Night had fallen over Konoha.
Tsunade lay sprawled across the sofa in the Hokage's office, completely spent. A faint blush still colored her cheeks as she caught her breath. Normally, she wouldn't drain the Yin Seal so carelessly—the technique was effective, but not without cost. Yet even without it, her physique surpassed most female ninja. She was a medical specialist and a taijutsu master, after all.
Today, however, she'd met her match.
And Hanekawa hadn't even used the Yin Seal.
She realized with a mixture of frustration and awe that she simply couldn't keep pace with him anymore. The reason was simple: he now possessed the physiology of the Ōtsutsuki clan. He was no longer entirely human—only someone like Kaguya Ōtsutsuki could truly withstand him.
"You're different today," she murmured, nestled against his chest.
"Different how?" Hanekawa asked, a faint smile playing at his lips. He could guess what she meant, but he enjoyed hearing her admit it.
He felt her soft, heated body against his, heard her racing heartbeat and rapid breathing. The reason was obvious—he'd finally surpassed even the legendary Sannin.
"Nothing," Tsunade snorted, refusing to concede.
"Are you really retiring?" Hanekawa asked, running his fingers through her golden hair.
"Mm." She sounded exhausted.
"You've only been Hokage for less than two years."
Tsunade couldn't help but complain. "It feels like ten years have passed."
Hanekawa chuckled softly, his hand drifting down to her smooth back. "How could it feel so fast?"
"Why all the questions?" Tsunade suddenly tensed, lifting her head to look at him. "Are you having second thoughts?"
"I'm worried you'll regret it," he said, though his eyes betrayed other concerns as she shifted against him, her form pressing against his chest with undeniable appeal.
Not again, he thought, feeling the familiar pull of desire.
Tsunade noticed his reaction immediately. She sprang up from the sofa like a startled bird, moving to a safe distance. Her eyes held a hint of wariness as she studied him.
If they continued, she'd have no choice but to activate the Yin Seal again. But this wasn't a life-or-death battle—there was no need.
"Kid!" she declared, already adjusting her clothes with practiced efficiency. "I'm heading back. You can just sit there and suffer!"
She was still irritated about being trapped in the Hokage's office all day anyway.
Without waiting for his response, she opened the window and vanished into the night.
"Still have energy to run?" Hanekawa shook his head, amused.
He'd had no intention of continuing—but Tsunade's appeal had made self-control difficult. As he sat up and dressed, an idea struck him. A bold one.
Normally, Tsunade would never accept him taking a second woman. But what if he made her want to suggest it herself? At least then she might accept Kurenai Yuhi without resistance. After all, Tsunade was well aware of his relationship with the Yuhi clan.
Worth a try, he thought.
After restoring the Hokage's office to perfect order, Hanekawa glanced at the night sky. No point going to Tsunade's place tonight—she'd need rest to recover. Instead, he made his way to the ANBU headquarters.
The office was still staffed. Samui looked up from her desk, surprise flashing across her face.
"Hanekawa?!" She stood immediately. "I thought you were in Rōran today."
"Plans changed," he said, removing her mask. "Still working?"
"Just finishing up." She hesitated. "Actually, I was waiting for you."
"Perfect. I need you to handle something."
Samui's eyes widened as she stood, and before he could finish speaking, her uniform fell to the floor.
Hanekawa blinked. I didn't mean—
But he wasn't about to correct her.
"Come here," he said instead, leaning back on the sofa.
She approached with a shy smile, settling onto his lap. Her Byakugan showed their characteristic rings as she looked down at him, hesitant to speak, focused entirely on pleasing him.
She soon forgot whatever she'd meant to say, lost in the moment.
Hanekawa found himself simply enjoying her efforts. Samui was remarkably responsive—energetic at first, gradually weakening, until finally she collapsed against him, exhausted.
"I'm... sorry," she whispered, embarrassed.
"Focus," he said, tapping her forehead. "I actually do have something for you."
Samui blinked, dazed. Wait... there really was something?
"First: prepare two ANBU uniforms and masks. We're getting two new recruits."
"Understood," she managed, her voice still breathless.
"Second: the Hokage is changing."
Samui's eyes widened. "Changing? But Lady Tsunade just became Hokage..."
"She wants to retire. I'm taking over."
"I see." Samui processed this quickly. Her best friend Mabui had the highest IQ in the Hidden Cloud—her first instinct was to suspect a coup. But on reflection, it seemed unnecessary. Besides, she'd heard enough about Tsunade's work ethic to believe the woman genuinely wanted out.
"That's all. Find Aoi tomorrow and brief her," Hanekawa said, kissing her forehead. "I should get you home."
"But I can continue—" Samui started, determination in her eyes.
"No. Rest." He lifted her carefully and placed her on the bed. "That's an order."
She looked at him with renewed passion, but her body refused to cooperate. Hanekawa disappeared using the Flying Thunder God Technique before temptation could strike again.
---
Outside, a powerful chakra signature flared.
Tsukihime had just returned from replenishing her energy and was familiarizing herself with her body. Kaguya Ōtsutsuki stepped forward, sniffing delicately.
"You went to another woman to reproduce," she stated flatly.
Hanekawa froze. Broken.
He'd forgotten about his clothes. With his power level, his aura would dissipate quickly, but fabric retained scent far longer.
"Are you angry?" he asked carefully.
"No." Kaguya's tone was cold and matter-of-fact. "With your status, multiple wives and concubines are normal. I read about it in the books Yuori gave me. Daimyo and nobles often kept harems."
Hanekawa stared at her. Is she... serious?
Her expression showed no deception. With her personality, she wouldn't bother lying—she simply stated what she thought.
His heart warmed. If Kaguya doesn't object, then maybe...
"You're very kind," he said, embracing her and kissing her gently. "I'll cook dinner."
Kaguya tilted her head, puzzled. Kind? I did nothing.
After dinner, Hanekawa visited Kurenai's house, prepared a meal for her, and waited until she slept before returning. Another sleepless night followed.
As dawn broke, he wrapped his arms around Kaguya's form.
"We're going to ANBU headquarters today," he murmured.
"Mm." She stroked his head gently.
After breakfast, Hanekawa brought both Kaguya Ōtsutsuki and Tsukihime to the ANBU office.
"Hanekawa, I—" Samui began, then stopped abruptly.
Her gaze fixed on Kaguya Ōtsutsuki. The woman radiated an aura unlike anything Samui had ever felt—a presence that made her instinctively recognize a being of far higher existence. The Byakugan, the horns... Is she even human?
Hanekawa sighed internally. As expected. Kaguya's too distinctive.
"Samui," he said smoothly. "These two are joining ANBU. Here are their uniforms."
He handed her a scroll. Samui accepted it professionally, though her curiosity burned.
"Your task today is to help them familiarize themselves with Konoha," Hanekawa continued. "You know the village well enough by now."
"Yes, understood," Samui replied.
"Goodbye, Dad," Tsukihime said cheerfully, waving.
Samui's eyes widened. Dad?
"I'll explain later," Hanekawa said quickly, coughing. "When I have time."
After they left, he reviewed the documents on his desk. Aoi had worked quickly. The jonin meeting was scheduled for Sunday—a week away, giving traveling ninja time to return. The Daimyo's representatives were already en route.
Hanekawa stroked his chin thoughtfully. His S-Rank entry, "Unify the Ninja World," encompassed more than just the villages. It included the nations themselves. The Land of Fire Daimyo would be crucial.
He'd need to handle this carefully. Tsunade had connections to the Daimyo's family. Using a Sharingan to control them was possible, but crude. Better to let them save face voluntarily.
Or perhaps... the underground black market exchange. Whoever ran that operation likely had ties to the five nations' nobility. A convenient excuse, if needed.
Plenty of time, he thought. No need to rush.
---
Hyuga Clan Compound
"Neji shows excellent talent," Hiashi observed, watching his nephew practice basic Gentle Fist in the courtyard.
"His form is still quite rough," Hizashi replied modestly. "Hinata will likely surpass him."
"Hinata has Hanekawa as her teacher," Hiashi said with satisfaction. "Her future is assured."
"That was the best decision you ever made," Hizashi agreed enviously.
A young ninja approached urgently. "Clan Leader, ANBU has arrived."
Moments later, Aoi stood before them. "The Hokage has ordered all jonin to attend a meeting this Sunday. The purpose is to select Hanekawa as the Hokage."
Hiashi and Hizashi exchanged shocked glances.
"A jonin meeting... but really a vote," Hiashi murmured. "Why so soon?"
After Aoi departed, Hizashi sighed. "This is unexpected."
"Tsunade's tenure was always ceremonial," Hiashi replied. "And Hanekawa will be the youngest Hokage in our history."
"Likely the longest-serving too," Hizashi added.
Hiashi nodded with satisfaction. "This is excellent for the Hyuga clan. Hinata automatically joins the Hokage lineage now."
---
Training Ground One
"Why are there no S-Rank missions?" Asuma complained, sprawling on the grass. "I'm bored out of my mind!"
After the Third Ninja War's conclusion, peace had settled over the ninja world. High-difficulty missions had become scarce.
"Peace is a good thing," Shisui said with a smile.
"You could join ANBU like Hanekawa," Shizune suggested.
"My brother's already ANBU captain," Asuma scoffed. "Besides, I'm not becoming Hanekawa's subordinate!"
"Then your chances of becoming Hokage are slim," Shizune said bluntly.
Asuma opened his mouth to respond when footsteps approached. Aoi delivered the same message.
Asuma's face went pale. "Hanekawa's becoming Hokage? How is that possible?"
Shisui felt excitement bloom in his chest. Of all the Hokage in history, Hanekawa had the closest relationship with the Uchiha clan—even better than Tobirama had managed.
---
Namikaze Residence
Minato had just returned from a Land of Water mission with Team Three. He handed baby Naruto to a reluctant Kakashi while he and Kushina prepared dinner.
"Teach Naruto the way of youth!" Guy declared enthusiastically.
Please don't, Minato thought.
When Aoi arrived with the news, Kakashi froze. He'd known Hanekawa would become Hokage eventually, but not this soon.
Minato felt a pang of regret. He'd been a competitor for the position, but the competition had been entirely one-sided.
"Minato?" Kushina squeezed his hand.
"I'm fine," he said honestly. "Hanekawa is the most qualified."
---
Sunday Morning - Hokage Building Conference Room
The jonin assembled by nine o'clock. Tsunade wasted no time.
"No need to delay. Let's vote now," she said curtly.
Everyone present understood this was a formality. The outcome was predetermined.
Nara Shikaku distributed voting papers. Within thirty minutes, the results were tallied.
Unanimous approval.
All that remained was the Land of Fire Daimyo's official recognition and the succession ceremony. The villagers' vote would follow, though with Hanekawa's reputation, it would be a mere formality.
The Hokage had been chosen.