tsunade, who was sleeping peacefully, to his room. His clone placed her gently on the bed, while the real Uzumaki Chito remained outside, training and feeling the chakra in the air. He was exploring the deeper mysteries of chakra, always seeking to expand his understanding.
The clone, its task complete, merged back into the main body, transferring all its memories and experiences.
Tsunade stirred as her breathing hitched slightly, betraying her wakefulness.
"Stop pretending to be asleep," Uzumaki Chito said, his tone amused. "I can feel your chakra shift."
Tsunade pouted and stretched lazily, her voice playful. "I rarely get to sleep this comfortably. Let me rest a little longer. Out there, I'm always running from gambling debts and bounty hunters."
With a playful smirk, her appearance shifted to that of a ten-year-old child, as she clung to Uzumaki Chito's arm coquettishly.
"You've grown, but you still act like a child," Uzumaki Chito said with a sigh. "I shouldn't have taught you to gamble."
Tsunade grinned mischievously. "Well, if you'd taught me better techniques, I wouldn't lose all the time. Maybe you should teach me something new so I can finally win."
"You've managed to turn even my lessons into a curse," Uzumaki Chito muttered, shaking his head. "You're still the 'big fat sheep' of the gambling world."
Tsunade laughed, unbothered by the nickname. Hugging his arm tightly, she said, "I really missed you, Chito-sama. It's good to be home."
Uzumaki Chito looked down at her with a faint smile. "It's good to have you back, little Tsunade."
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