The entire shinobi world had been thrown into turmoil.
The chaos that erupted in Konoha reverberated far beyond its borders, putting every major village on high alert.
Orochimaru's audacious invasion had done what few could — his actions alone forced every other Hidden Village to strengthen their defenses and double their patrols.
In Konoha, a somber atmosphere lingered over the village. The funeral for the Third Hokage had just concluded. Inside the Hokage's Office, the remaining high-ranking officials gathered — summoned by the Second Hokage himself.
Senju Tobirama's expression was cold, his gaze sharp and disapproving as it swept across the room. These were his disciples — the very people who now held Konoha's highest authority.
Not a single clan representative sat among them.
Power and politics, it seemed, had fallen neatly into the hands of his "students."
And they guarded that power jealously.
The Impure World Reincarnation could only sustain him for a limited time — three months at most. When that time expired, Tobirama would return to the Pure Land.
Until then, he intended to use every moment to restore order to Konoha — to cleanse its corruption and choose a worthy successor for the title of Hokage.
His stern eyes fixed on Danzō.
"Danzō," Tobirama said, voice like ice, "I hear you've established an organization called Root. A rather grand name. Tell me — are you plotting rebellion?"
His words cut through the air like a blade.
Having been briefed on recent events, Tobirama already knew the basics of what had transpired — especially about Danzō's covert foundation. The Root was, in essence, another ANBU, but one that did not answer to the Hokage.
And the ANBU were supposed to be the Hokage's personal force. Danzō's actions were nothing short of dangerous ambition — a bid for power bordering on insubordination.
Only Orochimaru and a few others knew Tobirama's presence in this world was temporary, yet his authority still weighed heavily over the room.
Tobirama's expression softened slightly as his mind shifted elsewhere. He had also learned of Tsunade's survival, which brought him some measure of relief amidst the chaos.
"Sensei, I would never dare!"
Danzō bowed deeply, voice low and reverent, though his heart churned with frustration.
Tobirama gave a faint grunt, his tone easing slightly.
"Very well. Then let us move on — we must decide who will succeed the title of Hokage."
The atmosphere in the room shifted immediately.
Everyone understood the gravity of this matter.
A village could not remain leaderless, not even for a single day. Without a Hokage, the hearts of the people would waver, and Konoha's stability would collapse.
Danzō's eyes flickered with ambition. His lips parted as if to speak, but he quickly lowered his head, suppressing his desire.
If Tobirama weren't here, he would have nominated himself without hesitation.
He had thought his moment had finally come… but with the Second Hokage alive, that hope was crushed beneath another towering shadow.
"I believe Jiraiya would be the best candidate," Homura Mitokado said after a moment of silence.
"His strength and qualifications speak for themselves. He was the Third Hokage's student and the Fourth Hokage's teacher — an ideal successor."
Utatane Koharu nodded in agreement.
"Yes, Jiraiya would be suitable."
Danzō's expression darkened. Even without nominating himself, the fact that neither of them had mentioned his name stung.
I am the most qualified one here, he thought bitterly.
"Jiraiya…" Tobirama murmured.
"That white-haired young man from before?"
He recalled the image — tall, capable, radiating confidence. Strong and straightforward. A man who commanded respect.
"Yes," Tobirama said after a pause.
"He would make a fine Hokage. Summon him."
An ANBU appeared instantly at his side and vanished just as quickly to carry out the order.
At that moment, Jiraiya was still in Konoha, mourning the death of his master.
Not long after, the door opened.
"What? You want me to be Hokage?" Jiraiya exclaimed, eyes wide.
"No, no, that's impossible! Me? Hokage?"
He waved his hands frantically.
"I can't sit behind a desk all day dealing with politics! I've got research to do, books to write—"
His voice trailed off under Tobirama's heavy stare.
Homura Mitokado spoke up firmly.
"Jiraiya, the village cannot be without a Hokage. At this moment, you're the only one who meets the qualifications."
In truth, Homura and Koharu's motives were self-serving.
By backing Jiraiya, they hoped to secure their own positions of influence under the new administration.
Jiraiya gave a strained smile, rubbing the back of his head.
"I'm really not cut out for this…"
Tobirama's eyes narrowed slightly. "What? You're unwilling?"
For a moment, Jiraiya faltered under that cold, commanding gaze.
Then Tobirama's frown eased, and he sighed faintly.
"Hmph. At least you're honest. I prefer that to false ambition."
Inwardly, the Second Hokage's opinion of Jiraiya rose. The man might lack desire for power, but he possessed integrity — a rare trait among those gathered before him.
He had never wanted to become Hokage in the first place — power was the last thing he desired.
"Nidaime-sama, I really can't do it," Jiraiya said with a wry smile.
"But as for qualifications, I do have someone I can recommend."
His words drew surprised looks from everyone in the room. Danzo, in particular, clenched his fists in silent fury. The position he had coveted day and night was within Jiraiya's grasp — and yet, the fool was throwing it away!
"Are you saying... Tsunade?"
Homura Mitokado and Utatane Koharu spoke in unison, instantly realizing whom Jiraiya was referring to.
"That's right," Jiraiya nodded firmly.
"Tsunade is far more qualified than I am. She's the most suitable person to lead Konoha."
"Tsunade?" Tobirama's brows rose slightly.
A faint smile crossed his face as an image of a small blonde girl with pigtails flashed in his memory. He couldn't help but wonder what his grandniece looked like now.
"But Tsunade isn't in the village," Homura interjected, sighing in exasperation.
It was absurd — one man refusing to be Hokage, and the only suitable replacement nowhere to be found.
Meanwhile, someone else's face (Danzo's) had already turned pale with anger.
Jiraiya chuckled awkwardly. The title of Hokage held no appeal for him.
He wasn't like Minato, whose dream had always been to protect the village from that seat. No — Jiraiya preferred to live as a writer, a wanderer, and a seeker of stories. That was his real calling.
Come to think of it, he'd been slacking lately — he hadn't gone "researching" in quite some time.
Regaining his composure, Jiraiya clapped his hands together.
"Since I brought it up, leave it to me! I'll find Tsunade and bring her back."
He patted his chest confidently, already thinking about how this journey could also serve as an opportunity to track down Naruto — and maybe gather new material for his next novel.
After all, even a Sage of Mount Myōboku needed to earn a living. Manuscript fees didn't write themselves!
The room fell silent. None of the elders objected, and Tobirama himself seemed satisfied. After all, Tsunade — as a Senju and his own granddaughter — was a natural fit for the Hokage's seat.
"Very well," Tobirama said, placing a firm hand on Jiraiya's shoulder.
"Until Tsunade returns, I'll temporarily serve as Hokage. One month should be enough time to bring her back, yes?"
"No problem," Jiraiya said with a grin.
"Leave it to me."
As Jiraiya turned to leave, Danzo's expression twisted. His thoughts churned with dark resentment, though he dared not let a hint of killing intent leak out — not while the Second Hokage was in the same room.
Outside the Hokage Office, Jiraiya sighed.
He had heard rumors about Tsunade's travels — her presence in the world had been diminishing over the years, her trail growing colder with each passing season.
Still, he'd find her. He had one month.
The title of Hokage... that was never meant for him. Jiraiya the Gallant was a great writer, a wandering ninja — not a ruler behind a desk.
...
Meanwhile, far from Konoha, Naruto remained unaware of any of this.
At that very moment, he stood quietly within the Uzumaki Clan's Hall of Masks, where countless Shinigami masks lined the walls, each one radiating a faint, eerie power.
...
TN:
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