Author Note:
Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!
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The discussion about the next Hokage was put on hold,at least for now. There were more pressing matters at hand: the war.
"All things considered, our previous major setbacks,including White Fang's death,stemd from information leaks,"
Orochimaru said coldly, his voice laced with restrained frustration.
Though he wasn't particularly concerned about Konoha's overall losses, being undermined from the shadows ti and again during his leadership still left a bitter taste.
"Who has access to information that classified?"
Guts asked, his tone casual, but his eyes sharp with interest.
Unlike Garp, who was half-asleep in every eting, Guts paid attention when it mattered.
"Besides us three,"
Orochimaru began hoarsely,
"The only others are the late White Fang, Jiraiya who's currently stationed in the village, and of course, Sarutobi-sensei and the council elders."
"Then isn't it obvious who the suspects are?"
Guts said with a laugh, completely unconcerned by the weight of his implication.
Minato winced slightly.
"Guts-kun, you shouldn't say things like that so openly."
Even if he himself suspected Shimura Danzo, speaking it aloud was dangerous.
Politics was a delicate ga, and only soone like Guts,who had no filter or allegiance,could toss accusations like stones in a pond without flinching.
In other words, he simply didn't give a damn.
"You can't say that,"
Orochimaru interjected, raising a brow.
"Danzo may be cunning...hell, he's practically a monster in human skin,but I doubt he'd go so far as to sabotage Konoha from within for personal gain."
It wasn't just lip service. Orochimaru genuinely believed that, at this point in ti, Danzo wasn't as far gone as he would be during the Shippuden era.
Back then, Tsunade's rule had beco shaky, and Danzo was salivating at the idea of power.
But now? The Sannin were still strong, Minato was present, and Danzo didn't stand a chance.
He wouldn't risk everything on such a futile gamble,at least not yet.
"That's enough about that,"
Tsunade said, cutting through the tension.
"Right now, we need to focus on how to deal with that old bastard Ōnoki."
"Ōnoki, huh… He really is a pain in the ass,"
Orochimaru muttered, one hand propped against the map.
"With White Fang's death, even though Guts' forces have reinforced our lines, the enemy's strength still outnumbers ours by more than half."
He looked grim.
"To be honest, the best move would be to request reinforcents from Lord Sarutobi."
"Unfortunately, the village still has to guard against potential attacks from the Sand and Mist,"
Minato interjected, his voice calm but resolute.
"I doubt Konoha can spare any more troops."
"They already know everything they need about us,"
Guts said, shrugging.
"What's left is just a head-on fight."
A smirk tugged at Orochimaru's lips.
"You say that like it's nothing."
"I an it. I can't die anyway," Guts replied with a wide grin.
Orochimaru chuckled, his usually cold deanor breaking for a brief mont.
"Guts-kun, your way of doing things is… one of a kind."
Minato glanced between them and sighed. So this is what they an when they say all geniuses are weird…
Despite the grim reality, there was no turning back now. Konoha had no choice but to grit its teeth and keep fighting.
Later that night, inside Tsunade's personal tent, she was clearly waiting for him.
"You've got to fix that mouth of yours," she snapped the mont Guts stepped in.
"It's fine to speak your mind at ho, but if you keep mouthing off like that in front of others, you're bound to get into trouble sooner or later!"
Guts just gave her a lazy grin, like Luffy from the Monkey D. clan flashing his trademark carefree smile. He plopped down beside her and said:
"What's the point of living scared? If anyone tries sothing to us, I'll beat them into the dirt."
Tsunade's chest tightened a little when she heard the word "we." She exhaled, exasperated.
"Fists don't solve everything, you know."
"Nope," Guts said imdiately,
"Fists solve everything."
He couldn't help but think of a certain bald guy who'd proven that many tis over.
Tsunade was montarily stunned by his quick reply, and found herself with no coback.
Unconsciously, their faces had drawn closer together,their noses almost touching.
Unlike the bold and teasing Tsunade of previous monts, she suddenly pulled back with a flustered expression.
"Too close, you brat!"
"Ah, sorry," Guts said with a sly grin. Then, without warning, he reached out and gently took her hand.
Her body trembled slightly, but she didn't pull away.
"Honestly," he said, his voice unusually serious,
"I really want you to take over for Sarutobi. After this war, his position won't hold."
"I already told you," she said, frowning.
"I don't want that kind of responsibility. Too much trouble."
"But the village was founded by your grandfather,"
Guts countered.
"Back then, no one dared to challenge Konoha. Look at it now. A ss,ruled by four old fossils who should've stepped down long ago."
As he spoke, he placed both hands gently on her shoulders, his expression soft but firm.
"If you want it, I'll help you make it happen."
Tsunade didn't realize how natural his touch had beco until she was already leaning into it. Her gaze narrowed, suspicious.
"You never cared about politics. Why the sudden interest in who becos Hokage?"
Guts laughed. "If Sarutobi and Danzo want to run this place into the ground, that's their business. But if you beco Hokage, I can live a better life, can't I?"
Simple, shaless logic. But sohow, it made sense coming from him.
He wasn't afraid of Danzo's sches—but that didn't an he'd ignore them either.
Living in Konoha had its perks. It was fertile, comfortable, strong.
And instead of letting a bunch of delusional old n who kept shouting 'Will of Fire!' run it into the ground, why not have his own woman take the top seat?
"You actually want to work with now?" Tsunade asked with a smirk.
"I thought you weren't interested in politics—or power."
"Well," Guts said casually, tightening his grip around her hand.
"You're part of the reason."
Tsunade flinched slightly, her eyes widening for a brief mont.
But then, just as quickly, she tried to brush it off.
"Save those sweet lines for little girls like Kurenai. I'm too old to fall for them."
"What about this then?"
Guts said with a mischievous grin,and in one bold motion, pulled her straight into his arms.
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