A New Snake In The Shinobi World-Chapter 308 -

Danzo quickly processed what Hiruzen meant by recommending Tsunade as Hokage.

Why Tsunade?

According to Hiruzen's character, wouldn't Jiraiya or Namikaze Minato be better options? Even if not them, wouldn't Sakumo have been a more suitable candidate?

So why had it suddenly fallen to Tsunade?

"The Reanimation Jutsu? Orochimaru?" Danzo muttered to himself, a realization dawning on him. "So that's it!"

In mere moments, Danzo pieced together the entire puzzle.

Reanimation Jutsu was a complex technique for most, but for researchers like the Second Hokage or Orochimaru, it was almost trivial.

Danzo had long suspected that Orochimaru was behind the appearance of the reanimated ninja during the recent war, including the First and Second Hokages. But why Orochimaru, a known rogue ninja, would return to assist Konoha was a mystery he couldn't solve.

Now, hearing Hiruzen recommend Tsunade as Hokage, Danzo connected the dots.

"Orochimaru, that cunning snake, has played his cards well," he thought grimly.

---

Conference Room.

When the daimyo heard Tsunade's name, he immediately recognized it.

"Tsunade? Isn't she one of your disciples?"

"Yes," Sarutobi confirmed.

"Oh?" The daimyo and his advisors exchanged glances, nodding thoughtfully.

Tsunade's reputation preceded her. Although she was a woman, her title as the Master of Medical Ninjutsu wasn't given lightly. As one of the legendary Sannin, she had invaluable war experience and held significant influence.

A rare and exceptional talent.

With the Third Hokage's endorsement, it seemed obvious that she was the right choice.

The daimyo glanced around the room. "What do you all think?"

Koharu and Homura, Hiruzen's loyal advisors, nodded in agreement without hesitation.

With their approval, the rest of the room quickly fell in line. Even Danzo, to everyone's surprise, voiced his support.

---

Half a month later, the Hokage Succession Ceremony was held.

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Beneath the Hokage Building, the streets were packed with a massive crowd.

Ninjas from all clans—Aburame, Hyuga, Inuzuka, Uchiha, and more—gathered to witness the momentous occasion.

Above, on the Hokage Building, stood the village's leadership: the Third Hokage, Koharu, Homura, and Danzo, along with Jiraiya and Namikaze Minato.

Tsunade, wearing her iconic green jacket with the word "Gamble" on the back, stepped forward. On her head was the Hokage hat, bearing the kanji for "Fire."

She glanced at the enormous crowd below, took a deep breath, and sighed.

"Orochimaru... so many people have gathered here for this moment, yet you're nowhere to be seen," she murmured to herself.

"Tsunade."

"Hm?"

Hiruzen stepped forward, his expression solemn. "It's your turn now."

Though Sarutobi hadn't initially wanted Tsunade to take on the role, he carried himself with the dignity expected of a former Hokage.

Tsunade nodded and walked toward the edge of the building.

She raised her hat, her voice ringing out loud and clear:

"From this day forward, I will lead Konoha Village as its Fourth Hokage!"

Her words echoed through the streets, reaching every corner of the crowd below.

In an instant, the villagers erupted into cheers.

"Long live Hokage-sama!"

"Long live Hokage-sama!"

The chants of "long live" filled the air as thousands of Konoha ninjas raised their fists in celebration.

In that moment, Tsunade had truly claimed her place as Hokage.

Her status as one of the Sannin, her unparalleled strength, and her contributions to Konoha made her more than worthy of the title.

Among Konoha's current roster of ninjas, only a select few could even come close to matching her in prestige, strength, and qualifications.

Jiraiya, Sakumo—perhaps. But none of the others, including Hyuga Hiashi, Uchiha Fugaku, or even the rising star Namikaze Minato, could surpass her.

For Tsunade to take the position, there was no room for dispute.

"What an inspiring moment..." Jiraiya muttered, standing among the leadership. Folding his arms, he added, "If Orochimaru were here, this title would probably have been his..."

---

Two kilometers away, atop a mountain overlooking Konoha, a flat boulder sat nestled among the trees.

On the boulder, two figures were seated.

In front of them was a small wooden table, upon which rested a pair of screens.

On the screens, the live broadcast of the Hokage succession ceremony played.

Orochimaru, seated casually, observed the scene with mild amusement. Beside him, Kushina fidgeted restlessly.

"Orochimaru-sama, we're already so close to the village. Why don't we just return?"

"Return?" Orochimaru raised an eyebrow. "I'm a rogue ninja now. How can I just stroll back in?"

"But with your strength..."

"Returning would only create more trouble for Tsunade," Orochimaru interrupted.

"At a time like this, with her taking on so much responsibility, the last thing she needs is me causing problems."

Kushina hesitated. "But... she needs your help now more than ever!"

"You're right. She does need help," Orochimaru admitted, his golden eyes narrowing slightly as he gazed at the screen.

A Hokage wasn't just a figurehead. They needed loyal confidants, trusted advisors, and capable subordinates to maintain control of the village.

Minato had relied heavily on Kakashi. For Tsunade, her assistant had always been Shizune.

But in this timeline, due to Orochimaru's interference, Tsunade's relationship with Shizune wasn't nearly as close.

Now, with no inner circle to support her, Tsunade was isolated.

And if she wanted to truly consolidate her power in Konoha, she would need to address many unresolved issues—Danzo's ambitions, the growing tension between the Uchiha clan and the village, and much more.

As Orochimaru pondered these matters, a sudden sound interrupted his thoughts.

"Who's there?" Kushina turned her head sharply, her body tensing.

A figure emerged from the shadows of the forest, leaping onto the mountaintop with ease.

It was a woman wearing a short-sleeved uniform, a ninja sword strapped to her back, and a Konoha forehead protector on her head.

Upon seeing Orochimaru, the woman dropped to one knee, bowing her head in deference.

"Lord Orochimaru," she said firmly.

Orochimaru's expression shifted ever so slightly.

"Mikoto?"

***

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