Chapter 91: Konoha

Tsunade was furious, and deeply helpless.

After all, the way Jiraiya had summoned her back to Konoha this time was almost completely opposite to the original timeline.

In the original timeline.

Jiraiya used Naruto Uzumaki as leverage, causing Tsunade to change her mind and return to Konoha voluntarily to clean up the mess.

But now?

She had been practically dragged back by Jiraiya!

Since finding her, this guy had shamelessly demanded she return, and despite her clear refusal, he stubbornly trailed after her, causing everyone everywhere she went to recognize her.

It’s well known that she owed a fortune outside the village.

Whenever she and Shizune were out, whether gambling or staying at inns, they always disguised themselves to evade creditors.

And now?

Thanks to Jiraiya’s antics, everyone now knows she is Tsunade of Konoha.

In the end, she had no choice but to return.

But equally.

Thinking of Konoha’s recent troubles, her head throbbed with unbearable pain.

Yes.

Though she often hid outside Konoha, she still had her own intelligence network, so she was fully aware that Uchiha Jin, a powerful new figure in the Uchiha clan, could stand toe-to-toe with Hiruzen Sarutobi without losing ground.

But the problem is.

If even Hiruzen Sarutobi and the others couldn’t handle it, why expect her to fix it?

Fuck!

Does she even have that kind of ability?

And even if she did, she had no intention of helping Hiruzen Sarutobi anyway!

So, at this moment.

Tsunade decided she’d simply refuse to cooperate—no matter what Hiruzen Sarutobi said, she wouldn’t get involved.

As long as she didn’t act against the Uchiha, they’d likely avoid provoking her too.

Hmm, perfect.

After all, since Jiraiya had found her, she couldn’t hide outside Konoha anyway, so for the next while, she’d just stay inside Konoha and do nothing.

But on the other side.

Jiraiya had no idea of Tsunade’s plan—he simply brought her straight to the Hokage’s office.

“Old man, I’m back!”

“I’ve done my duty—I brought Tsunade back!”

“...”

Jiraiya’s face beamed with pride and delight as he entered the Hokage’s office.

Yes!

He truly couldn’t handle Uchiha Jin himself, but he was confident that Tsunade’s strength could resolve the village’s chaos.

And as for that.

Tsunade glanced at the people present, snorted coldly, and didn’t even bother to greet them.

She might lack the power to retaliate for past wrongs, but ignoring these people was easy—and she was certain none of them would dare attack her; otherwise, the last shred of dignity for the Senju clan would be ripped away, and these old men wouldn’t even be able to explain themselves to Konoha, let alone deal with the Uchiha.

“Tsunade, Jiraiya!”

“Do Itachi two have no manners? This is the Hokage’s office, not your private home.”

“Can’t Itachi even knock?”

“Especially Itachi—Tsunade!”

“Who are Itachi giving that dead face to? Can’t Itachi even say hello?”

“Do Itachi have any respect for your elders?”

Tsunade’s slap on the table showed her clear dislike for the two.

After all...

Had Uchiha Jin not been so difficult, she would never have agreed to let these two return.

Mizukami En didn’t speak.

He also despised their behavior—utterly disrespectful, and he couldn’t imagine what would happen to the elders’ status if Tsunade were installed as Hokage.

Yes!

Just moments ago, after consultation among the three of them, they had decided to promote Tsunade to Hokage.

There was no choice.

Uchiha Jin was too formidable—they simply couldn’t match him—so they’d resorted to a strategy of retreat to advance.

If they could install Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage, the entire situation would instantly reverse; after all, the Senju name still carried weight in Konoha.

But the problem was.

Looking at Tsunade’s current attitude, everyone’s hearts grew uneasy.

They had once manipulated Minato Namikaze—but could they manipulate Tsunade?

Yet.

As the Konoha F3 pondered, Tsunade let out a cold, derisive snort: “So none of Itachi welcome me? I knew I shouldn’t have come back!”

“Shizune, let’s go!”

With that,

Tsunade crossed her arms and walked straight out the door.

Shizune, clutching the little pig, looked bewildered but followed behind her.

“Insolent!”

Mizukami En couldn’t take it—he roared: “Tsunade, do Itachi have any sense of decorum?”

“Sorry, I don’t,” Tsunade sneered, not slowing her step. “Then I won’t offend your eyes.”

She spoke casually, but her pace never faltered.

Meanwhile,

Jiraiya, witnessing this, felt his head explode—he blocked Tsunade’s path: “Tsunade, don’t be angry!”

“The village is in real danger right now—this isn’t the time for tantrums!”

To this,

Tsunade’s voice remained icy: “Jiraiya, get out of my way.”

She had not a single ounce of fondness for the man before her.

As longtime comrades, Tsunade had long seen through Jiraiya’s true nature.

A fool duped by the Toad Sage, harboring unrealistic dreams, yet lacking the courage and responsibility—this was the real reason she had always looked down on him.

But at the same time, he was stubborn as hell!

He held a twisted sense of loyalty to Konoha—he knew full well the village’s true problems, yet lacked the will to change anything, content to be a patchwork repairman barely holding things together.

Why had he chosen Katō Danzo over Jiraiya back then?

Did he really think she didn’t know his intentions?

No!

The reason was simple—he was useless!

How could Tsunade ever choose Jiraiya as her partner?

“Tsunade, show some respect!” Jiraiya still pleaded.

But to this,

Tsunade raised her fist, ready to smash him aside.

Just then,

Hiruzen Sarutobi, still smoking, sighed heavily.

“Tsunade, stop acting out!”

“After all this time, haven’t Itachi come to your senses yet?”

“The village is truly in danger—don’t Itachi care if your grandfathers’ life’s work is destroyed?”

“Let me be frank—we plan to make Itachi the Fifth Hokage!”

“We’re old now—it’s time to retire.”

“Konoha carries Hashirama’s ideals, Tobirama’s legacy—and it will be the place Itachi must protect in the future.”

“Stay.”

“Tomorrow, I’ll send a letter to the Daimyo and arrange your succession ceremony.”