328. Tsunade's Compromise

Night fell.

Tsunade awoke.

She instinctively pressed a hand to her forehead, feeling a slight headache.

With a thought, she activated the Strength of a Hundred Seal.

Under its influence, the aftereffects of her drunkenness quickly dissipated.

Lifting her head, she saw Hanekawa and froze.

Had this brat been waiting here the whole time?

Tsunade got out of bed, her bare feet silent against the floor.

She stepped behind Hanekawa, who was seated at the desk, then leaned forward, pressing her soft body against his back.

"What are you writing?"

She wrapped her arms around him.

"Sensei, would you like a new job?"

Hanekawa reclined, letting his head rest against the plush cushion of her chest.

The soft backrest was incredibly comfortable.

"No."

Tsunade paused. "But if it’s your request, I’ll consider it."

She had initially wanted to refuse outright.

After all, her current lifestyle was perfect—gambling and drinking by day, and deepening her bond with Hanekawa by night.

In short, she was satisfied both physically and mentally. The last thing she wanted was a job.

"That’s just like you."

Hanekawa chuckled.

Her latter response, however, pleased him.

"Now that all the major villages have merged, you have so many shinobi under you. What job could possibly require me?"

Tsunade ran her fingers through his hair.

"I think you might actually enjoy this one."

Hanekawa tilted his head back, admiring the delicate curve of her neck.

"What is it?"

Tsunade lowered her gaze, meeting his eyes with a hint of curiosity.

"It’s hard to explain. Read it yourself."

He gestured to the documents on the desk.

"Fine."

Tsunade released him, stepped forward, and settled onto his lap.

She reached for the papers while Hanekawa wrapped his arms around her waist to keep her steady.

As he enjoyed the soft warmth on his thighs, he buried his face in her chest.

Tsunade let out a quiet hum but didn’t push him away.

Her left hand rested on his shoulder as she leaned into him, scanning the document.

A moment later, she felt a coolness against her skin.

She rolled her eyes but kept reading.

Gradually, her eyes brightened.

The potential of this "internet" concept was unlike anything she’d encountered before—especially the so-called "games."

And from the looks of it, the role of Network Division Director wouldn’t require much work beyond overseeing research direction.

But even that was already outlined in the document.

In other words, her job would essentially be… just a title.

"Well, Sensei? What do you think?"

Hanekawa nuzzled against her, admiring the snowy peaks before him.

"Seems interesting."

Tsunade’s lashes fluttered as she smirked. "I’ll do it. I’ll take charge of this network division."

"Good."

Hanekawa exhaled against her skin. "Are you hungry? What do you want to eat?"

"I drank at lunch, so nothing heavy for dinner."

She pondered briefly. "How about ramen?"

"Whatever you want, Sensei."

Hanekawa inhaled deeply, savoring her scent. "Give me a minute."

Tsunade stood, freeing him.

Once he left, she adjusted her clothes.

"This brat never misses a chance to take advantage."

She fastened her obi with an amused huff.

Just moments ago, he’d undone her outfit like an impatient child.

Shaking her head, she collected the documents and waited in the living room.

Within minutes, Hanekawa returned with two bowls of tonkotsu ramen.

"By the way… I’ve been having strange dreams lately."

Tsunade picked up her chopsticks, her tone casual.

Hanekawa’s pulse spiked.

Had she noticed something?

"What kind of dreams?"

He kept his voice steady.

"What are your thoughts on Kurenai?"

Instead of answering, Tsunade posed a new question.

"No particular thoughts."

Hanekawa blinked innocently.

"Do you really think you can fool me?"

Tsunade shot him a glare. "Besides, it’s obvious she likes you. Anyone can see that."

"What can I say? Being exceptional has its downsides."

Hanekawa grinned shamelessly. "Even my own sensei fell for me."

At this point, denial was pointless—best to lean into his strengths.

"You’re as shameless as ever."

Tsunade couldn’t help but laugh.

Hanekawa studied her, unsure of her intentions.

"But do you like her?"

Her gaze pinned him in place.

"I like you more, Sensei."

Hanekawa met her eyes, dead serious.

"Smooth talker."

Tsunade scoffed, but she’d already gotten her answer.

Clearly, this brat had feelings for both her and Yūhi Kurenai.

With a sigh, she fell silent.

"Sensei?"

Hanekawa tensed, instinctively grabbing her hand.

"How long have you been Hokage?"

Tsunade watched him closely.

"Haven’t kept track."

He thought for a moment. "About two years, I think."

"That long already?"

She bit her lip. "...When do you plan to get married?"

Hanekawa froze.

He’d never seriously considered the question—he was still young.

"If you’re willing, we can get married right now."

He flashed a radiant smile.

Tsunade’s grip tightened.

For the first time in years, she felt a flicker of nervousness.

But as quickly as the warmth spread, reality cooled her excitement.

"We shouldn’t."

She took a deep breath. "You should marry Kurenai."

"Why not?"

Hanekawa’s eyes narrowed.

"I’m your teacher."

Her voice was firm.

"That doesn’t matter. I’ve decided—my first marriage will be to you."

Hanekawa held her gaze. "Otherwise, I won’t marry at all."

"You—"

Tsunade stared, speechless.

"There’s no rush. I can wait."

He pinched her cheek playfully.

"...Okay."

Tsunade wavered but couldn’t bring herself to commit.

Hanekawa inwardly sighed in relief.

She’d missed a crucial detail—he’d said "first" marriage.

That implied there could be more.

If it ever came up later, he could use that as justification.

He was grateful the shinobi world was still feudal enough to accept polygamy.

Technically, though, Ōtsutsuki Kaguya had been his first wife.

But that was ancient history.

In this era, Tsunade would be his first—and that was all that mattered.

After dinner, Hanekawa carried the dishes to the kitchen.

Tsunade followed but lingered at the doorway.

"Did you need something, Sensei?"

Hanekawa glanced back.

"New Year’s is coming up. Any plans?"

She leaned against the frame.

"Spending it with you, of course."


Hanekawa paused. "Do you have other plans?"

"Invite Kurenai."

Tsunade’s expression remained calm. "The three of us will stay up together for the New Year."

Hanekawa whirled around, staring at her in shock.

Was the fantasy he’d woven about to become reality?

After all, if the three of them were staying up late into the night… what else could they possibly do? The implication was obvious.

"You seem thrilled?"

Tsunade snorted.

She knew Hanekawa too well—combined with the dreams she’d been having, his intentions were transparent.

"It’s the New Year. Of course I’m happy."

Hanekawa grinned unabashedly.

"......"

Tsunade’s eye twitched.

This shameless brat.

Well, at this point… she might as well indulge him.

Truthfully, her compromise today wasn’t due to the dreams—it was because of Hanekawa’s earlier declaration about her being his "first" marriage.

As scummy as it was, the sentiment had genuinely moved her.

"I’m going to bathe. Don’t let me interrupt your dishwashing."

She turned and strode toward the adjoining bathroom.

Hanekawa’s brow arched.

He finished the dishes at record speed, then slipped into the bathroom to "help" Tsunade wash up.

__

The Next Morning

Hanekawa extricated himself from Tsunade’s warm embrace and headed to the Hokage Building.

After last night’s marriage talk, he hadn’t slipped away midway—instead, he’d stayed with her until morning.

The result? She was now completely incapacitated, her body drained of strength.

After all, Hanekawa had expressed his gratitude with every technique at his disposal.

Tsunade had felt like a leaf caught in a storm—utterly powerless against the relentless onslaught.

Yet those perilous waves had also brought her unprecedented exhilaration.

___

Hokage’s Office

The moment Hanekawa opened the door, he froze.

A small, white-eyed girl with pale blue hair was curled up asleep in the Hokage’s chair.

Hyūga Hinata.

Approaching the desk, he spotted an invitation.

He picked it up—a party invitation for Hinata’s upcoming third birthday.

Did she deliver this herself?

Amused, Hanekawa studied the doll-like girl.

After a moment’s thought, he pinched her nose shut.

Seconds later, Hinata jolted awake.

Her dazed eyes met his—then her face flushed crimson.

"T-Teacher…!"

She clasped her hands over her lap, fingers fidgeting nervously.

Hanekawa’s brow rose.

Her personality really is just like in the original story.

"How long have you been here?"

He withdrew his hand.

"S-Since eight…"

Hinata ducked her head, her voice barely audible.

"Ah."

Hanekawa had been delayed with Tsunade this morning, making him an hour late.

Meaning Hinata had waited so long she’d dozed off in his chair.

"I’ve seen your invitation. I’ll be there on time."

He paused. "Was there anything else?"

"N-No…"

She shook her head timidly.

"Then I have something to discuss."

Hanekawa smiled. "Is Mr. Hiashi home?"

"Y-Yes."

"You came alone?"

Hanekawa was surprised.

"Mm."

Hinata nodded.

Hanekawa’s eyes narrowed.

The Hyūga clan’s really lax with security.

Suddenly, he understood how Hinata had gotten lost in the original timeline.

"Take me to him."

He pocketed the invitation.

"O-Okay!"

Hinata blinked, then bobbed her head obediently.

"Let’s go."

Hanekawa extended his hand.

Hinata stared at it, her cheeks burning anew.

After a hesitant moment, she took it and hopped down from the chair.

"Have you started learning ninjutsu?"

Hanekawa asked as they walked.

"F-Father’s idea…"

Hinata stammered.

At last year’s birthday banquet, Hanekawa had enhanced her Hyūga bloodline, awakening her Byakugan.

This prodigious talent had sent Hyūga Hiashi into raptures—hence the early training.

Given the shinobi world’s accelerated maturity, three-year-olds were theoretically capable of learning basics.

(After all, Uchiha Itachi had been taken to war at four.)

"How’s your progress?"

"S-Slow…"

Hinata shrunk in embarrassment.

"Not slow—you’re just too young."

Hanekawa shook his head.

He’d had ANBU monitor all three of his students.

Neither Uzumaki Naruto nor Uchiha Sasuke had begun training yet.

The issue was her awakened Byakugan.

Hiashi had pinned the clan’s entire future on Hinata—likely why her personality remained as timid as in canon.

Bloodline enhancements didn’t equate to accelerated learning.

Take Madara and Hashirama—both were late bloomers, only peaking in adulthood.

"Starting tomorrow, come to the Hokage’s office daily. I’ll teach you."

Hanekawa decided.

He might not be a natural instructor, but at least he could ensure she had a proper childhood—free from relentless pressure.

"Eh?!"

Hinata gaped at him.

"Problem?"

Hanekawa tilted his head.

"N-No! I’ll come!"

She clenched her fists, flustered.

As her teacher, Hanekawa had every right to tutor her.

And as Hokage, Hiashi wouldn’t object.

Her anxiety stemmed from one fear: What if she disappointed him?

Since infancy, her parents had regaled her with tales of his exploits.

To Hinata, Hanekawa’s stature eclipsed even her father’s.

"Hold still."

Hanekawa activated the Flying Thunder God Technique.

__

Hyūga Compound Gates

The two materialized at the entrance.

"Lord Hokage!"

The guards snapped to attention.

"Announce me."

Hanekawa ordered casually.

"At once!"

One guard sprinted into the estate.

"Lord Hokage."

Soon, Hyūga Hiashi arrived—accompanied by his twin, Hyūga Hizashi.

Both brothers’ presence signaled the visit’s importance.

Hanekawa rarely called in person, and given his status, they couldn’t afford informality.

"F-Father…"

  


Hyūga Hinata greeted them with proper etiquette.

However, since Hanekawa didn't release her hand, she could only stand still.

Hyūga Hiashi didn't find this disrespectful at all—in fact, he was quite pleased.

He now hoped Hinata's relationship with Hanekawa would grow even closer.

Perhaps one day, the Hyūga clan might even produce a female Hokage.

Though Hinata's timid personality would need to change first.

"Lord Hokage, let us speak inside."

Hiashi gestured toward the estate.

"No need. We can talk here—it won’t take long."

Hanekawa shook his head.

"As you wish."

Hiashi exchanged a glance with Hizashi, realizing this likely wasn’t a major matter.

"Hinata will turn three soon. From now on, I’ll be personally overseeing her training."

Hanekawa’s tone was casual, as if discussing the weather.

Hiashi froze.

While Hanekawa was technically Hinata’s teacher, he lacked the Byakugan and knew nothing of the Gentle Fist style. What could he possibly teach her?

The thought made Hiashi hesitate.

"Whatever she learns, and how well she learns it—you will not interfere."

Hanekawa added.

"Lord Hokage, surely that’s—"

Hiashi began cautiously, but the moment he met Hanekawa’s gaze, his words died.

For an instant, he felt crushed—not just by Hanekawa’s overwhelming chakra, but by something deeper, as if his very bloodline trembled in submission.

The pressure vanished as quickly as it came, leaving Hiashi wondering if he’d imagined it.

"...We will abide by your decision, Lord Hokage."

Hiashi turned to Hinata. "When studying under Lord Hokage, you must obey without question."

"Y-Yes!"

Hinata nodded vigorously.

"One more matter."

Hanekawa paused, then called, "Kaguya."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya materialized beside him.

"Lord Hokage, what is this about?"

Hiashi tensed, eyeing the mysterious kunoichi.

Why summon an ANBU now? Had a Hyūga transgressed?

"I’ve heard the Caged Bird Seal exists to prevent the Byakugan from falling into enemy hands."

Hanekawa’s voice was deceptively light.

"That is correct."

Hiashi admitted warily.

"With the shinobi world unified, the Byakugan can no longer be 'stolen.'"

Hanekawa smiled. "Wouldn’t it be time to abolish the seal?"

"W-What?!"

Hiashi’s composure shattered. Beside him, Hizashi’s eyes widened—hope surging in his chest.

No member of the Hyūga branch family, no matter how loyal, could resist yearning for freedom from that cursed mark.

The seal was a sword perpetually dangling over their heads.

For Hizashi, this was about Neji. His brilliant nephew was days away from being branded—a fate that would cripple his potential.

Geniuses needed to soar, not be caged.

Yet even as joy flared, doubt followed. The main family would never allow this.

"Lord Hokage," Hiashi forced out, "this is an internal Hyūga matter."

"Both main and branch families are Konoha shinobi first."

Hanekawa’s gaze turned steely. "As Hokage, this falls under my jurisdiction."

"I cannot decide this alone!"

Hiashi’s voice cracked.

He feared angering Hanekawa would doom the Hyūga’s standing—yet abolishing the seal would upend centuries of tradition.

"Then who can?"

"The... the Elder."

Hiashi seized the out. "I’ll summon him at once."

As Hiashi hurried off, Hanekawa recalled the Hyūga Elder—the same man who’d condemned Hizashi to die in the original timeline.

"Lord Hokage, about this..."

Hizashi swallowed hard, torn between hope and fear.

"A clan divided cannot truly belong to Konoha. That failure lies with the Hokage."

Hanekawa’s words struck Hizashi like a lightning bolt.

This was why Hanekawa had united the shinobi world. This was the mark of a true leader.

If he willed it, even the Hyūga’s ancient traditions would shatter before him.

Hizashi’s fists clenched—daring to hope.

Little Hinata, oblivious to the weight of the discussion, simply clung to Hanekawa’s hand, her cheeks pink.

"Lord Hokage."

The Hyūga Elder arrived, his expression frosty. "The Caged Bird is ancestral law. We ask you not to interfere."

His tone dripped with condescension. After all, four Hokage had respected this tradition—why should the Fifth be different?

"Ancestral law?"

Hanekawa chuckled. He covered Hinata’s eyes with one hand and glanced at Kaguya.

BAM.

The Elder exploded backward like a ragdoll.

"Elder?!"

Hiashi and Hizashi lunged forward—only to find their bodies locked in place.

Terror spiked as they turned—and met the gaze of the "ANBU’s" eyes.

Byakugan.

But unlike any they’d ever seen. The sheer pressure radiating from those pupils made their bones creak.

In Kaguya’s presence, they were ants staring into the abyss.

"You—"

The Elder coughed blood, trying to rise—until an invisible force slammed him into the ground, knocking him unconscious.

"Any objections?"

Hanekawa asked the petrified brothers.

"N-None!"

Hiashi’s voice cracked.

Kaguya’s display had clarified everything.

Hanekawa ruled differently from Hiruzen or Tsunade. Where past Hokage negotiated, he commanded.

"So. Can the Caged Bird be abolished?"

Hanekawa smirked.

The Hyūga, like the Uchiha, only understood one language: force.

"It will be done!"

Hiashi bowed deeply.

"Kaguya."

Satisfied, Hanekawa recalled his living weapon of mass destruction.

  Ōtsutsuki Kaguya vanished before their eyes.

Hyūga Hiashi and Hizashi gasped as the crushing pressure lifted, their bodies drenched in cold sweat—as if they'd narrowly escaped death.

"Does the Hyūga clan have a method to remove the Caged Bird Seal?"

Hanekawa asked casually.

"No."

Hiashi shook his head. "But I swear no future clansmen will be branded with it."

As expected.

In the original timeline, Hiashi had privately opposed the seal. By Boruto's era, the Hyūga had abandoned it entirely—though existing bearers remained marked.

Hanekawa glanced at Hizashi.

Unlike Hiashi’s conflicted expression, the branch family member’s face betrayed suppressed exhilaration.

Of course. The seal’s abolition meant freedom for him.

With a flick of his wrist, Hanekawa released a surge of chakra that enveloped Hizashi.

"Don’t resist."

The energy pinpointed the Caged Bird’s structure—an advanced sealing technique, likely crafted by a Six Paths-level ninja.

But no seal, however intricate, could defy Hanekawa’s will.

A thought.

A pulse.

The mark dissolved.

"Impossible!"

Hiashi staggered back as the cursed symbol faded from Hizashi’s forehead.

For millennia, the Hyūga had deemed the Caged Bird unbreakable—studied by countless shinobi, yet never undone.

Yet Hanekawa had shattered it in seconds.

"Is it… truly gone?"

Hizashi touched his brow, dazed. A lifetime of oppression, erased with a wave.

"Summon all branch family members."

Hanekawa ignored their shock.

"At once!"

Hizashi vanished in a blur of motion.

Hiashi clenched his jaw.

Freeing the branch family was just—but Hanekawa’s intervention would rewrite the Hyūga’s loyalty.

Yet defiance wasn’t an option. Not with their Elder still unconscious at their feet.

"Hinata."

Hanekawa crouched to her eye level, ruffling her hair. "Rest today. Return tomorrow."

"Y-Yes, Teacher!"

She peeked at Hiashi, then scampered indoors.

Whoosh—whoosh—

Dozens of Hyūga arrived, their faces alight with hope.

Within minutes, Hizashi returned.

"Lord Hokage, every branch member present has gathered."

Another wave of Hanekawa’s hand.

Chakra blanketed the crowd.

One heartbeat later—

Every Caged Bird vanished.

"LONG LIVE LORD HOKAGE!"

The clansmen roared, some falling to their knees in gratitude.

Then—

[S-Rank Trait Unlocked: "Farewell, Cage."]

[Trigger: Removal of the Caged Bird Seal.]

[Effect: All sealing techniques gain +200% potency. Immunity to enemy seals.]

A trait?

Hanekawa’s lips curved.

This was invaluable.

Sealing arts were pivotal in the shinobi world—even Kaguya had fallen to the Six Paths: Planetary Devastation.

Now, he could wield such power—while being immune to it.

"Hizashi."

He silenced the cheers. "Ensure any absent members seek me later."

"By your command!"

With that, Hanekawa teleported back to his office.

"Back so soon?"

Tsunade lounged on the sofa, legs crossed.

"Mm."

He approached. "Waiting long?"

"Just woke up."

She yawned.

"My fault."

Hanekawa smirked.

"Tch."

Tsunade’s eye twitched.

Was this brat implying she’d been weak last night?!

"About the Network Division—how do we structure it?"

She tossed the files aside. The research outlines lacked operational details.

"ANBU recruited most technicians."

Hanekawa summoned a document with a flick. "Now we need a location."

"Near your office."

Tsunade’s tone brooked no argument.

"As my beloved sensei wishes."

His grin widened.

"Don’t get cocky."

She huffed. Unlike Kurenai, she wasn’t one for clinginess—today’s proximity stemmed from last night’s marriage talk.

"Shall we, sensei?"

He offered his hand.

"Hmph."

She took it.


__

Next Morning

A faint tap-tap at the door.

Hanekawa glanced up to see a tiny, white-eyed face peeking in—Hinata.

"T-Teacher!"

She stiffened, then hurried inside with a bow.

"Punctual. Good."

He stood.

"What will we learn today?"

She clasped her hands, earnest.

"How to play."

Hanekawa chuckled. "You’ll shadow Kurenai."

His plan? Let her enjoy the Hokage Tower first. Later, Samui would take her exploring.

Real training could wait until she turned six.