The Hokage's office was quiet except for the soft rustle of paperwork. Tsunade pushed Hanekawa into the chair with a satisfied smirk.
"Congratulations. You're the Hokage now."
"Technically, you still are for two more days," Hanekawa pointed out, settling into the seat that suddenly felt far too large.
"Details." Tsunade waved a hand dismissively. "Why? Got somewhere to be?"
"The casino?"
She didn't even bother denying it. "When I'm not on a mission, even being Hokage won't stop me. I've earned it."
Hanekawa couldn't argue with that. After everything she'd sacrificed, a little gambling was the least he could offer. He stood and produced a passbook, sliding it across the desk.
"Consider it a mission bonus."
Tsunade's eyes lit up as she examined it. The corners of her mouth rose despite her best efforts to stay composed. "What's the catch?"
"No catch. Pick me up tonight?"
She glanced at the numbers again, licked her lips, and nodded. "You're on."
After she left with a satisfied tap to his forehead, Hanekawa sat back down. Becoming Hokage felt... anticlimactic. Everything had gone too smoothly. But for Konoha, this was monumental—a decision that would shape the village for decades.
The news spread through the village by afternoon. No controversy. No resistance. His strength and record had erased any concerns about his age.
By evening, the entire ninja world knew.
---
Hidden Cloud Village
The Fourth Raikage stood with arms crossed, his demeanor far more measured than it had been a year ago. Capture and defeat had a way of teaching humility.
"Should we send representatives to the succession ceremony?" he asked Mabui.
"We should," she replied without hesitation. "Even without an invitation. Skipping it would be worse than attending."
The Raikage nodded grimly. "Who?"
"You and I will go. We need to assess what's changed now that Hanekawa holds the Hokage's seat."
"And the chakra cannon?"
"On schedule. Six months, maybe less."
The Raikage's expression darkened. If only we'd finished it before the war. But regret was a luxury he couldn't afford. The Hidden Cloud would rebuild. They had no choice.
---
Hidden Mist Village
Mei Terumi crushed the scroll in her fist, her knuckles white.
That bastard.
She'd taken her first kiss. Her first kiss—and then vanished like smoke. The irresponsibility was infuriating. She took several deep breaths, forcing calm.
Hokage. Fifth Mizukage.
Their positions made them enemies by default. The thought twisted something in her chest.
Then she smiled coldly. "Why should I accept this?"
She'd go to Konoha herself. Celebrate his promotion. Give him a piece of her mind. And maybe—maybe—figure out what came next.
Her hand drifted to the anklet hidden beneath her boot. The gift he'd given her. Perverted, yes. But still a gift.
What should I give him?
---
Hokage's Office, Later That Afternoon
A knock interrupted Hanekawa's review of village reports.
"Come in."
Samui entered, then hesitated. "Yu—Lord Hokage. The ANBU received requests from other villages. They want to attend the ceremony."
"Let me see."
She handed over the scroll. Hanekawa scanned the names: Hidden Cloud, Hidden Stone, Hidden Sand. All the major powers checking in, assessing the new regime.
"Mabui's coming too," he noted.
"She wants to know if your attitude toward the Cloud has changed," Samui said carefully. "That's her real purpose."
Hanekawa met her eyes. "Does that bother you?"
"I'm a Cloud ninja," she replied, sidestepping the question with practiced ease. "But I'm not hiding it from you, so there's no betrayal."
He smiled at her cleverness. "Smart."
When she stepped closer, he reached out and squeezed her thigh. "Stockings today?"
"Long pants," she said, then added smoothly, "I can change. Black or white?"
"Not necessary." He patted her rear firmly. "Why do I feel like I'm not very impressive in your eyes?"
She trembled slightly, then lowered her head. The truth was, he was very impressive—almost unbearably so. But she kept that to herself.
"When Mabui arrives, pick her up," he said casually. "And tell Kaguya I've moved offices."
"Thank you," Samui said, genuine gratitude in her voice.
After she left, Hanekawa returned to his paperwork. The village needed reorganization. New departments. New positions. Kurenai as his secretary—that would raise eyebrows, but she was capable and smart. Nohara Rin would head the new Medical Department. Nara Shikaku would become second advisor.
The fragrance came before he saw her.
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki stood in the doorway, ANBU mask in place but her horns unmistakable.
"Get off work," she commanded.
"You go first. I have something to finish."
"Why?"
He stood and removed her mask, meeting those soft eyes. "Because I promised someone else I'd be late."
She didn't understand, but she accepted it. After a kiss that left her slightly dazed, she vanished into the night.
Hanekawa breathed out slowly. Too many women. This is going to be a problem.
But not tonight. Tonight, he had a promise to keep.
---
The Casino
Hanekawa appeared in a flash of golden light.
"Perfect timing!" Tsunade waved him over eagerly, already seated at a high-stakes table. "I can feel my luck turning!"
She absolutely cannot, he thought, but he smiled and took the seat beside her.
She was radiant with excitement, her skin flushed, her eyes bright. He let himself enjoy the moment—watching her win, feeling her grip his hand tighter with each victory.
When she finally paused to place another bet, he set up a subtle barrier and let his hand drift up her thigh.
Her body went rigid. "Don't mess around," she hissed.
"Your turn to bet, Teacher," he reminded her softly.
She glanced at the table, then gasped as his fingers found their target. Her composure cracked visibly.
"I... I bet big," she managed.
But when his hand moved higher, she finally snapped. "Let's go home!"
"As you wish, Teacher."
The Flying Thunder God Technique carried them both away in an instant.
---
By midnight, Tsunade had surrendered completely. The Yin Seal she'd tried to activate was forbidden by his touch, leaving her defenseless. She fell asleep in his arms, thoroughly defeated.
After waiting for her breathing to deepen, Hanekawa used the Flying Thunder God again.
Kaguya Ōtsutsuki's room was dark, lit only by moonlight. The moment he materialized, she wrapped around him like an octopus, already naked and waiting.
The night dissolved into something timeless.
---
The Next Day
The village voted on the succession. Unanimous approval, as expected. The Daimyo of the Land of Fire arrived by evening.
---
The Hokage Succession Ceremony
Nine in the morning. The square in front of the Hokage Building overflowed with ninjas and villagers. Hanekawa stood on the building's roof, acutely aware of the representatives from other villages.
Especially Mei Terumi. Even from dozens of meters away, he could feel the resentment radiating from her like heat.
I'll have to smooth that over later, he thought.
Tsunade approached with the Hokage's hat, her expression proud and satisfied.
"From now on, Konoha is yours, Hanekawa."
"I won't let you down, Teacher."
The crowd erupted in cheers.
And then—
[S-Rank Talent Entry: The Strongest Hokage]
[Trigger Condition: Become the Hokage]
[Effect: Fire Style power increased by 200%. Enemy Fire Style ninjutsu ignored.]
Hanekawa's eyebrows rose as he read the notification.
Well. That's broken.
He placed the Hokage's hat on his head and smiled at the roaring crowd below. The title fit perfectly.
The strongest Hokage. Not just in name, but in fact.