Naruto: Azure Awakening

Ch 55 - Jiraiya The New Hokage

Tsunade reluctantly sat down across from Hiruzen, already dreading the conversation she knew was coming. She had no interest in whatever request the old man was about to make, especially if it involved dragging her back into Konoha’s politics.“Old man, I’ve told you plenty of times - I won’t become Hokage.” For a very brief moment, there was a fire in Tsunade’s eyes. “I didn’t even want the Senju clan head position, and now you’re trying to push something even worse onto me.” She wasn’t about to let him ease into it. Better to shut it down immediately.

Hiruzen sighed, tapping the ash from his pipe. “Orochimaru has betrayed Konoha.” His voice was heavier than usual, his eyes shadowed. “He’s a rogue ninja now.”

Hiruzen paused, studying Tsunade’s face, searching for any sign that she had already heard the news. But her reaction told him everything - she was completely in the dark.

‘How is it possible that someone of your influence hasn’t heard about this yet?’ Disappointment settled deep in his chest. His disciples, once so promising, had drifted too far from Konoha’s core.alking - Yuki and Akatsuchi’s fight promised a clash of precision and endurance, Kaoru was up against the chakra monster Toji, and Mizuki had drawn the worst possible opponent - Itachi Uchiha himself.

A two-day break was granted to allow the participants to recover, heal their injuries, and prepare for the most difficult battles yet. For some, it was a chance to strategize, train, or refine their techniques. For Kaoru, however, this break meant something else entirely - he’d be hearing from Fugaku and Itachi.