Sarutobi Hiruzen would definitely deal with Qing,
but not now.
And this decision could not be stated explicitly.
As for the Anbu… Qing and Haidao would no longer be able to stay.
Not just the Anbu,
but for any high-ranking positions in Konoha, especially those close to the center of power,
Sarutobi Hiruzen would never arrange for them.
Analyzing the enemy's situation without considering their own…
disobeying direct orders…
privately colluding with others to act against superior directives,
ultimately worsening their own side's position—
such individuals could never be trusted again.
How could Sarutobi Hiruzen reuse them?
Shaking his head,
Kazuki pushed these complicated thoughts aside.
"Well… should I bring a present for Tenten?"
Humming a tune, he walked toward her house, his steps light with excitement.
Hokage's Office
Sarutobi Hiruzen watched Tsunade with a smile as she sat before him, her expression already showing impatience.
"Tsunade, stay this time. Don't leave without a word again."
"Old man, I told you already—I just came back for a visit!"
Tsunade didn't hesitate to cut straight to the point with Hiruzen.
"I'm definitely leaving. Don't waste your time trying to keep me here. It won't work."
"Tsunade, I am the Third Hokage. I'm already old, and one day I'll be gone."
Hiruzen's tone remained calm and steady as he continued,
"There is no one in Konoha right now who can take the position of the Fifth Hokage."
"It's just the right timing—you're back, Tsunade. You can't run from this."
Tsunade immediately shook her head.
"No way, absolutely not!"
"Whoever wants to be Hokage can have it. But I'm not interested!"
"Tsunade, Konoha was built by your grandfather, the First Hokage, and your great-uncle, the Second Hokage. Do you really have the heart to watch it fall into decline?"
"Old man, I said I'm leaving! Don't try to guilt-trip me with that nonsense."
Tsunade's voice was firm.
"If you keep this up, I'll leave right now!"
Seeing her stubborn expression, Sarutobi Hiruzen sighed.
Being Hokage…
The highest position in Konoha.
One of the most powerful figures in the entire ninja world.
And yet…
Tsunade, can you stop being so difficult?!
"Alright, alright, I won't bring it up again."
He relented, shifting to a more serious tone.
"Tsunade, Kazuki was with you on this mission. Tell me everything in detail."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"What is there to say? Didn't Kazuki already report to you?"
"That's true, but…"
Tsunade smirked.
"Old man, didn't you just say there's no one to be the Fifth Hokage?"
"What do you think about that kid Kazuki?"
"I think he's pretty good!"
"He's reliable, strong—
The only drawback is that he's a bit young…"
"But that's fine, old man. Your health is still strong. You can keep working for a few more years."
"By the time you finally drop dead, Kazuki will be in his prime!"
Tsunade's eyes sparkled.
The more she spoke, the more convinced she became—
Kazuki was the perfect choice for the Fifth Hokage.
Sarutobi Hiruzen narrowed his eyes, watching Tsunade closely.
"You're certain… you didn't kill the enemy?"
"Of course not!"
Tsunade crossed her arms, looking at him incredulously.
"Old man, don't tell me you doubt Kazuki's strength?"
"He's an Anbu ninja. Are you really saying you don't know his power by now?"
"Even with the strength he's shown before… he has never reached such a level."
Hiruzen shook his head, exhaling deeply.
"This time, his opponent was Kakuzu."
"A man from the same era as the First Hokage."
"Not as powerful as Hashirama Senju, of course… but still…"
Kakuzu—
A ninja so infamous that even during Hiruzen's youth, he was already a legend.
Lived for so many years…
Five hearts…
In addition to the secret treasure of Takigakure…
To be honest, even Hiruzen Sarutobi, the Third Hokage, wouldn't confidently claim he could defeat Kakuzu in a head-on battle. And yet, Kazuki had returned from his mission carrying Kakuzu's severed head?!
This completely exceeded Hiruzen's expectations of the boy's strength.
Even though Kazuki had just given him a full report on the mission, he still found it hard to believe.
"Tsunade, are you sure you didn't help Kazuki take down Kakuzu?"
"Help? You think I had the time for that?" Tsunade scoffed. "You know my current situation, and you know why I left Konoha in the first place."
"When Kazuki was fighting Kakuzu, I was up against his partner—some lunatic who wouldn't die even after I cut off his head. I could barely protect myself!"
Sarutobi Hiruzen: "…"
Kazuki…
This kid…
Before he could think any further, Tsunade's irritation flared.
Known as the Slug Princess of Konoha,
Even though she had been away from the village for years, she still felt a deep connection to it.
That was why her temper kicked in so quickly.
"Hey, old man!" she snapped.
"Kazuki did an incredible job this time. You'd better not pull any tricks on him!"
"For someone this talented, even if you're not considering him as the next Hokage, you should at least give him a significant promotion!"
"Captain of the Anbu… tsk!" Tsunade clicked her tongue in annoyance.
That position was practically a death sentence.
Whenever trouble arose, Anbu were the first to be sacrificed like pawns.
Tsunade still owed Kazuki a favor for the tracking bow he had given her earlier, a weapon she found particularly useful. And she genuinely liked the way the kid carried himself—
Sharp, capable, and already quite powerful.
So she pushed the issue.
"What are you thinking?" Hiruzen sighed. "Do you think I scheme against my own people?"
"As Hokage, I have to be cautious of everyone…"
"But since you're so adamant about Kazuki, fine. I won't test his loyalty."
A small smile appeared on the Third Hokage's face.
"Let's not talk about the Hokage's successor for now,"
"But a promotion…"
"Hm."
"Kazuki truly accomplished something remarkable. He deserves it."
Of course, there was something Hiruzen didn't say.
Because there was still too much uncertainty.
According to Kazuki and Tsunade, their enemies had been wearing black cloaks with red clouds—
A uniform belonging to the same mysterious organization.
An unknown force.
Five hearts, seemingly unkillable—
A truly bizarre ability.
And this organization had recruited someone as dangerous as Kakuzu.
They couldn't afford to underestimate them.
More intelligence would be necessary.
Amegakure—Akatsuki's Base
Yahiko's body stood motionless, his glowing Rinnegan gazing down at the severed head of Hidan that had been brought back.
Nagato's voice was deep and grave.
"The Black Reaper…"
"Konoha… really can't be underestimated."
A rustling sound echoed through the dimly lit room—
Countless sheets of paper gathered, reforming into the graceful figure of Konan.
"Pain, what do you intend to do?" she asked.
"Isn't it obvious?"
"The Akatsuki has yet to officially make its move, and already, we've lost valuable comrades…"
"If we do nothing in response—
How can we expect the others to follow us with unwavering resolve?"
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