302. The Fifth Hokage, Hanekawa

Night fell.

The two of them moved from the Hokage’s seat to the sofa.

"You’re a bit different today," Tsunade gasped, her voice breathless.

She lay sprawled across Hanekawa's chest, completely drained, her face still flushed.

Normally, Tsunade wouldn’t casually use the Strength of a Hundred Seal.

While the seal’s effects were potent, they weren’t without side effects.

But even without it, Tsunade’s physical endurance far surpassed most kunoichi—after all, she wasn’t just a medical ninja but also a taijutsu specialist.

Yet today, she felt utterly exhausted.

She realized she was no longer a match for Hanekawa.

And he hadn’t even used the Strength of a Hundred Seal.

"Different how?" Hanekawa chuckled faintly.

He could guess what she was implying.

Right now, she was in a state of surrender.

He could feel her soft, heated body, her racing heartbeat, and her ragged breathing.

The reason was simple—he now possessed the physique of an Ōtsutsuki.

In short, he was no longer human.

Only Ōtsutsuki Kaguya could keep up with him.

"Nothing," Tsunade huffed, unwilling to admit defeat.

She wasn’t the type to concede so easily.

"Are you really retiring?" Hanekawa didn’t press further, instead running his fingers through her golden hair.

"Yeah."

Her reply was weak.

"You’ve been Hokage for less than two years."

Hanekawa glanced at her.

"Has it really not even been two years?" Tsunade couldn’t help but grumble. "Feels like a decade."

"Not *that* long."

Hanezawa laughed, his hand trailing down to pat her smooth back.

"Why so many questions?"

Tsunade suddenly grew alert, lifting her head. "Are you trying to back out?"

"I’m worried you might."

Hanekawa's eye twitched.

As she moved, her overwhelming assets came into full view.

"Why would I back out?"

Tsunade settled back against his chest, the weight pressing against him with a soft bounce.

Hanekawa instinctively licked his lips, feeling a renewed urge.

Tsunade, like a startled bird, immediately stood and retreated from the sofa.

Her gaze locked onto Hanekawa, a flicker of fear in her eyes.

If they kept going, she’d have to resort to the Strength of a Hundred Seal.

But this wasn’t a life-or-death battle—there was no need.

"Brat!"

Tsunade pulled on her clothes, smirking. "I’m heading back. Suffer on your own!"

She’d been stuck in the Hokage’s office all day, and she was still a little annoyed.

Without waiting for a reply, she leaped out the window and vanished.

"Still got energy, huh?"

Hanekawa shook his head.

He hadn’t actually planned to continue, but Tsunade’s allure was too much for his lower council to resist.

Then, an idea struck him.

A bold one.

Normally, Tsunade wouldn’t accept him having another woman.

But what if she couldn’t handle him alone and had to bring in reinforcements?

At the very least, she might tolerate Yuhi Kurenai—after all, she already knew about their relationship.

"Worth a try," Hanekawa mused as he dressed.

With a wave of his hand, the Hokage’s office returned to pristine condition, erasing all traces of their activities.

He glanced outside.

No way he was going back to Tsunade’s place tonight.

Given her state, she’d need a full night’s rest to recover.

After a moment’s thought, he headed to the ANBU headquarters.

The ANBU worked late shifts, and even after hours, someone was always on duty.

"Hanekawa?!"

Samui, seated on the sofa, immediately stood, her face lighting up.

She knew he’d gone to the Land of Wind’s Dragon Vein today, but she’d still waited in his office—just in case.

And now, here he was.

"You’re still on duty?"

Hanekawa approached, removing her mask.

"I was about to leave soon," Samui admitted.

"Perfect. I’ve got something for you."

Hanekawa sat on the sofa, but before he could continue, he froze.

Clothes hit the floor as Samui stood before him, completely bare.

Hanekawa blinked.

He wanted to say she’d misunderstood—that he hadn’t meant *this* kind of task.

But at this point, saying so would just ruin the mood.

"Come here."

He leaned back, spreading his arms.

Samui stepped forward, straddling his lap, facing him.

Her eyes immediately rolled back.

"Your two ‘sisters’ should see you like this," Hanekawa teased, smacking her pale backside.

Samui shuddered, her face flushing.

Looking down at his amused expression, she bit her lip, unsure what to say—so she focused on pleasing him instead.

But soon, she lost herself, her expression turning dazed.

Her lips parted, her breath sweet, beads of sweat trailing down her forehead to her soft mouth.

Hanekawa decided not to interrupt.

Samui was a fragile automaton—she’d burn herself out without him lifting a finger.

Thirty minutes later, she collapsed against him, spent.

"S-Sorry…" she mumbled, embarrassed.

"Focus. I’ve got things to tell you."

Hanekawa flicked her forehead, snapping her out of her haze.

Samui blinked.

Wait, he actually had tasks for her?

"First, prepare two ANBU uniforms and masks. Two new members are joining."

He tilted her chin up.

"Okay," Samui managed, her voice still weak and breathy.

"Second, the Hokage is stepping down."

His gaze lingered on her delicate features.

"Stepping down?"

Samui jolted slightly. "But Lady Tsunade just became Hokage?"

"She wants to retire. So I’m taking over."

Hanekawa smirked.

"Oh."

Samui had a friend in Kumo—Mabui, the smartest kunoichi in Cloud.

Her first thought was that Hanekawa was staging a coup.

But that made no sense.

He didn’t need to.

Plus, as an ANBU, she’d heard rumors about Tsunade’s work ethic—or lack thereof.

"Just those two things. Talk to Shizune tomorrow."

Hanekawa kissed her lightly. "I’ll take you home."

"But you…"

Samui’s expression turned determined. "I can still—"

"Don’t push yourself."

Hanekawa stood, carrying her.

Samui stared at him, her eyes glazing over with desire again—but her body simply couldn’t respond.

"Rest well."

He laid her on the bed and vanished with the Flying Thunder God Technique.

A surge of chakra pulsed outside.

Hanekawa steadied himself and looked up.

It was Tsukihime.

Having just regained her full chakra and returned to the shinobi world, she was testing her limits.

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya stood and approached him.

She sniffed. "You went to another woman to reproduce."

Hanekawa stiffened.

That wasn’t a question—it was a statement.

Damn.

He’d made a mistake.

His body wouldn’t carry traces, but his clothes would.

And he’d forgotten to change before coming back.

"Are you angry?"

Hanekawa studied her impassive face, unsure.

"No."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya’s voice was cool. "For someone of your status, multiple mates are normal."

She’d read about it in a book from Haori.

Daimyō and nobles often took multiple wives and concubines.

And in her eyes, Hanekawa was a hundred times more exalted than any of them.

"…?"

Hanekawa was stunned.

He searched her face for any hint of deception, but found none.

She wasn’t the type to lie—she always spoke her mind.

A warmth spread through his chest.

If Ōtsutsuki Kaguya didn’t object, did that mean… new recruits were welcome?

Like Samui.

"You’re amazing."

He kissed her. "I’ll make dinner."

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya tilted her head, confused.

Amazing?

She hadn’t done anything.

After dinner, Hanekawa left briefly to visit Yuhi Kurenai.

He cooked for her, waited until she slept, then returned.

Another sleepless night followed.

As dawn approached, Hanekawa wrapped his arms around Ōtsutsuki Kaguya’s firm thighs.

Minutes later, both shuddered.

"It’s morning. We’re going to the ANBU today."

He buried his face in her chest.

"Mm."

She gently stroked his hair.

After resting, they got ready.

Breakfast done, Hanekawa led Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime to the ANBU office.

"Hane—"

Samui cut herself off, freezing.

Her eyes locked onto Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime—especially the former.

Something about her felt… otherworldly, as if her very existence was on a higher plane.

And those eyes—the Byakugan?

The horns—decorations, or real?

Is she even human?

Questions flooded Samui’s mind.



Hanekawa thought to himself, 'Just as I expected.'

Ōtsutsuki Kaguya's appearance and aura were simply too striking. Without any concealment, anyone would notice her at first glance.

As for Tsukihime, she was slightly less conspicuous—unless she activated her Rinnegan, her eyes appeared ordinary.

"Lord Hanekawa."

Samui snapped out of her daze and handed him a scroll, adopting a professional tone. "These are the ANBU uniforms and masks you requested yesterday."

Though shocked by Ōtsutsuki Kaguya, her priority remained Hanekawa.

"Thanks."

Hanekawa casually passed the scroll to Ōtsutsuki Kaguya. "For now, you'll both join the ANBU."

Once he became Hokage, they could assume different roles—like Hokage aides, for instance.

Samui glanced at them curiously but didn’t pry.

"Samui," Hanekawa said after a moment, "they’ll be under your command for the next few days."

"My command?"

Samui blinked.

She had no idea how strong Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime were, but they were undoubtedly far beyond her.

Just standing near them sent a primal fear through her.

"Yes."

Hanekawa nodded. "Your mission today is to familiarize them with Konoha."

Though Samui was originally from Kumogakure, she’d been in Konoha for months now—long enough to know the village as well as any native.

"Understood."

Samui bowed.

"Bye, Dad!"

Tsukihime waved cheerfully.

"…?"

Samui’s jaw dropped as she stared at Tsukihime.

Dad?!

Was she Hanekawa's daughter?

But Tsukihime looked older than him!

"Samui," Hanekawa coughed lightly, "I’ll explain later when I have time."

"Y-Yes."

Samui forced herself to look away and led Ōtsutsuki Kaguya and Tsukihime out.

Hanekawa sighed.

Their arrangement was a bit troublesome, but given his status, no one would dare question it.

And once he became Hokage, things would only get easier.

He picked up a file on the desk—a report from Haru.

She’d acted swiftly.

After receiving his orders through Samui, she’d immediately begun preparations.

Hokage succession involved three steps:
1. Approval from the Daimyō.
2. A civilian vote.
3. A jonin vote.

Haru had already sent out notices for a jonin meeting this Sunday.

The week-long buffer was necessary—many jonin were on missions and couldn’t return on short notice.

For something as significant as appointing a new Hokage, maximum attendance was essential.

Additionally, envoys had been dispatched to the Daimyō’s capital.

The civilian vote would follow the jonin decision.

Hanekawa nodded in approval.

Haru had handled everything flawlessly.

His gaze lingered on the words *Land of Fire Daimyō*.

His S-rank title, 'Ruler of the Shinobi World', didn’t just mean uniting the villages—it included the nations behind them.

The Land of Fire was no exception.

Hanekawa stroked his chin.

This could be tricky.

His main concern was Tsunade, who had close ties to the Daimyō’s family.

Should he use the Sharingan to control them?

Have the Daimyō willingly step down to save face?

Even if Tsunade suspected something, she wouldn’t object once it was done.

No—maybe there’s another way.

He thought of the underground black market—the Bounty Exchange.

An organization capable of running a shinobi-wide black market likely had ties to the Five Great Nations’ nobility.

The Bounty Exchange could serve as a convenient scapegoat.

Hanekawa closed the file.

After some quick mental calculations, he realized he had plenty to do—but also plenty of time.

For now, the priority was the Hokage transition.

--

Hyūga Compound

"Neji shows promise."

Hyūga Hiashi watched the young boy practicing gentle fist in the courtyard.

At barely two years old, Neji was already learning the basics—albeit clumsily.

"His form and control are still lacking. I wouldn’t call it talent yet."

Hyūga Hizashi replied modestly. "Hinata will surely surpass him."

His relationship with Hiashi had improved, but the specter of the Caged Bird Seal kept him cautious.

"Hinata hasn’t even learned to walk."

Hiashi shook his head.

"But her teacher is Hanekawa."

Hizashi’s voice held a hint of envy. "Her future is guaranteed."

"True."

Hiashi smiled smugly.

Securing Hanekawa as Hinata’s mentor was his best decision yet.

In a few years, she’d be the Hokage’s protégé.

"Lord Hiashi!"

A clansman rushed in. "An ANBU operative has arrived."

"Let them in."

Hiashi’s expression turned serious.

"Lord Hyūga."

Haru appeared moments later. "I bring orders from the Hokage."

Though Hanekawa had issued the directive, the ANBU answered to the Hokage.

For something this significant, Tsunade’s authority was necessary.

"Speak."

Hiashi had expected this.

ANBU visits usually involved the Hokage.

"A jonin meeting will be held this Sunday. All Hyūga jonin are required to attend."

Haru paused. "The sole agenda: electing Lord Hanekawa as the Fifth Hokage."

"What?"

Hiashi and Hizashi exchanged stunned glances.

Though framed as a meeting, this was effectively a vote.

But so soon?

"My duty is done."

Haru bowed. "I must inform the other jonin."

With that, she left.

"…This is unexpected."

Hizashi murmured.

"Lady Tsunade’s tenure was practically a placeholder."

Hiashi nodded. "And Hanekawa will be the youngest Hokage in Konoha’s history."

"And likely the longest-serving."

Hizashi added.

Thanks to Hanekawa's influence, Namikaze Minato had survived, Tsunade became the Fourth, and Hiruzen Sarutobi never reclaimed the title.

"This is excellent for the Hyūga."

Hiashi’s spirits lifted.

With Hanekawa as Hokage, Hinata’s status would soar as part of the Hokage’s lineage.

---
Konoha Training Ground 1

"Why are there no S-rank missions lately? It’s so boring!"

Sarutobi Asuma groaned.

With the Third Shinobi World War over and Konoha victorious, peace had brought an unfortunate side effect: a drastic reduction in high-difficulty missions.

His team—featuring elite jonin like Hatake Sakumo and Uchiha Itachi—was now stuck with B-rank assignments.

To Asuma, it felt like a waste.

"No missions is a good thing."

Uchiha Itachi smiled.

For him, this era of tranquility was ideal.

"You could join the ANBU like Hanezawa."

Shizune suggested.

"No thanks. My brother’s already the ANBU Commander."

Asuma shook his head.

Now an adult—and subjected to his father Hiruzen’s constant lectures—he understood power dynamics better.

The Sarutobi clan couldn’t have two high-ranking ANBU officials.

"Besides, I refuse to be Hanezawa’s subordinate!"

Asuma scoffed. "If I’m taking orders, it’ll be as Hokage!"

"Unlikely."

Shizune deadpanned.

"…"

Asuma deflated.

Footsteps approached.

"ANBU."

Itachi noted warily.

"Uchiha Itachi. Sarutobi Asuma."

Haru delivered the same message as before.

Both were jonin, unlike Shizune.

"What?"

Asuma shot to his feet. "Hanekawa is becoming Hokage? How?"

Itachi was equally surprised—but also felt it was inevitable.

A spark of hope ignited within him.

Hanekawa had the closest ties to the Uchiha of any Hokage—even surpassing Tobirama Senju.

With Uchiha students, friends, and reforms to the Police Force, his leadership promised progress.

"I’m doomed!"

Asuma slumped to the ground.

Now he’d have to serve under Hanekawa—no escape.

---

Uzumaki Kushina’s Home

The house was unusually lively today.

Namikaze Minato and Team 3 had just returned from a mission in the Land of Water.

"Kakashi."

Minato patted his shoulder. "Look after Naruto. Kushina and I will cook."

Hatake Kakashi stared at the swaddled infant and sighed internally.

But he couldn’t refuse his sensei’s request.

"Don’t worry, sensei!"

Unlike Kakashi, Might Guy was thrilled. "I’ll teach him the Way of Youth!"

"…"

Minato’s eye twitched.

Please don’t.

Only Yamato sat quietly on the sofa.

A knock interrupted them.

Haru entered and delivered the news about Sunday’s meeting.

"Hanekawa… as Fifth Hokage?"

Kakashi was stunned.

He’d always known Hanekawa would become Hokage—just not this soon.

Minato froze, then sighed.

Technically, he was also a candidate for Fifth Hokage.

But in the end, he’d lost—decisively.

"Minato…"

Kushina squeezed his hand.

"I’m fine."

He smiled weakly. "Hanekawa is the most qualified."

---

The jonin meeting sent ripples through Konoha.

But the main topic wasn’t Hanekawa's suitability—it was Tsunade’s unusually short tenure.

Hanekawa's feats during the Third War had cemented his reputation as the strongest shinobi of his generation.

By Sunday morning, the Hokage Building’s meeting hall was packed.

At 9 AM sharp, Tsunade and Hanekawa arrived.

"Let’s skip the formalities. Proceed to the vote."

Tsunade cut straight to the point.

Everyone present knew this was a mere formality—the outcome predetermined.

"Understood, Lady Hokage."

Nara Shikaku distributed ballots.

Within half an hour, the results were in: unanimous approval.

All that remained was the Daimyō’s arrival for the inauguration.

As for the civilian vote? With Hanekawa's reputation, there was no doubt.

__

Worth 2 chapters