NARUTO- CH-122. Teacher, Become a Hokage

Shiki yawned.

When Tsunade woke up earlier, he had also woken up, alerted by his parasitic insects. Ever since their month of training together, he'd grown used to setting the insects to keep watch while he slept.

"Shiki," Shizune said, glancing at the clock. "It's still early. You should go back to sleep."

"No need," Shiki replied, shaking his head. "I'll wait for the teacher to return."

He had his suspicions about what was happening.

Based on his knowledge of events, this was likely connected to the brewing Uchiha clan coup.

According to history, Uchiha Shisui met with Sarutobi and Danzo around this time. Shisui, having awakened his Mangekyō Sharingan, revealed his plan to use Kotoamatsukami to control Uchiha Fugaku and prevent the clan's coup.

However, the power of Kotoamatsukami terrified the Konoha leadership. Danzo, in his paranoia, ambushed Shisui. The resulting battle ended with Shisui losing one eye to Danzo and entrusting the other to Itachi before taking his own life, disillusioned by both his clan and the village.

This tragic sequence led to Itachi's eventual awakening of his Mangekyō Sharingan and the delay of the Uchiha coup.

"That old bastard!"

The door burst open, and Tsunade entered, fuming.

Spotting Shiki, she paused and softened her expression, muttering, "Don't lose your composure in front of the kid."

"Teacher, who upset you?" Shiki asked, rolling up his sleeves. "Let's go beat them up."

Tsunade froze for a second, then burst out laughing.

"What?" Shiki said, pretending to look confused. "Did I say something wrong?"

"In theory, no," Tsunade replied, sitting down beside him with a sigh. "What a shame."

If her grandfather Hashirama were still alive, none of this would be an issue. A Mangekyō Sharingan wouldn't even make him flinch.

The current leadership couldn't compare. Their fear of Shisui's trust and power led them to treachery instead of cooperation.

"What happened?" Shiki asked, tilting his head.

"Nothing," Tsunade replied with a scoff. "Just dealing with a bunch of annoying people."

Shiki observed her thoughtfully. "There's a simple solution. You could become Hokage."

"I'm not interested in that position," Tsunade said flatly.

"Really? I don't believe you," Shiki countered. "If you don't care, why are you so angry?"

Tsunade went silent.

Yes, why was she so angry?

The truth was, she still cared about Konoha.

Its peace had been built on the sacrifices of Hashirama, Tobirama, and Nawaki. It was impossible for her to truly let go, no matter how much she tried to convince herself otherwise.

Looking at Shiki, she felt a surge of mixed emotions.

Reaching out, she grabbed his cheeks and tugged.

"Hey!" Shiki protested, speechless. "What are you doing?"

"You're surprisingly perceptive for a kid," Tsunade muttered, letting go of his face.

"I'm not fit to be Hokage," She said softly, leaning back against the sofa.

"Why not?" Shiki asked after a pause. "Is it because of your hemophobia?"

"You know too much," Tsunade growled, glaring at him.

"You're the best medical ninja in the world," Shiki replied matter-of-factly. "You have me and Shizune as your students, both with great potential. Curing hemophobia should be simple for someone like you."

Tsunade stared at him, stunned by his conviction.

"I think Shiki has a point," Shizune added, smiling as she glanced at the boy.

This was the first time Shizune had seen the once-decadent Tsunade motivated, so she naturally wanted to support her.

If nothing else, Shizune didn't want to continue this life of gambling and drinking every day. Maybe if she becomes Hokage, she'll finally stop... right?

"You even praise yourself now?" Tsunade chuckled, amused by the audacity of Shiki's suggestion.

Although Shiki was indeed the most medically talented student she had ever taught, she still found his confidence amusing. Shizune, of course, was also a very skilled student.

"How can it be that easy?" Tsunade waved her hand dismissively. Her brief surge of motivation was already beginning to wane. Talking about hemophobia was a subject she was still trying to avoid. "Don't waste your time."

"Teacher!" Shiki suddenly said loudly, his voice cutting through her excuses. "I want to make a bet with you!"

Tsunade froze, already guessing where this was going. She wanted to refuse, but seeing the determined look in Shiki's eyes, she hesitated.

"What kind of bet?" She asked, trying to sound uninterested. For the first time, gambling didn't excite her.

"Sister Shizune and I will cure your hemophobia, and in return, you have to become Hokage!" Shiki blurted quickly, afraid she would refuse outright.

"I agree!" Shizune added eagerly. She had wanted to help treat Tsunade's hemophobia for a long time but had never been given the chance. This was an opportunity she couldn't miss.

"Haven't you always wanted to be Hokage?" Tsunade laughed, a teasing edge to her voice. "If I take the role, you won't stand a chance."

"If you're the one becoming Hokage, then I'm happy to give up the spot," Shiki replied confidently.

Tsunade's lips twitched. "It's a pity you're too young," She said with a hint of regret. "If you were older, I'd help you myself."

"Let's not get off-topic," Shiki said, steering the conversation back. "Are you going to take the bet or not?"

"Of course, I'll bet!" Tsunade crossed her arms, her pride flaring. "I don't believe I'll lose this time!"

"Then let's see," Shiki said with a small, confident smile.

"You little brat!" Tsunade couldn't stand his smugness. She lunged forward and trapped him in a playful but firm hold between her strong legs. Before Shiki could protest, Tsunade's hands attacked his hair, leaving it in disarray.

Shiki could only glare up at her, speechless, as she grinned triumphantly. Shizune turned her head to hide her laughter but couldn't help letting out a chuckle.

"If you lose," Tsunade said with a mischievous smirk, "You'll get this treatment a hundred times a day!"

Shiki froze, his expression darkening, 'A hundred times? Just kill me now.'

"Lady Tsunade," Shizune interrupted, still amused but gently reminding her, "Shiki has school tomorrow."

Tsunade released her grip, her mood visibly improving. "Alright, kid, go to bed," She said, waving him off.

Shiki sighed, smoothing out his hair as he stood. Though today had been a chaotic ordeal, he felt it was worth it. At least Tsunade was beginning to entertain the idea of becoming Hokage.

As he returned to his room, he began planning how to tackle Tsunade's hemophobia. He remembered how she had treated Rock Lee in the original timeline, reading medical books and meticulously preparing for surgery. Perhaps using a similar approach would convince her to cooperate.

With those thoughts swirling in his mind, Shiki finally drifted off to sleep.

Meanwhile, the lights in the living room remained on.

"Shizune," Tsunade asked suddenly, "Do you think I'll win this bet?"

Now that she had calmed down, she couldn't help but feel a little ridiculous for agreeing to it, 'Why would I want to be Hokage anyway? It's nothing but a hassle.'

But Shiki's earlier words lingered in her mind: Why are you so angry?

"If I decided to leave Konoha, would you come with me?" Tsunade asked after a moment.

Shizune paused, then shook her head. "Shiki wouldn't agree."

Tsunade sighed, nodding slowly. She knew Shizune was right. Unlike her, Shiki had family and friends in Konoha. Leaving the village wasn't something he would ever choose.

"Then I guess we're stuck," Tsunade muttered. For reasons she couldn't fully explain, the idea of leaving Shiki behind made her uneasy.

"Shiki really wants to cure your hemophobia," Shizune said softly, "And I think he might succeed."

Tsunade waved a hand dismissively. "Let him try if he wants. I'll deal with it when the time comes." With that, she stood and went to her room, leaving Shizune alone in the dimly lit living room.

Shizune watched her leave, conflicted, "I'm sorry, Lady Tsunade, but this time, I'm siding with Shiki."

The next morning, sunlight filled the air with warmth, signaling the start of a new day.

At the Uchiha household, Sasuke awoke with excitement. Today was the first day of school, but his enthusiasm had little to do with classes. He couldn't wait to spar with Shiki again.

"I've trained hard all month," Sasuke thought to himself, clenching his fists. "This time, I'll definitely beat him!"

Looking around, he noticed his brother's absence. "Where's Itachi?" He asked aloud, a hint of disappointment in his voice.

"He left early," His mother, Mikoto, said gently as she handed him a glass of milk.

Sasuke sighed, taking the glass with both hands. "I'm used to it," He mumbled, masking his disappointment with a forced smile.

Mikoto watched him quietly, a heavy feeling settling in her chest. Today, she couldn't bring herself to smile.

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