Konoha: The Honored One

Tsunade glanced at Gojo, relieved to see he was unharmed despite facing two Akatsuki members.

"What about the mission?" she asked, her tone sharp.

"Perfectly handled," Gojo replied with a grin, casually tossing Kurenai Yuhi onto the office floor like she was baggage. "Red, do the honors and report."

"Hiss—!" Kurenai winced, clutching her backside as pain radiated from the less-than-graceful landing. She shot Gojo a furious glare.

"Could you be any rougher? Seriously?"

Kurenai dusted herself off, standing with as much dignity as she could muster before turning to Tsunade. "Reporting to Lady Hokage—"

Clap!

Gojo's sudden applause interrupted her. His smile was anything but innocent. "Sorry, thought I saw a mosquito."

Kurenai froze, her body tensing as though reliving a trauma. The words she wanted to say died on her lips, replaced by silence.

Everyone else exchanged puzzled glances. Why did a simple clap seem to rattle Kurenai so badly?

"So, the mission was completed," Tsunade said, her fingers steepled under her chin. Her eyes narrowed suspiciously at Gojo.

Kurenai coughed, clearly eager to shift focus. "During the mission, we engaged two Akatsuki members. Sasori of the Red Sand and Deidara are both deceased. However, Gaara of the Sand was killed after the One-Tail was extracted."

She paused. "Additionally, we encountered another Akatsuki member, Uchiha Obito. Might Guy is currently escorting Gaara's body back to Sunagakure."

"Understood," Tsunade replied, her brow furrowing. Losing Gaara was a heavy blow. Still, taking down two Akatsuki members was no small feat.

She glanced back at Gojo. His nonchalance in the face of such threats always left her with mixed feelings.

"And Team Seven?" she asked.

"They'll reach the village in five days," Kurenai answered hesitantly.

Tsunade blinked. "Five days? Why so long?"

Gojo interjected with his signature grin. "I left them behind."

The room fell silent.

"You what?" Tsunade's voice dropped dangerously low, and her fist clenched.

Gojo shrugged nonchalantly. "Relax. It's a good bonding opportunity for them. Plus, I needed a break."

Tsunade's temple visibly twitched. She raised her fist, clearly ready to remind Gojo why she was Hokage.

"Lady Tsunade, please!" Shizune quickly stepped in, arms spread wide. "The Hokage building is newly renovated!"

Tsunade let out a slow breath, suppressing her anger—for now. "Fine. But if anything happens to Naruto, you'll answer to me, Gojo."

"Sure, sure," Gojo said, waving her off like a mild inconvenience. "Don't worry, I've got my summons keeping an eye on them."

"Mr. Gojo..." a timid voice interrupted. Hyūga Hinata stepped forward, her face crimson as she held out a small box of chocolates. "Th-this is for you."

Gojo raised an eyebrow, then took the box with a grin. "Well, well. Good kids who respect their teachers deserve a reward."

Hinata fidgeted nervously. "I—I made them myself."

Gojo unwrapped a piece and popped it into his mouth. His expression barely shifted, but internally, he was waging war. The chocolate was bitter, sour, salty—everything but sweet.

Still, he swallowed it in two bites and gave Hinata a warm smile. "You worked hard. It's delicious."

Hinata's face lit up. "R-really? I'm glad!" She bowed deeply before scampering out of the office in a flurry of nerves.

Tsunade raised an eyebrow. "Delicious?" She'd known Gojo long enough to know he had an impossibly picky sweet tooth.

Shizune, holding Tonton in her arms, eyed the remaining chocolate. "Can I try one?"

Gojo handed her the last piece with a sly smile. "Be my guest."

Moments later, Shizune was on her knees, coughing and clutching her throat. "What the—? It's spicy! And salty! And—what is this, poison?"

Gojo smirked. "Kids these days. Full of surprises."

Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle. "You've changed, Gojo. The old you would've thrown that chocolate back in her face."

Gojo leaned back on the sofa, twirling his sunglasses. "What can I say? Enthusiasm is precious. Besides, Hinata's a good kid. And remember, cuteness is justice. Even bad chocolate tastes better when it comes from a pretty girl."

Tsunade's fist slammed down on the armrest, cracking it. "Gojo Satoru!"

Gojo caught her hand mid-swing, his grin never faltering. "C'mon, Tsunade. Isn't this the wisdom you taught me? Never crush a child's spirit."

Tsunade huffed, pulling her hand back. "You're impossible."

"And you're beautiful when you're mad," Gojo teased.

"GET OUT!" Tsunade roared, her patience officially worn thin.