Konoha: The Honored One

"What... what is this?"

Everyone in Class 7, along with Shizune, stared dumbfounded.

Tsunade had flat-out refused to become Hokage, and yet here was Gojo, carrying her away like it was the most natural thing in the world.

When did the title of Hokage become something people were dragged into?

Sasuke, ever composed, broke the silence. "Idiots, you're all lagging behind Gojo-sensei's pace."

With a scoff, he leapt into action, his hands tucked behind his back in his usual cool manner.

Naruto blinked. "Wait... He's serious about the punishment?"

A chill ran down his spine as he remembered Gojo's earlier threat. Running five laps around the village with bare butts.

"He's serious! Oh no!" Naruto shrieked, his panic turning into a full sprint as he bolted after Sasuke.

Sakura's face twisted in disbelief. "Wait, what punishment?!"

Naruto shouted over his shoulder, his voice cracking. "Do you want the whole village to see your rear end?! Because that's what's gonna happen if we don't catch him!"

That mental image was enough to snap Sakura into action.

As the trio raced through the village, Sasuke couldn't help but smirk. Glancing back at Naruto, he taunted, "At this rate, you'll be baring your backside for everyone, dobe."

"BASTARD!" Naruto roared, his face beet red as he pushed himself harder. "I'll show you who's a dobe!"

Meanwhile, Sakura lagged behind, panting and clutching her sides. She could only watch helplessly as the boys raced ahead, their rivalry spurring them to greater speeds.

"I'm giving it everything I've got!" she gasped, her frustration bubbling up as the gap between her and her teammates widened.

The sun hung high in the sky, casting its golden light over Konoha. At the village gates, an unusual sight awaited.

Rows upon rows of shinobi—Jōnin, Chūnin, and Genin alike—stood in orderly lines, each holding a glowing plaque in their hands.

On each plaque, written in bold, flashing letters, were the words:

"Welcome to the world's cutest, Master Tsunade-sama!"

Behind the shinobi, a smattering of curious villagers had gathered, whispering among themselves.

Suddenly, with a soft pop, Gojo appeared at the gates, holding Tsunade in a flawless princess carry.

For a moment, silence hung heavy in the air.

Tsunade's golden eyes scanned the bizarre scene before her. Rows of disciplined ninjas, all holding gaudy, glittering plaques that practically screamed embarrassment.

"What... is... this?" Tsunade finally sputtered, her voice teetering between fury and disbelief.

"Ahem," Gojo cleared his throat dramatically.

At his signal, the assembled shinobi raised their plaques high and shouted in unison:

"Welcome to the world's cutest, Master Tsunade-sama!!!"

The words echoed thunderously through the streets, causing birds to flee from nearby trees.

Tsunade's face turned a deep shade of red—not from pride, but from sheer embarrassment. Her eyes burned with the promise of retribution as she turned her glare on Gojo.

"You!" she hissed through gritted teeth.

But Gojo, with his ever-present grin, simply chuckled. "Relax, Tsuna-chan. It's all for morale."

Behind him, the shinobi exchanged awkward glances. Most of them had only agreed to this spectacle because Gojo had threatened to "reduce their ramen privileges" or, worse, "increase their D-rank missions."

"It's a good shout," Gojo praised, clasping his hands together. "Kakashi, though... I expected more energy from you. Usually, you're so enthusiastic about those Icha Icha books of yours. Where's that same passion now?"

Kakashi, unfazed, scratched his head with a lazy smile. "I'm just happy Tsunade-sama is back. No need to shout about it, Gojo-san."

"Don't try to play it cool," Gojo teased.

Tsunade, meanwhile, was trembling—partly from rage, partly from embarrassment. She bowed her head slightly, her golden hair casting shadows over her face.

"I can't believe you did this," she muttered, her voice low and dangerous.

In the crowd, Kurenai's sharp crimson eyes locked onto Tsunade. She felt a pang of... something. Envy? Admiration? Both?

Tsunade-sama is incredible, Kurenai thought, clenching her fists. Strong, beautiful, and commanding. No wonder Gojo likes her.

But then, a spark of determination lit in Kurenai's gaze.

I'm younger. That has to count for something, right?

Standing beside her, Asuma took a long drag of his cigarette. Exhaling slowly, he glanced at Kurenai and muttered, "You're not gonna win this one, Kurenai-chan."

She ignored him, her eyes never leaving Tsunade.

As if sensing the intensity of her gaze, Tsunade turned her head. Her golden eyes met Kurenai's fiery red ones.

For a brief moment, the two women studied each other.

Kurenai forced a polite smile and nodded.

Tsunade returned the gesture, though her expression carried a hint of suspicion.