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Chapter 366: Tsunade: Old Man, If You Can't Do It, Step Down from the Hokage Position
🕑 Added 2024-11-16 11:01:01 +0000 UTC"........"
The Third Hokage's indecisiveness was driving Tsunade to the edge of frustration, making her want to slam her fist on the table.
Old man, since when did you become like this?
When did you start living as the very thing you despised?
Damn it.
If I were Hokage, would Danzo and Sunagakure even have a chance to make a move?
For the first time, Tsunade had a thought cross her mind—she herself becoming Hokage.
The Third Hokage wavered, and even the usually loud-mouthed and outspoken Elders were all silent.
"Enough!!!"
Tsunade, her anger fully ignited, couldn't hold back anymore. She slammed her hands on the table, though she held back enough strength not to shatter it completely:
"Look at yourselves! It's really disappointing. If you can't even muster this much resolve, old man, then step down and make way for someone who can!"
"It makes me furious just looking at you all!"
"Uh........"
The Third Hokage was stunned.
Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado were equally flabbergasted.
Was Tsunade trying to force him to abdicate?
Was she intending to take the position of Fourth Hokage for herself?
Though, having Tsunade take over might not be a bad idea... certainly more reliable than Orochimaru.
Though both were the Third Hokage's students, if one had to be chosen as Hokage, Tsunade was the obvious pick.
Even Koharu, who usually disagreed with Tsunade on everything, would instinctively pick Tsunade over Orochimaru.
"Mobilize the troops as soon as possible. I'll make sure that Takuya returns soon, and as for the elder, I'll persuade him myself.
Also, old man, go to the Nara household and get Shikashige to lend a hand. It’s good for him to move around while he still can."
"Ahem, I’ll go prepare everything. We should be ready by tomorrow."
Homura glanced strangely at Tsunade before getting up and leaving.
Koharu, taken aback for a moment, also stood up:
"I'll go arrange for some medical-nin and prepare the necessary medical supplies."
Without waiting for the Third Hokage's approval, the two of them had already begun to take action.
"Tsunade, are you serious?"
After Koharu and Homura left, the Third Hokage gave Tsunade a stern look.
Still irritated, Tsunade responded impatiently:
"Serious or not, just look at what you've let the village become. And now even Orochimaru is making his own moves.
If none of you are capable, I'll step up. This village was built with my grandfather and granduncle's blood and sweat. I won’t allow anyone to destroy it."
"........"
Having said her piece, Tsunade snorted, standing up and leaving without giving the Third Hokage any face.
If you can't do it, step aside, and don't whine to me about it. I'm tired of all this nonsense—I’ve had enough.
The Third Hokage stared blankly as Tsunade walked away, the sting of her words lingering.
The Anbu hidden in the shadows were left sweating nervously.
They weren't worried that Tsunade was plotting some coup; they were simply terrified by what had just transpired.
Who became Hokage wasn't their concern.
If the Elders and the Hokage himself didn't object, what could they, mere subordinates, possibly say?
As the war approached, the village began mobilizing its shinobi.
Supplies were gathered in haste, and teams were dispatched.
Orochimaru, stationed at the Eastern camp, stared at the scroll on his desk for what felt like an eternity. Jiraiya, sitting nearby, was in visible distress, pulling at his hair in frustration.
They hadn’t even finished the current battle, and now Sunagakure had declared war on Konoha.
Konoha was facing a two-front war, against both Mist Village and Sunagakure. The pressure was unimaginable.
Was this a hammer blow for Orochimaru's ambitions to become Hokage?
Takuya guessed that Orochimaru must have been silently cursing his fate by now.
Confidently leading the forces, engaging in countless skirmishes with Yagura, ending up in a confusing defeat—and just as they were still recovering, Sunagakure declared war.
This had undoubtedly made Orochimaru's aspirations to become Hokage that much harder to achieve.
Luckily, Takuya wasn't directly affected by any of this.
He had come to the command center to get Orochimaru’s signature. The village had sent a summons, instructing him to return.
Orochimaru had no reason to hold up Takuya’s reassignment, and promptly stamped his approval.
"You’ve worked hard, Takuya-kun."
"Not too bad, really."
Compared to others, Takuya felt he had it pretty easy.
As long as he wasn’t focused on glory or making a big name for himself, there wasn’t much pressure.
"It's too bad. We wanted to go with you, but only you got the transfer orders."
Takuya was leaving, but Minato and Nawaki had to stay at the coastal frontlines. Neither of them was too happy about it.
They wanted to follow Takuya to the Land of Rivers to take on Sunagakure.
The fight against Mist Village had been frustrating and grating.
"You two just stay here and enjoy the sea breeze while I head back to the village for some good food."
With a chuckle, Takuya left, deliberately stoking their envy.
That’s just low—totally unfair!!
You couldn’t just leave, you had to rub it in our faces. You’re impossible, Yagami Takuya.
With Minato and Nawaki glaring after him, Takuya departed.
Around the same time, Tsunade arrived at Sakumo Hatake’s residence.
Sakumo wasn’t surprised by her visit. The commotion in the village had been impossible to ignore.
Sakumo had guessed what was happening: a new war was coming.
Otherwise, Konoha wouldn't be mobilizing this many shinobi, especially just days after sending out reinforcements.
"I assume you've noticed the mobilization of the village's shinobi, elder. Sunagakure has broken the peace treaty and declared war on us."
Tsunade didn’t beat around the bush or try to play on emotions. She got straight to the point.
"The old man is at a loss, the Elders can't be relied on, and so I, Tsunade, have come to seek your help. I have already recalled Takuya from the frontlines; he will arrive tonight. Troops and supplies are prepared. All that remains is your nod, and the forces can move out.
"And, by the way, the old man has managed to convince Shikashige Nara to join you at the border."
During the Second Great Ninja War, Sakumo and Shikashige had worked well together—one managing the camp, the other leading the charge.
That’s why Tsunade had the Third Hokage personally request Shikashige to come out of retirement.
"The moment Sunagakure declared war on Konoha, a new Great Ninja War began. Who knows—we might soon be facing Iwagakure and Kumogakure as well.
"The Land of Fire is wealthy, and I wouldn't put it past them to take advantage of the situation."
"If anyone can do it, you can..."
Sakumo was tempted. Though he was determined to retire, he couldn’t ignore his duty.
He couldn't stand by while his village and the Land of Fire were trampled by enemies.
Shaking her head, Tsunade spoke sternly:
"I do not trust Danzo. As long as he's around, problems will keep arising in the village. I don't even trust the Elder Council, and frankly, I can't fully rely on the old man either.
"I can't leave the village, but I can guarantee you won’t be hindered in any way.
"Not by Danzo, not by the Elders, not even by the old man."
"........"
Sakumo was speechless for a moment, unsure how to respond to Tsunade's overwhelming assertiveness.
