Naturally, Zenkichi took Tsunade away not just to capture a hostage.
He took her in order to throw the hokage's position into confusion.
Zenkichi had already brought considerable harm to Konoha, and soone needed to be held responsible for it.
Following the principle that those in power must bear responsibility, the position of the Third Hokage would inevitably beco unstable.
Had Zenkichi not taken Tsunade, then in the original tiline, she would most likely have beco the Fifth Hokage.
At that point, the Third Hokage could step down willingly, accepting responsibility for his mistakes and resigning to atone, which would help stabilize the situation in Konoha significantly.
However, with Tsunade taken away by Zenkichi, there was no one left in Konoha capable of succeeding the title of Hokage.
In the original tiline, the Fourth Hokage, Namikaze Minato, was no longer in the picture.
Whether it was the Third Hokage or other Konoha elders—or even the general public—none would accept soone who had abandoned his duties as Hokage to reclaim the role.
As for Jiraiya, he had lost an arm, and his strength had declined to the point where he was no longer a viable candidate.
Danzo Shimura was in a similar condition—also having lost an arm and now functioning only as Konoha's shadowy backroom manipulator.
Orochimaru had both the strength and the reputation to beco the Fourth Hokage, but Hiruzen Sarutobi would never allow it.
Even if Orochimaru claid to have moved on from Hiruzen's past actions, would the old man dare to believe him?
The once-close bond between master and student had long since fractured.
As for the White Fang of Konoha...
It was nearly impossible for him to beco Hokage.
While bloodline isn't a requirent to inherit the Hokage title, a close connection is still necessary.
That connection might co in the form of a direct relationship—such as father and son, teacher and student—or an indirect bond, like grandfather and grandchild or ntor and disciple.
For example, the past Hokage line has always reflected such connections:
The Second Hokage was the younger brother of the First.
The Third was a student of the Second.
The Fourth was a student of the Third.
The Fifth was also a student of the Third.
The Sixth was a student of the Fourth.
The Seventh was the son of the Fourth and the student of the Sixth...
The sa applies to other villages.
The Third Tsuchikage was the disciple of the Second Tsuchikage—and the grandfather of the Fourth.
The Fifth Kazekage was the son of the Fourth, who had studied under the Third.
(Officially, Rasa, the Fourth Kazekage, learned Magnet Release from the Third.)
Though the details for earlier Kage successions may be unclear, the pattern of inheritance and strong connections remains consistent.
Whether it's a son succeeding his father, an elder brother stepping in, or a disciple carrying the will of their master—there's always a aningful bond.
But White Fang had no such close connection to any of the Hokage.
How could soone inherit the Will of Fire without that connection?
And how could soone without the Will of Fire serve as the Hokage of Konoha?
White Fang, out!
To be precise, he was never truly in consideration.
The Hokage can only co from a select lineage—the "Hokage circle."
White Fang wasn't part of it.
A pity!
The simple-minded villagers and naïve lower-ranking shinobi in Konoha had no clue.
Because of White Fang's strength and prestige, so might indeed propose him as Hokage.
"But if that happens, wouldn't it spell his end?"
"After all, if White Fang beca Hokage, it would essentially mark a change in dynasty for Konoha."
Zenkichi murmured this to himself, looking forward to the chaos it might bring.
Besides the nas already ntioned, Mitokado Homura, Koharu Utatane, and Akimichi Torifu—all disciples of the Second Hokage—were technically qualified to beco Hokage.
But their strength and capabilities were too diocre. They lacked the necessary prestige to truly lead Konoha. The difficulty for them to ascend was imnse.
---
Kirigakure Forward Base
Terumi i sat atop the trunk of a massive tree just outside the Kirigakure base.
She stared in the direction of Konoha, as if waiting for soone.
Elder Genji appeared beside her and said calmly, "There's no point in waiting. He'll co back when the ti is right."
Terumi i rolled her eyes. "Easy for you to say! That's Konoha—the strongest shinobi village in the entire ninja world!"
Elder Genji chuckled. "Even if it's Konoha, they won't find Zenkichi easy to deal with."
"His abilities are too unique. There aren't many ways to counter him."
"No matter how many ninja Konoha has, it's aningless if they lack the tools to restrain him."
There was genuine admiration in Elder Genji's voice—he was clearly envious of Zenkichi's special abilities.
Terumi i frowned. "Even if Zenkichi-kun is powerful, Konoha isn't a pushover."
"Konoha is filled with strong shinobi and hidden techniques."
"Zenkichi-kun's power isn't absolute. Surely Konoha has a counterasure."
Elder Genji mused, "True, Konoha may have sothing up its sleeve..."
"But Zenkichi's strength isn't limited to just his ability. I trust he'll manage."
Terumi i asked in frustration, "Can't we send a squad to Konoha to et up with Zenkichi-kun?"
"He sent a clone to escort us back when we left."
Elder Genji shook his head. "No. The Third Mizukage hasn't declared war. If we act rashly, we'll risk starting a conflict."
"And Zenkichi didn't ask us for assistance. So it's best not to move without his signal."
He looked at her and tried to reassure her. "You don't need to worry. He'll be fine."
"Even if Konoha captures him, we can use diplomacy or even the threat of war to secure his release."
Suddenly, Terumi i's expression lit up. "I don't think that's necessary. There he is."
Elder Genji blinked. "Really? Let see!"
On the road leading to the Kirigakure base, Zenkichi and Tsunade were walking toward them at a relaxed pace.
Elder Genji and Terumi i imdiately rushed to et them—both visibly relieved.
Whether it was Terumi i or Elder Genji, both placed great value on Zenkichi.
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