The Ninja World.
Land of Fire.
Konohagakure.
Following the Third Great Ninja War and the Nine-Tails' Attack, the village had settled into a period of relative calm. Major events were few and far between.
However, as a new day dawned, two shocking pieces of news began to spread like wildfire across Konoha.
The first revolved around the delegation from Kumogakure.
It was rumored that, under the cover of darkness, a Kumogakure ninja attempted to kidnap a young member of the Hyūga clan—only to be slain on the spot. Reports suggested that the Cloud delegation tried to use this incident as leverage against Konoha, attempting to pressure the Third Hokage into a compromising position.
Yet, their scheme was thwarted by the Uchiha Police Force, led by none other than Uchiha Bai Ye. Once again, the Uchiha Guard had defended the village, reinforcing their indispensable role.
By contrast, this incident highlighted Hiruzen Sarutobi's inaction in the eyes of the public.
Whispers spread through the village, comparing the competence of Uchiha Bai Ye with the perceived weakness of the Third Hokage.
The second piece of news was much more uplifting.
One of Konoha's Legendary Sannin—Tsunade Senju, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, Hashirama Senju, and a figure revered throughout the ninja world—had returned to the village.
Excitement buzzed through the streets.
Ever since the Senju Clan's decline during the Second Great Ninja War, Tsunade had left Konoha, disheartened by the losses she endured. But despite her absence, her name never faded.
Among the Sannin, Tsunade's influence was arguably the most significant. As a descendant of the Senju, she represented more than just a powerful kunoichi—she was a symbol of Konoha's legacy.
Now, rumors claimed that Tsunade had accepted a role within the Uchiha Guard, heading its medical division.
Many villagers dared to hope:
"Does this signal a turning point? Could Konoha be on its way back to its prime?"
People were eager to see her.
Meanwhile…
A lively street in Konoha.
Inside one of the largest casinos, an unmistakable voice rang out.
"All in!"
The gamblers in the hall turned to stare in disbelief.
"…Wait, is that Tsunade-sama?"
"My God, she's gambling first thing in the morning?!"
"Hahaha! That's Tsunade-sama for you! What dedication!"
Yes.
The Legendary Sucker, Tsunade Senju, was completely absorbed in her one true nemesis—gambling.
Having just experienced an emotional reunion with her loved ones, she had decided to cut loose and relax.
Political schemes? Hidden motives?
Who cares?!
Right now, she just wanted to enjoy herself.
As Tsunade reveled in the thrill of the game, a shadow loomed near the casino window.
A hunched figure stood there, his expression frozen in shock.
Hiruzen Sarutobi.
He couldn't believe what he was seeing.
The woman seated at the gambling table, flushed with excitement, was undoubtedly Tsunade.
The Third Hokage was stunned.
When he first heard the rumors of her return, he had assumed they were an elaborate hoax.
But now…
Not only had she returned, but she had joined the Uchiha Guard—the most troublesome faction in the village.
A bad feeling crept up his spine.
Did Tsunade make a deal with Uchiha Bai Ye?
Of all people, Hiruzen had the most reason to be concerned.
After all, what had allowed him to hold onto the Hokage seat for so long?
Why was he able to suppress the Hyūga clan, support Danzō's actions against the Uchiha, and still retain absolute power?
The answer was simple.
During this era of transition, there had been no strong candidates to challenge him.
One by one, the potential successors had been removed from the equation:
Hatake Sakumo committed suicide.
Tsunade abandoned the village.
Minato Namikaze perished in battle.
Orochimaru defected, and Jiraiya wandered aimlessly.
With every major figure eliminated or absent, Hiruzen's grip on power remained unchallenged.
But now…
A true threat had returned.
If the Hyūga clan decided to support Tsunade as the next Hokage…
Hiruzen's worst nightmare could become reality.
BOOM!
His thoughts were interrupted by a loud commotion.
The voices of the onlookers snapped him out of his daze.
"As expected of Tsunade-sama, she lost five million already!"
"That's the fastest I've ever seen anyone lose that much!"
Tsunade's cheeks burned with embarrassment.
Rolling her eyes, she threw down the dice and stormed out of the casino.
Yes.
Five million gone.
She had barely sat down, and she had already lost everything.
Damn it.
She had assumed the five-million limit would be enough for some fun—but this new casino had way too many games!
Not to mention, she had a sneaking suspicion that the whole operation was tied to Uchiha Bai Ye.
Regardless, it was fun.
Stepping into the sunlight, she stretched and took a deep breath.
Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed a familiar old man.
A smirk curled at her lips.
He's aged…
Maybe it's time he finally steps down.
"You're back," Hiruzen greeted her with a warm, grandfatherly smile.
"Do you have time? I'd like to talk."
He was confident.
Surely, even if Tsunade disliked him, she wouldn't publicly reject a polite request from her former teacher.
Especially not in front of so many witnesses.
As a Senju, she would want to set an example of respect.
Just as he expected…
…she glanced at him briefly.
Then, without hesitation, she turned on her heel and walked away, her cloak billowing behind her.
Her lazily spoken words floated through the air.
"No time. I have work to do. My captain said I'll get my pay docked if I'm late."
And with that—
Tsunade Senju left Hiruzen Sarutobi standing in the dust.