XX-level Hokage

Tsunade stared blankly at the scene unfolding before her. These new images were both incredibly unfamiliar and incredibly familiar to her. "Who are you?" Tsunade guessed Mashiro's identity.

"The boy's name was Uchiha Zero, but he now has a new name, Hyuga Mashiro. The girl's name was Uchiha Izumi, but she has already died in this world."

Princess Senju's name is Tsunade Senju, and she is still crying. "Mashiro said quietly..."

Mashiro took Tsunade's hand and led her around. Little Tsunade was standing not far behind them.

"So you're finally willing to look back?" Tsunade suddenly said.

Tsunade looked around, only to find that he had disappeared without a trace.

“I am your past. The past contains not only some warmth but also some pain. Originally, I should have been sleeping in your subconscious, waiting for you to awaken when you recall the past. But because of what you experienced, you have been living in the past, and so have I been awake.” Tsunade said, then she walked closer and took Tsunade’s hand.

He pulled Tsunade forward and walked for a while.

Nawaki's figure appeared. He looked at Tsunade, smiled brightly, and then said softly, "Sister, don't shed tears for me. As a member of the Senju clan, I am already satisfied to die on the battlefield. You will always be my most beloved family member."

After finishing speaking, Nawaki took off his necklace and put it around Tsunade's neck. Then he smiled and disappeared.

Tsunade pulled Tsunade along as they continued walking forward.

A broken figure appeared, and he gently hugged Tsunade, then said, "Tsunade, don't be saddened by my death. I died for peace and for protection. If you are saddened by my death, I will be heartbroken."

Then he leaned closer and whispered in Tsunade's ear, "Don't blame yourself for me. Go find someone you love."

Then, stepping back, he waved goodbye. "Goodbye, my love."

Then he disappeared from the spot. Tsunade was already in tears.

Young Tsunade continued pulling Tsunade along, and images of young Jiraiya and Orochimaru appeared. Young Jiraiya waved and called out, "Tsunade, come quick, our teacher is waiting for us!"

"I should go now. It's your turn to leave on your own." With that, Tsunade released Jiraiya's hand, smiled brightly, and ran towards him. "Wait for me, I'm coming!"

Tsunade looked ahead at the road, a long-lost peace and ease filling her heart. She glanced back one last time. Everyone was smiling at her.

Tsunade wiped away her tears and walked forward.

"Are you awake?"

Tsunade gently opened her eyes and saw Mashiro in front of her.

"Once you play this card, the game is over. It looks like you're going to win," Masashi said with a smile.

Tsunade suddenly laughed, then crushed the mahjong tiles in her hand, saying softly, "Oh dear, I'm out of tiles. Looks like I'll have to forfeit." Mashiro smiled without saying a word.

Tsunade suddenly reached out and pinched Mashiro's cheek, then picked her up and said with a smile, "This body suits you perfectly; it's so soft."

"It seems you're not fully awake yet," Mashiro said, squinting.

“You don’t have that now, so you can’t scare me,” Tsunade said proudly. “Is that so?” Mashiro’s voice was somewhat low.

"I was just kidding, just kidding." Tsunade immediately understood. A few days later, Mashiro brought Tsunade and Shizune to Konoha.

Chapter 49: Konoha Hospital

Upon arriving in Konoha, Shizune looked around with curiosity. This was her first time returning to Konoha since she had run away with Tsunade when she was very young.

Many of the scenes were quite different from what she remembered.

Tsunade looked at Konoha with a mixture of nostalgia and bewilderment. From this moment on, she would no longer have to wander aimlessly. "Let's go to the Hokage Building," Mashiro said, continuing forward.

"Wait a minute, let's find somewhere to eat first." Tsunade said, grabbing Mashiro's shoulder. "Are you hungry?" Mashiro asked with a smile.

"What do you think? I barely ate anything in Tanabata Street those two days, and I only ate dry rations on the way to Konoha. Now I'm going to have a big meal." Tsunade said irritably.

"A big meal? Do you have the money?" Mashiro joked.

"But you're still here, aren't you?" Tsunade looked at Mashiro with a fawning smile.

"Oh, I remember someone still owes me a huge sum of money," Masashi said with a smile. "What? You want money back from me?" Tsunade retorted arrogantly.

"No money back? Fine. We can have dinner too, but that depends on what price you're willing to pay," Mashiro said, looking at Tsunade with a knowing look. "Let's go, let's go eat barbecue," Tsunade said, blushing slightly, seemingly agreeing.

Shizune watched the interaction between the two from a short distance away. After Tsunade went out that night, she returned to the inn with Mashiro the next morning. She then told Mashiro that she had agreed to become Hokage and that they were packing their things to return to Konoha.

Then Shizune realized that her master and Mashiro's relationship had inexplicably become very good, and it wasn't just the kind of good relationship between ordinary friends. Shizune even noticed that her master once acted like he was being affectionate towards Mashiro.

This still makes Shizune wonder if she was dreaming. "Come on, Shizune, let's go have a big meal," Tsunade said with a smile. "But, Lady Tsunade, we don't have enough money," Shizune said helplessly.

“It’s okay, this guy will pay.” Tsunade said, holding Mashiro’s hand and pointing at Mashiro.

For some reason, seeing the two so intimate, Shizune felt a little sad, but she still smiled and said, "Then thank you again, Mashiro."

In the Hokage's office, Tsunade sat in a chair with her legs crossed casually, while Shizune stood next to her.

"Tsunade, you've finally decided to return to Konoha." The Third Hokage pushed open the office door and walked in with a smile. Behind him were advisors Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, while Mashiro followed at the back.

“Grandpa, you seem to be in good health. You could easily serve for another ten or twenty years. Why do you have to retire so early?” Tsunade said to the Third Hokage.

The Third Hokage looked at Tsunade and smiled kindly, saying, "I really appreciate your kind words. Unfortunately, I know my own body best. It's already a blessing from the gods that I can last another ten years. As for why I retired so early, I just want to enjoy my old age."

"Then I'll have to ask first, how much salary and allowance does the Hokage receive per month?" Tsunade asked seriously.

"Tsunade, becoming Hokage is about protecting the people of the village. She is the embodiment of the Will of Fire, which is of great significance. How can it be measured by money?" Koharu Utatane said with some dissatisfaction.

"Since it's so important, why don't you two just take the positions?" Tsunade showed them no respect whatsoever.

“Tsunade, how can you say that? Koharu has sacrificed so much for Konoha over the years, how can you not show her any respect? Sarutobi, I think we should reconsider this matter,” Mitokado Homura said.

"Yes, yes, you guys should think it over. I'm going back now." Tsunade picked at her ear and got up to leave.

"Tsunade, the Hokage's salary isn't much, but the subsidies are quite substantial. If you're still not satisfied, I can give you a monthly allowance in the name of the Sarutobi family," the Third Hokage said with a hint of helplessness. His students, as always, were the same.

"Really? Master, it's a deal." Tsunade said happily.

"I'll have Mashiro take you to see Kakashi in a bit. I need to write a resignation letter and a letter of recommendation for the Daimyo before the new Hokage is appointed."

"You can wander around Konoha," the Third Hokage said, puffing on his cigarette.

Tsunade nodded, agreeing with what the Third Hokage had said.

After Mashiro and Tsunade left, the Third Hokage looked at his two old friends, whose faces were grim, and comforted them, saying, "Homura, Koharu, I will explain things to her when I get here. You will still be the core of Konoha."

Hearing the third generation's assurance, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu's expressions improved somewhat.

On the way to the hospital, Tsunade looked at Mashiro and suddenly laughed. "What's wrong?" Mashiro asked.

"It's nothing. It's just that seeing you following those two old guys so obediently is quite amusing, haha." Tsunade said, laughing again. "Remember your laugh now, I'll get my revenge later." Mashiro whispered in Tsunade's ear.

Tsunade's expression suddenly stopped, and she said seriously, "I wonder how Kakashi is. We can't delay treating someone who is seriously ill."

Mashiro watched Tsunade's changes with a smile but said nothing, while Shizune sighed helplessly beside her. She had seen too many sides of Lady Tsunade she had never seen before these past few days. At Konoha Hospital, Tsunade looked at the unconscious Kakashi, her brows furrowed, green light constantly flashing on her hand.

"His mental injuries are very severe; it seems he's been attacked continuously by something for a long time," Tsunade said, stroking her chin. "How is he? Can he be healed?" Mashiro asked.

"Fortunately, the other party didn't kill him. Although his spirit was severely injured, it wasn't a serious injury." Tsunade said, reaching out and placing her hand on Kakashi's head.

"The Book of Spring Sprouts"

A green light covered Kakashi's head, like the green grass of spring.

A short while later, Kakashi woke up. "What happened to me?"

Kakashi opened his eyes and saw an unfamiliar ceiling, followed by Tsunade and Mashiro beside him.

"Lady Tsunade?! What are you doing here?" Kakashi exclaimed, realizing what was happening. Mashiro then explained the situation to Kakashi.

"Thank you so much, Lady Tsunade, and you too, Mashiro. I owe you a favor," Kakashi said earnestly.

"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."