Naruto: My New Life with Tsunade

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Though the official inauguration hadn't occurred yet, Tsunade had already cheerfully handed over authority before gleefully clocking out—

Literally clocking out.

She'd even dragged along a Hokage Guard Platoon member, Shizune, to the gambling dens for a lavish spending spree.

Sasame's feelings? Not considered.

"Hokage-sama."

As he walked through the village, greetings came steadily—but Sasame noticed a problem.

The respect lacked depth.

His prestige simply couldn't match Tsunade's—or any previous Hokage, really.

Namikaze Minato had earned his reputation through legendary Third Shinobi World War exploits, saving countless lives.

Sasame's recent missions, while impressive, lacked that visceral impact.

Water Release plus Sage Mode sounded formidable, but most villagers had never witnessed his true power firsthand.

And youth bred underestimation.

How strong could he really be?

"Time to make waves."

Seated in the Hokage's plush chair, Sasame stroked his chin.

Blatantly flaunting his strength would be gauche.

No—he needed provocation.

A scenario where he'd have to reveal his power, ideally while farming Fate Points.

"Wonder what 'Pot Shadow's' been up to lately?"

Shimura Danzō had been in Sunagakure for a year—a fact confirmed when he'd contributed Fate Points alongside Rasa and Gaara (90 total).

The likely scenario?

Danzō had provided Uzumaki-style sealing techniques to stabilize Gaara's Shukaku containment, reducing rampage risks.

In return, the exiled schemer secured sanctuary.

Despite Danzō's abysmal track record in Konoha (thanks to Hiruzen's suppression), any other village would've welcomed his expertise.

Sunagakure—perennially bottom-tier among the Five Great Nations—was especially desperate.

Gaara, their One-Tail jinchūriki, had been rendered a sleepless, black-eyed wreck by faulty seals.

Rasa's "stability tests" (read: assassination attempts) only worsened the trauma.

That Gaara hadn't defected was miraculous.

Enter Danzō, sealing master.

A godsend.

Knock knock.

"Enter."

The former Hokage Guard Platoon filed in:

Hatake Kakashi, Might Guy, and Yūhi Kurenai.

(Shizune was absent, busy losing Tsunade's money at dice tables.)

Their demeanors varied wildly:

Guy practically vibrated with enthusiasm ("Hokage-sama! Ready for duty!")

Kakashi's lone visible eye screamed I'd rather be reading smut

Kurenai radiated quiet anxiety

She knew why they'd been summoned.

Staff reshuffling.

New Hokages typically replaced their predecessor's inner circle—especially the Guard Platoon.

Minato's teleportation squad had been disbanded by Hiruzen, exiled from power.

In Kurenai's assessment:

Shizune was safe (Tsunade's apprentice)

Kakashi and Guy were untouchable (elite skills, solid pedigrees)

She, however—average lineage, no standout feats—would likely be demoted to regular jōnin.

Beyond status, finances mattered.

Under Sasame's reforms, Hokage staff now received fixed salaries—300,000 ryō monthly for Guard Platoon members.

A fortune compared to standard missions.

S-rank assignments paid well (1+ million ryō), but took months and risked death.

Most jōnin—Kurenai included—averaged far more modest A-ranks (tens of thousands).

Officially, she'd only completed fourteen S-ranks in her career.

The Hokage gig?

Steady pay plus side missions.

No life-threatening gambles.

No family worrying she'd return in a coffin.

Perfect.

And now—poof—possibly gone.

"While Tsunade-sensei's no longer Hokage, I see no need for sweeping changes."

Sasame's voice snapped her from her thoughts.

"You'll retain your Guard Platoon positions."

Guy's tearful bellow ("I WON'T FAIL YOU!") nearly shattered windows.

Kakashi's eyebrow did a slow climb before settling into a nod.

Kurenai?

Pure stunned relief.

"Thank you, Hokage-sama!"

Sasame dismissed them with a wave.

As they turned to leave—

A blonde head peeked in.

"Ah—!"

Yamanaka Ino froze mid-sneak, meeting Sasame's gaze.

She vanished.

Reappeared moments later, knocking properly.

"Come in."

He couldn't help but smile.

Ino entered, sunflower-bright in her signature crop top and shorts.

Three years had sharpened her curves—that waistline? Dangerous.

"Congratulations, Sasame-kun."

Her tone was warm, but uncertainty flickered beneath.

The Hokage title changed things.

Her father, Inoichi, had warned against informality—one misstep could endanger the clan.

"No need for stiffness."

Sasame beckoned. "Closer."

Gulp.

Ino's pulse skyrocketed.

Is he going to—as Hokage—right here—?!

She inched forward, feigning calm. "Y-yes?"

"Don't let 'Hokage' distance us."

He stood, gesturing to his seat. "Sit."

"I—I can't!"

"Who'll know?"

His hand closed around her wrist.

Before she could protest, she was deposited onto the Hokage's chair.

"Stay."

The command pinned her in place.

Warmth flooded her cheeks as Sasame's fingers lingered.

No one else is allowed here.

He must really—

Her lips curled uncontrollably.

Tension melted into giddy warmth.

"Wow... so much paperwork."

Ino eyed the stacked documents, concern returning. "You'll be swamped."

"Not really."

Sasame flipped open a file. "The secretariat handles most. I just review."

"Oh."

Her shoulders relaxed.

Plenty of time for... other activities.

"Speaking of which—"

He glanced up. "Interested in joining the secretariat?"

"Me?!"

"Yamanaka specialize in intel analysis. Perfect fit."

Ino's heart somersaulted.

Daily access to Sasame?

Yes.

YES.

But—

"I'm... kinda young?"

She bit her lip. "People might talk. You'd—"

"Ino."

Sasame's smile turned razor-edged. "I am the Hokage."

Thump-thump.

That confidence wrecked her.

"Still, for your sake—how about 'intern secretary'?"

A compromise.

(Tsunade finding out would be... messy.)

Plus, Ino was too green to lead the secretariat.

After Hyūga Hiashi's promotion to advisor, a new head was needed—

Ah.

Yūhi Kurenai.

The Guard Platoon was ceremonial anyway.

Shizune had doubled as secretary under Tsunade.

Now? Kurenai could inherit the role.

Purely for efficiency. Definitely not because she's easy on the eyes.

"Deal!"

Ino beamed.

Intern status meant no backlash—but her goal (closeness) was achieved.

"Looking forward to working with you."

Sasame's grin matched hers.

"Leave it to me!"

She thumped her chest—then flushed at the bounce that caused.

"Let's introduce you to Hiashi."

As Ino hopped down (barely suppressing a squeal), Sasame chuckled.

Much better than some stuffy old man.

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