With the full support of the Konoha leadership, Tsunade officially took office as the Fifth Hokage.
Normally, there would be a vote among the Jonin, but this time it was skipped entirely.
Because it wasn't necessary.
The granddaughter of the First Hokage, the Princess of Konoha, the renowned "Slug Princess" skilled in healing, a disciple of the Third Hokage, and one of the Legendary Sannin...
With credentials like that, who needed a vote?
Even the Konoha Police Force backed her—who would dare oppose her? They'd crush anyone who tried!
After the inauguration ceremony, Tsunade had Shigeo Aburame stay behind and asked him with a smile:
"You were the one who sent Jiraiya to find me, weren't you? I heard Sarutobi-sensei originally wanted you to be Hokage. Why did you refuse?"
"Because I'm not cut out for it!"
Shigeo adjusted his sunglasses.
"I hate trouble. Being Hokage is the most troublesome job there is. Being an advisor is much better—lighter workload, less stress, and safer too."
"Tch... You haven't changed a bit."
Tsunade sighed, looking exasperated, but her face soon turned serious.
"I heard you defeated both my grandfathers, and you used Wood Release. What's going on? What's your connection to Orochimaru?"
"A mutually beneficial one," Shigeo replied candidly. "Danzo was targeting me back then, and my Parasitic Insects had some issues. To protect myself, I cooperated with Orochimaru and temporarily left Konoha."
Tsunade, knowing the importance of Parasitic Insects to the Aburame Clan, accepted his explanation.
"I understand. But you haven't explained why Danzo was after you, or why you can use Wood Release. I want answers to both."
"No problem," Shigeo nodded and elaborated.
"Danzo targeted me because I adopted Minato's son, Naruto, who's also the Nine-Tails' Jinchūriki. As for Wood Release, it's because of this."
He extended a finger, revealing a white insect perched on the tip—a Wood Release Parasitic Insect.
"I developed this using a secret technique. To create it, I agreed to work with Orochimaru."
"Tch..."
Tsunade clicked her tongue again, a mocking smile on her face.
"Orochimaru's always coveted my grandfather's Wood Release techniques, but I bet he never imagined all his efforts would end up benefiting someone else!"
She waved her hand dismissively.
"Never mind. You've protected Konoha, and I heard both my grandfathers admired you. I won't make an issue out of the Wood Release."
"Thank you, Lady Fifth Hokage!" Shigeo grinned. "I knew you were magnanimous!"
"No, I'm not magnanimous at all," Tsunade said, her expression turning sinister.
"When Jiraiya came back from the Land of Rain, he wouldn't stop pestering me. That was your idea, wasn't it?"
"Absolutely not!" Shigeo raised his hand solemnly.
"That was entirely Jiraiya-sensei's own decision, driven by his admiration for you as the Fifth Hokage. It had nothing to do with me!"
"Really?" Tsunade squinted. "Then that line, 'As long as Jiraiya dares, Tsunade can take maternity leave'—you didn't say that either?"
Shigeo: "..."
Damn it, Jiraiya, you sold me out? Not cool, man.
Well, if that's how it is...
Time for the *Art of Redirecting Hatred*!
"Lady Fifth Hokage, I don't know where you heard that, but neither Jiraiya-sensei nor I would say something disrespectful about you. For instance, after the last time you caught him peeping during your bath, he never once mentioned anything inappropriate, like how big or white—"
"Jiraiya! I'm going to kill you!!!"
Tsunade erupted in fury, shoving Shigeo aside and storming out of her office to hunt Jiraiya down across the village.
When Shigeo returned to the Police Force Headquarters, Fuuma Lan reported a serious incident.
The new Fifth Hokage, Tsunade, had caught Jiraiya peeping near the women's bathhouse and beaten him to a pulp on the spot.
According to the Konoha Hospital report, Jiraiya had four broken ribs, fractures in both arms, and a mild concussion.
Normally, the Police Force would arrest the assailant, but since it was the Hokage, they sought guidance instead.
"This is tricky," Shigeo mused before addressing Fuuma Lan.
"Jiraiya-sensei is my mentor. I have to visit him in the hospital. As for the Hokage, send her a banner on behalf of the Police Force."
"A banner? What should it say?"
"Write: 'For Upholding Justice and Protecting the People.'"
"..."
---
At Konoha Hospital, Shigeo sat by Jiraiya's bedside, peeling an apple.
"Tsunade went too far. Peeking at the women's bathhouse is such a minor offense. How could she hit you so hard? No regard for camaraderie at all. Unbelievable!"
"Sigh, tell me about it."
Jiraiya's bruised face was full of sorrow.
"And I wasn't even peeking! I was gathering inspiration and material! Writing is an art—how can it be called peeping? Ow... it hurts!"
"Exactly!"
Shigeo nodded, feeding Jiraiya a piece of apple.
"Sensei, you've suffered. If it were anyone else, I'd throw them in the Police Force's jail for hurting you. But since it's the Hokage, you'll have to bear it. You understand, right?"
"Mm," Jiraiya nodded, forcing a smile through his pain.
"It's rare to see you so concerned about me. Of course, I understand. You handled it well."
"I'm glad to hear that."
Shigeo pushed up his sunglasses, smiling.
"In that case, I'm sure you'll also understand about the banner I sent to Tsunade-sensei."
"Of course... wait, you sent her a banner?!" Jiraiya's eyes widened. "What did it say?"
"Sensei, the words on the banner aren't important!" Shigeo replied solemnly. "It's just a formality."
"But I still want to know—"
Before Jiraiya could finish, the sound of fighting erupted from the hospital rooftop.
Shigeo stood up immediately.
"Sensei, something's happening upstairs. As Police Chief, I have to investigate. I'll check on you later!"
With that, he vanished in a puff of smoke, leaving Jiraiya speechless on the hospital bed.