My Real Job is Spying on Konoha, but I'm Also its Hokage

"I'm getting old. Deciding on the next Hokage sooner rather than later will bring more stability to the village," Hiruzen Sarutobi said slowly, taking a puff from his pipe after a few moments of meeting Tsunade's gaze.

"Why are you asking me?" Tsunade retorted with a pout. "Shouldn't you be asking Danzo that question? I'm sure he'd be more than happy to answer you."

"You know as well as I do that Danzo cannot become Hokage," Hiruzen said, dismissing the idea without hesitation.

"Then why do you indulge him so much?" Tsunade asked, dissatisfied.

"Where there is light, there is shadow. Some matters require someone like Danzo to handle them," Hiruzen said faintly. "As long as I keep him firmly in hand, there won't be any major problems."

"You're confident you can control Danzo, but what about the next generation's Hokage?" Tsunade said with a serious expression. "If they can't control him, the consequences will be unimaginable."

"That's why the choice of the next Hokage is so important," Hiruzen admitted frankly. "At the very least, Sakumo Hatake is not suitable. He cannot handle Danzo."

"It seems you knew about the rumors regarding Sakumo all along," Tsunade said, her eyes narrowing slightly.

"..." Hiruzen was momentarily embarrassed. It was impossible for him to be completely unaware. Root was not an independent organization; it was subordinate to the Anbu, and he received reports, one way or another.

"Besides Sakumo, you three are the only ones qualified to become Hokage," Hiruzen said, clearing his throat to change the subject.

"I'm not interested!" Tsunade said without a second thought.

"If you're not interested, why did you intervene in Sakumo's situation?" Hiruzen shook his head. "Tsunade, you actually care a great deal about Konoha."

"I care about Konoha, but that doesn't mean I care about being Hokage," Tsunade said bluntly.

"..." Hiruzen was silent for a few seconds before speaking. "I know it's because you..."

"Don't mention him!" Tsunade cut him off.

"You're like this, and so is Orochimaru," Hiruzen sighed. The death of Nawaki had deeply affected two of his students at once.

"Orochimaru is more suitable than me," Tsunade said casually, reminded of him.

"In terms of strength and methods, that is indeed true," Hiruzen paused, then asked, "Are you sure you won't compete?"

Tsunade opened her mouth, but the thought of Haneul suddenly made her hesitate.

"You have significant advantages," Hiruzen noticed her expression and continued. "Especially with the Land of Fire. Your reputation there is greater than anyone else's."

It was Hashirama Senju who had ended the Warring States period and established the "One Village per Country" system. As his granddaughter and a powerful medical ninja in her own right, Tsunade was well-acquainted with the daimyo and nobles of the Land of Fire. She was the only ninja to be called a "princess."

"Who do you want to choose?" Tsunade asked, looking at him.

"I don't know," Hiruzen said honestly. He was leaning towards Orochimaru or Tsunade, but he hadn't made a final decision. As for Minato Namikaze, he was currently just an unremarkable Jonin with little influence.

"Then take your time choosing," Tsunade said, tossing the problem back to him.

"I'm just reminding you, if you intend to compete, you should start planning now," Hiruzen couldn't help but complain. "Gamble less, do more missions. Look at you, you haven't done a single mission recently." There was another sentence he left unsaid: Even if you don't compete, you can't let Sakumo Hatake steal the show. He is not of the Hokage's lineage, after all.

"It's because I've been teaching Haneul, so I haven't had the time," Tsunade said without batting an eye.

"..." Hiruzen's lip twitched. "Speaking of Haneul, as his teacher, shouldn't you occasionally take him out for some real-world experience?"

"He's still young," Tsunade refused.

"He's a genius; age isn't an issue. His current strength is no less than a Chunin's," Hiruzen said earnestly. "Besides, it will be too late to gain experience once a war starts."

"War?" Tsunade's gaze sharpened. "What do you mean?"

"It's intelligence from Minato," Hiruzen didn't hide it. "The Hidden Cloud Village has purchased significantly more ninja tools and supplies this year than in previous years. They may be preparing for war."

Before the troops move, the fodder and grain must go first. Logistics were a crucial part of warfare. While it wasn't definitive proof, it was certainly a sign they needed to be prepared.

"I understand," Tsunade said, her tone serious. The reason Nawaki had died was due to his inexperience on the battlefield, which led to him falling into an exploding tag trap. She would absolutely not allow Haneul to follow in his footsteps.

"Class dismissed," their teacher, Eiichiro, said, picking up his textbook and leaving the classroom. Haneul packed his desk, preparing to head to the location Tekka Uchiha had designated for their manly battle.

"Haneul." Rin Nohara walked up to him, with Kakashi Hatake and Obito Uchiha behind her. "Can we come and watch?" Rin asked with an expectant look.

Although Haneul considered Tekka insignificant, he was quite famous in the academy as the top student of the second year.

"I don't want to go, it's just on the way," Obito muttered. In reality, he did want to see the fight, but he was hoping Tekka would win, not Haneul.

"Sure," Haneul nodded. "We're going to the Third Training Ground."

With Kurenai Yuhi joining them, the five of them left the classroom.

"They're here!" Tekka Uchiha spotted Haneul from a distance, his voice eager.

"Brother Tekka, remember our strategy," Shisui Uchiha reminded him. "You must be careful of his genjutsu."

"I know," Tekka said, patting his shoulder. "It won't be so easy to beat me."

"Mhm," Shisui said no more. He had sparred with Tekka often and knew his strength. Even if he couldn't match Haneul, he shouldn't be defeated too badly.

"Let's begin," Tekka said, looking at Haneul and walking to the center of the field.

"Haneul! Go for it!" Kurenai shouted, pumping her fist. Rin was more reserved but waved her hand in support. Seeing this, Obito was tempted to cheer for Tekka but ultimately held back. Kakashi's expression was calm. Tekka couldn't even beat him, so he was naturally no match for Haneul. The only question was how long he could last.

Fire Style: Great Fireball Technique!

Tekka formed hand seals and spewed a massive fireball from his mouth. Haneul stood his ground, drew his samurai sword, and sliced downwards. The fireball split in two, flying off to either side.

Fire Style: Phoenix Sage Fire Technique!

Tekka had anticipated this and immediately followed up with another fire jutsu. The flames he spat out scattered like phoenix flowers, completely cutting off Haneul's escape from all sides.

"I win!" Tekka exclaimed excitedly. He and Shisui had decided on a long-range strategy, using fire jutsu to keep Haneul from getting close and securing victory.

But to the onlookers, Tekka was fighting a tree.

"..." Shisui was at a loss for words. He had seen it clearly. After slicing the fireball, Haneul had cast the Demonic Illusion: False Surroundings Technique. His hand seals were so fast, and with the fireball momentarily obscuring Tekka's vision, he hadn't even realized he was caught in a genjutsu.

Shisui's expression became incredibly grave. Not only had Tekka failed to force Haneul to use his full strength, but he had also made Haneul seem even more terrifying.

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