The Third Hokage took a long drag from his pipe, the smoke curling thoughtfully around his weathered face. "I'm getting old, Tsunade. Konoha needs stability. We need to decide on the next Hokage soon."

  Tsunade's lips curved into a thin smile. "Why ask me? Go talk to Danzo. He'd probably love to tell you all about his ambitions."

  "Danzo will never be Hokage," Hiruzen said flatly.

  "Then why do you let him run wild?" Tsunade's voice carried an edge of frustration.

  "Where there is light, there must be shadow." Hiruzen's tone remained calm, measured. "Danzo handles the things that need handling. As long as we keep him on a tight leash, he's manageable."

  "You're confident you can control him," Tsunade said, her eyes narrowing. "But what about your successor? If they can't keep Danzo in check, everything falls apart."

  Hiruzen nodded slowly. "Which is why we need to choose carefully. Hatake Sakumo is out of the question—he lacks the political finesse to manage someone like Danzo."

  "So you've heard the rumors about him too." Tsunade's gaze sharpened.

  Hiruzen coughed, suddenly looking uncomfortable. "The Root reports filter through the ANBU. I hear things."

  "That's what I thought." Tsunade leaned back, studying him. "So that leaves three candidates."

  "Correct. And I need to know if you're one of them."

  "I'm not interested," Tsunade said immediately.

  "Then why did you ask about Hatake Sakumo?" Hiruzen raised an eyebrow. "You care about Konoha more than you admit."

  "Caring about the village doesn't mean I want to run it," Tsunade replied coolly.

  Hiruzen sighed. "You, Orochimaru, and Minato. One of you will wear the hat eventually. I know why you're avoiding it—"

  "Don't." Tsunade's voice cut like a blade.

  "Nawaki's death affected both of you deeply," Hiruzen continued quietly. "Orochimaru withdrew into his research. You ran away."

  Tsunade opened her mouth to argue, then hesitated. An image of Hanekawa flickered through her mind—his serious expression during training, the way he looked at her with those intelligent eyes. Something shifted in her chest.

  "Orochimaru would be better suited," she said, but her conviction wavered.

  "Perhaps in raw power and cunning," Hiruzen acknowledged. "But you have something he doesn't—the people trust you. You're Hashirama's granddaughter. The Land of Fire daimyo knows your name. You're the only kunoichi ever called a princess."

  This narrative has been purloined without the author's approval. Report any appearances on Amazon.

  "And?" Tsunade's tone was guarded.

  "And if you want the position, you should start positioning yourself now. Missions, visibility, influence." Hiruzen paused meaningfully. "Less gambling, more work. I've noticed you've been absent from the mission roster lately."

  "I've been teaching Hanekawa."

  "Exactly." Hiruzen leaned forward. "Which brings me to my real concern. He's a genius, Tsunade. Age is irrelevant. His strength rivals a Chunin already. He needs field experience."

  "He's too young—"

  "War is coming." Hiruzen's voice dropped. "Minato sent intelligence. The Hidden Cloud has been stockpiling supplies and weapons at an unusual rate. We need to prepare."

  Tsunade's expression hardened. She'd seen what inexperience cost on the battlefield. Nawaki had walked into a detonating talisman trap because he didn't know better. She would never let that happen to Hanekawa.

  "I understand," she said quietly.

  ---

  The school bell rang, and Hanekawa gathered his things with practiced efficiency. He had a sparring match scheduled with Uchiha Tetsuka at the third training ground—a "real manly battle," as Tetsuka had dramatically put it.

  Great. More posturing from the Uchiha clan, Hanekawa thought, already mentally preparing himself for the inevitable fire jutsu spam.

  "Hanekawa, wait!" Nohara Rin caught up with him, her eyes bright with excitement. "Can we watch your fight?"

  Behind her came Hatake Kakashi, looking characteristically unimpressed, and Uchiha Obito, who looked like he'd rather be anywhere else.

  "Sure," Hanekawa said. "Let's go."

  Yuhi Kurenai appeared from nowhere, already pumped up. "Come on! Let's see you crush him!"

  And there's my personal cheerleader, Hanekawa thought with mild amusement.

  When they arrived at the training ground, Uchiha Tetsuka was already waiting, his Sharingan gleaming with anticipation. Beside him stood Uchiha Shisui, who looked like he was mentally reviewing something.

  "You came," Tetsuka said, rolling his shoulders. "Let's make this good."

  "Remember the strategy," Shisui warned quietly. "Watch out for his illusions."

  Tetsuka nodded confidently. "I've got this."

  Oh, this should be entertaining, Hanekawa thought.

  The match began with Tetsuka immediately forming seals. "Fire Style: Fireball Jutsu!"

  A massive fireball erupted from his mouth, roaring toward Hanekawa with impressive force. Hanekawa didn't move. He simply drew his katana and slashed downward in one smooth motion. The fireball split cleanly in half, the flames parting around him like curtains.

  "Fire Style: Phoenix Immortal Fire Technique!" Tetsuka's follow-up came instantly.

  This time, flames erupted in all directions, spreading like a cockscomb and cutting off every escape route. To the spectators, it looked like Hanekawa was completely trapped.

  "He's got him!" Tetsuka shouted triumphantly.

  But Shisui's expression shifted. His Sharingan caught what Tetsuka had missed—the moment of opportunity when the fireball had blocked his vision. Hanekawa's hands had moved with impossible speed, forming seals that Tetsuka never saw.

  Genjutsu, Shisui realized with dawning horror.

  Tetsuka was still fighting the flames, still convinced he had the upper hand. But to everyone watching, he was simply struggling with a tree, his fists connecting with bark instead of an opponent.

  Shisui's face went pale. He'd expected Hanekawa to be strong, but this—this was something else entirely. Hanekawa hadn't even needed to move. He'd simply trapped Tetsuka in an illusion so complete that the Uchiha prodigy didn't even realize he was fighting empty air.

  What kind of monster is this kid? Shisui thought, his respect for Hanekawa shifting into something closer to fear.