Shikkotsu Forest.
"... That's roughly the situation. For the sake of all sentient beings, I'm afraid I'll have to trouble you, Master," Kaze said politely, bowing slightly to Bunpuku in front of him after finishing his story.
Bunpuku was an admirable figure.
When he was young, he became the Jinchūriki of the One - Tailed Beast, often being neglected and looked down upon by those around him.
Later, he was imprisoned by the high - ups of Sunagakure and spent most of his life in a dark and windowless cell.
However, he always retained a childlike heart. He never complained about the village or blamed Shukaku.
On the contrary, he always strived to maintain a friendly relationship with Shukaku and even earned the recognition of this stubborn and proud guy.
Such a person deserved Kaze's respect.
"Since it's for the sake of all sentient beings, of course, I'll not hesitate," Bunpuku said slowly, with his hands clasped together.
"Moreover, this place is much more spacious than the prison in Sunagakure, and Shukaku can come out and have fun freely. How could I possibly refuse?"
Although he never held any grudges, he had always yearned for freedom.
"Woohoo! It seems that the beating I took before wasn't in vain. I'm finally free, haha!"
Hearing Shukaku's wild laughter in his body, Bunpuku showed a sincere smile on his face.
"It's really great that you're willing to stay," Kaze said with a smile.
It wasn't Kaze bragging.
Even if the Sage of Six Paths in his prime came to Shikkotsu Forest, he might not be a match for the mutated Slug Sage.
What about Madara Uchiha, Black Zetsu, Orochimaru...
If these guys dared to come, they'd just be sending themselves to the Slug Sage as easy targets.
Want to summon the Ten - Tails? Dream on!
When Kaze used to read some Naruto fan - fictions, he really wanted to complain.
The protagonist was a time - traveler and clearly knew that Madara Uchiha would summon the Ten - Tails.
But he just didn't make any early preparations and made all sorts of "blunders," allowing Madara to successfully summon the Ten - Tails and become the Ten - Tails Jinchūriki.
Then, when the world was on the verge of destruction, the protagonist would show up belatedly, being all - powerful and "saving the world" from Madara. Are you kidding me?
This is just ridiculous.
Wouldn't it be a great idea to eliminate one of the tailed beasts from the very beginning?
Kaze shook his head, suppressing his thoughts, and looked at Bunpuku beside him.
"Then you can get familiar with the place first. I'll go back and prepare some necessary supplies and bring them to you later."
"Okay, thank you, young man," Bunpuku nodded in response.
The environment here was a bit strange. He really needed some time to adapt.
Not long after,
The news that the three major ninja villages besieged Konoha, and Konoha ployed strategic maneuvers to make the three villages retreat shocked the ninja world.
And the long - lost Wood Release reappeared in the world.
The terrifying strength of the Shimura father and son, who single - handedly turned the tide of the battle, amazed the entire ninja world.
The two were the center of attention in the ninja world!
Hokage's office.
Looking at Tanzō, who was making a passionate speech, Hiruzen shook his head and said in a deep voice.
"Call it quits, Tanzō. Don't provoke a bigger war anymore."
Interrupted while speaking, Tanzō gave a cold snort and said indifferently.
"Hiruzen, you're no longer qualified to tell me what to do."
"..."
As Tanzō's voice faded, the office fell into silence.
Both of them were silent, their moods rather complicated.
Once upon a time, they both thought they had regained the friendship of their youth.
But now it seemed that was just a fleeting illusion.
From start to finish, they had been walking on different paths, without the slightest change all the time.
Nor were they likely to make any changes for each other.
"Stop this, Tanzō."
Suddenly, weariness welled up in Hiruzen's heart as he sighed and said listlessly.
"If you're willing to call it quits, the position of Hokage... will be yours from now on."
Hiruzen had thought Tanzō would readily agree.
But unexpectedly, Tanzō slightly closed his eyes, his pupils glinting with a dangerous light, and coldly asked.
"Are you pitying me, Hiruzen?"
After another long silence, Hiruzen slowly spoke up.
"Not so. Back then, both of us were capable of taking on the position of Hokage. I just happened to get there one step ahead of you."
"I've been the Hokage for so long. Now, it's time to hand the position over to you."
Tanzō's expression softened a bit.
After a while, he gave a soft snort and said, "Fine, then I'll grant your request."
"However, managing such a large village of Konoha alone might be beyond me. You can continue to assist me from the side in the future."
Hiruzen shook his head and flatly refused without a second thought.
"No thanks. You have so many capable people under your command. You don't need my help."
"I'm tired. Let's just... leave it at that from now on."
Although he had finally obtained the long - awaited position of Hokage, Tanzō didn't feel overjoyed. Instead, there was an empty feeling in his heart.
Hiruzen's refusal made everything seem... dull.
"Fine, then have it your way!"
Tanzō flicked his sleeve and strode out, not wanting Hiruzen to see the complex look on his face.
Before leaving, he still managed to leave a stubborn remark.
"This office will be mine from now on. Hurry up and clear out to make room for me."
Watching Tanzō's departing back, Hiruzen's heart was filled with mixed feelings.
"Tanzō..."
"Hiruzen..."
Has it really come to an end between us?
At the top of the Hokage Building was a platform used to hold various important ceremonies.
One morning, the area below the Hokage Building was crowded with people, all looking upwards with expectant expressions.
Under everyone's gazes.
Hiruzen slowly took off the Hokage hat on his head and handed it to Tanzō, who was also wearing a Kage robe beside him.
"Old friend, I'm entrusting Konoha to you from now on," Hiruzen said with a tinge of desolation.
Tanzō took the hat from Hiruzen's hand and said calmly.
"Since you're not willing to assist me, there's no need for you to concern yourself with future matters."
Tanzō stepped past Hiruzen, whose expression was complicated.
He walked step by step to the front of the platform and came into everyone's view.
He slowly put the hat on his head and looked at the Kage Rock in the distance that belonged to him. It was as if there was a fire burning in his heart.
"I, the Fourth Hokage, will definitely lead Konoha to prosperity from now on!"
Below the Hokage Building, the bustling villagers cheered loudly.
"Long live the Fourth Hokage!"
"Support the Fourth Hokage!"
"Lord Tanzō is so handsome! Are you short of a daughter - in - law... It's okay if it's a wife!"
Publicly, Tanzō led Konoha to win a remarkable battle and minimized the casualties of the ninjas.
It's hard to tell how many villagers were grateful to him and convinced by his leadership.
Moreover, Tanzō was a disciple of the Second Hokage and a friend of the Third Hokage. It was justifiable for him to inherit the position of Hokage.
Privately, Tanzō had served as the second - in - command for many years and had the backing of the Konoha F4 and numerous great clans.
Now that he was in charge of the Anbu, he had already removed all potential threats in advance.
So it was a certainty for him to assume the position of Hokage.
Tanzō's gaze wandered among the crowd and finally fixed on a lazy figure.
Their eyes met.
Tanzō's lips curled slightly, and he silently mouthed towards the figure.
"Unfilial son, see? Your father will be the Hokage from now on."
Humph!
Kaze sneered disdainfully, thinking that Tanzō was extremely childish today.
But deep down in his heart, he was still happy for his unfilial father.
"As the son of the Hokage, no one should be able to stop me from chatting up girls on the street from now on, right?"
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