Tsunade sat in the Hokage's chair, still feeling a strange sense of unreality.

She had never wanted this. Becoming Hokage had never been part of her plans—yet somehow, here she was.

Thinking back, it all started because of Kitazawa's idea of "Psychological Medical Ninja."

Curious, she had returned to Konoha to see it for herself.

And from that point on, fate had dragged her in step by step—until she could no longer leave.

Should she blame Kitazawa for this?

No… there was no need.

The more she thought about it, the more she realized she didn't actually mind it as much as she thought she would.

Now that things had come to this, there was no point in resisting. She was Hokage—whether she liked it or not—and all she could do was play the role for a while.

"Hokage-sama."

Kitazawa's calm voice pulled her from her thoughts. "You should probably issue another official announcement to confirm your appointment as acting Hokage."

"You handle it," Tsunade replied with a glance, waving him off.

Kitazawa hesitated for a moment. "Then I'll inform the Anbu."

Normally, such an announcement should come directly from the Hokage, but since Tsunade said so, he could only follow through.

"Wait, Kitazawa."

Tsunade suddenly smiled, realizing her tone had been a little too casual earlier. "Do you want to be the Anbu Commander?"

The Anbu reported directly to the Hokage, and the Commander's position was one of immense trust and power—previously held by figures like Kakashi, and Hiruzen's eldest son.

Kitazawa blinked. "Didn't you just say I'd be your secretary?"

"With your abilities, that would be a waste," Tsunade said with a grin. "The Anbu Commander suits you better."

She had already come to understand him well—sharp-minded, efficient, capable… and utterly unflinching when it came to decisive action.

If she had to describe him, he was like a version of Danzo who hadn't lost his humanity—ambitious but grounded by principle.

"That's fine by me," Kitazawa said after a pause. "But I'll still need to keep teaching my classes."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "You still want to teach?"

"The Genius Class represents Konoha's future," he said seriously. "Whether for my own reasons or for the village's sake, I can't abandon it."

He didn't mention the real reason—his students and the missions the system granted him—but Tsunade saw only the dedication of a teacher who cared deeply for the next generation.

Loyal and righteous. She couldn't fault that.

"The Anbu Commander doesn't go on missions often," she said generously. "You'll have time for both. When I need you, I'll let you know."

"Thank you, Lady Tsunade."

It was, honestly, the perfect arrangement.

He'd thought before about forming his own team of trusted subordinates—and as Anbu Commander, he could finally start. Even if the Anbu technically answered to the Hokage, there was no harm in cultivating a few loyal people of his own.

The host has become the Anbu Commander and must form a trusted team.

Mission: Cultivate four loyal subordinates.

Reward: Improved Caged Bird Curse Seal.

Accept?

Kitazawa froze for a second, genuinely surprised.

Of all times for a system mission to trigger, it chose now.

But what truly caught his attention was the reward.

The Caged Bird Seal—a seal of the Hyuga Clan, used to "protect" the Byakugan. In reality, it was a cruel tool to control the Branch Family.

The improved version, though… what could that mean?

Was it meant to be used on his own subordinates? But they wouldn't have Byakugan. Could it be similar to Root's "Curse of the Absolute Tongue"?

He couldn't tell. But he'd find out soon enough—once the mission was complete.

Still, gaining "trusted subordinates" wasn't easy.

He frowned—then noticed his mission progress bar was already at twenty-five percent.

"…Huh? When did that happen?"

After thinking for a moment, he realized it could only be Kurenai.

When the system had given her the Strength of a Hundred Seal mission, it had described her as his subordinate.

Well, that worked for him. A quarter done already.

"You should call her Hokage-sama now," Shizune teased with a bright smile.

Of all people, Shizune was clearly the happiest about Tsunade becoming Hokage. Finally, no more wandering across the continent chasing debt collectors.

Now that Tsunade was Hokage, there would be no more running—and no more gambling binges.

"You can all keep your usual titles," Tsunade said, waving her hand dismissively. "I'm used to it."

"Same here," Shizune said, laughing softly.

"Shizune," Tsunade said, glancing at her with a small smile. "You'll serve as the Hokage's secretary and assist with official duties."

"Of course."

Shizune had expected it—and honestly, she didn't mind.

After all, even if she weren't Hokage's secretary, she'd still be right by Tsunade's side.

"Kitazawa, the twelve Anbu who served under Danzo are now yours to handle," Tsunade said after a moment's pause. "Once they're dismissed, make sure to recruit new members to fill the vacancies."

"Yes, Hokage-sama."

Kitazawa's expression remained calm, but his thoughts flickered. Twelve Anbu vacancies… isn't this the perfect chance to cultivate my own loyal subordinates?

The only problem—he hadn't decided who to trust yet. Most of his connections were still at the Ninja Academy. Sasuke and the others were far too young to join the Anbu, and aside from Kabuto, there weren't many suitable candidates.

"For now, that's all," Tsunade continued after a brief silence. "Other appointments will wait until I officially take office as Hokage."

"When you issue the Anbu announcement," Tsunade said suddenly, "include Shizune's new position as well."

Once the notice went out, Shizune could officially take office.

As for Tsunade's own appointment as Hokage, it would still need to pass through several formalities.

Kitazawa's position, however, would remain classified. Anbu members—especially the Commander—operated in the shadows. Still, a few key figures in the village would eventually learn the truth.

"You've done enough for today," Tsunade said, her tone softening. "After the announcement, go home and rest. I have more to handle."

She had only just assumed office, and the mountain of responsibilities waiting for her was daunting. Meetings, reports, reorganizations—none of which Kitazawa could assist with.

After offering a brief bow, he took his leave and made his way to the Anbu Headquarters.

"Kitazawa?"

A familiar voice greeted him the moment he entered. Looking up, Kitazawa saw Asuma Sarutobi sitting behind a desk, cigarette between his fingers.

After the Twelve Guardian Ninja incident, Asuma had returned to Konoha and been reassigned to the Anbu under Hiruzen's arrangements. With his jonin-level strength and lineage, he'd naturally become the Anbu's Deputy Commander.

"Asuma-san," Kitazawa greeted politely.

"Why are you here?" Asuma asked with a grin. "Here to see me—or do you need something?"

"Captain Asuma," said Haru, who stood quietly behind Kitazawa. "Lord Kitazawa has just been appointed the Anbu's new Commander by Hokage-sama."

"What?"

Asuma blinked, stunned. "Wait—why would the old man…?"

It wasn't that Kitazawa was unqualified. On the contrary, his achievements during the war with Kirigakure were well known—he'd earned a reputation that outshone many jonin. Still, Asuma had assumed Tsunade would assign him a more advisory role.

He never expected Kitazawa to become his superior overnight.

"Hokage-sama Tsunade has also officially taken over as acting Hokage," Haru added.

The second revelation hit Asuma like a kunai to the chest. "What—Tsunade-sama too…?"

"Let's work well together from now on," Kitazawa said with a small smile, extending his hand.

Asuma let out a rueful laugh as he shook it. "You really don't stop surprising people, do you? Guess I've been slacking while you've been climbing."

He meant it sincerely—there was no jealousy, only admiration. Kitazawa's strength and achievements already spoke for themselves.

"I'm here to coordinate the Anbu's transition and handle a few matters," Kitazawa explained, withdrawing his hand.

"Haru, go on ahead," Asuma said, turning to him. "I'll take it from here."

"Yes." Haru bowed lightly and left. His duties were akin to a Hokage's aide—standing by for orders. Though Tsunade was the new Hokage, Haru's work remained the same for now.

"I'd like to review all current Anbu personnel files first," Kitazawa said after a pause.

"Of course." Asuma gestured toward the sofa. "Have a seat; I'll bring them right over."

"Appreciate it," Kitazawa replied, sitting down to wait.

Not long after, Asuma returned, a folder tucked under his arm.

"Here," he said, handing it to Kitazawa. "The files of the Anbu you requested."

Kitazawa flipped through the pages and recognized some—the same Anbu who had followed Danzo earlier that day.

"Dismiss all twelve of them," Kitazawa said calmly.

Asuma's eyes moved down the list. He didn't look surprised.

Every one of these men had once been part of Root.

Given what he had just learned—Danzo's attempt to assassinate Tsunade and his subsequent death—Asuma easily pieced the rest together.

"Besides these twelve, are there any other Anbu members who used to belong to Root?" Kitazawa asked without looking up.

He wasn't Hiruzen; he had no intention of keeping Danzo's shadows in the organization.

"No," Asuma said after a brief check. "Just these twelve."

"Good. Then have the announcement prepared and released."

As Kitazawa spoke, his gaze lingered on one name in particular—Tenzo.

Tsunade likely didn't know about him yet.

'I'll mention it to her tomorrow,' Kitazawa thought. 'And while I'm at it, maybe I can ask her for some Wood Release techniques.'

He already possessed Wood Release, but without actual jutsu, it was like having a blade without an edge. The excuse of "wanting to experiment with Bloodline Limits" would do just fine.

"The first announcement should include Lady Tsunade's and Shizune's new appointments," Kitazawa continued. "The second—Anbu recruitment. Anyone qualified can apply."

He intended to use this opportunity to build his own circle of trusted subordinates.

Still, twelve vacancies were too many to fill with only confidants. Three would be ideal—handpicked and loyal. The rest could be filled through recruitment.

Anbu recruitment wasn't complicated; as long as the applicant's strength met the standard and their background was clean, they could join.

"What position is Shizune getting?" Asuma asked curiously.

"Hokage Secretary."

"Ah, that makes sense," Asuma said with a nod.

It was a natural role for Shizune. But Kitazawa's appointment as Anbu Commander… that still hadn't sunk in for him.

He exhaled quietly, a faint sigh escaping before he could stop it.

From today onward, their positions had completely reversed.

Kitazawa—the Hokage's student, the Vice Principal of the Ninja Academy, and now the Commander of the Anbu—his combined authority already far surpassed Asuma's.

With Hiruzen stepping into retirement, Asuma's status as the Hokage's son no longer held the same weight.

'Looks like Kurenai really did make the right choice,' Asuma thought with a wry smile. Though he had already let go of that part of his past, the thought still stung a little.

"That's all for now," Kitazawa said lightly. "I still have classes tomorrow, so I'll leave the rest of the Anbu operations to you."

"It's my duty," Asuma replied after a short pause. "I'll take care of it immediately."

"Good."

Once Asuma left, Kitazawa gathered the files and slipped the one marked Tenzo into a separate folder. He would need it when he met Tsunade in the morning.

Stretching lazily, he let out a quiet yawn.

As Anbu Commander, most of the daily affairs were handled by the captains. His role was to manage strategy and major decisions—it wouldn't consume much of his time.

He stroked his chin thoughtfully.

'The system already registered Kurenai as my subordinate… should I bring her into the Anbu?'

It was a tempting idea, but Asuma's presence complicated things. Working under the same roof might create unnecessary awkwardness.

'Better to wait for now,' he decided. 'She can continue her training. When a mission comes, I can take her along.'

And if fate allowed him to become Hokage one day, perhaps he'd make her his secretary then.

With that thought, Kitazawa left the Anbu Office and returned home.

"Eh?"

Kurenai blinked when she saw him. "Didn't you go to the Capital with Lady Tsunade?"

"Didn't you hear? Danzo's dead."

"What?"

Her eyes widened in shock. She had spent the entire day practicing Wind Release: Rasengan at home and hadn't heard a thing.

Kitazawa quickly filled her in on the events of the morning.

"That old snake finally died, huh?" Kurenai clenched her fists. "If I'd known, I'd have gone with you to finish him off myself!"

Kitazawa chuckled. "You're really something."

Kurenai puffed out her chest proudly. "Now that you're Anbu Commander, I'm sure I'll benefit too!"

"If you keep improving your strength, maybe I'll give you a position," Kitazawa teased, reaching out to pinch her cheek.

"I'll master Wind Release: Rasengan any day now!" she said with fierce confidence.

"Then how about a bet?" Kitazawa said, grinning. "If I complete my limb-regeneration medical ninjutsu first, you'll owe me one favor."

She squinted at him suspiciously. "What kind of perverted favor is it this time?"

"A normal one," he replied smoothly. "If you finish your Rasengan first, I'll grant you a favor instead."

"Deal!" she declared, fire burning in her eyes. "And I'm definitely winning this one!"

With that, she dashed off to resume her training.

Kitazawa shook his head, smiling faintly, before heading into his study to refine his medical ninjutsu.

Meanwhile, the news of Tsunade's appointment as Acting Hokage spread through Konoha like wildfire.

People were surprised—but not shocked.

Compared to the revelation that Danzo was dead, Tsunade's rise was almost… calming.

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