Talent System In The Naruto Universe-Chapter 161. The Path to Becoming Hokage

Hiruzen Sarutobi took a long time to regain his composure.

He stroked his beard, pondering the benefits that Hanzō's death would bring to Konoha.

The most immediate benefit was the removal of a significant threat.

Without Hanzō, the Hidden Rain Village was no different from smaller ninja villages like the Hidden Grass or Hidden Hot Spring.

Should they seize the Land of Rain?

Hiruzen briefly entertained the idea but quickly dismissed it.

The Land of Rain's unique position would provoke resistance from both the Hidden Sand and Hidden Stone Villages.

Moreover, the country experienced constant rainfall and lacked abundant resources, meaning it would rely on financial support from the Land of Fire—a costly and impractical endeavor.

Hiruzen then shifted his thoughts to Tsunade.

By taking down Hanzō, her reputation would undoubtedly soar to new heights.

If she aimed to become Hokage, she was now the most likely candidate for the position.

Hiruzen carefully considered this and found no reason to oppose it.

Tsunade had all the qualifications: strength, fame, status, and the right temperament.

Orochimaru and Jiraiya were unlikely to perform better in the role than she could.

Sakumo Hatake, while strong, lacked the ideal background and personality.

As for Minato Namikaze, he was too young—better suited for the role of the next Hokage.

Hanekawa, however, could be groomed for the position of Hokage after that.

Judging by his performance in the battle against the Salamander, his capabilities were on par with Tsunade's.

"Looking at it this way, Konoha's future is incredibly promising," Hiruzen mused, nodding in satisfaction.

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With successors lined up for the next three generations of Hokage, Konoha could look forward to decades of stability—a legacy to which Hiruzen felt he had significantly contributed.

"Sei," Hiruzen called out to the ANBU ninja before him. "Spread the news of Tsunade and Might Duy's victory over Hanzō."

He intended to give Tsunade a boost within Konoha.

Besides, such a monumental event deserved recognition.

After all, Hanzō had killed countless Konoha shinobi with his poison during the Second Great Ninja War.

His death meant long-awaited vengeance was accomplished.

"Yes," Sei replied with a nod.

"And include Hanekawa's defeat of the Salamander," Hiruzen added.

While Hanzō's fame was immense, the Salamander was also widely feared.

Since they were spreading the word, both feats should be highlighted.

"Understood," Sei replied before leaving.

"Now I must decide on their rewards," Hiruzen muttered, rubbing his forehead.

Rewards typically included jutsu, ninja tools, or monetary compensation.

Tsunade lacked nothing except money, so while it might seem mundane, financial compensation would suit her best.

For Tsunade's three students, he would likely grant them new jutsu.

As for Might Duy, his promotion to Chūnin had already been proposed.

But having defeated Hanzō, merely making him a Chūnin seemed inappropriate.

A promotion to Jōnin didn't seem fitting either since Duy specialized solely in taijutsu.

The best option was to promote him to Special Jōnin.

---

Raikage's Office, Hidden Cloud Village

"This is truly incredible news," Dodai said, unable to contain his amazement.

"Hanzō has grown old and is no longer as strong as he once was," the Third Raikage said calmly. "What concerns me is Konoha's next move."

"Indeed," Dodai agreed, his expression turning serious.

Mabui glanced at the scroll, lost in thought.

While the Third Raikage and Dodai focused on Hanzō's death, they overlooked the fact that the Salamander was also killed—by someone familiar to them: Hanekawa.

Mabui sighed, her mind drifting to Yugito Nii.

Ever since her defeat by Hanekawa, Yugito had been training obsessively.

Even though she hadn't used her Tailed Beast's power in that battle, the crushing loss still haunted her.

"Mabui, what's your opinion?" the Third Raikage asked.

"Konoha will likely take no further action," Mabui replied after gathering her thoughts. "They stand to gain the most by simply waiting."

"It seems the real danger lies with us—the Hidden Cloud," Dodai remarked grimly. "The Hidden Sand is ahead of us, and now Konoha has gained a powerful ally in the Hidden Rain."

The intelligence report clearly stated that Tsunade and Might Duy had killed Hanzō to assist the Akatsuki.

It was almost certain that the Akatsuki would take control of the Hidden Rain Village, making it a strong ally of Konoha.

"It doesn't matter," the Third Raikage said dismissively, exuding confidence. "The Hidden Rain Village is insignificant and poses no real threat."

---

The Hidden Stone, Hidden Sand, and Hidden Mist Villages also received the news.

The Hidden Sand Village was preoccupied, mobilizing shinobi and resources for their ongoing conflict with the Hidden Cloud.

For them, the death of Hanzō was a mixed blessing.

On the one hand, his absence removed a significant obstacle near their border.

On the other hand, once their war ended, they might face an even stronger Konoha.

The Hidden Mist Village was too far from the Hidden Rain Village, so apart from a few words of surprise, there was no notable reaction.

However, Mei Terumi held the intelligence report and thought about Hanekawa.

Although they hadn't seen each other in a long time, she still remembered the "damage" he had done to her wallet.

"You've definitely gotten a lot stronger!" Mei bit her lip, huffing lightly. "But I've become even stronger!"

She had not only mastered Water Release but had also begun to grasp two Kekkei Genkai techniques.

---

The Hidden Stone and Hidden Sand Villages shared similar thoughts: with Hanzō dead, one less trouble remained in the ninja world.

---

At a dark underground base.

The ground shifted as a humanoid, snow-white creature emerged from below.

"Lord Madara," White Zetsu said, looking at the elderly, white-haired man before him. "There's news you'll definitely find interesting."

"I thought I told you to monitor Nagato," Uchiha Madara said, glancing at him. "Did something happen to him?"

"No, he's fine. But Hanzō is dead, and the Akatsuki will be taking over the Hidden Rain Village," White Zetsu quickly explained.

"Who killed him?" Madara's eyes flickered with interest. "Was it Nagato?"

Though Madara rarely left the base, White Zetsu's surveillance kept him informed about the ninja world. He knew Hanzō's strength and history well. Few in the current ninja world could defeat him.

"It was Konoha shinobi—Tsunade and Might Duy."

White Zetsu described the battle briefly. He had been hiding at a distance and witnessed the entire fight.

Amid the chaos, no one noticed him. Once Hanzō fell, he left immediately to report back.

"The Eight Gates, huh?" Madara raised an eyebrow. "If I ever get the chance, I wouldn't mind testing its power."

Though he would never practice such an extreme life-risking technique himself, he was intrigued by its potential.

"Keep monitoring Nagato," Madara ordered.

"Yes," White Zetsu replied before vanishing into the ground.

"The Akatsuki needs someone to guide it," Madara mused, thinking of Obito Uchiha. "This war presents an opportunity."

---

Nightfall at the Akatsuki base.

Tsunade soaked in a bathtub, enjoying a hot bath.

Steam rose and filled the bathroom, forming a hazy mist.

Tsunade splashed water over herself, droplets falling on her smooth, pale skin before blending into the bathwater.

Turning her head, she spotted the raincoat Hanekawa had given her, placed not far away.

A tingling sensation ran through her, but she quickly dismissed it.

Such emotions didn't linger with someone like her.

She didn't dislike it, so she wouldn't stop it.

Whatever came of it, she was fine either way.

Letting out a sigh, Tsunade closed her eyes.

The warm water soothed her body, and a relaxed expression appeared on her face.

The mist, like a veil of light, concealed her curvaceous figure, leaving only a faint outline of her silhouette.

When the water began to cool, Tsunade stood up.

Clear water droplets slid down her body, tracing curves and splashing into the bath, creating ripples on the surface.

She stepped out of the tub and put on a bathrobe.

It was worth noting that the bathrobe belonged to Hanekawa, as Tsunade didn't carry such items while traveling.

"Sensei, dinner is ready," Hanekawa called from the dining table, smiling as he gestured for her to join him.

"I'll dry my hair first," Tsunade replied, snapping out of her thoughts.

"Eat first; I'll dry it for you," Hanekawa said, pulling out a chair for her.

"Thanks."

Tsunade didn't hold back and sat down.

Hanekawa walked behind her and extended his hands.

He suddenly felt a twitch in his eyelids.

The bathrobe Tsunade wore was slightly loose, its neckline slightly open.

From his angle, he could see her fair skin, the gentle slope of her chest, and faint blue veins beneath the surface.

"We'll head back tomorrow morning after breakfast," Tsunade said, picking up her chopsticks and placing a piece of chicken into her mouth.

The delicious taste made her relax.

"Got it," Hanekawa replied, swallowing nervously.

He felt as if the "pink tips" was about to break through its barriers.

Struggling to avert his gaze, he focused on drying her hair.

In no time, Tsunade's golden hair became fluffy and dry.

"All done, Sensei."

Hanekawa took the opportunity to pat her head lightly.

"Thanks," Tsunade said, taking another bite of her meal. She then asked, "Where are Kurenai and Rin?"

"They were too tired and have already gone to bed," Hanekawa replied, sitting across from her.

"You should get some rest too," Tsunade said, meeting his gaze.

"Alright," Hanekawa replied.

Hanekawa thought for a moment and said, "Goodnight, Sensei."

"Come here," Tsunade put down her chopsticks and gestured for him to approach.

"What is it, Sensei?" Hanekawa leaned closer, puzzled.

Tsunade's lips curled into a slight smile, and she immediately reached out with both hands and roughly ruffled his hair.

"..."

Hanekawa's expression froze instantly.

Damn it!

How could anyone dodge such an unexpected move?

"You patted my head earlier—this is payback," Tsunade said with a cheerful grin.

But to Hanekawa, she looked incredibly smug and annoying.

Fine. I can't beat her now, so I'll remember this for later.

"Goodnight!" Tsunade said, her face full of smiles.

"Thank you, Sensei!" Hanekawa replied through gritted teeth.

---

The Next Day

At the entrance to the Akatsuki base.

"Lady Tsunade, won't you stay a few more days?" Yahiko asked, trying to persuade her.

"We're not members of the Akatsuki. Staying here would only get in your way," Tsunade replied, waving her hand dismissively. "You're busy. No need to see us off."

With that, she turned and left decisively.

"Truly a woman of action," Yahiko remarked, feeling he hadn't even had a chance to get a word in.

"Lady Tsunade is indeed an extraordinary woman," Konan said, her eyes thoughtful. "It's no wonder she's an idol for so many female shinobi."

Unlike Hanekawa, Konan didn't know Tsunade well. But during their brief time together, she had formed a positive impression.

Powerful, decisive, and straightforward—not the kind of schemer Hanzō had been.

"Indeed," Nagato nodded in agreement.

---

Two days later, the group finally returned to Konoha.

"The weather in Konoha really is the best," Kurenai said happily. "Bright and sunny—no more of that annoying rain!"

"I'll handle the registration," Rin volunteered.

"Lady Tsunade!"

The two gate guards immediately recognized Tsunade and greeted her excitedly in unison.

"Hmm," Tsunade responded with a slight nod.

"I'll notify everyone right away!" one of the guards said, dashing toward the village while shouting, "Lady Tsunade has returned!"

"What's going on?" Tsunade asked, confused.

She'd returned to the village before, but nothing this over-the-top had ever happened.

"Lady Tsunade, the whole village knows you defeated Hanzō. Everyone's eager to see you!" the remaining guard said enthusiastically.

"..."

Tsunade's lips twitched.

There was no doubt in her mind that this was Sarutobi Hiruzen's doing.

With such a grand announcement, could the old man really be trying to push her toward becoming Hokage?

The thought gave her a headache.

She had no desire to become Hokage, but for some reason, things never went as she wished.

Turning instinctively, she glared at Hanekawa.

It's definitely because of this jinx's bad luck!

"...?" Hanekawa blinked innocently, confused by her glare.

What's going on now?

"Lady Tsunade, I've completed the registration. Please proceed," the gate guard said promptly.

"Hmm," Tsunade replied, snapping back to reality, and headed into the village.

---

Before long, she saw a large crowd gathered on both sides of the road, waiting for her.

Seriously? Tsunade thought, exasperated.

"Lady Tsunade!"

The next second, deafening cheers erupted.

The villagers waved and shouted their admiration, creating a festive atmosphere like a holiday celebration.

Although the official announcement credited both Tsunade and Might Duy with defeating Hanzō, the latter was virtually unknown.

Tsunade, as one of the legendary Sannin, was universally recognized for her strength. Naturally, the villagers assumed she had led the battle, with Might Duy playing only a supporting role.

Faced with this hero's welcome, Tsunade could only smile and wave in response.

To her, the path to the Hokage's office suddenly felt like a walk toward the Hokage's seat itself.

---

At the Uchiha clan residence.

"What's all the commotion outside?" Uchiha Fugaku asked as he stepped out of his room.

"Lady Tsunade has returned to the village," a nearby Uchiha shinobi replied.

"That much fanfare?"

Fugaku's thoughts raced as he quickly summoned Uchiha Mikoto. "Mikoto, take some gifts and pay her a visit."

As the clan leader, Fugaku had to maintain an image of impartiality and couldn't openly curry favor with Tsunade.

But Mikoto, already on good terms with Tsunade, could do so without raising eyebrows.

The Uchiha weren't the only ones taking action—other major clans like the Hyūga and the Ino-Shika-Chō trio made similar arrangements.

None of them were foolish.

Such a grand reception couldn't have formed spontaneously; it was clearly orchestrated with Hiruzen's blessing.

With the Hokage's approval, they couldn't afford to sit back.

---

Elsewhere, Danzo Shimura seethed with frustration.

"Dammit!" he growled.

The cheers outside were like nails driving into his heart.

He could feel his chances of becoming Hokage slipping further and further away.

For now, though, the Hokage seat wasn't his primary concern—his survival was.

He had tried to shift the blame for recent events onto Hiruzen, but the Hokage clearly didn't buy it.

After all, Root operatives were trained through brainwashing; how could they possibly be manipulated?

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