038 Reborn as the Third Kazekage

Tsunade bit into her sandwich nonchalantly, speaking in her usual carefree tone.

"Honestly, you don't need to overthink it. I'm not planning to get serious with you or anything. Oh, this sandwich is pretty good."

Arashi, sitting stiffly across from her, coughed awkwardly.

"Ahem, well… I'm rather conservative when it comes to matters of the heart. Not to embarrass myself, but last night was my first time."

"Mine too." Tsunade lifted the blanket from the sofa bed, revealing a small yet unmistakable bloodstain on the sheets.

"I-I… I'm at a loss for words. I'll leave it to you to decide. I'll… I'll take responsibility," Arashi stammered, his brain going into complete shutdown.

Crap! I actually took Tsunade's first time. But wait… didn't she meet Dan after Nawaki's death? Does this mean I've stolen her from him? No, no, no! I just got there first… right? Oh, who cares about that guy anyway.

Tsunade tilted her head playfully, her expression a mix of amusement and curiosity.

"Take responsibility? Hmm, I'll have to think carefully about how you're going to do that."

Her gaze sent a shiver down Arashi's spine.

Despite her laid-back demeanor, Tsunade wasn't the type to be promiscuous. Born into the noble Senju Clan, she had her share of temperamental moments, but she was far from frivolous. Though doted on by Hashirama Senju as a child, her only real vice was gambling. Everything else about her reflected her upbringing as one of Hiruzen Sarutobi's prized pupils—an exceptional kunoichi who had risen through the ranks from genin to jōnin through sheer effort. She embodied the ideals of the Will of Fire, a true "successor of the revolution."

Deep down, though, Tsunade felt something for this young Kazekage. From their first encounter at Lake Tsuki during the battle, to the collapse of Danzo's Beast Cage Plan, and even their joint effort to repel the Seven Ninja Swordsmen in the Land of Rivers, Arashi's battlefield prowess had left a lasting impression on her.

Among their peers, Arashi was unrivaled. Whether in combat skills, strategy, or decision-making, he stood head and shoulders above the rest. Even in areas Tsunade didn't value as much, like status and appearance, Arashi excelled. Comparing him to someone like the future Fourth Raikage, A, there was no contest—Arashi was leagues ahead, both in competence and looks.

(To be fair, A wasn't the Raikage yet, he was still just the "heir apparent," while Arashi had already been Kazekage for over a year.)

Even prodigies like Orochimaru and Jiraiya couldn't measure up. Watching Arashi breathe new life into Sunagakure—transforming it from a dying village into a thriving one—had earned Tsunade's admiration. His ability to entrust power to an "outsider" like her, without reservation, revealed a magnanimous spirit. His ambitions aligned perfectly with her own unfulfilled ideals from Konoha.

A man of talent, strength, vision, and generosity, with a touch of charm to boot. A young, eligible bachelor with no family ties, wealth, and no shortage of ambition—what girl wouldn't be moved? Political factors? Forget it.

This princess doesn't care about that nonsense.

Feeling Tsunade's gaze, Arashi snapped. He jumped to his feet, his face flushed red as he declared,

"Fine, fine! I may be a mere man, but I live by my principles—what's right is right, and what's wrong is wrong. If it comes to it, I'll step down as Kazekage before I let you down!"

Tsunade's face lit up with a radiant smile. She leaned forward, hugged him gently, and planted a kiss on his cheek.

"Silly, why would you give up being Kazekage?"

Arashi exhaled in relief, wiping imaginary sweat from his brow. Crisis averted. He had a backup plan in case Tsunade pushed him too far. If he ever had to choose between being Kazekage and love, he'd pick the former without hesitation.

Sorry, but this is the tale of a hero's duty—not some tragic love story. You wouldn't leave, would you, Tsunade? Not with the mood I've set. Play your cards right, and I'll even throw in the "nation-over-self" angle for added effect.

"Come on, let's go check on Nawaki and clean up the operating table. By the way, how did you get to Sunagakure? Was it the Flying Thunder God Technique?"

"Sort of. It's actually the Flying Thunder Formation. Danzo, Mitokado Homura, and Utatane Koharu—my granduncle's disciples—combined their efforts to execute it, as long as there's a marked seal at the destination."

"I see." Arashi picked up a marked kunai, lost in thought.

...

"Chiyo-sama, I think Rasa's proposal is worth considering."

Chiyo put down the report from Rasa and stood by the window.

"My desire to deal with Hanzō of the Salamander isn't personal, even though I do detest that old fossil. With his ambitions and narrow-mindedness, he's more trouble than he's worth. If he's left unchecked, today it'll be money he wants, and tomorrow it'll be control over our village's resources. It's better to find someone to take him out now than to let him become a bigger problem. We need a more compliant Rain Village leader—someone who aligns with Sunagakure's interests."

"But Hanzō is known as a demigod of the ninja world. He's not an easy target. Only Kazekage-sama might stand a chance."

"No, the Kazekage can't be directly involved, nor can anyone from our village. This has to be done by an outsider, leaving no trace back to us."

"That could be very expensive."

"Things are different now. Our finances aren't as tight as they used to be. Spending a couple of million ryō to get rid of him is well within our means."

"It's still hard to find someone up to the task."

"Then take your time. There's no rush. Draft a plan and inform the Kazekage. No… on second thought, I'll tell him in person. Written plans aren't safe."

...

"I think it's a solid plan!" Arashi pushed the door open, his sudden entrance surprising everyone except Chiyo.

"Chiyo-sama is right. This mission needs to be handled by an outsider. As far as I know, there are less than five assassins in the entire ninja world capable of taking out Hanzō."

"Oh? Kazekage-sama, do you have someone in mind?" Chiyo asked curiously. She was well aware of Hanzō's strength, but couldn't think of a suitable candidate.

"I do," Arashi replied with a sheepish smile. "Back when I was a jōnin, I met someone at a bounty exchange. His skills are top-notch, and he'd be perfect for the job."

"Well, don't keep us in suspense. Who is it?"

"He's not exactly a friend, more of an acquaintance. They call him the Immortal—Kakuzu!"