The two old geezers knelt frantically before Kamizuki Hikari, making Tsunade feel immensely satisfied as she watched from the side.
With Hikari here, how could she possibly worry about securing the Hokage seat?
"No, he is not sensei. Homura, have you forgotten? He should be Kamizuki Hikari that Hiruzen mentioned—the one who looks remarkably similar to our sensei." Koharu Utatane was slightly calmer. After the initial shock, she identified Hikari.
Mitokado Homura also recalled that information, but seeing Kamizuki Hikari's cold gaze, he could only avert his eyes.
"Impersonating the Second Hokage—Kamizuki Hikari, do you realize the crime you have committed?!"
Kamizuki Hikari curled his lips. "Quite the accusation you've made there. This is my face. Are you saying that just looking like this is a crime? You two certainly throw your weight around. Even Tsunade-sama hasn't said anything, yet you two act so high and mighty."
"I'm not here to argue with you. Tsunade, hurry up and heal this man. He's injured because of you!" Homura, feeling distressed for the injured ANBU, continued pressuring Tsunade.
[He's not going to die. This is a perfect opportunity to put Homura in his place. Just say your hemophobia hasn't improved and tell him to take the man to the hospital.]
Tsunade had initially planned to have Shizune handle the treatment, but after hearing Kamizuki Hikari's inner thoughts, she immediately changed her mind.
"Apologies, my condition is still the same. Elders, please take him to the Konoha Hospital. The village will cover the treatment costs."
"Fine!"
Having suffered such a loss today, Homura could only grit his teeth and swallow his anger.
"You, take him to the hospital. Bill everything under the Hokage's name."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow but ignored the two old fossils. Instead, she turned to Hikari and Shizune. "You two, follow me inside!"
Hikari glanced at Shizune. After she entered, he leisurely followed her into the Hokage's office.
"Tsunade-sama." Nara Shikaku greeted as he saw her.
Tsunade nodded and gestured toward the seats nearby. "Shizune, Kamizuki Hikari, you two sit over there."
Seeing this exchange, especially Hikari's white hair, Shikaku's eyes narrowed slightly. It was unclear what he was thinking.
"Shikaku, I'll get straight to the point. I am taking the position of the Fifth Hokage. Do you have any advice?"
Shikaku replied, "Tsunade-sama inheriting the title of Fifth Hokage is well-deserved. I will wholeheartedly support you."
[Tsk tsk, as expected of Konoha's smartest man. Shikaku is probably worried about those old geezers holding onto power.]
[After all, these elders have made plenty of questionable decisions over the years. Shikaku's concerned they'll hinder Tsunade, or worse, regain power if she shows any leniency.]
[Besides, Sarutobi Asuma is the leader of the new generation Ino-Shika-Chō team. A smart guy like Nara Shikaku wouldn't bet carelessly.]
Hearing Hikari's thoughts again, Tsunade's expression remained unchanged. She had already begun to see Kamizuki Hikari as her unofficial advisor. Free of charge, and his insights often aligned with her own suspicions—a win-win situation.
"Shikaku, you're a smart man. From now on, these two old geezers will only have advisory rights but no real power. As the Jōnin Commander, I hope you can assist me. Do you have any objections?"
"Tsunade-sama, rest assured. The Ino-Shika-Chō clans has always been the Hokage's most loyal supporters."
[Ah, saying this now feels a bit too hollow.]
[Homura and Koharu aren't the real issue. It's Danzo. That guy, under the guise of acting for Konoha's benefit, has a firm grip on the Root. Shikaku's wary of him, not these two old fools.]
[Once Danzo is dealt with, Homura and Koharu, stripped of their power, can be easily handled by Shikaku.]
Danzo?
Hearing that name, Tsunade sighed internally.
Given her position, she knew many things.
For instance, the past Wood Release experiments and the circumstances behind Nawaki's death—there were too many hidden truths. Otherwise, she wouldn't have left Konoha.
She returned now only because the Third Hokage had died, and she didn't want to see the village her grandfather built decline.
"Alright, Shikaku, notify all the Jōnin in the village. I will be holding a Jōnin meeting."
"Understood, Tsunade-sama."
Seeing that Tsunade didn't probe further, Nara Shikaku quietly let out a sigh of relief.
For him, Tsunade becoming Hokage was a good thing. However, as long as the old fox Danzo was around, he couldn't let his guard down.
As Nara Shikaku left, Tsunade slammed her palm on the desk.
*Smack!*
"Those two old bastards dare to scheme against me? Once I gain full control, I'll make sure they behave themselves."
[That's nice to say, but with your capabilities, it'll be difficult.]
[Danzo will keep a low profile in Root after your return.]
[As long as Danzo is alive, those two old relics can keep using their balancing act to force you into compromises.]
Hearing Kamizuki Hikari's inner thoughts, Tsunade recalled Sarutobi Hiruzen's past behavior and started contemplating.
'What's with this Kamizuki Hikari? His age is about the same as Shizune's, yet he's so familiar with these power struggles? Should I just marry Shizune off to him and keep him by my side?'
[What's with Tsunade's gaze?]
[Is she actually captivated by my looks?]
[If that's the case, I really need to start working on my stamina.]
[I heard Tsunade has the Yin Seal. Even though my body is ten times stronger than an average person's, I'm not sure if I can outlast her in that regard.]
[After all, there's a saying—there are no fields that can't be plowed, only exhausted oxen.]
Tsunade: '???'
'I'm already this old, and this brat isn't thinking about Shizune but rather… me? What is this?'
She shifted her gaze to Shizune, who possessed an ample (flat) figure. Tsunade suddenly understood.
'As expected, I'm still the best. From age eight to eighty, I can charm them all.'
'But seriously, why isn't he thinking about Danzo anymore? If he won't bring it up, I will.'
Having decided on her approach, Tsunade glanced at Hikari, who was pretending to be innocent, and then turned to Shizune.
"Shizune, do you have any strategies for dealing with Homura, Koharu, and Danzo?"
"Huh?" Shizune's eyes widened in confusion as she looked at Tsunade.
She had followed Tsunade since childhood and barely knew those three, let alone how to deal with them.
'Tsunade-sama, you're making things difficult for me!'
Feeling frustrated but knowing she had to answer, Shizune said, "Tsunade-sama, I… I don't understand these matters."
Tsunade nodded, thinking, 'I know you don't. I didn't ask you for your answer—I asked so the guy next to you would answer instead.'