XX-level Hokage

"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."

As soon as Naoki spoke, the group of black-robed Hyuga ninja behind him also said, "Greetings, Lord Hiashi." Then Naoki led them away.

"Who are they?" Hiashi asked, remembering that Hyuga Naoki was originally just a gatekeeper in the clan, so how did he become like this?

"They are the Root's search team, and also the Hyuga's guard. The search team is an organization specially established by Lord Mashiro within Root, and it is entirely composed of Hyuga clan ninjas. Captain Naoki is the captain of the search team," Hyuga Raji said.

Hiashi certainly knew about this organization. It was a secret guard organization led by Danzo, a ruthless organization that would stop at nothing to do anything. How could "Root" be associated with the Hyuga clan? What was going on?

Hiashi couldn't help but ask, "When did Nenin reach a cooperation agreement with Hyuga?"

"Cooperation? It's not cooperation. Lady Mashiro is the new leader of Root, a position she specifically created within Root," said Jun Hinata.

Just as Hiashi was still in shock, as if in a dream, Hyuga Raji led him through the gate. The interior of the Hyuga residence was unchanged, except for the Hyuga clansmen dressed in black robes everywhere.

Hiashi silently followed Hinata Jun to his former room. Then Hinata Jun left, leaving Hiashi alone in the room. Hiashi sat blankly in the chair, as if the world had collapsed.

"Lord Koshin, what do you think of the Hyuga clan now?" Mashiro suddenly appeared and asked.

Hiashi looked up at Mashiro. The fifteen-year-old Mashiro was incredibly beautiful, with long, straight, jet-black hair, a gorgeous face, and a curvaceous figure. All of this indicated that the person in front of him was different from the one he remembered.

“You don’t look like your mother,” Hiashi suddenly said with a smile.

Indeed, they don't look alike. Whether it's Ayano, Hinata, or Hanabi, their appearances are gentle and harmless, while Mashiro is glamorous, alluring, and aggressive.

"Father, please stay in the courtyard. I will send someone to bring you anything you need. Hinata and Hanabi will come to see you occasionally," Mashiro said gently.

Hiashi looked at his daughter, whom he now found completely unfamiliar, and nodded gently. Then, Mashiro disappeared into the shadows.

Hiashi walked into the courtyard and looked up at the sky. (Author's note)

Thanks to @喵酱

Chapter 52: Twin Ponytails

Three years have passed, and Konoha has changed both greatly and little.

For three years, Naruto trained with Jiraiya everywhere; for three years, Sasuke formed his own team within Root; for three years, Sakura successfully passed the test and became Tsunade's disciple along with Karin…

Everyone changed over the three years, including Mashiro.

Over the course of three years, under Mashiro's control, the Hyuga clan became the second largest clan in Konoha after the Sarutobi clan. "Root" broke away from the underground and became an organization on par with the Anbu. Tsunade pushed almost all village affairs into Mashiro's hands, making her the de facto ruler of Konoha.

Of course, over the three years, Mashiro's relationships with Sakura, Ino, Yakumo, Tsunade, Shizune, and others have also undergone rapid changes, with their affection levels basically just one step away from being reached.

In the early morning, Mashiro opened her eyes, patted the still-sleeping hand next to her, and then pushed away the thighs that were tightly pressed together. Mashiro's day had officially begun.

As Mashiro woke up, Tehan also opened her eyes. She quickly put on her pajamas and then rushed to the kitchen to prepare breakfast for Mashiro.

Meanwhile, Makoto slowly put on his clothes, one by one, and then went to the bathroom to wash up. After he finished washing up, Temari's breakfast was ready.

Milk, fried eggs, sandwiches, broccoli—this is Mashiro's daily breakfast. While Mashiro starts eating, Tehan begins washing up in the bathroom.

Since two years ago, when Shinji released Gaara and Kankuro back to Sunagakure and then used his methods to help Gaara become the Fifth Kazekage, Temari has fully embraced the role of Mashiro's maid. After three years of getting used to it, dressing her, cooking for her, giving her massages, providing her with a lap pillow, and warming her bed, Temari has become familiar with everything that Mashiro's maid does.

Of course, there's also the part Temari hates most every day: after washing up, Temari comes to the living room to find Mashiro has already finished eating, and there's only...

All that was left was broccoli.

Mashiro used a fork to pick up some broccoli, and Shouhan obediently leaned over to accept Mashiro's feeding. Soon, the entire plate of broccoli was fed by Mashiro.