Tsunade had been Hokage long enough, and Aoba had completely grown up, so there was no need for her to keep sitting in that position.
After being Hokage for so many years, she was tired.
Sometimes Tsunade was really curious how that old man managed to stay Hokage for so many years and still enjoy it.
But she still specifically said she'd wait until after the new year to pass on the Hokage position, giving Aoba time to adjust.
"This…", Aoba was still hesitant, mainly because he hadn't played around enough yet.
This past year, his status in the village was already about the same as the Hokage's, but he didn't have to sit imprisoned in the Hokage building every day.
He could rotate freely between Konoha, Kirigakure, Roran, and the Land of Snow. If he became Hokage…
'Hmm? Doesn't seem that bad.'
With Shizune and the others around, he could just expand the secretary team.
He could totally become a hands-off boss.
Tsunade didn't know what Aoba was thinking now, but seeing the hesitation on his face made her instantly annoyed again.
"Brat, this is the Hokage position. Tons of people want it and can't get it, and you're here acting picky."
She pressed her foot against his chest, "Besides, didn't you want to be Hokage when you were little?"
Aoba snapped back to his senses and looked at Tsunade in confusion, "Sensei, when did I ever say I wanted to be Hokage?"
"Hm?"
Tsunade frowned.
"I've always said I wanted to be the man of the Hokage, didn't I?", Aoba blinked.
"…"
Tsunade's mouth twitched. She didn't want to circle around anymore and bent down to grab him.
"You better agree, or deal with the consequences!"
"!"
"I got it!"
Since she had something on him, Aoba could only agree. He never imagined that one day he'd be forced to become Hokage.
If Danzo were still alive to see this, he'd die from rage.
But being Hokage would indeed bring him a lot of convenience.
"Hmph! At least you know what's good for you."
Seeing Aoba agree, Tsunade let him go.
But right after releasing him, her expression became a little unnatural again.
"You really are a pervert!"
'Even in this situation he can still…'
Aoba looked completely innocent, "Sensei, it's because your hands are so soft."
"Pah! Pervert!"
Tsunade spat at him.
And then got flipped onto the sofa.
———
"Kushina, I'm almost home."
Uchiha Mikoto, who had been walking side by side with Kushina, suddenly stopped and spoke to her, noticing Kushina seemed distracted.
The shop lights on both sides of the street stretched out like glowing threads, casting soft yellow patches onto the two mature mothers walking together.
"Huh?"
The night breeze blew past, and the distracted Kushina seemed to wake up a little.
Uchiha Mikoto looked a bit helpless, "Kushina, do you have something you want to say to me?"
"This…"
Being called out directly after thinking about it for so long, Kushina suddenly didn't know how to start.
Uchiha Mikoto continued, "Haven't you been secretly watching me these past few days?"
"Eh? So Mikoto, you noticed already?", Kushina blinked, embarrassed.
A huge "speechless" seemed to appear on Uchiha Mikoto's face.
"With how openly you stare, how could I not notice?"
"Ah… then I'll be more discreet next time."
Kushina awkwardly rubbed her cheek.
Uchiha Mikoto's mouth twitched and she rolled her eyes without any elegance at all.
"If you've got something to say, just say it. Dragging it out like this isn't like the Kushina I know."
Kushina pressed her lips together, hesitating, "Mikoto, but if I say it… and it turns out it's just my misunderstanding, you can't get mad."
Uchiha Mikoto didn't know what Kushina was trying to get at, but she couldn't let her close friend keep stewing like this. She nodded, "Just say it. I won't get mad."
But Kushina's next words nearly made her lose control of her expression on the spot.
"Mikoto, do you… like Aoba?"
Uchiha Mikoto quickly forced her expression under control, maintaining a faint smile. Calmly, she said, "Aoba is so outstanding, and he helped the Uchiha when we needed it most. Of course I like him."
"Mikoto, you know that's not what I'm asking."
This time, it was Kushina pressing hard. She stared right into Uchiha Mikoto's eyes, hoping to hear the truth.
Uchiha Mikoto didn't dare face Kushina's probing gaze, "Th-then… how should I know what you're trying to ask?"
"It's late. I have work tomorrow. I'm going home."
With that, Uchiha Mikoto sped up, wanting distance between them.
The roles had reversed.
"Oh come on, Mikoto, you really think I can't tell?"
Kushina sped up as well, sticking close to her, "The way you look at Aoba practically melts. Anyone can tell."
Uchiha Mikoto lowered her head and stayed silent, only walking even faster.
Kushina felt helpless. Continuing like this, she wouldn't get anything out of her.
So she directly grabbed Mikoto's wrist, then spoke seriously, "Mikoto, if you like Aoba, I'll support you."
Uchiha Mikoto trembled slightly, looking up at her in disbelief, "Wh-what?"
"Surprised?"
Kushina gave her a warm smile and continued, "Honestly, if it were me, standing in your shoes, I might fall for Aoba too."
"When someone stands by you during your most helpless and heartbreaking moments, giving you support and company… anyone would fall in love. He's just a bit young, that's all."
"I…"
Uchiha Mikoto still found it hard to speak. She understood her own feelings, but... She was already an old lady.
Seeing her still hesitating, Kushina became annoyed, "Uchiha Mikoto, liking someone is liking someone. What's there to be embarrassed about? You're the clan head of the Uchiha, and you don't even dare face your own heart?"
"I'm so much older than him. Aoba probably just thinks of me as an aunt," Uchiha Mikoto lowered her head, looking a bit pitiful.
Kushina relaxed when she finally admitted it, smiling in relief. She shook her head.
"Not necessarily. With Aoba's personality, you really think he wouldn't have thoughts about a mature and sexy onee-san like you?"
Before Mikoto could argue, Kushina revealed a confident, scheming smile.
"With a little young wolf like him, just pick a chance someday and go for it. He definitely won't reject you!"
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