The gates of Konoha loomed ahead, warm and familiar under the morning sun. The group slowed their pace instinctively, taking a moment to soak in the sight.

Naruto's heart thudded with excitement, Home, they were finally home.

The guards at the gates recognized them instantly, standing straighter as they saw who was leading the group, Jiraiya of the Sannin, Kakashi of the Sharingan, and unmistakably… Tsunade.

Whispers began spreading like wildfire even before they entered the village.

"Is that Tsunade-sama?"

"She's back?"

"Could it be… Hokage?"

Tsunade kept her stride even, though Kakashi felt the faint pressure of her fingers brushing his hand lightly, a silent thank you for standing with her.

The streets of the village buzzed as people caught sight of them.

The villagers bowed slightly as Tsunade passed, some already beginning to cheer quietly, relief and hope blooming in their faces.

After the invasion, the village needed a symbol, a strong, steady hand to guide them.

And Tsunade was exactly that.

The Hokage Monument stood tall against the blue sky, freshly cleaned after the damage done during Orochimaru's attack.

At the base of the monument, the village's surviving officials, Jonin, and many civilians had gathered.

A platform was set up for the formal announcement.

Kakashi stood near the front, Anko and Kurenai casually close to him.

The three exchanged quiet, knowing smiles, a little private moment before things grew official.

Naruto and Sasuke stood nearby too, Naruto practically vibrating with excitement.

Tsunade stepped up onto the platform, facing the crowd with calm confidence.

Hiruzen's portrait was displayed respectfully off to the side, a reminder of the Third Hokage's sacrifice.

But today wasn't about mourning, it was about hope.

The Fire Daimyo, a tall man in formal robes, stood and addressed the gathered crowd.

"After careful consideration, and with the strong support of our Jonin Council, the village's leaders, and most notably Hatake Kakashi and Nara Shikaku, we have come to a decision."

He smiled warmly at Tsunade.

"Tsunade Senju, we humbly ask you to become the Fifth Hokage of Konohagakure."

The applause that broke out was thunderous. Even the stoic ANBU stationed around the perimeter nodded slightly in approval.

Tsunade bowed her head slightly, accepting the mantle without hesitation.

"For the village," she said simply.

Her voice was strong and clear, carrying easily across the crowd.

The villagers erupted into full cheers.

Kakashi's eyes softened with warmth as he watched her. All the things went well. This was exactly where she was meant to be.

He felt a small tug at his sleeve and glanced down to see Naruto grinning at him.

"She's awesome, Kakashi-sensei!" Naruto said loudly.

"Of course she is," Kakashi replied lazily.

Inside though, pride swelled in his chest.

Kurenai and Anko exchanged amused glances, clearly sharing Kakashi's happiness.

And Jiraiya? The poor Sannin had slumped against a post dramatically, muttering things about "handsome devils stealing goddesses" under his breath.

Naruto, ever the agent of chaos, leaned over with a mischievous smirk.

"Hey Pervy Sage, don't feel too bad. Don't forget what I told you earlier, that Kakashi-sensei also has two more girlfriends besides her, you know!"

Jiraiya let out a strangled whimper and dramatically collapsed into a ball. A passing old woman patted him on the shoulder sympathetically, assuming he was sick.

Kakashi just shook his head. It must be hard for him, but he doesn't care.

The ceremony eventually wrapped up.

Formalities were completed, documents signed, and cheers exchanged.

Tsunade made her way back inside the Hokage Building, her building now followed closely by Shizune.

But before she got buried under paperwork, she caught Kakashi's eyes and subtly tilted her head toward the inner courtyard.

He understood immediately.

A few minutes later, away from the noise, Tsunade and Kakashi stood together under the shade of an old cherry blossom tree that had somehow survived the invasion.

Tsunade exhaled slowly, rolling her shoulders. "I forgot how heavy the Hokage cloak is."

"I think it suits you." Kakashi stepped up behind her, his hands lightly massaging her shoulders.

She leaned back slightly into his touch, letting herself relax for the first time all day.

"Thank you, Kakashi," she said quietly.

"For standing with me."

"You never had to ask," he replied, his voice just as low. "I would've been here for you no matter what."

Tsunade turned around fully, facing him.

For a long moment, they simply looked at each other, no words needed.

Finally, Tsunade reached up and lightly traced the line of his jaw with her fingers.

"I hope you know," she said softly, "when the time comes for you to be Sixth Hokage, I'll be standing right beside you."

Kakashi gave her a charming smile.

"I'm counting on it," he murmured.

Kakashi sat down and pulled her onto his lap as he traced her beautiful face and her lips. Finally, Tsunade couldn't hold it anymore and pulled Kakashi into a deep kiss.

While enjoying the kiss, Kakashi's hands climbed the 106 mountain causing Tsunade to let out a muffled moan as she felt his hands.

….

Back near the tower, Naruto, Sakura, and Sasuke waited for them.

Well, Naruto was mostly bouncing in place while Sasuke leaned casually against a wall, with his arms crossed.

While Sakura stayed close to Saskue as always.

Naruto spotted Kakashi and Tsunade first.

"Yo, Kakashi-sensei! Grandma Tsunade!" he yelled.

"Call me that again, brat, and you're doing a thousand pushups."Tsunade's eyes twitched.

Naruto laughed, completely unbothered.

He sprinted over and grabbed Kakashi's arm.

"Are we gonna celebrate?!" he demanded.

"Maybe later. There's a lot to organize first." Kakashi chuckled.

Naruto pouted but didn't argue.

Sasuke just nodded he knew that the village was a mess.