XX-level Hokage

"Get some rest. You'll be discharged in three days." Tsunade said before leaving. Mashiro waved to Kakashi and followed her out.

“Next, there’s one more patient. You can treat him too,” Mashiro said. “Another one?” Tsunade asked, somewhat puzzled.

“He’s Guy’s disciple, named Lee, a very diligent child,” Mashiro said. “Alright, since you suggested it, let’s go,” Tsunade said without objection.

When they arrived at Xiao Li's ward, they found Kai waiting there, having received news from Mashiro. Upon seeing Tsunade and Mashiro, he excitedly begged Tsunade to save Xiao Ji.

Tsunade examined Lee's body, her expression gradually turning grim, and said, "Let this child give up being a ninja."

These words sank Kai and Lee's hearts to the bottom. "Is there really no other way?" Mashiro asked.

“If he actively rehabilitates, he can have surgery, but there’s only a 50% success rate,” Tsunade said. “Why, Lee, only a 50% success rate?” Mashiro asked.

"My life only shines when I'm a ninja, so I'm willing," Lee said resolutely. Then, together with Guy, they felt young again.

Leaving the hospital, Tsunade sighed, "You've really given me trouble. I estimate this surgery will take a long time to prepare."

"I was also thinking of introducing you to two disciples. You can teach them when you have some free time," Mashiro said. "No, I don't have the time," Tsunade refused.

"I'll thank you." Mashiro smiled and kissed Tsunade on the cheek.

"Then I'll think about it." Tsunade smiled as well.

Shizune, who had just returned from the bathroom, accidentally witnessed this scene and was instantly petrified.

Chapter 50: Naruto

Sakura was walking down the street looking sullen. After the Chunin Exams, Naruto went out to train with Jiraiya, Sasuke joined an organization called "Root", Kakashi was recovering from his injury, and Team 7 was disbanded.

With the end of the Chunin Exams, the differences between the students at the Ninja Academy gradually became apparent. Leaving aside those who had already become Chunin, among the remaining students who had not become Genin, Ino and Choji, who possessed family secret techniques, were still in a group with Shikamaru. Hinata and Neji were both from the Hyuga clan, and Kiba also had his own clan. Each of them had already found their own path.

Sakura, being just an ordinary genin, now only takes on D-rank missions and lives a mundane life.

She had gone to look for Mashiro these past few days, but all she got was the security guard saying "I've reported it," and then nothing more. It wasn't until she ran into Hinata that she learned Mashiro had gone out on an important mission. Hearing this, Sakura felt inexplicably relieved.

Suddenly, a pair of hands covered Sakura's eyes.

Just as Xiao Lou was about to resist, she sensed a familiar presence behind her. "Zhen Zi, you're back!" Xiao Lou said happily.

"I just got back this morning." Mashiro released her hand from Sakura's and buried her face in Sakura's neck, saying.

"You didn't encounter any danger, did you? Hinata told me it was a very important mission." Mashiro's breath brushed against Sakura's neck, making her feel slightly itchy.

“It’s a search mission, nothing dangerous.” Mashiro looked up and walked to Sakura’s side, speaking softly. “That’s good.” Sakura breathed a sigh of relief.

"Sakura seems a little down. What happened?" Mashiro suddenly asked. "Nothing, I've just been a bit bored lately," Sakura replied casually.

"Is it because you realize that your classmates are all very capable, while you are very ordinary? That makes sense. Before, when you were in the same class, no one could tell the difference between you and them. When you were assigned to Team 7, you had Naruto by your side. Now that Naruto has been taken in as a disciple by the legendary Sannin, you suddenly realize your ordinariness." Mashiro spoke slowly and deliberately, while Sakura's face gradually turned pale, and her smile became very forced.

"How cute!" Mashiro laughed as she looked at Sakura's expression.

Then he gently hugged Sakura and said, "Don't feel inferior. Have you forgotten? You still have me. I'll help you." Sakura looked at Mashiro with some pride.

Mashiro stroked Sakura's face and said softly, "Do you remember? My mission was to find someone, and that person is Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin, who is also my senior. Because of our time together, we have a pretty good relationship. She is planning to take on disciples recently, and I tried to help you with that."

Hearing Mashiro's story, Sakura's face became excited. She hugged Mashiro back in surprise and said, "Tsunade-sama!! Really!? Thank you so much, Mashiro."

Seeing Sakura's excited expression, Mashiro said gently, "However, it's just securing an opportunity. Whether you succeed or not depends on your performance."

"I will definitely try my best! Thank you again, Mashiro." Sakura said, giving Mashiro a big kiss on the cheek.

“I’ll take you to see her this morning, and this afternoon you can brush up on your knowledge of medical care,” Qi Bai reminded him.

"I'm going now, goodbye Mashiro." Sakura waved and hurried towards the library. Mashiro smiled, waved, and turned to leave as well.

In a residential building in the southern district of Konoha, Karin was having a meal. This was the place that Mashiro had arranged for her to stay, and he had also given her some money, saying that he would let her get used to life in Konoha first, and then he would arrange a suitable place for her.

"Mashiro. She's such a gentle person." Karin smiled at Mashiro's smile and Mashiro's words, and couldn't help but laugh as well.

From birth until now, Mashiro has been the only person who has been so good to her, so good that she now wonders if she is dreaming. Just then, there was a knock on the door, "knock knock knock".

Karin hurriedly went to open the door. When she opened it, Mashiro was standing at the door with something in her arms, looking very gentle.

"Lord Mashiro!" Karin was overjoyed and quickly took the things from Mashiro's hands, leading him into the house. Mashiro sat on the sofa and asked softly, "Are you settling in well in Konoha?"

“It’s a habit, the villagers are very friendly.” Karin poured Mashiro a cup of tea and said respectfully. “That’s good.”

Mashiro nodded, then asked, "Karin, have you heard of Tsunade?"

"You mean Tsunade, one of the Legendary Sannin? I've heard of her. She's the greatest medical ninja in the ninja world, a powerful female hero," Karin said wistfully. She was also a medical ninja and had heard Tsunade's story long ago.

"Do you want to become her disciple?" Mashiro suddenly asked.

"Huh! Me? How is that possible? How could someone like me become Lady Tsunade's disciple?" Karin was first surprised, then said with great insecurity.

“You’re from the Uzumaki clan, and Tsunade’s grandmother was also from the Uzumaki clan, so she should have a good impression of you. Tsunade is currently accepting disciples, and I’ve secured a spot for you. I’ll take you there this morning,” Zhenbai said, drinking tea.

"But can I really do it?" Karin was still somewhat unsure.

"Karin, don't underestimate yourself. You have great talent and will definitely grow into a very powerful medical ninja in the future," Mashiro encouraged, putting down her teacup. "Yes, Mashiro-sama, I will definitely work hard," Karin said earnestly.

"If I could become Tsunade-sama's disciple, I could get closer to Mashiro-sama," Karin thought to herself.

"Good luck, I won't bother you anymore. You can get ready." Mashiro said, pushing open the door and leaving. The next day, Mashiro first picked up Karin, and then went to pick up Sakura.

Seeing the two looking at each other, Mashiro introduced them: "This is Karin Uzumaki, a member of the Uzumaki clan. I met her by accident. Her name is Sakura Haruno, and she is my classmate."

"You two are the disciples I'm introducing to Lady Tsunade this time. I hope you both succeed." Then Mashiro led them into the house the Third Hokage had prepared for Tsunade.

Shizune was at the side door. She greeted Mashiro first, then smiled gently when she saw Koro and Karin behind Mashiro. Upon entering the living room, Tsunade was half-reclining on the sofa. Seeing the newcomers, she sat up straight.

"Her name is Karin Uzumaki, a pure-blooded member of the Uzumaki clan. She used to live in Kusagakure. I met her during the Chunin Exams," Mashiro introduced Karin to Tsunade, then recounted Karin's tragic experiences in Kusagakure.

“Pull up your sleeves,” Tsunade said.

Karin seemed a little flustered upon hearing this, and looked at Mashiro. Mashiro nodded slightly, and Karin pulled up her sleeve, revealing a dense array of teeth marks. Looking at those teeth marks, Tsunade frowned, then sighed and said, "Let her stay."

Upon hearing this, Karin became excited and hurriedly bowed to Tsunade, saying, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade, no, thank you, Master."

Tsunade didn't speak, but accepted Karin's bow. Sakura immediately became incredibly nervous.

"This is Sakura Haruno, my former classmate. She has extremely strong chakra manipulation abilities and is considered a natural-born medical ninja," Mashiro introduced, pointing to Sakura.

"Your classmate?" Tsunade's gaze shifted as she looked at Mashiro.

He then said, "Originally, I wasn't planning to accept her." Sakura's face instantly turned pale.

“However, since even you say she’s a natural-born medical ninja, I’m going to give her a chance. Shizune has a test for you; if you can pass it, I’ll take you on. Shizune, take her there,” Tsunade continued.

These words gave Xiaolou new hope, and she hurriedly said, "Thank you, Lady Tsunade. I will definitely try my best," and then followed Shizune out.

Mashiro smiled at Tsunade, who gave him a knowing look. Then Mashiro left with Karin.

The second stage involves the appointment of the Daimyo and the commencement of Tsunade's succession ceremony.

During the ceremony, Mashiro stood next to Tsunade, looking down at the cheering crowd from the top of the Hokage Building. He secretly touched Tsunade's thigh and whispered, "Congratulations on becoming Hokage."

Tsunade secretly rolled her eyes at Mashiro and said softly, "Don't you know who's actually the Hokage between the two of us?"

Mashiro smiled without saying a word.

Volume One: The fledgling (The End)

Chapter 51: The Released Indoctrinated

"Lord Hiashi, you may leave now." A member of the Anbu opened the cell door and said respectfully to Hiashi.

Suppressing his excitement, Riji stepped out of the cell. When he finally walked out of the prison, he looked up and the sunlight was blindingly bright.

He never imagined he would ever be released. Three years ago, when he was first taken away by the Anbu, the Third Hokage came to his cell and told him to believe that he would not betray Konoha. He also firmly swore that he would never have any disloyalty to Konoha.

He originally thought he would be released after a few days of detention and once the matter was investigated, but he ended up waiting for three years. During this time, the Third Generation Lord never came again, and no one came to see him.

Continuing forward, two members of the Hyuga clan had been waiting for some time. As Hiashi approached, they respectfully bowed and said, "Greetings, Lord Hiashi." These two Hyuga clan members, one named Hyuga Jun and the other Hyuga Raji, were genin from the main branch of the Hyuga clan, holding a relatively low position within the clan.

"Why are you here?" Hiashi asked.

“We were sent by the head of the family,” Hinata Jun replied. “The head of the family?”

Hiashi sensed something was amiss and asked, "Who is the current head of the Hyuga clan?" "It is Lord Mashiro," Hyuga Jun replied respectfully.

Hiashi sighed softly. He had already guessed this. After three years in prison, the clan couldn't possibly wait for him forever. However, what puzzled him was that Hyuga Yamabuki and the others would actually agree to let Mashiro become the head of the clan.

He then asked, "Where is the eldest clan elder now? Hasn't he come over?"

Logically, now that news of his release from prison has spread, it's unlikely that the clan would only send two of its servants.

"Lord Yamazaki passed away three years ago," Hinata Raji said. "Passed away?"

Hiashi then realized something was wrong and hurriedly asked, "What about the other elders?" "All three elders have passed away," Hyuga Raji replied.

In an instant, Hiashi's strength seemed to be drained, and he asked in a low voice, "How did the three elders die?" Then Hyuga Raji told him about the rainy night when the main family and branch families fought, and the deaths of the three elders and Hyuga Yuki.

A chill permeated Hiashi's heart. As the former head of the clan, his perspective on things was completely different from that of ordinary ninjas. Although he had not experienced it firsthand, Hiashi understood from Hyuga Raji's account that the incident was nothing more than a scheme set up by someone else.

"Where is the Hokage? How is the Hyuga clan doing in Konoha?" Hiashi asked anxiously.

Hyuga Jun and Hyuga Raji exchanged a glance, and then Hyuga Raji said, "I don't know which Hokage you're referring to. If it's the Third Hokage..."

If it were the Kage, she should be in the Sarutobi clan's territory right now. If it were the Fifth Hokage, she should be in the Hokage's office.

"Now, under Lord Mashiro's leadership, the Hyuga clan is incredibly prosperous. Not only are they wealthy, but they've also entered the village's inner circle." Listening to Hyuga Raji's words, Hiashi felt as if he were dreaming. The Hokage had changed, and the Hyuga clan had fulfilled the dream of generations, entering the village's inner circle.

The core members of the group, who were only imprisoned for three years, inexplicably gave Japan a sense of the vicissitudes of thirty years.

"Where's Mashiro? Didn't she come either?" Hiashi asked somewhat absentmindedly.

"Lord Mashiro should be assisting the Hokage with official duties right now, Lord Hiashi. I think it would be better if we returned to the clan first. When Lord Mashiro wants to contact you, he will naturally come to you," said Jun Hyuga.

Assisting the Hokage with official duties? "Hiashi felt like he was going crazy."

He could only nod slightly; he already sensed that these two people respected Mashiro more than they respected him. Following the two towards the Hyuga clan's territory, Hiashi looked at everything along the way. It seemed unchanged from before his imprisonment, yet it also seemed more prosperous.

Many shops appeared that Japanese people had never seen before.

After walking for a long time, they finally arrived at the Hyuga clan's territory. Looking at the scene before him, Hiashi was momentarily stunned.

While the area around the original Hyuga clan's territory wasn't exactly desolate, it certainly wasn't bustling either. But now, the Hyuga clan's territory was incredibly lively, with all sorts of facilities and a thriving commercial street.

"This street was established by the village to commemorate Lord Mashiro's achievements. It's called Phantom Street, which corresponds to Lord Mashiro's title, Black and White Phantom. Other families and merchants also set up shops on this street to show their respect for Lord Mashiro. In addition, the shops set up by our own clan members have made this place lively," Hinata Jun said, his tone full of respect for Mashiro.

Not long after walking out of this street, you will see the gate of the Hyuga clan.

But before the three could even enter, a group of Hyuga clan ninjas dressed in black robes emerged from the gate. "Captain Naoki, you've worked hard!" ×2

Upon seeing the group of people before them, Hinata Jun and Hinata Raji hurriedly bowed to the leader and said...

Naoki's gaze swept over Hyuga Jun and Hyuga Raji, then settled on Hiashi. After a moment's thought, he said respectfully, "Lord Hiashi, it's great to see you back."