"Yo, you two are here?"
In the Hokage's office, Renya pushed the door open and saw Danzo and Hiruzen buried in paperwork.
"Renya, you came." Hiruzen lifted his head, revealing a pale face.
These past few days, he had almost died in the restroom.
"You alright? Maybe you should take a few more days to rest?" Renya advised worriedly.
He honestly feared that Hiruzen might drop dead right there in the office while signing papers. For the man's own safety, it was better if he went home to recover.
"I'm... fine." Hiruzen shook his head and forced a smile. "I'm much better now."
But that smile, in Renya's eyes, looked exactly like the eerie grin of a dying man.
"Don't bother with him. He got what he deserved!"
Danzo, who hadn't spoken until now, suddenly broke his silence, his voice trembling with anger.
"Danzo, are you okay?" Renya asked cautiously.
"You tell me—do I look okay?"
Danzo raised his head, revealing the same sickly pale complexion as Hiruzen.
If it weren't for that bastard Hiruzen, he wouldn't have had to suffer like this.
Once he became Hokage, he swore he'd make Hiruzen pay.
"Enough. If you two aren't feeling well, then go rest."
Tobirama spoke up at just the right time, his gaze landing on the lunchbox Renya was carrying.
It was almost lunchtime—he preferred things to stay peaceful so he could enjoy his meal without losing his appetite because of these two.
Danzo and Hiruzen immediately fell silent at his words, obediently returning to their paperwork.
"Why'd you bring lunch so early today?" Tobirama asked curiously.
"Tsunade came over begging for food again, so I cooked earlier than usual," Renya explained while unpacking the dishes from the box.
He had long since seen through Tsunade's little tricks.
"That girl." Tobirama shook his head helplessly. "All she ever thinks about is eating."
"Grrr—"
Hiruzen and Danzo's stomachs growled the moment they caught the scent of food.
Their expressions changed, thinking they were about to have another stomach problem, and both stood up quickly, ready to rush for the restroom—only to realize moments later that they were simply hungry.
"What are you two doing?" Tobirama frowned.
He was just about to eat, and now these two were acting up again?
"Sensei, we're hungry—we're going out to grab some food," Hiruzen said while scratching his head.
"Then go eat," Tobirama said, waving them off. At least this way, no one would disturb his peaceful lunch.
"Yes, Sensei."
The two hurriedly left.
"Hey, old man, when are you planning to retire and let them take over?"
"In a little while. They're still too inexperienced."
It wasn't that Tobirama didn't want to retire, but that Danzo and Hiruzen lacked the necessary experience. For now, they weren't ready to handle the responsibilities.
He intended to guide them step by step. Once they were capable enough, he'd retire—there was no rush.
After all, the village represented his brother's dream. He couldn't allow anything to go wrong.
"You haven't been taking your students out on missions lately?" Tobirama asked.
By now, that kid should have been leading his students on assignments. Tobirama had even prepared himself to live on soldier pills for a while—but surprisingly, Renya was still in the village.
"I don't plan on taking them on C-rank missions this month," Renya said softly. "We're focusing on D-rank ones in the village for now. I can also guide their training while we're here."
Tobirama nodded slightly.
"Teach them well. They are the future of the village."
Each generation needed to be nurtured properly—only then could the village grow stronger.
Education for the new generation was absolutely crucial.
Young people were one of the key factors determining whether a village could prosper.
"Got it, old man," Renya said, nodding.
Even without the reminder, he intended to teach his disciples properly.
After all, all three of them were problem children—if he didn't train them well now, he'd be the one suffering for it later.
Who knew, he might even end up getting killed by one of them someday.
When Tobirama finished his lunch, Renya tidied up the dishes and left the Hokage's office.
He hadn't eaten yet.
Hopefully, his three students had left something for him.
Luckily, the three weren't completely heartless—they'd saved him some leftovers instead of finishing everything.
That made him genuinely pleased. At least they still cared about their sensei.
Yes, this period of teaching them hadn't been for nothing!
After lunch, Renya began guiding the three in chakra control practice.
From then on, he made time every day to personally train them.
The three were quick learners—diligent and hardworking.
In just a few months, their strength improved drastically.
Now, they could take on C-rank missions outside the village on their own, without him worrying for their safety.
Finally, Renya could live the easy, carefree life of a hands-off sensei.
His students were so capable that he barely needed to lift a finger.
...
And just like that, five years passed. Tobirama, the old man, finally retired.
He handed the Hokage position over to his assistant, Danzo.
Hiruzen became the new assistant, helping Danzo manage the village.
Five years went by in a flash.
This year, Renya was twenty-six.
At Tobirama's residence—
"Renya, tomorrow's my Hokage inauguration! You have to be there!"
Danzo's face was flushed with excitement as he looked at Renya, who was lounging lazily in a chair.
His lifelong dream was finally coming true tomorrow.
For decades, he had poured endless effort and endured untold hardship in pursuit of that title—only he knew how much it had cost him.
And now, at long last, his wish was fulfilled.
He wanted to show off this moment in front of everyone he knew, so naturally, the first person he sought out was Renya—the man who'd been lazing around at home while everyone else was off on missions.
"Got it," Renya waved dismissively. "You're a grown man already. Don't act like a kid showing off a prize to your parents."
Danzo: "..."
He had been overjoyed, but now that joy evaporated instantly.
Renya really knew how to kill the mood.
Hmph. Once he became Hokage, this guy's leisurely days would be over.
Truth be told, Danzo had long been irritated by Renya's laid-back attitude.
When he first started teaching his disciples, Renya had seemed to change—but once they grew strong enough, he went right back to his lazy routine.
It drove Danzo mad, yet there was nothing he could do.
"Just make sure you come tomorrow," Danzo said.
He wanted his friend to witness that defining moment with his own eyes.
"No problem. I'll be there on time," Renya nodded.
Danzo turned to leave. But just as he reached the door, Renya's voice came from behind—
"Danzo, congratulations on becoming Hokage."
A small smile tugged at the corner of Danzo's lips. He didn't reply, simply walked straight out of the courtyard.
Renya watched his departing figure and couldn't help but sigh.
"Time really flies... Danzo's becoming Hokage already, huh?"
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Pls Drop some Power Stones
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