Year 64 of Konoha Calendar, Konoha Village.
The instigator of the rebellion, Orochimaru, was dead, his accomplice Rasa was killed, and the remaining hostile Ninjas were either killed or captured.
After the Anbu and various departments of Konoha finished enjoying their high-intensity work, the two surviving Hokage Advisors issued a summons.
Inviting Konoha's various political forces to join this grand event, to change the dynasty... oh no, to hold a meeting.
The large Hokage Building was cleared out in advance, with numerous defense Ninja surrounding the building tightly, layer upon layer.
Sakura followed behind Tsunade and Jiraiya, and after showing their faces, they went straight in.
The temporary meeting room was already packed, the Hyuga, Uchiha, Sarutobi, Ino-Shika-Cho, Inuzuka, Aburame...
Not only the Ninja Clans of Konoha, but also the heads of Konoha's major departments were present.
However, compared to the calm composure of the Ninja Clans, the department heads had strained expressions, their faces a myriad of emotions.
The Hokage had died in battle. The first order of business now was undoubtedly to hold a new election. But a new ruler means new ministers.
After the reshuffle, how much more would those who could sit on the seat of power have to pay?
The Hyuga Clan's head nearby had an indifferent expression, not even lifting his eyelids, displaying the aloofness of Konoha's number one noble clan.
The Ino-Shika-Cho trio were gathered with the Inuzuka, cracking sunflower seeds, chatting in low voices with seemingly amused smiles.
In contrast, Sasuke sat upright, having been pushed forward by the Uchiha as their representative for certain reasons, standing out awkwardly among the group of old hands.
Koharu and Homura, seated on either side of the head seat, were the picture of harmony, holding tea as if they were two old men focused on wellness.
Although their identities were that of Hokage Advisors, belonging to the head of Konoha's Political Department, these old relics left over from the Second Hokage's administration didn't need to worry at all about being replaced.
Click!
At that moment, Tsunade and Jiraiya pushed the door open and entered. The gaze of everyone present instantly turned towards them, more accurately focusing on the young girl behind them.
The passing of the Third Hokage, Sarutobi Hiruzen, had dealt a severe blow to Konoha's prestige and morale. The village was in urgent need of a 'victory' at this time.
Therefore, this young girl, only fourteen years old, who independently killed the Kazekage, Rasa and subdued Shukaku, became the best material for political propaganda, even though she was just a Chunin.
However, in the current situation where Konoha's power structure had almost been completely divided, a brand new powerhouse needed a seat at the table to eat... someone might very well end up becoming the meal.
"You kept everyone waiting so long." Koharu put down her teacup and complained, "Too slow, you three!"
As the three walked to the center of the meeting table and sat down, everyone became serious, and the atmosphere in the room gradually solidified.
"Then, the temporary meeting is now in session."
Tsunade spoke, her gaze sweeping over Konoha's highest decision-making circle.
Today's closed-door meeting was temporarily organized, with the main purpose of discussing Konoha's future policy direction after suffering a great upheaval.
"First, let's discuss the Hokage issue. Hiruzen is gone. We need a trustworthy and powerful leader."
Koharu couldn't wait to express her opinion, speaking in tandem with Homura beside her.
"Regarding the candidate for Hokage, we nominate Jiraiya!"
As this proposal was made, the meeting room gradually grew noisy.
Not only were the Ninja Clan's heads engaged in heated discussion, but the heads of Konoha's various departments were also exchanging opinions.
"Wait, I object!"
A dissenting voice rang out. The various higher-ups looked around for whoever was so tactless, only to find that the one raising his hand was Jiraiya himself.
"Don't be willful, Jiraiya. In terms of character, seniority, and strength, is there anyone more suitable than you right now?"
Homura crossed his arms, leaning back in his chair and glancing at Jiraiya with one eye.
"Well, there are still two people right here."
Jiraiya's gaze shifted left, gesturing with his chin towards Tsunade and Sakura beside him.
"Still lacking in seniority, I'm afraid I'm not up to the task!"
Sakura replied with an air of indifference, seemingly unconcerned.
"I won't do it!" Tsunade was even more blunt and direct, flatly refusing.
The two Hokage Advisors felt like they were about to have a heart attack watching the three kick the ball around like this.
Usually, buck-passing and shirking responsibilities were the exclusive specialties of their Administrative Department.
But today, they were getting a taste of their own medicine?
However, they could only forgive them!
Who else could they ask to be Hokage if not the three strongest individuals in Konoha right now?
Should the two Hokage Advisors do it themselves?
Koharu and Homura still had that much self-awareness. With their strength, forget protecting the entire village, even guarding their authority in the Hokage's office would be a struggle.
"You three, be serious!"
An angry Koharu slammed the table and stood up.
The Ninja Clan's heads and department heads near the meeting table observed with detached interest, pretending not to see the 'internal strife' within the Hokage Faction.
After some back-and-forth and declining, it was finally Tsunade who reluctantly was forced into the role, like a duck being shoved onto a perch.
Both Sakura and Jiraiya were the type of wanderers who might abandon their responsibilities at any time.
Tsunade couldn't bear to see her grandfather's life's work go to waste, and also, under the influence of a certain nasty pirate's sweet cries of 'Tsunade-nee is the best!', she lost herself.
She finally relented and was swiftly appointed as the Fifth Hokage by the two Hokage Advisors.
Once the Hokage matter was settled, the assembled Konoha's higher-ups got down to work.
They weren't here just to drink tea, eat sunflower seeds, and party anyway. Even the usual meeting procedures were omitted.
Because there was still a major issue urgently needing resolution: Sunagakure's surrender.
Should it be accepted? How should it be accepted?
Invading as Konoha's ally, joining forces with a Missing-Nin to intercept and kill the new generation of the village and its highest leader.
Sunagakure's actions were undoubtedly stepping all over Konoha's dignity.
However, if they were to go to war with the Land of Wind, that barren wasteland, they would gain no resources while simultaneously pushing Sunagakure, a force bound by a mutual defense treaty, out of their embrace.
For Konoha at present, wasting resources on such a foolish endeavor would be absolutely not worth the cost.
But if they let it slide, where would Konoha's dignity as the strongest military organization in the Ninja World be?
"Then sign a treaty to inform the Ninja World, and squeeze Sunagakure dry as much as possible within the framework of the treaty."
Sakura, being a pirate, proposed a path no one had considered with her high sensitivity to profit.
"Elaborate."
Nara Shikaku, who had been listening for a long time, showed an interested expression.
Sakura tapped the armrest with one hand, narrowing her eyes: "First, compensation for damages. Sunagakure won't be able to come up with that much money in a short time..."
"So we can have them repay it slowly in the form of a loan. The parts they can't make up can be offset with their secret techniques and gold mining rights~"
Hearing this, Shikaku's eyes lit up.
"It so happens that Sunagakure is lacking in resources. After signing the compensation agreement, they will definitely fall into a short-term funds shortage. At that time, we can use industrial products and cash flow to squeeze their market..."
Sweat beaded on the foreheads of the surrounding clan heads and higher-ups as they watched the two horned demons converse.
"And the Tsuchikage and Raikage were also involved in this incident, but I've heard the two of them have old grievances between them."
"You don't know? They also have frequent friction over the maritime trade in the Land of Takigakure, Land of Frost, and Land of Grass."
"Is that so? Then we can use our advantage as a transportation hub to cut off their land trade routes, forcing them to rely more on maritime trade and intensifying the conflict!"
"Also, send spies to stir up hatred between Iwagakure and Kumogakure, adding fuel to the fire!"
"Don't let the Lands of Wind and Land of Water sit idle either. Secretly push up the prices of bulk commodities in their island chain trade, then spread rumors in the Land of Water that the Land of Wind's increased gold mining output is causing fluctuations in gold prices and currency values."
"Remember to station troops at the ruins of the Land of Uzushiogakure to prevent Kirigakure from doing something desperate in their anger."
....
"Uncle Shikaku!" / "Sakura-kun!"
The two went back and forth, completely oblivious to the world around them.
Finally, they even clasped hands together, looking like they regretted not meeting sooner.
The people around them subconsciously distanced themselves, afraid of being sold out by these dirty tactical minds while happily helping them count the money.
"Cough, cough, cough!"
Tsunade coughed heavily several times, but they still didn't react.
Forcing her to roll up her sleeves and suppress them, one on each side.
"You two, that's enough!!!"
The surrounding higher-ups focused their gaze on Tsunade, waiting for the newly appointed Hokage to issue her first order.
The Fifth Hokage swept her hand grandly and issued the order:
"Do as they said!"