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PTT Chapter 263: Fifth Hokage!
4 Oct
Kitazawa stepped forward and bowed slightly.
The two bouquets of white chrysanthemums he'd bought—he and Kurenai had already offered them at the funeral for the war heroes just now.
"Let's go," Tsunade said once he'd paid his respects. "It's about time for lunch."
"Home, or out?" Kitazawa looked over and asked.
"I want a drink," Tsunade met his gaze and said.
"That puts me in a tough spot," Kitazawa pulled a face. "Shizune-senpai definitely won't approve—and you've got work this afternoon."
Tsunade said nothing; she just looked at him.
"How about I cover your shift?" Kitazawa blinked. "Deal?"
"Good. I knew I wasn't wrong about you," Tsunade's lips quirked as she patted his shoulder.
They headed to an Izakaya.
"Tsunade-sama, first glass is on me," Kitazawa raised his cup. "Congrats on becoming the Fifth Hokage."
"There's nothing about that worth congratulating," Tsunade curled her lip, clinked cups with him, and downed it in one go.
"You don't look very excited, Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa set his cup down. "Want to make it a drinking game?"
"Bring it on!" Tsunade perked up. "I'm getting you drunk today!"
"Why are you so determined to get me wasted?" Kitazawa tugged at the corner of his mouth.
"I've never seen you drunk. I want to know if you get rowdy," she said, looking a little mischievous. "I bet it'll be hilarious."
"I win every time we bet on drinks," Kitazawa smiled. "I doubt you'll ever see me drunk."
"Ugh!" Tsunade scowled. "What are you bragging for? I'm winning today!"
"Then let's start." Kitazawa held up his hands to play rock–paper–scissors.
Tsunade took a breath, bit her finger, and very seriously held out both hands.
Obviously, the more serious she got, the less it helped.
"Please drink, Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa lifted a hand.
"I don't buy it. Again!"
She tossed back another glass and. went right back to rock–paper–scissors.
One glass after another.
Ten minutes later, her cheeks were flushed from the alcohol, and she was visibly tipsy.
"Tsunade-sama, pause. Let's get some food in you," Kitazawa suggested, putting down his cup.
"No!" Tsunade bent over, grabbed his shoulders, and refused to concede. "Again!"
A swath of fair skin swayed in front of his eyes.
He shook his head. "We'll keep going after you eat."
"Want me to toss you out right now?" Tsunade's eyes flashed dangerously.
"If you throw me out, who's going to drink with you? Who's covering your shift?" Kitazawa forced himself to look at her face instead and asked calmly.
"You," she said, face stiffening. After two seconds of eye contact she sat back down, muttering, "Fine—food it is."
Then she picked up her chopsticks and started stuffing her mouth, her cheeks puffing out in no time.
Kitazawa couldn't help smiling.
Kind of cute.
"When does next week's jonin vote start?" he asked as he picked up a piece of tempura shrimp.
He had classes next week—everything but Monday would clash.
"Mon… Monday," Tsunade mumbled around her food, her voice muffled.
"Perfect," Kitazawa nodded. "No need to take leave from the Academy."
The villagers' vote had nothing to do with him.
"If… if it's too much for you, you… could send a shadow clone," Tsunade licked the corner of her mouth, face flushed.
"Something that important should be done in person," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"It's… it's just going through… the motions," Tsunade lifted her cup. "Pour me another."
"I'll give you a gift then," Kitazawa filled her glass. "You'll definitely like it."
"Will I?" Tsunade's face broke into a bright smile. "Getting me to like something isn't easy."
She tipped her head back and drained the cup.
Beads of liquid slid from the corner of her mouth down her pale skin.
The cold sake warmed again where it passed.
"When's the Hokage succession ceremony?" Kitazawa drew his gaze back and asked.
"Saturday," Tsunade set the cup down, eyes a little unfocused. "More villagers and shinobi are… free then."
"True," Kitazawa said, placing a piece of fried fish in her bowl.
Tsunade straightened and shook her head; with the motion, her clothes outlined a very pronounced curve.
Kitazawa's mind blanked for a second.
"Let's keep betting!" Tsunade bit into the fried fish. "I am winning today!"
"How about we finish this next time?" Kitazawa eyed her slightly trembling shoulders.
"What kind of talk is that?" Tsunade shot him a glare. "Drinking's about going all in at once!"
He sighed and played along.
In under five minutes she'd had six more cups.
She tipped sideways and flopped face-down on the table, flattening her top against the surface.
"Drink… keep drinking!" Tsunade lifted a cup to her lips.
But sprawled like that, she couldn't quite manage a sip.
So she stuck out her tongue and, like a cat, lapped at the sake.
Kitazawa swallowed on reflex.
The sight hit like a truck.
A voluptuous, mature beauty, cheeks blazing and eyes drifting, lapping at her drink—downright seductive.
"Tsunade-sama, let me take you home to rest," he steadied himself and said.
"I… I don't need rest!" Tsunade straightened up and shoved a half-full cup against his mouth. "You drink too!"
It was half full because she'd just been lapping at it.
"Let's save it for next time." Kitazawa took her wrist.
"Next time… we'll drink it next time," she huffed. "You… you're too weak!"
"You're the one who's drunk, and I'm the weak one?" He took the cup, finished it, and set it down. "We're out of sake. Let's go home."
"Not going!" Tsunade leaned back in her chair.
He looked at her twice, then simply gathered the bottles from the table.
"Hey—wait!" Tsunade shot up, grabbed his hand, and snapped, "Put the sake back!"
But her balance failed her; she toppled straight into his arms.
One phrase flashed through Kitazawa's head: a straight-up charging foul.
"Let's go finish it at home," he said, steadying her by the waist.
"Don't… don't lie to me," Tsunade slurred against his chest.
"Come on," Kitazawa smiled gently. "You'll know if I'm lying when we get there."
"I'll… trust you this once," Tsunade poked him in the chest, let go, and wobbled toward the door.
He hurried after her.
"Drinking with you is nice—way better than with Shizune," she said outside; the evening breeze cleared her head a little.
"Shizune-senpai would be heartbroken to hear that," Kitazawa chuckled.
"Serves her right. She never lets me drink properly."
"Because she cares about you," Kitazawa coughed lightly.
"Hmph." Tsunade glanced at him but didn't rebut.
"Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa remembered something. "Anything I should watch for while I cover your shift this afternoon?"
"No… nothing," she thought a moment and shook her head. "If… something comes up, find Shikaku."
They chatted as they walked and were home in no time.
"Kitazawa."
Tsunade leaned against the doorway and looked at him.
"What is it?" he met her eyes. "Something else?"
"I've got a gift for you," she suddenly smiled. "One that boosts your luck."
"Luck?" Kitazawa's mouth twitched.
You and luck?
Tsunade stepped up, tipped her chin up to him.
She crooked a finger. "You're too tall. Come down a bit."
Kitazawa blinked—and then it hit him.
Could this be Tsunade's "forehead kiss" from the original timeline?
First Hokage's necklace plus Tsunade's forehead kiss—maxed out luck; he'd need an almanac just to pick a day to leave the house.
He bent down.
Tsunade set her hands on his shoulders.
Her gaze on Kitazawa turned a little glassy.
She bit her red, full lower lip.
Memories flashed—how he'd woven a dream to cure her hemophobia, and the warmth of his arms when it ended.
On impulse, Tsunade kissed him.
Her eyes flew wide a heartbeat later.
She froze, the last of her intoxication snapped clean away.
A kiss on the forehead and a kiss on the lips are two very different things.
Looking at Kitazawa, she felt her heartbeat accelerate.
An unfamiliar rush surged up inside.
After a few stunned seconds she pushed him away, turned, and went inside.
She shut the door, leaned against it, and drew deep, shaky breaths.
What just happened?
Tsunade touched her lips.
Outside, Kitazawa let out a slow breath.
How did a forehead kiss turn into a real kiss?
He hesitated, then decided not to knock again.
He turned and headed for the Hokage building.
"No loss there—and I guess I just broke the 'kiss of death' legend while I was at it," he laughed, stepping into the Hokage's office.
"Kitazawa? Why you? Where's Tsunade-sama?" Shizune eyed him warily. "Don't tell me she went gambling again?"
"No," Kitazawa improvised smoothly. "I asked Tsunade-sama to help me finalize the last step of the limb regeneration medical jutsu."
"The last step?" Shizune blinked, then gasped. "If that really works, it'll benefit every shinobi."
Any ninja could wind up in a brutal fight—missing limbs were an ever-present risk. With a limb-regrowth jutsu, they'd no longer have to fear that.
"That's exactly how Tsunade-sama sees it," Kitazawa said evenly. "I'll cover her shift this afternoon."
"Mm." Shizune nodded, satisfied. "Have a seat, then."
"Sitting in the Hokage's chair feels wrong," Kitazawa arched a brow.
"You mean you're not interested in the Hokage's seat?" Shizune shot back.
"Tsunade-sama isn't officially Hokage yet, and we're already talking about that?" Kitazawa teased as he walked over. "Shizune-senpai, that sounds like scheming."
"I just think you could be the Sixth," she smiled.
"That's a long way off," he said, eyeing the stack of documents. "Let's work first."
Time slipped by.
The afternoon was gone before he knew it.
"Not bad—your work rate's better than Tsunade-sama's," Shizune praised.
"You two really roast each other," Kitazawa blinked, thinking back to what Tsunade had said about Shizune at lunch.
"What do you mean, 'roast each other'?" Shizune tilted her head.
"Nothing," Kitazawa changed the subject. "What's the plan tonight? My place?"
"Sure," she thought for a moment. "I'll go buy groceries."
"Then I won't be polite about it. I'll head home and wait," Kitazawa stood.
"Check on Tsunade-sama when you get back," Shizune clenched a fist. "If she's not home and ran off to the casino, I won't let her off easy!"
"You really are born to be the Hokage's secretary," Kitazawa laughed. "See you later."
He left the office and went home—then crossed to the place next door.
He hesitated at the door for two seconds, then knocked.
No answer.
"Did she really go to the casino?" he wondered, took out a key, and let himself in.
He slipped off his shoes and went into the living room.
At Tsunade's bedroom door, he found it ajar.
One glance and he saw Tsunade sprawled on the bed.
Still fully dressed, limbs akimbo, absolutely unladylike, sound asleep.
His eyes flicked—just once—toward the rhythmic rise and fall of her top with her breathing.
Another phrase flashed through his head, wryly: lying down really is undefeated.
He looked away and knocked on the doorframe.
"Which bastard is that?"
"My bastard self," he answered with a smile.
Tsunade's eyes snapped open.
She sat up and rubbed her brow.
Before-sleep memories flooded back.
Her face stiffened; she bit her lip on instinct.
"Tsunade-sama, Shizune-senpai's out getting groceries," Kitazawa said. "Dinner's at ours."
"Mm." Tsunade waved a hand. "Go on ahead. I'll be there in a bit."
"Don't be too late, or Shizune-senpai will get suspicious," he reminded her, then left.
"Thick-skinned, as expected," Tsunade huffed softly at how nonchalant he acted.
But she settled quickly.
She was Tsunade, after all.
Night fell.
Kitazawa, Tsunade, Shizune, Kurenai, and Karin with her mother gathered for dinner.
Same as usual—nothing out of the ordinary.
A night passed, and a new week began.
Monday.
The jonin were abuzz.
Today was the long-awaited jonin vote.
Since Konoha was founded there had only been four jonin votes; this was the fifth.
"I should've applied for my jonin exam right after the war," Kurenai said, regretful.
Without the jonin rank, she couldn't participate.
"Doesn't matter—the result's already decided. Voting or not won't change anything," Kitazawa said with a smile.
"It still matters," Kurenai shot him a look. "At least I could show Tsunade-sama my support."
"If you really want to support her, become the first jonin she appoints after taking office," Kitazawa said after a beat.
"Good idea!" Kurenai's eyes lit up. "I'll apply next week. I should have Wind Release: Rasengan down by then!"
"Then let me congratulate you in advance," Kitazawa raised his milk.
With her current strength, making jonin wouldn't be hard. Besides genjutsu, she'd learned sealing, monstrous strength, and Wind Release: Rasengan—her overall ability already met the jonin bar.
"Just don't forget our bet," Kurenai said sweetly.
"I haven't," Kitazawa took a sip. "But you've already lost. I'll finish the limb regeneration jutsu before next week."
"Nothing's over till it's over," Kurenai huffed, a touch rattled.
"Then we'll see." Kitazawa was about to speak again when knocking sounded.
"I'll do the dishes," Kurenai said. "You get the door, then head to the Hokage building for the vote."
"Got it." Kitazawa went to the door.
"Good morning, Kitazawa-sensei," Yakushi Kabuto stood outside.
"Morning, Kabuto," Kitazawa nodded.
He'd been tied up with Anbu the last two days and hadn't checked in on his team.
"Sensei, I'll walk with you to the Hokage building," Kabuto said—he was jonin too and had to vote.
"Let's go," Kitazawa shut the door and set off with him.
"Sensei," Kabuto asked as they walked, "when's our squad getting a new mission?"
"Only a week off and you're already itching?" Kitazawa glanced over. "You're more diligent than I am."
"We want to improve fast through missions—so we won't hold you back," Kabuto replied, flawless as ever.
"I was just appointed Anbu Commander," Kitazawa said, an idea sparking.
"Anbu… Commander?" Kabuto was startled, then quickly said, "Congratulations, Sensei."
Anbu Commander meant village leadership and the Hokage's right hand—a bright future.
"You're jonin. Izumi and Torune are chunin but far above the norm. You all qualify for Anbu," Kitazawa explained. "Join up as a team and you can take missions freely."
"Then we'll do as you say," Kabuto agreed without hesitation.
Missions were missions; where they came from didn't matter—and Anbu ones were tougher, with better rewards.
Kitazawa stroked his chin.
He needed to cultivate four confidants. He'd planned to recruit from scratch, but a lightbulb went off—no need to make it hard.
Kurenai, Kabuto, Uchiha Izumi, and Aburame Torune: that made four. They were close to him already, far faster than training strangers.
He just didn't know how the "system" judged "confidant"—loyalty level? Deeds done for him?
Unclear. He'd just start investing and see. And if other candidates appeared, why not add more? No reason to stick to four.
His mind jumped to Orochimaru—he had plenty of loyal followers, like Kimimaro Kaguya.
That Shikotsumyaku bloodline had always looked cool to Kitazawa. Too bad Kimimaro was likely already under Orochimaru's wing.
"Kitazawa!" Might Guy's voice sounded from ahead.
Kitazawa looked up to see him with Kakashi Hatake and Asuma Sarutobi.
"Kitazawa," Guy said as he got close. "Asuma told me Anbu's recruiting. Think I can join?"
"You want Anbu?" Kitazawa asked, a bit bemused.
"How about it? Am I worthy?" Guy flashed a thumbs-up. "I'll bring my youth to Anbu!"
Behind him, Asuma was frantically signaling Kitazawa with his eyes—he'd clearly already tried to turn Guy down.
In canon, Guy had applied to Anbu and to Root before, and both Hiruzen and Danzo had refused.
"You can start by applying," Kitazawa answered tactfully.
"Awesome!" Guy practically bounced.
"Kakashi, you coming back to Anbu?" Kitazawa pivoted.
"No. I like teaching," Kakashi said, a twinge of feeling in his voice.
He'd just heard from Asuma—Kitazawa was Anbu Commander now.
Who would've thought the "ordinary" Kitazawa from not even two years ago would rise so far, so fast?
Kakashi had been a chunin at six and a jonin at twelve, hailed as Konoha's once-in-decades genius.
But Kitazawa's progress over these two years felt even more terrifying.
"Is teaching really that great?" Asuma mused. "Funny—my old man told me to take a genin squad in a few years."
"The next Ino–Shika–Cho?" Kakashi asked, suddenly thinking of something.
"You know?" Asuma raised a brow.
"Who doesn't know the Sarutobi clan's ties with the Ino–Shika–Cho trio?" Kitazawa said.
"Uh? What are you guys talking about?" Guy scratched his head.
"Guess not everyone knows," Asuma laughed, giving Guy a quick rundown: the Sarutobi serve as witness to the trio's alliance.
"We're here—inside," Kitazawa pushed into the conference room.
They were early; only a third of the seats were filled.
"Kitazawa-sama," several jonin greeted him.
His status now warranted the honorific.
"Kitazawa," Uchiha Fugaku turned from the front row.
"Clan Head Fugaku," Kitazawa went up to greet him.
"Any results yet from Anbu recruitment?" Fugaku smiled a bit too warmly. "A lot of Uchiha want to serve the village."
Don't do that. It's creepy.
Kitazawa swallowed the snark. "Not finished yet—lots of applicants. We'll need time to evaluate."
"Lots?" a crease formed in Fugaku's mind.
"Mm," Kitazawa nodded. "All the major clans sent people."
That, at least, wasn't a lie. If even the Uchiha and Hyuga were this enthusiastic, of course the Ino–Shika–Cho, the Aburame, and the rest wouldn't be left behind.
"Then you do need to be thorough," Fugaku said, feeling a rare flicker of irritation.
Why hadn't everyone been this eager under Hiruzen? Now they were all here to compete with the Uchiha for slots.
Still, he was confident. In raw strength, the Uchiha were the top clan.
Nine o'clock.
Aside from those on missions, every jonin in Konoha had arrived.
Kitazawa sat in the third row with Kakashi, Guy, and Kabuto.
As Anbu Commander and the Academy's Vice Principal, he could've sat in the front, but he didn't care—seat rows wouldn't change anything.
The door opened.
Tsunade walked in, with the two advisors—Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane—behind her.
Her eyes swept the room and lingered half a second on Kitazawa.
That kiss flashed across her mind.
"Shikaku, start the vote," Tsunade said, shaking it off.
"Yes, Hokage-sama," Shikaku Nara stood and began handing out the special ballots.
"Tsunade's presiding?" Kitazawa raised a brow.
Kakashi blinked too, sensing how odd that looked.
By rights, the jonin vote selected the next Hokage, so the previous Hokage—Hiruzen—should preside.
Having Tsunade, one of the candidates, run it made the outcome feel foregone.
Kitazawa quickly received his ballot and pen.
He wrote Tsunade's name.
Technically he could write anyone's, even his own. By Konoha rules, as long as a name cleared 50%, they became Hokage.
Once they finished, they filed up by row to drop ballots in the box.
Homura and Koharu tallied the votes.
"Announcing the result," Shikaku took the final count from Homura. "Tsunade-sama has received the most votes."
No surprise at all. No one even pretended to be shocked.
"The village vote is tomorrow," Tsunade said, standing. "Shikaku's in charge. Anbu and the clans will maintain order."
"Yes, Hokage-sama," everyone answered in unison.
"Dismissed," Tsunade waved and left without hesitation.
"Man, she's concise," Asuma laughed. "If it were my old man, you'd be stuck here till noon."
"Aren't you afraid he'll be mad, talking about the Hokage like that?" Kitazawa clapped his shoulder.
"He's retiring any minute. It's fine," Asuma said breezily.
Father and son, huh.
Kitazawa snorted.
"I'm heading back to the Academy. Do as you like," Kakashi stood.
It wasn't even his teaching day, but he'd gotten used to being there—and he still had to work on Lightning Release: Kirin. After so long, success was near.
"Kakashi! How about a youthful sprint?" Guy's teeth sparkled. "Race you to the Academy!"
"No thanks," Kakashi shook his head.
"Asuma," Kitazawa said, "this is my student, Kabuto."
"Asuma-sama," Kabuto greeted politely.
"I've heard of you," Asuma smiled. "An excellent medical-nin—and wind-style too."
During the Konoha–Mist war, it wasn't only Kitazawa who made a name; Kabuto and Torune had too. Not as famous as Kitazawa, but above your average jonin.
"Help my three students with their paperwork—get them into Anbu," Kitazawa said, getting to the point.
"No problem," Asuma agreed at once.
Minimum for Anbu was chunin. Kabuto, Torune, and Izumi all met the mark. And they were Kitazawa's—no reason to say no.
"Kabuto, fetch Torune and Izumi and meet Asuma at Anbu," Kitazawa instructed.
"Yes, Sensei," Kabuto nodded.
"I'm off. See you," Kitazawa left the conference room and headed for the Hokage's office.
"Come in," Tsunade looked up at the knock.
Seeing it was Kitazawa, a flicker of something stirred and vanished.
"What is it?" she asked evenly.
"Remember what I told you at lunch yesterday?" he asked, smiling.
"I forgot," she shot him a glare. "Just say it."
"This is my gift to you," Kitazawa said, handing over a scroll.
"The limb regeneration medical jutsu?" Tsunade's eyes widened after a glance. "You really pulled it off?"
"Barely," Kitazawa said modestly.
"Nothing 'barely' about an S-rank medical jutsu," Tsunade read carefully.
"Couldn't have done it without your help," Kitazawa smiled.
"I didn't do much. You did the heavy lifting," she finished and exhaled. "With this, a lot of shinobi can get their lives back."
No exaggeration. Losing a limb crippled a ninja's fighting power; losing both hands took you out of the profession entirely.
"This isn't the kind of jutsu you just file in the archives," Tsunade mused. "We should promote it—have every medical-ninjonin try to learn it."
"That's what I was thinking," Kitazawa agreed.
The wider its impact, the bigger his "system" reward would be. He was curious what that would be.
"You're generous," Tsunade said, surprised. Turning over a jutsu this valuable was rare in Konoha's history.
"You're the Hokage. I should bring a proper gift," Kitazawa said seriously.
"You've mastered it yourself?" she asked.
"Mm," he nodded. "Should be fine."
"After the succession ceremony, perform a surgery at Konoha Hospital—with every medical-nin and jonin watching," she said after a moment.
It would spread the technique—and also raise Kitazawa's profile.
"Thank you," Kitazawa's eyes lit up. Perfect.
"I expect shinobi from other villages will come too—like the Mist," Tsunade added. "We can treat them for a fee."
They had plenty of amputees after this war.
"Makes sense," Kitazawa nodded. "I'm sure they'll pay."
"Who do you want as your first patient?" Tsunade set the scroll down.
"Maruboshi Kosuke," he said.
"Good choice," Tsunade nodded. "Big name, perfect fit—maximum PR."
"As expected of you," he said, impressed.
"Enough flattery," she rolled her eyes. "You've just handed over a huge jutsu. What reward do you want?"
"No idea," Kitazawa shook his head. "Put it on my tab. I'll ask when I need something."
"Fine by me," Tsunade understood—he wasn't exactly lacking. It was like the old Sannin: more merit than the village could fairly repay. You bank it for family or students later.
"I'll take my leave," Kitazawa bowed and turned.
"Kitazawa," Tsunade tucked a strand of blonde hair behind her ear. "I like this gift. Thanks."
"So you remember quite clearly," he waved. "See you."
"…" Tsunade's expression turned a little unnatural.
Kitazawa left the Hokage's office and didn't return to Anbu—Asuma could handle it.
With limb regeneration wrapped, it was time to start his Wood Release journey.
He headed to the open space behind his house.
First up: Wood Release—Wood Locking Wall, a defensive technique that summons a row of pillars to curve into an arching shield.
A day of training passed.
Tuesday.
Back to class at last.
After breakfast he went to the Academy.
"Welcome back, Kitazawa-sensei!" the entire "Advance Class" had arrived half an hour early, and shouted in unison when they saw him.
He blinked, a bit moved. Good kids.
"Sensei," Naruto ran up. "Is Gramps retiring? I saw the village voting on my way here."
Hinata, Kiba, and Shino gathered too—still time before class, and everyone was curious about the new Hokage.
"Yeah," Kitazawa nodded. "He's getting on in years, so he decided to retire."
"Who's the new Hokage?" Kiba blurted.
"It's gotta be Tsunade-sama!" Ino said, starry-eyed. "The first woman Hokage!"
"And the first medical-nin Hokage!" Sakura was excited too.
"It is Tsunade-sama," Kitazawa smiled.
"Guess I'll have to aim for Sixth Hokage then!" Naruto puffed up.
"You mean you're going to compete with Kitazawa-sensei for Sixth?" Shikamaru's lazy voice drifted over.
"Huh?" Naruto froze, eyes wide.
Sasuke, who'd been about to speak, shut his mouth at once.
"By age alone, it really should be Kitazawa-sensei for Sixth," Ino's eyes sparkled. "Then I'll be the Hokage's student!"
"Get real," Kitazawa tapped her forehead. "No one knows the future."
With this much jinxing, who could stand it?
"Seventh works too!" Naruto amended. His dream was to be Hokage—he'd never said which number.
"Enough daydreaming. Back to training," Kitazawa said. "Kiba, with me."
"Yes!" Kiba lit up—Kitazawa had promised him a new secret technique last week.
"Fang Over Fang and War Stomp are both offensive—but not strong enough," Kitazawa told him. "I'll teach you a secret technique that pairs with the Human Beast Mixture Transformation — Three-Headed Wolf."
Inspired by Fireball, it meant the hellhound's three heads would spit three chakra shells at once.
Kiba's chakra affinity was Earth. Kitazawa had considered making them earth bullets, but that required nature transformation work—so he'd start with neutral chakra.
"That's awesome!" Kiba's eyes shone. Three heads firing chakra shots—just imagining it looked cool.
"Then learn it well," Kitazawa said. "Add elemental nature later and it gets even stronger."
"Yes!" Kiba answered earnestly.
After half an hour of instruction, Kitazawa set him to practice on his own.
He looked around—the three training groups he led were already at it.
Satisfied, he walked to the artificial lake.
By the water stood three people: Maruboshi Kosuke, Haruno Sakura, and Aburame Shino.
"Sensei," Sakura paused her water-style training to greet him.
"Kosuke-senpai," Kitazawa said, "are you free next Monday?"
"I am," the veteran blinked. "Do you need me for something?"
"I do," Kitazawa smiled. "How'd you like a healthy left leg again?"
"What do you mean?" Kosuke frowned.
"I created a limb regeneration medical jutsu," Kitazawa explained.
"What?" Kosuke froze.
"No way," Sakura was stunned too. Half a medical-nin herself now, she understood exactly what that meant. A revolution in the field.
"Well? Want to try?" Kitazawa asked. "If you're willing, meet me at Konoha Hospital on Monday."
"Of course I'm willing!" Kosuke snapped out of it, still buzzing. No disabled person doesn't want to be whole again.
"Congrats, Kosuke-senpai!" Sakura hurried to offer her blessing.
"Never thought I'd see the day I could be a four-limbed shinobi again," Kosuke murmured. "Thank you, Kitazawa."
"It's what a medical-nin should do," Kitazawa smiled.
After making arrangements with Kosuke, Kitazawa found a quiet spot to practice Wood Release.
Life fell back into rhythm—except now, besides teaching, he popped over to Anbu as needed.
Saturday arrived.
The liveliest day in Konoha.
The Hokage succession ceremony.
The villagers' vote had been finalized yesterday—no suspense; Tsunade won in a landslide. With all three steps completed, she was the Fifth Hokage.
From early morning, the Konoha Police Force and Anbu were busy. A ceremony like this couldn't go wrong. The Police handled village security; Anbu watched for foreign shinobi in the mixed crowd—Konoha shinobi and villagers, the Land of Fire's Daimyo, Nobles, and Merchants.
In the Anbu office—
"Sensei," Kabuto walked in. "Jiraiya-sama's back. He's in the Hokage's office."
"Got it. Back to work," Kitazawa said, arching a brow.
After Kabuto left, he headed for the Hokage's office.
"Tsunade, I'm dying to know how the old man roped you into being Hokage," Jiraiya said. He knew her well—she'd resisted the idea for years, and with her hemophobia, she'd practically hated the job.
Tsunade fell silent.
Her becoming Hokage didn't have much to do with Hiruzen.
If anyone was "to blame," it was Kitazawa.
That thought made her start. The door wasn't fully closed; through the crack she saw Kitazawa.
"Come in," Tsunade called.
"Who?" Jiraiya turned on reflex.
"Tsunade-sama. Jiraiya-sama," Kitazawa stepped inside.
"So this is your student," Jiraiya said. "I heard your name even in the Land of Earth. You've got Minato's shine already."
"He's not Minato," Tsunade said before she could stop herself.
"I meant the fame," Jiraiya chuckled, then looked back to her. "You're catching up to me in number of students."
"What were you doing in the Land of Earth?" Tsunade switched topics.
"Gathering intel," Jiraiya coughed twice. "You still haven't answered my question."
"No real answer," Tsunade glanced at Kitazawa. "If you want to do it, you do it. If you don't, you don't."
"That's so you," Jiraiya grinned. "You're fit for it. Since you've taken it, do it right."
He and Hiruzen shared a worry—Tsunade bolting.
"It should've been you," Tsunade said. "Konoha's entering a new phase. If you stayed—"
"Sorry," Jiraiya cut in. "With you here, Konoha's set. I've got my own work."
He meant finding the Child of Prophecy.
A flicker of disappointment crossed Tsunade's eyes, but she said nothing. She'd expected that answer.
Truth was, Konoha didn't need Jiraiya right now.
Kitazawa's presence covered the gap in top-tier
power.
"Old man!" Jiraiya suddenly sensed someone and turned.
"So you remember to come home?" Hiruzen said gruffly. "You disappeared without a word at New Year. I haven't settled that account."
"Couldn't miss Tsunade's big day," Jiraiya said breezily. "Don't get worked up, old man. Bad for your health."
"Forget it. I'm too lazy to argue," Hiruzen waved it off. "She's Hokage now. Let her have the headache."
"What headache?" Tsunade said lightly. "Just pretend he doesn't exist."
Jiraiya froze for a beat, then scratched his head. With her personality, she had to be joking… right?
"The daimyo's here. Let's go," Hiruzen said.
"Mm," Tsunade stood and donned her custom white ceremonial robe, "Fifth Hokage" emblazoned on the back.
She didn't put on the Hokage hat—she handed it to Hiruzen.
The four walked up to the rooftop.
The plaza below was packed.
Even before Tsunade saw them, the roar of voices filled the air.
Step by step, she walked forward.
Her gaze went to the Hokage Rock in the distance.
Two Senju faces were already carved there. Now it was her turn.
She reached the edge.
A wave of cheers crashed over the plaza.
Tsunade as Hokage was the will of the people—there was hardly anyone in Konoha who opposed her. The lone dissenter, Danzo, was already in the Pure Land.
"I hereby declare Tsunade the Fifth Hokage of Konoha," the daimyo proclaimed.
"Konoha's yours now, Tsunade," Hiruzen walked up and handed her the hat.
"I'll do my best, Sensei," she said—no "old man" this time.
She took the hat, set it on, and looked out over the crowd.
"Say a few words," Hiruzen smiled.
As of today, he was fully retired—no more office hours.
"I am Tsunade—the Fifth Hokage!" she raised a fist high.
The cheers rolled like thunder.
A new beginning for Konoha.