That same night, the Fifth Hokage was working overtime.
Despite having given no clear instructions to do so, she still hadn't returned to Konoha. Instead, she remained comfortably ensconced in the Shadow Leaf Stronghold, acting as if she had returned to her own home. As for when she might leave? No one knew, and no one dared to ask.
Habara's earlier comment about the "cuckoo occupying the magpie's nest" wasn't entirely baseless or born of excessive self-awareness.
Thinking about it, Tsunade always had a somewhat rebellious streak. Coupled with her current unchecked authority, she was essentially free to go wherever she pleased. Subconsciously, there was surely a defiant impulse at play. You all used rather impolite methods to drag me back to Konoha, and I had no choice but to agree to become the new Hokage. But that doesn't mean the Hokage has to stay cooped up in Konoha all the time, does it? What's wrong with me working from this Konoha Branch Leaf office?
It wasn't clear exactly who Tsunade was rebelling against, but she was rebelling nonetheless.
After finishing the last piece of work, Tsunade thought for a moment, then turned to Shizune at her side. "There are a few more things. Shizune, please take these down… First, transfer a Konoha Sealing Squad here to expedite the setup and perfection of the defensive barriers; reinforce the existing barriers as well. Second, summon Kushina Uzumaki here to assist in the development of that 'Chakra Encapsulation' technology. Third, further expand the scale and scope of the so-called 'three great systems,' increase the number of ninja connected to the system, and simultaneously require them to contribute their surplus daily chakra."
Shizune dutifully recorded Tsunade's commands, then hesitated, looking as though she wanted to say something but was holding back.
"What is it? If you have a problem, just say it," Tsunade asked casually, noticing her expression.
"It's nothing, nothing major, Lady Tsunade, but… if the scale and number of participants increase, might the requirement for ninja to contribute chakra be perceived as… taxation? Like a 'chakra tax'?"
Tsunade frowned, glancing at Shizune. "That's a good association. Just don't make such wild associations next time."
Objectively speaking, aside from her tendency to treat Habara's base as her own personal stronghold, Tsunade's measures clearly facilitated the realization of Habara's vision. If Habara's plans were viewed as a form of reform, then the Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, despite only just taking office, was pushing these reforms with far greater force than the Third Hokage ever did. This could be interpreted as political immaturity, or perhaps as bold, progressive leadership.
After all, for any group, organization, or even political regime, maintaining overall stability is paramount. Its leader shouldn't tamper with it casually, because meddling can easily lead to collapse.
However, conversely, these general rules didn't perfectly apply to an organization like a hidden village. As long as the Hokage possessed sufficient strength, her actions, provided they weren't fundamentally subversive, wouldn't provoke a severe backlash.
But Tsunade's current thought process was somewhat fragmented, prone to acting on whims. Thus, after Shizune finished recording her previous instructions, another idea struck her. "Oh, right. While we're at it, let's move the Konoha Ninja Academy here too. Build a fully enclosed campus…"
This time, Shizune felt compelled to object. "Lady Tsunade, isn't this approach too radical right now, perhaps ill-considered? Building something new might not face much resistance, but altering something old will inevitably encounter various unpredictable reactions from all sides."
The Ninja Academy, while perhaps not critically important in one sense, undoubtedly held immense symbolic significance. Relocating it bordered on the kind of subversive action mentioned earlier.
Tsunade also recognized the potential problems. She waved her hand dismissively. "Alright, let's drop that one. Perhaps in the future, I can establish an educational institution like a ninja preschool or kindergarten."
Ah, preschool sounds much gentler, Shizune likely thought. It was essentially the same thing, but taking a more roundabout approach—that counted as political wisdom.
The flames in the Fire Capital illuminated half the night sky, quickly drawing onlookers. A fire this severe couldn't be extinguished by ordinary Water Release techniques; within moments, the main hall had already burned and collapsed.
Strangely, however, the fire remained contained within that area, showing no signs of spreading.
Once the fire erupted, intelligent individuals immediately grasped the crucial question and began to worry about the Daimyo's current condition.
At that moment, several people were rushing anxiously towards the Daimyo's private quarters when they were intercepted by a lone figure.
"Chiriku of the Guardian Shinobi Twelve, correct?" The interceptor, naturally, was the coincidentally passing Habara. "Allow me to introduce myself. I am Konoha Jonin Habara. Due to the special circumstances, Konoha is now assuming full responsibility for the situation in the Fire Capital."
Chiriku and his group certainly recognized the name Habara, and the appearance matched the descriptions… The Jonin Habara was said to always carry a large iron box on his back. Chiriku sensed the situation was becoming tricky. "Jonin Habara of Konoha," he said formally, "according to the laws of the Land of Fire, Konoha shinobi have no authority to interfere in the affairs of the Fire Capital. Why are you here? Even if you have the Hokage's authorization, it is invalid. The Hokage's power does not extend to the Daimyo's side."
Chiriku, a prominent member of the Guardian Shinobi Twelve, user of a knockoff version of the Hunter Association President's skills… Habara saw that these men looked ready to spill his blood if he didn't move, so he simply shook his head and stepped aside.
They just won't listen to good advice, Habara thought. Shouldn't one avoid wading into such muddy waters if possible? Why are they rushing in like moths to a flame?
Seeing Habara clear the path, Chiriku and his companions dashed away at lightning speed, dropping their defiant talk about the Hokage's lack of authority.
A few minutes later, two more squads, eight shinobi in total, passed by. Upon seeing Habara, they stopped voluntarily.
"Jonin Habara, why are you in the Fire Capital?" one asked.
"Passing through on another mission, just happened to see what was going on here," Habara replied unsurprised, then asked naturally, "How many other Konoha shinobi are currently stationed here?"
"Two more squads," the ninja answered.
That's right. The Hokage, despite nominally lacking authority over the Fire Capital, had long maintained a habit of planting 'assets' here. It was a fine tradition started by the Second Hokage. Of course, the Hokage was the Daimyo's subordinate, but arranging for ninja to be here wasn't intended for nefarious purposes—just to observe. Successive Hokages had always ensured they did nothing more.
Habara smirked inwardly. Four squads? Isn't that more ninja than the Daimyo's own guardians? The Hokage truly leaves nothing to chance. He knew, of course, that this couldn't possibly have been arranged by the newly appointed Fifth Hokage, Tsunade. She was still finding her footing within Konoha, let alone outside it. This was simply a continuation of long-standing practice.
"Gather your personnel," Habara instructed. "The Daimyo has likely been assassinated. The incident appears related to infighting within the Guardian Shinobi Twelve. Some of the Twelve have already gone ahead. You should also go and assess the situation. Remain vigilant regarding the Twelve, and report any developments to me immediately."
Although he didn't explicitly assert authority, his mere presence effectively transferred command of the Konoha shinobi in the Fire Capital into his hands.
Hearing that the Daimyo might be dead, the leading Konoha ninja immediately nodded. "Understood, Jonin Habara. We'll move immediately."
A while later, word came back: the Fire Daimyo was indeed deceased. Konoha shinobi and the remaining five members of the "Twelve" were searching for and protecting the Daimyo's successor. Then, a short while after that, news arrived that the successor had been found… but now they needed to find the successor's successor.
The Daimyo's death was a major event, but even more serious was the lack of a suitable heir.
By the following morning, the high officials of the Land of Fire had gathered before the still-warm ruins of the main hall. When the shinobi informed them of the previous night's events, chaos erupted instantly. How could a country function without a Daimyo?
At this point, Habara formally made his appearance, standing alongside the four Konoha squads. They represented the most powerful armed force within the Fire Capital, and in a sense, the only power capable of influencing the outcome.
"What exactly happened last night? Who was the culprit? Why would such a heinous crime be committed?" someone suddenly demanded.
"Ahem," Habara began, stepping forward to address this crucial question. "According to our investigation, a faction within the Guardian Shinobi Twelve had long been plotting against the Hokage of Konoha. Especially now, with the recent appointment of the Fifth Hokage, they were preparing to implement concrete actions. As everyone knows, the Daimyo enjoyed a close relationship with the Hokage and Konoha. With his political wisdom, the Daimyo could not possibly allow such actions to occur, which led to conflict between the two sides."
He paused, letting the implication hang. "These radical ninja were initially dissatisfied with the Daimyo's approval of Lady Tsunade, the First Hokage's granddaughter, as the new Hokage. They were further angered by the Daimyo curbing their activities… So, is it possible that these ninja, frustrated by the Daimyo's refusal, acted impulsively and caused this tragedy? But afterward, perhaps their consciences resurfaced? Knowing the depth of their sins, did they choose self-immolation?"
Due to Habara's directive, the events here had not been immediately reported to the Hokage. His reasoning was sound: in the matter of the Daimyo's death, the Hokage herself was inevitably under suspicion, simply because she possessed the power to orchestrate such a thing. Therefore, it was best to remain quiet and still for now.
Considering the current Hokage's temperament, the only way to ensure her calmness was to temporarily keep her uninformed.
However, the explanation Habara offered sounded utterly ludicrous. In the eyes of most people, ninja were butchers who killed without blinking. What conscience could such creatures possibly possess?
Even some of the Konoha ninja present found Habara's narrative absurd. They knew the ninja named Kazuma and certainly didn't think him capable of a sudden attack of conscience.
Yet, their squad captain merely nodded along. "Jonin Habara's words make sense. Kazuma's plot within the Twelve was well-known; it caused the split. It's not impossible for such an ambitious man to turn against the Daimyo."
The captain was truly a captain, capable of lying through his teeth. Seriously, he likely thought, who cares how the Daimyo died, as long as the blame doesn't fall on Konoha or the Hokage? The Daimyo died at the hands of ninja he himself recruited—isn't that perfectly logical, perhaps even convenient? This way, no one has to take responsibility.
Perhaps because they understood this logic, or perhaps because they didn't dare test the sharpness of the ninjas' blades on the spot, no one openly refuted Habara's ridiculous story.
"The Twelve may need investigation, but the current problem is that the country cannot be without a ruler for even a day," someone brought up the critical point. "The Daimyo's bloodline is completely gone. Who can succeed the position now?"
"That is a matter for you all to decide," Habara immediately distanced himself, indicating he wouldn't meddle in these affairs. "We shinobi are unfamiliar with the detailed workings of the nation."
"I recall the Daimyo had distant relatives who moved to the Land of Hot Water years ago…"
Before the speaker could finish, Habara instantly retorted, "Far removed from the Land of Fire! How can mountain peasants possibly govern the nation?"
"..."
Some officials were stunned. Who the hell are you? Didn't you just say ninja wouldn't interfere? Your words are as substantial as farts! Why are you dictating terms?
However, this was far from empty talk. Some perceptive individuals had already grasped Habara's intention. Thinking carefully, even if someone held a grudge against the Daimyo, why kill all his potential heirs? The question couldn't be dwelled upon, but the fact remained: no heir, no successor. This point was crucial.
Thus, one official stepped forward. "We face a sudden tragedy, the Daimyo's bloodline severed. The next Daimyo must therefore be chosen by recommendation. I propose… Lady Tsunade, the Hokage of the Village Hidden in the Leaves?"
The suggestion caused an immediate uproar. Tsunade was indeed famous, one of the most well-known and respected shinobi. Yet, in the eyes of these officials and politicians, did a ninja possess the aptitude for governing a nation?
Another official, clearly grasping the situation, added, "Lady Tsunade is the direct granddaughter of the First Hokage, Lord Senju Hashirama. In the current Land of Fire, none surpass her in nobility of bloodline."
Then came a third endorsement, "Lady Tsunade has long been known for her virtue, saving countless lives through her healing. Everyone admires her. She is surely the choice of the people."
Qualified politicians, it seems, dare to gamble, and crucially, gamble successfully. Making key speculative moves at critical moments was perfectly normal for them. Though the event was sudden, some were sharp enough to react this quickly—which is how they climbed so high.
The Konoha captain whispered the identities of the three speakers into Habara's ear, "Grand Minister Kujo, Vice Minister of Central Affairs Miyano, and Capital Governor Shimizudani."
Habara nodded inwardly. High officials indeed, truly far-sighted.
At this moment, someone else spoke up, "But how can Lady Tsunade become Daimyo? She's a wom—"
Under the piercing gazes of everyone present, the man choked back the rest of his sentence. Seriously, what's wrong with being a woman? Can't a woman rule a country? If this person were publicly shamed, he'd be flamed to death online within five minutes.
Habara ignored the interruption and declared, "Lady Tsunade—granddaughter of the First Hokage, disciple of the Third Hokage, one of the legendary Sannin, and the Fifth Hokage—is a person of esteemed character, purest bloodline, and lofty integrity. Virtuous, kind, and possessing administrative talent, she will undoubtedly govern the nation wisely. She embodies both virtue and righteousness, her glorious accomplishments shine brightly, her benevolent influence spreads far and wide. She follows the Mandate of Heaven above and harmonizes the hearts of the people below; she reflects Heaven's will above and understands the people's desires below. She is well-suited to strive as the ruler of the Land of Fire."
"..."
The crowd was astonished, sensing that Habara's flood of praise had likely been prepared well in advance.
Habara continued, "However, everyone must understand: it is not us who desire Lady Tsunade to become the ruler. It is because the Daimyo has no heir that the myriad citizens of the Land of Fire demand Lady Tsunade become their ruler."
His gaze swept over Kujo, Miyano, and Shimizudani. The three high-ranking nobles gave almost imperceptible nods. It seemed they understood their roles in the coming performance.
At this point, the ones left utterly bewildered were the Konoha shinobi—everyone except Habara.
Who am I? Where am I? What did I just do?
Weren't we just here to handle the Daimyo's unexpected death? How did we suddenly snatch the title of ruler of the nation for Lady Tsunade?
Also… can those words Jonin Habara just spouted… really be used to describe Lady Tsunade?