"Hokage-sama!"
As Tsunade's clone entered the Hokage Building, nearby chūnin and jōnin immediately offered their greetings.
'Hmm, this feeling is just so-so.'
With that thought in mind, the clone gave a warm nod before heading into the Hokage's office.
*Knock! Knock! Knock!*
Less than ten minutes after sitting down, someone was already at the door.
"Come in!"
"Hokage-sama, these are the documents that require your attention."
"Leave them here."
The clone gestured for the shinobi to place the files on the desk.
There weren't many documents to review—less than ten in total. Compared to the massive stacks Tsunade had to deal with when she first took office, the workload had been reduced by more than tenfold.
Casually setting the files aside, the clone yawned and glanced at the chair behind the door, its eyes filled with nostalgia.
'This is the chair the original always slept on. It must be really comfortable...'
'Should I try it out?'
With that thought, the clone leisurely stood and started walking toward the chair.
"Sensei!"
A young girl's voice rang out, halting the clone's steps.
'Sensei? Whose sensei am I? Is someone just shouting randomly—wait, I'm Tsunade right now. Could that be Sakura outside?'
"Come in!"
Remembering Sakura, the clone decided to meet the girl who had entangled herself so deeply with the two male protagonists of the shinobi world.
Sakura pushed the door open and saw Tsunade seated in the Hokage's chair, studying her with a slightly scrutinizing gaze.
'Is there something wrong with me?'
Sakura quickly checked herself—her clothes were on correctly, and nothing was dirty—so why did her sensei seem so strange today? But as her student, she didn't dare voice her thoughts.
"Sensei, these are the patient data I've collected at the hospital recently. Also, I have some training questions I wanted to ask you."
Questions?
The clone felt an urge to scratch its head.
Files could be handed off to Shizune, but how was it supposed to explain the training problems to Sakura? Should it pass that off to Shizune as well?
...Actually, that might work.
Having Shizune teach her wouldn't be a bad idea.
"I've been a bit busy lately. Go ask Shizune first. If she can't answer, then come back to me."
Sakura glanced at the few files on the desk, her lips twitching slightly.
'Sensei, at least come up with a better excuse next time you want to slack off!'
Since Tsunade's usual personality was like this, Sakura didn't find it too odd.
"Um, sensei, I can figure out the training stuff myself. But... I haven't seen Sasuke for a few days. Could I take half a day off?"
The clone froze for a moment before remembering—this was the infamous love-struck girl.
The one who prioritized romance over everything else.
When Uchiha Sasuke defected from Konoha, her first thought wasn't to report him—it was to follow him. A female lead like this was truly bizarre.
What made it worse was that she was the heroine the male protagonist, Naruto, was in love with.
If a web novel dared to write something like this, readers would tear it apart in minutes.
If you don't know how to write, then don't! If the male lead isn't going to have a harem, fine—but this kind of pseudo-cheating subplot? How is the audience supposed to like that?
Thankfully, this was just a manga. And luckily, it was published early enough to get away with it.
"Your request for leave is approved."
The clone straightened its expression, speaking solemnly.
"But Sakura, at your age, this is the best time for learning. There's nothing wrong with liking Sasuke, but I hope you can prioritize properly. A person's energy is limited. If you keep chasing after him like this, Sasuke will only grow more annoyed with you—not appreciate you."
Sakura's initially nervous mood plummeted, nearly sending her into a spiral of self-doubt.
Seeing her like this, the clone could only sigh.
Forget it. Young people like her were beyond saving.
"Go ahead. You only have half a day. In the afternoon, return to your studies and training—no slacking off, understand?"
"Yes, sensei!"
Hearing that her leave was approved, Sakura immediately brushed off the clone's advice.
Things like family, like Konoha—none of them mattered as much as Uchiha Sasuke in her heart.
"Ah, youth..."
The clone casually tossed Sakura's report aside, then propped its legs up on the desk and leaned back—a posture that only needed a cigarette to complete the image.
"Tsunade-sama! At least try to maintain some dignity!"
Shizune walked in and immediately scolded the clone for Tsunade's unrestrained posture.
"Ah, Shizune. While you're here, take a look at these reports for me."
"Tsunade-sama, I have an important mission here that requires your approval!" Shizune glanced at the untouched files and couldn't help but press further. "Please review these first!"
The clone lowered its legs and sat up properly. "What's got you so serious? Did someone confess to you?"
"Tsunade-sama!"
Shizune flushed, unable to bear Tsunade's habit of teasing her about marriage.
After all, she was a jonin of Konoha—ordinary men weren't even worth her attention.
And the one she liked...
"This concerns matters of national importance. Please read this report first!" Shizune pulled out a specific document and handed it to the clone.
Reluctantly, the clone took it and skimmed through it. A few keywords immediately caught its attention.
'The Land of Snow!'
'Kazahana Koyuki!'
'Fujikaze Yukie!'
'Asama Sandayū!'
The last name wasn't as important, but "Fujikaze Yukie" was the alias of the Land of Snow's princess, Kazahana Koyuki.
Was this the beginning of the Land of Snow arc?
"Who issued this request?" the clone asked.
Shizune quickly explained, "It was sent by Asama Sandayū. He's requesting that Konoha send shinobi to escort their princess, Kazahana Koyuki, back to the Land of Snow and help her reclaim the throne."
"This mission involves international affairs. It's not simple." the clone mused.
"Tsunade-sama, Asama Sandayū stated that if they regain power, they're willing to form an alliance with Konoha. The Land of Snow would exclusively employ Konoha shinobi for protection. Additionally, they've classified this as an S-rank mission."
Shizune presented the one thing Tsunade couldn't refuse.
In peacetime, unless a village issued the mission itself, the highest rank typically available was A-rank. An S-rank mission would not only bring substantial financial rewards but also elevate Konoha's prestige.
As a clone of Kamizuki Hikari, the clone knew that the Land of Snow's main antagonist, Kazahana Dotō, was only at jonin level. A standard team could handle him easily.
The potential gains were simply too good to pass up.
"Discuss the details with Sandayū. Also, the request specifically mentions Hatake Kakashi as the executor. If we change personnel, ask if he agrees."
"Understood."
The ever-reliable Shizune took the report and left, leaving the clone lost in thought.
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