CHAPTER 259: TRAP WITHIN A TRAP!

The announcement of the Hokage selection process sent a wave of excitement through Konoha Village.

A new Hokage meant new leadership, new reforms—and new opportunities.

Few Hokage ever retained their predecessor’s full administration. Those with ambition or influence would soon find doors opening. Even the great clans began to stir, weighing how this shift might reshape their fortunes.

Among them was the Uchiha Clan.

"Clan Head!"

Yashiro burst into Fugaku’s office, breath uneven and eyes wide.

"What is it?" Fugaku asked, frowning at his urgency.

"An Anbu just delivered word—the Jonin vote will be held next week."

"The Jonin vote..." Fugaku rose from his chair, the weight of the news settling over him. Then, slowly, his lips curved into a faint smile.

"So it’s finally happening. If nothing goes wrong, Tsunade will be the next Hokage."

He exhaled deeply. "After all our clan has endured... perhaps the clouds are parting at last."

With Hiruzen stepping down and Danzo losing his influence, the Uchiha were poised for a long-awaited turn of fortune.

"Given Lady Tsunade’s temperament," Yashiro said eagerly, "Danzo won’t have a chance to return to power. Our clan can finally breathe freely again!"

"I only wonder whether Tsunade will deal with Danzo directly," Fugaku mused, sinking back into his seat. "If she does, the Uchiha should lend their support."

"We can have Itachi keep an eye on the situation," Yashiro suggested.

"Agreed." Fugaku nodded, then fixed his subordinate with a steady look. "Tell me, Yashiro—what’s the most important thing for our clan right now?"

"To cultivate a Hokage candidate?" Yashiro ventured.

"That’s important," Fugaku admitted, "but not the priority. What we must focus on now is returning to our original compound."

"Exactly!" Yashiro’s eyes lit up. "The Uchiha Clan should reclaim its rightful place in the heart of the village!"

After the Nine-Tails’ rampage, Danzo had forced them out of their central compound—under the pretext of security—to the outskirts of Konoha. It had been nothing short of exile, both politically and symbolically.

"Then what’s our move?" Yashiro asked, his tone steadier now.

"When Tsunade becomes Hokage, she’ll naturally reshuffle personnel." Fugaku’s gaze darkened. "We must secure as many of those new appointments as possible."

"That won’t be easy," Yashiro admitted. "Our reputation in the village is still—"

"I know," Fugaku cut him off with a faint smile. "But we’re not without leverage. Fortunately, our earlier investment in Kitazawa wasn’t in vain. When the time comes, we can rely on him."

"Clan Head, you’re as wise as ever." Yashiro grinned.

"I can hardly take credit," Fugaku said with a quiet chuckle. "It’s Kitazawa’s own rise that’s truly remarkable. His strength and influence have grown too fast to ignore."

"Indeed," Yashiro nodded. "The last ninja to rise that quickly was the Fourth Hokage himself."

"Tell me, Yashiro," Fugaku asked suddenly, eyes narrowing. "Do you think the Sixth Hokage could be Kitazawa?"

The question hung in the air.

For years, the Uchiha had dreamed of producing a Hokage of their own. Yet, for now, Kitazawa’s star burned the brightest in all of Konoha—his fame and skill eclipsing nearly everyone of his generation.

"...I think it’s entirely possible," Yashiro admitted after some thought. "Even Itachi, talented as he is, can’t match Kitazawa’s reputation."

"Then our gamble truly paid off," Fugaku said with quiet satisfaction.

If Kitazawa ever became Hokage, Izumi would be the student of a Hokage. And when Sasuke graduated, he could also come under Kitazawa’s tutelage.

That would give the clan not one, but two potential Hokage candidates.

Izumi’s chances might be slim—but Sasuke, with his natural talent, only needed the right environment to rise above his peers.

While the entire village buzzed with speculation about the next Hokage, Kitazawa himself was buried in work.

The reports, merit lists, and postwar evaluations had to be finished before Friday’s departure.

The original schedule covered five days—Wednesday through Sunday—but with Tsunade’s travel plans, they only had two left.

To keep up, Kitazawa had no choice but to create five Shadow Clones to share the workload.

By the time the sun dipped below the horizon, the room was dim, and fatigue gnawed at him.

When the clones dispelled one after another, the flood of shared memories and exhaustion hit him all at once. His mind throbbed with the weight of a full day’s worth of strain multiplied by five.

"Good work today, everyone," Tsunade said, stretching as she stood. "Let’s continue tomorrow."

Shikaku and Suzaku Nara exchanged nods and quietly left the office.

When they were gone, Tsunade turned toward Kitazawa.

Noticing his pale face, she reached out and pressed a hand to his forehead.

Kitazawa froze, instinctively glancing up—only to find her face too close to focus on properly.

A faint green glow spread from her palm, warm and soothing.

The fatigue melted away almost instantly.

"Go home and rest," Tsunade murmured, her tone softer than usual. She ruffled his hair lightly, almost like an older sister.

"...Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

Kitazawa could only smile faintly, feeling oddly at peace beneath her touch.

For once, even the tireless Kitazawa allowed himself a quiet moment of rest as the night came over Konoha.

"I’m home!"

Kitazawa pushed open the door, his voice echoing through the quiet house.

Kurenai, who had been practicing her jutsu, paused mid-motion. She stepped barefoot across the wooden floor toward the sound.

By the time she reached him, Kitazawa had already closed the door, changed his shoes, and pulled her into a hug—his hand giving her a playful pat on the hip.

"When I went out this afternoon," he said with a grin, "everyone was talking about the new Hokage."

Kurenai didn’t mind his teasing. Tilting her head curiously, she asked, "So, who is it? Do you know?"

Hiruzen had only authorized the Anbu to announce the villager and Jonin votes scheduled for next week. He hadn’t officially named Tsunade as the successor—procedures had to be followed, after all.

But most people already knew. Kurenai simply wanted to hear it from him.

"Who else could it be?" Kitazawa smiled. "It’s obviously Lady Tsunade."

Kurenai’s eyes brightened instantly. "So it really is her! Then you’ll be the Hokage’s student from now on!"

She knew full well what that meant.

Becoming the Hokage’s student was no small honor—it was an implicit acknowledgment as a future candidate for the title. And with Kitazawa’s current fame and ability, that future didn’t seem far-fetched at all.

Her own heart swelled with pride—and maybe a little mischief. The thought of being the Hokage’s wife one day made her pulse quicken.

Of course, she also knew better than to challenge Kitazawa in "combat." The gap between them was... too much. So, she tucked the thought away with a smile.

"I’ll cook tonight!" Kurenai declared, standing on tiptoe to kiss his cheek. "Let’s celebrate!"

"If it’s a celebration," Kitazawa said, blinking innocently, "how about you wear black stockings tonight?"

"I’m talking about something serious!"

"This is serious," he said without missing a beat.

Kurenai rolled her eyes, fighting a smile. "Then you’d better hope I’m in a good mood!" she huffed, turning toward the kitchen.

The next morning, sunlight streamed through the window.

Like the day before, Kitazawa headed to the Hokage Building for work.

"Lady Tsunade," he asked as they reviewed documents, "once you become Hokage, will you move to a new place?"

"I’m used to living here," Tsunade replied lazily. "Too much trouble to move. Besides, I can always freeload off your cooking."

Her tone was casual, but Kitazawa understood. The Senju Clan compound might’ve been her home once—but now it was empty, echoing with both fond and painful memories.

"Then it’s settled," Kitazawa said with a grin. "If you and Shizune-senpai moved out, the house would feel too quiet."

"Then I’ll come by for meals whenever you want," Tsunade said, glancing at him.

"No problem," he answered instantly.

"...?"

Shizune blinked, slightly confused. If Kitazawa was cooking... what was she supposed to do now? Was she about to be replaced in her own kitchen—and her position?

"Tomorrow’s Friday," Tsunade said after a moment. "We’ll leave for the Land of Fire’s capital at nine in the morning."

"Understood," Kitazawa and Shizune replied in unison.

"Shizune, you’ll stay home this time."

"Huh?" Shizune’s eyes widened. It was the first time Tsunade had ever gone on a mission without her.

Her heart sank. Was Kitazawa... taking her place?

"There’s a chance of danger," Tsunade explained calmly. "You’re a medical ninja—you don’t need to come."

"Danger? Wait..." Shizune’s expression shifted. "Is it because of Danzo?"

Kitazawa couldn’t help but laugh.

"What’s so funny?" Shizune asked, frowning. "Am I wrong?"

"No," Kitazawa said, shaking his head with a sigh. "You’re right on target. Danzo’s reputation precedes him."

"He brought it upon himself," Shizune muttered. "Every shady thing he’s done is part of that reputation. It’s hard not to think of him."

Then her worry returned. "Still, just the two of you? Shouldn’t you bring more people?"

"There’ll be Anbu escorts," Kitazawa assured her. "Nothing will happen."

"That’s... good." Shizune nodded, though she still looked uneasy. She wanted to go—but Tsunade was right. Against Root fanatics, her combat ability wouldn’t hold up. Worse, she might just become a liability.

By evening, most of the paperwork was finally done.

After days of effort, only a small portion—barely one percent—remained.

That last bit involved deciding rewards for the ninja who had made major contributions during the war.

"Shikaku," Tsunade said, handing over a folder, "distribute these rewards over the next couple of days. For the rest, we’ll finalize them next week."

"Yes, Lady Tsunade," Shikaku and Suzaku replied before exiting with the documents.

They’d be heading to the Konoha warehouse to collect jutsu scrolls, tools, and money to distribute according to Tsunade’s notes.

Tsunade leaned back in her chair, rubbing her temples. "I’m not even officially Hokage yet, and the workload’s already ridiculous. Once I am, I’ll be buried alive in paperwork."

To her, the title that others worshipped was little more than a gilded burden.

"You could always follow the Fourth Raikage’s example," Kitazawa suggested. "Set up secretaries."

Tsunade raised a brow, intrigued. "Secretaries, huh? That doesn’t sound half bad. If I hire enough, I won’t have to do anything myself."

Kitazawa chuckled. "A lazy Hokage—now there’s a first."

"Who says it’s not allowed?" Tsunade shot back, smirking. Then she added dangerously, "Fine, I’ll make you the only secretary. You can work every day without rest."

"Lady Tsunade’s leadership is truly inspiring," Kitazawa said straight-faced. "We can always add more secretaries, though—many hands make light work."

That earned a laugh from Shizune.

"Your personality really is suited for a secretary," Tsunade said dryly. "Shameless."

"How is that shameless?" Kitazawa countered. "That’s called adaptability."

Shizune, still chuckling, tilted her head. "But won’t the two Hokage Advisors oppose it? They’ve always managed things like that."

"Ugh, those two," Tsunade muttered, pouting.

She hadn’t dealt with Homura and Koharu in years, but her memories of them were crystal clear—smooth-tongued, cautious, always talking, never acting.

"They love giving opinions," she sighed, "just not taking responsibility."

"Lady Tsunade’s the Hokage," Kitazawa said confidently. "If they object, they can talk to the wall."

Tsunade smirked. "We’ll see about that."

Tsunade rubbed her temples, too tired to think any further. With a sigh, she stood up.

"Let’s go. We’re heading back."

As they walked, Shizune glanced at Kitazawa curiously.

"Speaking of which, Kitazawa—you made the biggest contribution this time. What kind of reward do you want?"

Kitazawa frowned slightly, thinking for a moment.

"You’ve got me there... I’m not really sure what I want."

Tsunade smiled faintly. "Think it over carefully. As long as it’s not an unreasonable request, Konoha will see it granted."

"Hmm," Kitazawa replied, nodding.

In truth, there were many things he lacked—but most of them weren’t things Konoha could provide.

His mind suddenly drifted to Wood Release.

Could he... request access to it? Perhaps claim he’d developed it through a combination of Earth and Water Release?

"Remember to inform Itachi," Tsunade reminded him.

"I’ll go now," Kitazawa said, glancing up at the dimming sky. "At this hour, he’s probably done for the day—should’ve gone home already."

After parting ways with Tsunade and Shizune, he took a different path.

He’d visited the Uchiha compound many times before, but tonight, it felt different.

Unsettlingly different.

The Uchiha were too friendly.

Along the way, people greeted him one after another.

Their smiles looked forced—awkward, like masks they weren’t used to wearing.

How to describe it?

Another kind of strangeness.

"Kitazawa."

At the entrance, Fugaku was already waiting for him, as if expecting his arrival. Beside him stood Itachi.

"Lord Kitazawa," Itachi greeted him formally.

Once, he’d called him "Kitazawa-sensei," following Sasuke’s example.

But now that Tsunade was soon to become the Fifth Hokage, Kitazawa’s status had risen with hers.

Itachi was Anbu—addressing him as "Lord" was only fitting.

"Clan Head Fugaku," Kitazawa said directly. "I’m here to ask for Itachi’s help."

"Whatever it is, speak freely," Fugaku replied readily. "The Uchiha will see it done."

"This matter is of great importance," Kitazawa said in a low, steady tone. "Please do not reveal it to anyone."

Fugaku and Itachi exchanged brief glances, a flicker of surprise in their eyes.

Could this be an early sign? Before Tsunade even took office, the Uchiha Clan was already being trusted with key missions?

"Of course," Fugaku said solemnly. "No one else will hear a word of this."

"Lady Tsunade departs for the Capital tomorrow," Kitazawa said. "Itachi, you and your team will provide covert protection."

"Yes," Itachi responded without hesitation.

But as he answered, the same thought that haunted Fugaku flashed through his mind—

Kitazawa was treating this too cautiously. Could it be... he knew someone planned to attack Tsunade?

And if so, who else but Danzo?

Itachi’s eyes darkened. A silent fire lit within him.

This could be the chance to avenge Shisui.

Fugaku’s expression, too, was laced with quiet satisfaction.

If Danzo died, no one in Konoha would ever dare target the Uchiha again.

"We depart at nine tomorrow morning," Kitazawa said with a faint smile. "See you then."

He turned and left without lingering.

Fugaku watched his back disappear into the night.

"Itachi, our chance has come. You must seize it."

"I understand," Itachi said firmly.

"If Danzo dares to make a move on Tsunade... eliminate him." Fugaku’s tone dropped to a cold murmur.

He feared Tsunade might hesitate out of sentiment for Hiruzen Sarutobi.

But Itachi shook his head. "Lady Tsunade definitely won’t show mercy."

He’d been on missions with her—he knew.

She despised Danzo.

"Good," Fugaku said simply.

Yet, he couldn’t hide the growing smile on his face.

If Danzo weren’t still alive, he’d have gathered the entire Uchiha clan for a banquet.

No one understood better than they did how much Danzo had persecuted them.

Being forced out of their ancestral compound—that was Fugaku’s greatest humiliation.

Land that had belonged to the Uchiha since Konoha’s founding...

Lost under his leadership.

But if Danzo fell, the clan’s honor could be restored.

And Fugaku could face his ancestors with pride once more.

Kitazawa returned home, unaware that his visit had completely altered Fugaku’s path.

But that was how people were—

Every decision, every emotion, shaped by countless unseen influences.

In the original timeline, Fugaku never had the chance to strike down Danzo.

Nor did he live to see Tsunade rise as Hokage.

Shimura Clan Compound

"Lord Danzo," a Root operative kneeling before him reported. "They’ve already departed."

"How many?" Danzo asked flatly.

"Two people," the operative said, then hesitated. "But an Anbu squad follows them."

"Follow as well," Danzo ordered. "Do not act until I give the signal."

Even if it was a trap set by Tsunade and Kitazawa, he would spring it himself.

If he missed this chance—there might never be another.

"Yes, Lord Danzo."

Danzo rose slowly, his cane tapping against the floor. He stepped outside, eyes narrowing against the morning sun.

"Hiruzen," he muttered, "if you are heartless, don’t blame me for being the same."

He had made all preparations to assassinate Tsunade—bringing along every Sharingan he possessed.

His only regret was not having access to Hashirama’s cells—or the power of Wood Release.

The surviving Wood Release user had already been taken under Hiruzen’s direct control in the Anbu.

Danzo had once reached out to Orochimaru for help stabilizing the cells, but it was too late now.

Besides, he never fully trusted that serpent.

Once he became Hokage, he’d have the village’s full resources at his disposal—to perfect both Hashirama’s cells and Wood Release.

Mangekyō Sharingan and Wood Release combined... he would be unstoppable.

As for Tsunade?

With his Mangekyō Sharingan—and the spare Sharingan for resurrection—he felt confident even against Hiruzen himself.

"Hiruzen... this time, you will regret it."

Danzo’s grip tightened on his cane, the wood creaking under his fingers.

He’d said those words countless times before—empty threats, petty rivalries.

But now? Now they meant something.

Tsunade was Hiruzen’s prized student—the Hokage he had chosen.

If she died... Hiruzen would truly regret it. Perhaps for the rest of his life.

And for once, Danzo would stand victorious.

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