Chapter 303: Who Will Pay Back The Young Master's Debt!
"That's better, little girl."
Finn smirked, his tone dripping with condescension, as he pulled Tsunade from the shadow world and back into reality.
"Remember," he said, brushing imaginary dust off his sleeves, "stay obedient and serious around this young master, and I won't embarrass you. Too much."
Tsunade glared at him but held her tongue. The bitterness of the earlier encounter still lingered, and she wasn't eager for a repeat.
Without another word, Finn led her toward Konoha Village.
A day later, they arrived at the gates of Konoha.
The village, though battered, was regaining its composure. The streets were alive with the efforts of rebuilding, and the leadership vacuum left by the death of the Third Hokage loomed over everyone.
The Hyuga clan had sent word to those who had fled during the attack, calling them back to the village. However, Konoha faced a critical decision: selecting the Fifth Hokage.
Two names dominated the discussions.
Jiraiya, the legendary Sannin, known for his wisdom and strength.
And Tsunade, the granddaughter of the First Hokage, a figure of unparalleled lineage and medical prowess.
While Jiraiya had admirers, the people's hearts leaned toward Tsunade. Her ties to the Senju lineage and her long-standing reputation made her a natural choice.
As the villagers debated how to bring her back, word spread like wildfire: Tsunade had returned.
"What? Tsunade is back?"
"Truly, the gods favor Konoha!"
"She left so long ago... we never thought she'd return! This must mean she still cares for us."
Excitement filled the air as the villagers gathered at the entrance to welcome her.
The crowd surged forward, only to halt when they saw her.
Tsunade stood there, a mixture of strength and sadness etched on her face. Beside her stood Finn, an unfamiliar figure to most but unmistakably important to the Hyuga clan.
"Great benefactor!" exclaimed one of the Hyuga elders.
The crowd murmured in confusion.
"Benefactor? What do you mean?"
"He's the one who wiped out Orochimaru's forces and saved Konoha from destruction!"
Whispers rippled through the gathering. The boy who stood beside Tsunade was no ordinary traveler; he was their savior.
Too young, some thought. How could someone so youthful possess such strength?
Before the questions could take root, an elder stepped forward.
"Tsunade, you've returned at last. Konoha needs you to guide us through these dark times!"
Tsunade's expression tightened, her gaze distant. "Where is the Third?"
Silence fell over the crowd.
She wasn't asking for Sarutobi Hiruzen. She was asking for his grave.
A solemn figure stepped forward—a man with silver hair and a forehead protector slanted to cover one eye.
Hatake Kakashi.
"Follow me," Kakashi said softly, turning to lead the way.
At the grave of Sarutobi Hiruzen, Tsunade stood motionless. Tears welled in her eyes as she stared at the marker. Around her, the villagers mourned in silence, their hearts heavy with loss.
Finally, Mitokado Homura, a senior advisor, broke the quiet.
"Tsunade," he said gently, "we mourn Sarutobi Hiruzen, but Konoha still needs you. The village is counting on you to take the mantle of Hokage."
Others chimed in, echoing the sentiment.
Tsunade said nothing. Her gaze remained fixed on the grave, her thoughts unreadable.
Then, a grating voice broke the solemnity.
"Spare Tsunade the burden. This is no time for sentimentality. Let the old man take charge."
All eyes turned to see an elderly figure wrapped in bandages and gauze, his single visible eye cold and calculating.
Shimura Danzō.
Behind him stood two Root operatives, their presence chilling.
"You?" someone scoffed.
Danzō chuckled. "Who else? I've dedicated my life to Konoha. Who better to guide it now?"
"Over my dead body!" someone shouted.
"Enough!" Utatane Koharu's voice cut through the tension. "Danzō's experience makes him a viable candidate."
Gasps rippled through the crowd.
Homura stepped forward, visibly incensed. "Koharu! You know the dangers of granting Danzō more power. His control over Root is already too great."
Voices rose in debate, the villagers splitting into two factions—those supporting Tsunade and those backing Danzō.
Amid the chaos, Finn stepped forward, his voice calm but commanding.
"Enough of this nonsense."
The crowd turned to him, startled.
"Before you argue about who should be Hokage," Finn said, his tone sharp, "there's a matter of payment. Konoha owes this young master a debt. Whoever wants to take the title better be ready to settle it first."
The villagers stared, stunned into silence.
Even in the heart of Konoha's turmoil, Finn managed to make everything about him.