Naruto: Mission Tsunade – Time for Uncle to Step Up!

A nation cannot go a day without a king, nor a household a day without a master.

With Hiruzen Sarutobi stepping down, Konoha Village also needed a new Hokage.

As the only senior advisor of Konoha who hadn't been tainted by Hiruzen's actions, Nemu Koharu took charge on Kawaki's cue, summoning the heads of each clan to participate in the internal recommendation for the new Hokage.

In Kawaki's words, the formalities still needed to be seen through.

It was also a good chance to see if there were still any true-blue loyalists of Hiruzen Sarutobi left.

On this day, the largest meeting room inside the Hokage Building was packed with people.

This was the first time Nemu Koharu sat at the main seat, and she felt a bit out of place.

Previously, she and Homura Mitokado would always sit below Sarutobi on either side.

Looking around at those present, most of them were regular faces.

She cast a glance toward Kawaki before clearing her throat and starting to speak.

"I've gathered you all here today. You probably already know why."

At this point, Nemu paused and lifted her eyes to scan the room.

Seeing no signs of confusion among anyone, she continued speaking.

"Our Konoha has always valued democracy. For the selection of the Fourth Hokage, we must still discuss it together."

"I don't have much experience moderating meetings, so I won't waste any words—let's get straight to the point. Anyone who has a suitable person in mind can just speak up directly."

Regardless of the actual situation, what Nemu said sounded pleasing to everyone's ears.

Being able to decide who becomes the Hokage was itself a symbol of status.

As for actually becoming Hokage, most people had a very clear understanding of themselves.

After a while, nobody stepped forward to speak first.

Each one as shrewd as ever.

"Since none of you will start, then allow me to go first."

"I believe Lady Tsunade is very suitable to become the Fourth Hokage."

Dai had been promoted to Jonin after the battle; due to his strong strength, he had gained the qualification to attend this meeting.

He wasn't from a noble bloodline—just his wife and child—but had always gotten along well with Tsunade.

Without hesitation, he cast his vote for Tsunade.

"That guy."

Kawaki smiled slightly and muttered under his breath.

Dai really was too endearing sometimes.

"Thank you."

Tsunade gave Dai a warm smile.

Now that someone had taken the lead, others started to slowly voice their opinions one by one.

Nemu made notes of the names mentioned and how many times they were brought up in the prepared notebook.

She did a decent job putting on a show.

"I think Sakumo deserves consideration for the position of Fourth Hokage."

Hearing these words, Kawaki looked over curiously—who unfortunate soul had brought this up?

"I'm not currently qualified to take the Hokage position."

Sakumo shot a sharp look at his brother-in-law before replying coldly.

He truly held no interest in the Hokage title—though he wouldn't mind if Kawaki took it instead.

As for Tsunade, she fell within an acceptable range for him.

"Haha~"

The head of the Inuzuka Clan let out an awkward chuckle before falling silent again.

"I believe Orochimaru should have a shot at the Hokage seat."

This came from one of Orochimaru's most fanatical followers, who had fought alongside him in countless battles.

To be dramatic about it, he owed his life to Orochimaru.

"I have no interest in the Hokage position."

Orochimaru wasn't as polite or roundabout as Sakumo; he simply voiced his true thoughts directly.

He had his experiments, Pakura, and the occasional chaos brought by Nawaki—he already had more than enough.

After Orochimaru spoke, the nominations continued.

Even Jiraiya—who wasn't even there—was mentioned, proof that he still had some charisma.

"I believe Lord Kawaki also deserves the chance to sit as Hokage."

"During the Second Shinobi World War, he faced multiple Jinchūriki and two Kages, showcasing Konoha's strength in Kumogakure."

"Therefore, I nominate Lord Kawaki."

Upon hearing this, Kawaki looked over. He recognized the speaker slightly—it was a small clan's leader.

He had followed Kawaki through many tough battles.

"I also support Lord Kawaki."

...

Soon, a wave of supporting voices followed, catching Kawaki somewhat off guard.

He hadn't realized just how much respect he had unknowingly earned in their eyes.

"Thank you all for your kind intentions—I truly appreciate it."

"But I've always been pretty laid-back by nature. I'm just not cut out for such a heavy responsibility."

"I can only disappoint everyone's expectations."

"However, I personally think Tsunade would be very suitable for this position."

Kawaki stood up, first thanking those who nominated him.

Then politely declining while giving a nudge toward Tsunade.

After speaking, he cheekily raised an eyebrow at Tsunade.

Successfully earning a glare—and an unmistakable eye-roll—from her.

"Well then, that's truly unfortunate."

Everyone seemed somewhat disbelieving—three people had turned down the Hokage position one after another.

"I think Hyuga Nobunaga is qualified enough to hold the Hokage seat."

This was someone Kawaki couldn't immediately recall the name, but the man cast his vote for Nobunaga.

Normally, this wouldn't be anything unusual—just a standard nomination. After all, anyone was fair game!

But Nobunaga had only recently spoken with Hiruzen Sarutobi.

This sudden move raised suspicion—was someone setting him up?

He didn't wait any longer and quickly spoke up.

"Nobunaga believes himself unqualified. Please don't mention this again."

"The Hyuga clan formally pledges its full support for Lady Tsunade."

He already saw through the whole situation clearly, unlike others who were still in the dark.

"Thank you."

Tsunade responded with a polite smile. The Hyuga clan had never been especially close to her before,

but she didn't dwell on it too deeply either. Other than Kawaki, she knew her popularity ranked the highest.

"This chapter isn't over yet!

Please collect 'Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade': (link)

"Since Clan Head Hyuga supports Lady Tsunade, I guess the Uchiha will throw our hat into the ring too."

"I support Lady Tsunade."

Fugaku was the youngest clan leader present and this was his first time attending such a meeting.

In the past, even his own uncle wouldn't have been included in such meetings.

Nobunaga and Fugaku exchanged silent glances.

A subtle nod served as their greeting. From this day forward, they were officially on the same side.

Nobunaga clearly understood—the Uchiha had chosen the right horse and were about to break free from their difficult position.

From now on, Konoha's title of greatest clan might soon shift hands.

After the clan leaders of the two major families voiced their opinions, the remaining undecided clan leaders fell in line and cast their votes for Tsunade.

Nemu Koharu picked up her notebook after finishing the count.

"Allow me to summarize the nominations from just now."

"Tsunade received the highest number of internal recommendations."

"She's leading by a significant margin."

"I think there's no need to proceed with the Jonin trust vote."

"What do you all think?"

Nemu Koharu didn't quite dare to say that Tsunade was the only candidate—everyone else had refused.

As if the Hokage position were a cursed object no one wanted to touch.

Everyone present understood perfectly well. When all the major ninja families in the village agreed on something, the other Jonin had no grounds to object.

"I think it's fine."

Kawaki spoke up first. Holding another trust vote would only be a waste of time—it wasn't necessary at all.

"Agreed."

A chorus of voices quickly followed in agreement.

"In that case, it's settled. This meeting is adjourned."

"When Daimyō's appointment letter arrives, Tsunade will officially become Konoha Village's Fourth Hokage."

"We will hold an inauguration ceremony at that time. Dismissed."

Nemu Koharu concluded the meeting decisively and cleanly.

The crowd began dispersing. Kawaki and Tsunade shared a smile, each understanding the other without a word.

If you enjoy Naruto: Starting from Pursuing Tsunade, please add it to your collection: (m.

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