The Hokage Building's conference room fell silent as the jonin took their seats. This was the moment everyone had been waiting for—the new Hokage's first major decisions.
Fugaku Uchiha settled into his chair, mind already working through the implications. The Uchiha controlled the Police Force, but the clan had bled heavily during the Third War. With Tsunade's encouragement, they'd brought in outsiders. Now only a third of the original force remained, though they held the key positions. Would this new Hokage—barely more than a child—redistribute power?
Hiashi Hyuga sat with practiced calm, though his thoughts mirrored Fugaku's. The Hyuga had nothing. The caged bird seal ensured their loyalty stayed internal, making them a liability to any Hokage seeking unified village strength. But Hanekawa was different. He was Hinata's teacher. Perhaps that changed things.
Shikaku Nara raised an eyebrow, already seeing the pattern. If Hanekawa favored his students' clans, the Uchiha and Hyuga might actually align. That could be... problematic.
Sakumo Hatake's thoughts drifted elsewhere—maybe Kakashi needed a girlfriend. The Hatake line was thin. These things mattered.
"I hope this doesn't drag on for hours," Kushina muttered to Minato.
"Tsunade's student," Minato replied with a knowing smile. "Efficient meetings are practically guaranteed."
The door opened.
Hanekawa entered with ANBU operative Haru at his back. No Tsunade—she'd already vanished to the casinos, confident her successor could handle anything.
"Skip the formalities," Hanekawa said, settling into the Hokage's chair. "First order: Shikaku Nara becomes Hokage Advisor."
Shikaku's eyes widened. Advisor? The position was second only to the Hokage himself. The Ino-Shika-Cho alliance had finally broken through.
Fugaku and Hiashi exchanged glances—envious, but understanding. Their clans were too powerful. Giving them such positions would make the Hokage nervous.
"Second: The Advisor position is replaced with a Secretary role. Kurenai Yuhi takes the position."
Kurenai smiled from her seat. Hanekawa had warned her two days ago. Around the room, knowing nods appeared. Precedent existed—Hiruzen had elevated his teammates, as had Tsunade. Now it was Hanekawa's turn.
"Third: Medical Department established. Manages Konoha Hospital, expands medical training. Nohara Rin heads it."
Rin trembled as she stood. "I'll do my best!"
She'd refused initially, doubting herself. Hanekawa had convinced her otherwise. Even now, anxiety gnawed at her—but the precedent made it acceptable.
"Fourth: Mining Department. Same status as ANBU and the Police Force. Hyuga Hizashi leads it."
Hiashi's expression shifted from confusion to barely-concealed delight. A real department, real power. The Hyuga were being trusted.
Hizashi straightened. "Yes, Lord Hokage!"
But his mind immediately snagged on a problem. He was branch family. Would this sudden elevation cause friction with the main house?
"Fifth: Financial Marketing Department. Manages village commerce and all departmental salaries."
Confused looks rippled through the room. Business? Since when did ninja villages run businesses?
Hanekawa didn't name a head. The position hung empty—a puzzle piece waiting for the right fit.
"Sixth: Transportation Department. Road construction and infrastructure. Asuma Sarutobi leads it."
Asuma's eyes went wide. Him? A department head?
Shisui's expression flickered with envy. Hanekawa had given him nothing.
"Remaining departments stay as-is. I'll brief you on specifics later. Organize your staffing." Hanekawa stood. "Meeting adjourned."
"Yes, Lord Hokage," they answered in unison.
His style was pure Tsunade—efficient, decisive, no wasted breath. They were already accustomed to it.
---
Back in the Hokage's office, Hanekawa found Kaguya Ōtsutsuki sprawled in his chair, mask removed, staring out the window with those unsettling Byakugan.
She turned at the sound of his footsteps.
"I need to work," Hanekawa said, pinching her cheek with a smile. "You have to move."
Kaguya rose without protest and surrendered the seat.
"Do you remember your job?" he asked, picking up a document.
"Protect you," she said flatly, positioning herself behind him.
"When others are present, do it secretly."
"Understood."
Her appearance was too striking for masks to help. Better to keep her out of sight entirely. Fortunately, Kaguya had no interest in anyone but him.
Hanekawa smiled at the thought. Having the final boss as your personal guard had a certain appeal.
Then the notification appeared:
[S-Rank Talent Entry: Konoha's Behind-the-Scenes Manipulator (Acquired)]
[Trigger Condition: Secretly control Konoha]
[Effect: Perfect awareness of all movement within Konoha's boundaries]
Hanekawa blinked. He'd forgotten about this entry entirely. When he became ANBU commander under Tsunade, the conditions had seemed too complicated. And with Tsunade as Hokage, there'd been no need to operate from the shadows.
Now? He was the Hokage. Technically, he controlled everything openly. Yet the system had triggered it anyway.
Honest system, he thought wryly.
He tested the effect.
His perception expanded across the entire village in an instant. Tsunade at the casino, placing bets. Mei Terumi in her quarters, muttering complaints. Rin at her new desk, anxiety radiating off her. Kurenai walking toward his office.
But it wasn't like normal sensing. It was intimate—as if he stood beside each person, seeing their expressions, reading their micro-reactions. Like playing a game with perfect information.
This is broken, Hanekawa thought with satisfaction.
He came back to himself and felt warmth at his ear.
Kaguya's tongue traced the delicate shell, her expression blank as a cat's.
"Kaguya," he said, raising an eyebrow. "Someone's coming. Hide."
She withdrew her tongue, licked the corner of her mouth, and vanished like smoke.
"What a troublemaker," Hanekawa sighed.
The knock came moments later.
"Come in."
Kurenai poked her head through the door, smiling. "Good morning, Lord Hokage."
"Little Secretary," Hanekawa greeted. "What brings you?"
"Drop the 'little,'" she said, hands on hips. "We're the same age."
"Then, lovely Secretary," he corrected, taking her hand and drawing her close.
"Much better." She laughed, settling into his lap.
A faint fragrance surrounded her. Hanekawa's left arm circled her waist while his right hand found her thigh—bare skin above the white bandage wrapping.
"How's the handover with Shikaku going?" he asked, stroking gently.
"Smoothly," she said, already accustomed to his touch. "Very smoothly."
"Then why visit?" He smiled. "Did you miss me?"
"I didn't," she insisted.
"Lying is punishable." He delivered a light slap to her rear.
"I didn't lie!" She retaliated, reaching for his head.
He caught her wrist, leaned forward, and kissed her. She melted into it, confused and flustered, until he felt resistance and pulled back.
"That's your punishment," he said.
"I... I came because I want to change offices," she admitted quietly, face flushed.
"Change offices? The staff room isn't good enough?"
"It's too far from yours," she explained.
"Still claiming you didn't miss me?"
She opened her mouth, remembered his earlier touch, and said nothing.
"You have a point though," Hanekawa conceded. "My secretary should be close by. Take the office to my left."
"Really?" Her face lit up.
"Starting now, if you want."
"I'm moving in!" She jumped up and practically skipped from the room.
She really hasn't grown up, Hanekawa thought, watching her go. But that was fine. He already had the cool, commanding Kaguya and the sultry Samui. Kurenai's cheerful energy balanced things perfectly.
He stood to leave, then felt a wrist catch his own.
Kaguya materialized beside him, expressionless.
"I'm going out briefly," he said. "Back soon."
"I will accompany you. Protection is my duty."
Of course it is. Hanekawa felt a headache forming. Flirting with Mei Terumi while Kaguya watched?
Actually... that might work.
"Fine. But stay hidden."
---
The Flying Thunder God technique deposited them outside Mei Terumi's quarters.
Hanekawa glanced at Kaguya. She vanished without a sound.
He opened the door.
"Who—you pervert!" Mei spun around, her voice sharp with indignation.
"I think you're the pervert," Hanekawa said with a smile. "Black stockings at home? Aren't you worried about the smell?"
"Bastard!" She kicked at him.
He caught her foot, sniffed it playfully. "Smells fine to him."
"Impossible!" She tried to pull free, lost her balance, and fell backward.
Hanekawa caught her easily. Her body trembled against his, her fair skin flushed.
"Pervert!" She shoved him away, straightening her blue tube-top dress.
"I just saved you," he said, settling onto the sofa.
"I wouldn't have fallen," she snapped, crossing her arms.
"True. But we should discuss your attitude problem."
"I'm the Mizukage now, not your maid!"
"And I'm the Hokage," he replied calmly. "Your attitude could start a war."
She fell silent.
"Besides," he continued, standing and approaching her, "you owe my maid a lifetime of service, if I recall correctly."
"I... that's..." She turned away, guilty.
"How long do you think that is?" He tilted her chin toward him.
"I don't... know..."
"I came because I missed you," he said softly. "But your attitude is disappointing."
Something flickered in her eyes—vulnerability beneath the defiance.
"Little maid," he whispered, his gaze dropping to her lips.
"What are you—"
He kissed her.
She stiffened, then responded awkwardly, her breathing quickening, her eyes growing watery. His hand pressed against her chest, and she trembled, too weak to resist.
He felt the slight tingle of her power responding to his touch.
Not bad, he thought. Mizukage-level presence.
As his hand moved toward her collar, Mei finally snapped back to awareness.
She stepped back, face burning, staring at him with flustered eyes.
Behind the curtain, unseen, Kaguya Ōtsutsuki watched with her characteristic blank expression.
---