Jiraiya's originally lazy expression instantly froze.
His brows furrowed.
As though remembering something, his eyes became somewhat cold again.
"What unfortunate timing. I can't take on that role..."
Hiruzen became agitated.
Ignoring his body that was nearing death, he half-raised himself from the bed, his voice rising several degrees.
"This is not a request. It's a decision!"
"As my disciple and one of the legendary Sannin, if you can't shoulder the position, then who else can succeed the Hokage?!"
Looking at the aged teacher before him, Jiraiya suddenly found the situation somewhat ironic.
Once upon a time, Hidden Leaf had been overflowing with talent.
Among the legendary Sannin, Orochimaru had long coveted the Hokage position.
Among the younger generation, his own disciple Minato had once carried the village's hopes upon his shoulders.
And beyond them, there had also been the Uchiha, who had always longed for the Hokage seat, along with the other ninja clans.
But Hiruzen's desire for power had been too strong.
He had clung tightly to the Hokage position and refused to let go, even resorting to political struggles to maintain it.
Tsunade and Jiraiya themselves had left the village precisely because they did not want to be dragged into those political struggles.
He had wanted to coldly lay all of this bare.
Meanwhile, when he looked at his teacher, at those eyes filled with expectation and even carrying a trace of pleading...
In the end, his heart softened.
So even his teacher, the "Professor" who had once shaken the shinobi world, could fall to such a state?
Jiraiya remained silent for a moment before slowly speaking.
"Isn't there still another one among the legendary Sannin?"
"I'll go persuade Tsunade to return and take over the position of Hokage."
"That should solve the problem, right?"
Koharu and Hiruzen exchanged a glance before immediately nodding.
"Indeed, that child Tsunade is also very suitable."
"She is the granddaughter of the First Hokage, the disciple of the Third Hokage, and one of the legendary Sannin."
"Whether it's bloodline, strength, or prestige, she has more than enough to convince everyone."
Jiraiya nodded.
"Compared to someone like me who has no interest in sitting in that position, Tsunade is more suited for the Hokage seat."
"Well?"
Hiruzen remained silent for a while.
Finally, he slowly nodded.
"I understand. Please do it as fast as possible."
"I... don't have much longer left."
Jiraiya turned toward the window, preparing to leave by jumping out.
"Wait!"
Koharu suddenly spoke.
"I'm sending three Anbu with you!"
One of Jiraiya's feet had stepped onto the windowsill. Hearing this, he slowly turned his head, his cold gaze landing upon Koharu's face.
"There's no need to worry. I won't disappear without a word."
"Sending people to monitor me is rather unnecessary."
After saying that, he leaped out through the window.
Koharu opened her mouth, but ultimately said nothing more.
...
One month later.
Hidden Leaf Hospital, Hiruzen's room.
The door was pushed open.
Tsunade walked in.
She wore a tan-colored robe with a green haori draped over it.
Her gaze landed upon the frail old man lying in the hospital bed, and a trace of complicated emotion flashed through her eyes.
Shizune followed behind her, carrying Tonton in her arms while carefully closing the door.
The moment Hiruzen saw Tsunade, light suddenly returned to his eyes.
Within those cloudy eyes appeared a trace of relief and comfort.
"Tsunade... you came..."
Tsunade walked to the bedside but did not sit down. She merely stood there, looking down at him from above.
"Old man, you called me back just so I could see you looking like this?"
Hiruzen smiled faintly, though the smile was bitter and desolate.
Slowly, he raised a hand, wanting to grasp Tsunade's hand, but he barely even had the strength to lift it.
Tsunade paused for a moment before ultimately taking hold of his hand.
Looking at Hiruzen's condition, she still spoke:
"I'll succeed you as the Fifth Hokage."
"If you have any last words, say them all now."
Hiruzen opened his mouth and struggled greatly to speak.
His lips trembled, but no sound emerged.
At the side, Jiraiya could only lean closer and press his ear beside Hiruzen's mouth.
Using the last of his strength, Hiruzen spoke one word at a time:
"Ho... mu... ra..."
"Is... an... ama... teur..."
---
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