"Greetings, Hokage-sama!"
Tsunade blinked. For a heartbeat, her lips trembled—not from fear, but from the sheer weight of the moment.
She stepped forward slowly, her gaze drifting up to the wooden panel behind the Hokage desk, where the portraits of past leaders were framed in quiet reverence.
Hashirama Senju. Her grandfather.
Hiruzen Sarutobi. Her mentor.
She skipped past another frame—her uncle—and let her hand rest gently on the desk.
"And now… it's my turn."
Shizune stepped forward with Tonton in her arms, gently draping the ceremonial robe over Tsunade's shoulders. The red-and-white Hokage cloak shimmered faintly under the soft lantern glow, the kanji for Fire Shadow catching the light.
From the side, Jiraiya smirked. "Told you you'd look good in that."
Tsunade arched an eyebrow. "Don't get used to handing out compliments."
Shikaku Nara stepped forward and gave a respectful bow. "The villagers are waiting. Shall we begin the procession?"
Tsunade closed her eyes briefly, then nodded. "Let's get this over with."
---
Outside — Hokage Rock Plaza
A massive crowd had gathered in front of the Hokage Tower. Whispers rippled through the villagers like wind through leaves.
"Is it true?"
"Tsunade-sama's back?"
"Already a new Hokage?"
Among the crowd stood familiar faces—Iruka, Konohamaru perched on his shoulders, Ayame from the ramen stand, and even a few curious merchants Haruto had joked with days before. Stories of the battle against Orochimaru had spread like wildfire—especially the name Haruto.
Then, the balcony curtains parted.
Tsunade stepped into the sunlight, her Hokage cloak flowing behind her. Jiraiya, Naruto, Haruto, Shizune, and the clan heads followed.
A gust of wind lifted the hem of her robe, revealing the glowing kanji for Hokage—like destiny shining through silk.
Gasps echoed. Cheers followed. Some people even cried.
Tsunade raised a hand. Silence fell.
"I, Tsunade Senju, accept the title of Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure."
Her voice was calm, powerful. A leader's voice.
"I will offer my strength, my skill, and my life to protect this village. I vow to heal what's broken… and destroy those who would break us again."
The crowd roared.
"Tsunade-sama!"
"Long live the Fifth Hokage!"
---
Haruto leaned toward Naruto with a teasing smirk. "So… still think we're not getting a big house?"
Naruto's eyes sparkled. "Mansion life, here we come, dattebayo!"
---
Hokage Rock — Later
Stonemasons chiseled carefully atop the cliff, outlining the Fifth Hokage's face. Tsunade's likeness was beginning to take shape.
She watched with her arms crossed and narrowed eyes. "If I end up looking like a lumpy potato, someone's getting fired."
Jiraiya chuckled beside her. "Can't promise anything. But maybe you'll be the cutest potato."
Tsunade smirked. "Keep talking, and you'll be the one hauling stone next."
---
Hokage Office — That Night
Tsunade slumped into her new chair, surrounded by towering stacks of paperwork.
She groaned. "Being Hokage is already a pain in the ass."
Haruto stepped in with two cups of tea. "You say that like you're surprised."
She accepted the cup. "Don't tempt me to make you the Sixth. Just to get even."
He leaned on the desk lazily. "Too pretty for politics, remember?"
Tsunade snorted. "Pretty? You're barely cute. The only thing worth staring at is your hair."
Haruto flicked his bangs playfully. "I'll take that as a win."
Tsunade returned to her papers, muttering. "Jiraiya's leaving tomorrow with Naruto."
Haruto blinked. "Wait, already?"
She nodded, scribbling her signature without looking up. "Training can't wait. Especially with what's coming."
A pause.
"…Hey," she said suddenly, glancing up at him.
"Hm?"
"Help me with this paperwork."
He raised an eyebrow. "Help you? I don't even know what half those symbols mean."
She sighed dramatically and set the pen down. "Tch… knew it. Useless."
Then she smirked. "But I'll let it slide. Tonight, I'm treating you to dinner."
Haruto blinked. "Wait, what? You're the Hokage. Shouldn't I be treating you?"
Tsunade shrugged. "Think of it as a thank-you. For being part of the reason I stood on that balcony today."
Haruto smiled, a little touched. "Well then… I'll let the Hokage pay. Just this once."
Tsunade chuckled softly. "Brat."
Haruto shrugged, sipping the tea he brought. "Fine. But I'm picking the place."
"If it's ramen, I'm throwing you off the Hokage Tower."
"Bold words from someone who just asked me out," he said, grinning.
Tsunade paused, eyes narrowing. "Careful, Haruto. I'm in a position of power now."
He laughed and bowed dramatically. "Yes, your legendary bustness—ahem, I mean—Majesty."
A chakra-enhanced paperweight whizzed past his head, cracking the wall behind him.
"Out!" she shouted, half-laughing.
Haruto ducked out of the office with a grin on his face. "Pick you up at eight, Hokage-sama!"
Once he left, Tsunade leaned back in her chair, exhaling deeply. The noise from outside was starting to fade as night took hold. From her window, she could see lanterns lighting up the village streets.
She touched the edge of her Hokage cloak.
"…grandpa," she whispered. "I hope you're watching."
---
Outside, in the cool of the evening
Haruto walked through the glowing streets, hands in his pockets. Lanterns bobbed overhead, and laughter echoed from a nearby tavern. A few shinobi passed by, nodding at him in respect.
Behind him, a familiar voice called out.
"Oi, Haruto!"
Naruto came sprinting up, nearly tripping over his own feet.
"Did you hear? Jiraiya's taking me out for serious training! Like… actual, next-level stuff!"
"I know," Haruto said with a nod. "You ready for it?"
Naruto beamed. "I don't know what he's gonna teach me yet… but whatever it is, I'll master it! Then I'll become Hokage even faster!"
Haruto ruffled his hair. "That's the spirit. But first, try to come back alive."
Naruto gave him a mock salute, then added seriously, "You'll look after the village while I'm gone, right?"
Haruto stared at him a moment. "Of course. That's what older brothers do."
Naruto grinned wide—and took off again, heading toward the training ground with energy to spare.
"Of course I won't,I don't give a damn about this village"