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The former didn't object—when it comes to surgery, especially those involving life and death, it's best not to interrupt.
To increase the chances of survival, aside from the medical skills of the attending doctor, the patient's willpower is crucial. Their desire to live plays a decisive role.
However, Rock Lee's surgery wouldn't begin just yet. There were still many preparations to be made, and Tsunade herself had numerous matters to attend to.
At this moment, Konoha was in chaos. Far from its former strength, the village was swamped with countless affairs—large and small—all of which demanded Tsunade's attention.
One urgent priority was finalizing negotiations with Sunagakure (the Hidden Sand).
Due to Orochimaru's invasion during the Chūnin Exams, Sunagakure had lost its Kazekage, the Fourth Kazekage Rasa, leaving the village leaderless.
Konoha could take advantage of this moment to extract more favorable terms from the Wind Country or Sunagakure.
Yet, Konoha was not in an ideal state either.
Too many shinobi had died.
Soon, the village would suffer a shortage of personnel. All available forces not essential for local defense would be dispatched on missions.
This was not only to compensate for wartime losses, but also to restore Konoha's reputation on the international stage.
In other words, Konoha could not afford another war. It needed to recover—cautious judgment was the only path forward.
Adding to Tsunade's burden was the upcoming Hokage succession ceremony.
She had been away from Konoha for far too long. To gain wider support, she needed to visit the major ninja clans, pay her respects, and rebuild relationships.
Fortunately, her heritage was powerful—being the granddaughter of both the First Hokage, Senju Hashirama, and the Second Hokage, Senju Tobirama. This gave her immense public credibility and popular support, which spared her many political headaches.
"Suddenly, everyone became full of energy."
On one of Konoha's busy streets, Ye Dou and Hyuga Kahuo strolled casually.
"The predecessors planted trees so future generations could rest in the shade," Ye Dou said. "She should thank her grandparents."
Bloodline really did determine many things in this era of shinobi. In a world where strength meant survival, people were deeply fixated on lineage.
As soon as Tsunade returned to the village, Konoha's elders and advisors publicly announced that Tsunade of the Senju Clan would become the Fifth Hokage.
The entire village erupted in celebration—as if they'd found their true leader. Konoha's citizens welcomed the decision with enthusiasm.
Even the Third and Fourth Hokage hadn't received such widespread praise upon their appointments. This time, there was no need for political campaigns.
After all, the First and Second Hokage were legends. As their granddaughter, Tsunade was naturally expected to be exceptional.
"No," Hyuga Kahuo said sharply, "Tsunade-sama is an incredibly powerful ninja in her own right."
She was visibly annoyed—likely because Konoha had finally appointed a female Hokage, and Ye Dou's comment seemed to attribute her success solely to bloodline.
Ye Dou didn't argue. It wasn't worth debating. She wasn't entirely wrong.
A few days later.
All Konoha shinobi on missions were recalled. Village reconstruction efforts were temporarily halted.
On this day, the crowd gathered around the Hokage Building, all looking up toward the rooftop.
For Konoha, this was a momentous occasion—
The official inauguration of the Fifth Hokage.
Tsunade kept it simple. She gave no grand speeches.
From beginning to end, she said only one thing:
> "Starting today, I am Konoha's Fifth Hokage. I will take responsibility for the village from now on."
And with that single declaration, it felt as if Konoha had been reborn.
Tsunade's first act as Hokage was not to resume talks with Sunagakure, nor to visit noble clans—but instead to promote a select group of capable ninjas.
Konoha desperately needed manpower.
During the invasion and its aftermath, mission requests had piled up. The remaining jōnin were completing one mission after another with little rest.
Still, Tsunade didn't promote blindly.
Take Uzumaki Naruto, for example. Despite his strength and contributions, he wasn't granted exceptional promotion. Such promotions carried heavy responsibilities and required readiness for dangerous missions. Rash decisions would only lead to unnecessary deaths.
But Ye Dou was one of the few exceptions.
"To be honest, I don't know the full details," Tsunade admitted, "but since Jiraiya, Kakashi, and Might Guy all endorsed you, saying you're fit for the rank of chūnin, I won't object."
"Congratulations, Ye Dou. From today on, you're a chūnin of Konoha. Don't embarrass your teachers or let down your comrades."
Inside the Hokage's office, Tsunade wore a slightly uncomfortable expression.
Clearly, she hadn't forgotten being knocked down by Ye Dou in their first encounter.
Still, the fact that she personally informed him of the promotion proved that she could separate public duty from private emotions.
Ye Dou gave a small nod and left the office alongside Nara Shikamaru.
"Tch. Why are the ones getting promoted always the cold, quiet types?" Tsunade muttered.
"Don't say that, Tsunade-sama. I think the kid's got integrity!" Shizune offered cheerfully.
"Integrity? Are you saying I don't?" Tsunade snapped.
Outside, Shikamaru sighed.
"Man, it's such a drag to be promoted at a time like this…"
Smart as ever, Shikamaru knew that becoming a chūnin now meant one thing: endless missions.
He thought of his team leader, Sarutobi Asuma, who'd barely had time to light a cigarette lately—constantly on the move, constantly working.
He used to tease Asuma for being so unlucky.
Now, he felt like the real joke.
After all, a chūnin could now be assigned to lead a squad.
He knew what came next: just like Asuma, he would be running all over the place, exhausted, and overworked.
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