Hiruzen Sarutobi found Danzo Shimura's words rather odd. Homura Mitokado and Koharu Utatane also felt something was off.
Though they had all heard the rumors about Tsunade developing feelings for a much younger man, none of them jumped to the same wild conclusion Danzo did—that Uchiha Kei was using his looks and charm to treat her hemophobia by creating a romantic distraction.
In reality, Tsunade had already told the Third Hokage about using an illusion-based game to treat her hemophobia. Though she kept details about the mental network world and Nawaki's revival hidden, she explained everything else clearly. She admitted Kei's approach forced her to confront her fears head-on and redeem herself—ultimately curing her trauma.
Her words were a careful blend of truth and omission—enough to be convincing.
Having heard the full explanation, Hiruzen nodded in understanding. Though unconventional, this treatment method sounded highly effective. For shinobi with psychological scars, this kind of direct confrontation followed by emotional salvation was crucial.
Drawing from decades of experience, Hiruzen believed this form of therapy was both reasonable and meaningful.
So, when whispers arose suggesting Tsunade might fall for a younger man, Hiruzen found it surprising but not unacceptable. In a world like the shinobi world—so close to the ethos of dramatic love stories from the Land of Neon's culture—being saved by someone and falling for them was practically a genre of its own.
That was why Hiruzen couldn't understand why Danzo was getting so worked up, even dragging Tsunade's personal life into the conversation.
Realizing he had overreacted, Danzo's expression stiffened. He scoffed and said, "You know me, Hiruzen. I've never trusted the Uchiha. And now Tsunade has developed feelings for Uchiha Kei—that could be a huge threat to us and all of Konoha."
"If they really get together, the power they'd represent could shake even your position! The naturally evil Uchiha would no longer have anyone to hold them back."
Hiruzen was silent for a moment before he asked, "And why exactly do they need to be restrained? The Uchiha clan has been making every effort to integrate into Konoha. If Tsunade and Kei truly end up together, it'll symbolize a union of the Senju and Uchiha—accelerating that integration."
"As for your worries about them shaking my position... Danzo, I've served as Hokage ever since Lord Tobirama passed. The entire shinobi world is transitioning into a Fourth Generation era."
"I believe the time has come for Konoha too. If Tsunade and Kei truly end up together—and with her hemophobia cured—I believe she'd make a worthy Fourth Hokage."
"I believe the entire village would support her."
Danzo looked stunned. He turned instinctively to look at Homura and Koharu, only to see that neither of them were surprised. They clearly already knew Hiruzen's intentions and had been convinced.
Danzo suddenly felt like he'd been left out entirely. His face darkened.
Then the old hawk of Konoha spoke in a low voice, "Hiruzen, are you serious? You'd pass the Hokage title to Tsunade? Have you considered what Orochimaru would think?"
At that, Hiruzen and the other two smiled.
With pride, Hiruzen said, "I've already spoken with Orochimaru. He has no objections—in fact, he fully supports it."
"What!?" Danzo's eyes widened in disbelief. He couldn't fathom Orochimaru reacting that way. From what he knew, Orochimaru was ambitious and had long desired to become Hokage.
Why would he give that up so easily?
Truthfully, Hiruzen had been surprised too.
Earlier that morning, Tsunade had come to tell Hiruzen that her hemophobia had been cured. While pleased, he also began worrying about the next Hokage.
After some contemplation, Hiruzen visited Orochimaru's home to talk.
At the time, Orochimaru's real body was studying in the mental network world, while a shadow clone was in his underground lab working on... enhancement drugs. Though surprised by the visit, he didn't hide anything and brought Hiruzen in.
Hiruzen had been intrigued—especially by the drug's powerful effects. He even considered trying it himself.
He thought, maybe he could even get Orochimaru's anti-aging beauty formula for his wife Biwako. Maybe they could start a family again...
Of course, those were just pleasant fantasies. He snapped out of it and asked to speak with Orochimaru's true self.
Once informed, the real Orochimaru appeared and asked what was going on.
As always, Hiruzen hesitated. Caught in his habit of indecision, he fumbled his words.
Seeing this, Orochimaru couldn't help but feel a bit melancholy. His teacher had truly aged.
Back in his forties, Hiruzen had been decisive and firm. Now, he wavered over every major issue—a condition that would only worsen with age.
Time was a frightening thing.
That's why Orochimaru sought longevity. After studying the Grand Library and acquiring advanced knowledge, he'd realized that immortality was a myth. Even planets had lifespans.
So he shifted his goal from immortality to longevity—a more realistic pursuit.
Of course, he didn't say any of this aloud. Instead, he smiled and said, "Sensei, just say what you want to say. There's no need to hesitate with me. I've let go of many things... even the title of Hokage."
Hiruzen's eyes widened. "Orochimaru... you figured it out?"
With a smile, Orochimaru replied, "There are few things that would make you this hesitant. I figured it out from your reaction. You're thinking of choosing someone else as the next Hokage, aren't you?"
Hiruzen sighed and explained everything—Tsunade falling for Kei, the potential alliance between Senju and Uchiha, and the political implications.
In the end, he said, "I'm sorry, Orochimaru. If Tsunade and Kei do end up together, only she can ensure a smooth transfer of power and help the Uchiha truly become part of Konoha."
He looked visibly guilty. While it was the best move for the village, it was deeply unfair to Orochimaru.
But what Hiruzen didn't know was that Orochimaru was having his own internal meltdown.
"What the hell? Tsunade fell for Kei? Weren't they just fine yesterday at my place? Did I miss something in just one night?"
"And Tsunade, you're more than a decade older than him! Kei already has someone he likes—not to mention the Uchiha clan has a genius woman named Uchiha Naori lined up to continue his bloodline!"
"You just jumped in like that? What, some cliché love born from salvation?"
Orochimaru's thoughts spiraled. He even pitied his old buddy Jiraiya—dude was doomed.
Still, he wasn't surprised. Even cold-blooded snakes knew love required presence. Jiraiya was all about freedom and prophecy, the classic "never home" type. Maybe Tsunade would've fallen for him eventually—but Kei showed up with that whole salvation thing and just took the prize.
After a moment of silent mourning for Jiraiya, Orochimaru found himself... oddly pleased.
If things unfolded the way Hiruzen described, Orochimaru was the real winner.
He'd been feeling overwhelmed by endless research and the responsibilities that came with potential leadership.
Now that the Hokage title was going to someone else—someone he trusted—he was ecstatic. Especially if Tsunade's husband would be Kei, who had invested heavily in his research projects. It was the perfect timeline.
With a calm smile, he said, "Sensei, you underestimate me. If Tsunade becomes Hokage, I'll support her with everything I've got. I'll do my part to make Konoha even stronger."
"If you have a vision for the village's future, go for it. As your student, I'll always back you up."
He meant it. It was a win-win, and he wasn't above saying nice things to secure his own future.
To Hiruzen, Orochimaru's response was a huge relief. It affirmed that his most brilliant student was still loyal and supportive. Deeply moved, he promised to repay Orochimaru—starting with finally approving that massive research institute Orochimaru had requested long ago.
It had previously been shelved or denied outright. But now, with Orochimaru's Will of Fire burning so brightly, Hiruzen felt it was time to support and reward his disciple.
He knew that granting approval for such an institute meant suppressing the anti-science sentiments left over from the Hashirama Cell scandal. Orochimaru would now be allowed to explore forbidden knowledge—including items from the Scroll of Seals.
Well... maybe not the actual Hashirama Cells, but everything else was fair game.
Orochimaru was thrilled. He even said Konoha wouldn't need to fund a new institute—the facility Kei and others had invested in could serve as the headquarters. It was the most advanced lab in the shinobi world.
Because of that, it would still take a while to finish construction.
And so, teacher and student both got what they wanted—far more than they'd hoped for.
Afterward, Hiruzen returned to the Hokage Building and called Homura and Koharu. He told them everything.
They were shocked—but also pleased. They agreed that Hiruzen's decision was best for Konoha.
Back to the present.
Hiruzen shared Orochimaru's attitude with Danzo, who looked like he'd been struck by lightning. He stood there, utterly shattered.