Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!
Chapter 525: Tsunade Announces Her Resignation

Chapter 525 - 525: Tsunade Announces Her Resignation

Since agreeing to Orochimaru's treatment, Rinnosuke had been frequently absent from class.

His health fluctuated, making him the most isolated student in the class.

As time passed, the other children made new friends and gradually adapted to their new environment and lives. But he remained alone.

...

During his research, Orochimaru made a surprising discovery by accident.

He found that Shikotsumyaku did indeed have the potential to evolve, proving that Kawakaze hadn't been speaking nonsense.

This discovery piqued his interest, to the point where he even delayed Rinnosuke's treatment for a while.

However, after determining that the conditions for evolution were extremely demanding, his enthusiasm gradually faded.

Compared to chasing an uncertain evolution, simply curing Rinnosuke was much easier.

...

A year passed quickly, and Konoha's first five-year plan had already yielded impressive results.

The ninja world had stabilized, and there were no signs of rebellion.

Transportation between nations had greatly improved, and trade was steadily growing.

The Konoha Group had expanded in scale, bringing in a considerable income.

Even technology was visibly advancing in the direction Kawakaze was familiar with.

At this pace, it wouldn't take five years for his vision to fully materialize.

Now that everything had settled, Tsunade was growing restless—she wanted to retire.

She had been talked into taking the Hokage position by Kawakaze and had worked diligently for years.

Previously, she had suppressed the thought, unwilling to leave an unstable ninja world in the hands of the next Hokage.

But now, with either Minato or Nawaki capable of handling things, she had no reason to hesitate.

...

That night, after an intimate exchange between husband and wife, Tsunade lay in Kawakaze's arms, her face still slightly flushed.

Casually, she brought it up.

"Kawakaze."

"Hm?"

Hearing her call, Kawakaze tightened his embrace, pressing her face against his chest.

"I want to step down."

Under the covers, Tsunade lazily traced circles on his abdomen as she spoke.

"Are you sure?"

Kawakaze held her closer, not planning to interfere with her decision—as long as she was happy.

"Yes, I've thought it through."

Tsunade nodded firmly. She had no attachment to the title of Hokage.

The thought of finally escaping those endless stacks of paperwork filled her with joy.

"Alright."

"Then let's set a timeline."

"Once you make the announcement, we'll start the selection process for the Fifth Hokage."

"What do you think?"

Kawakaze knew she had been waiting for this moment for a long time, so he saw no need to drag it out.

"Sounds good."

"I've already planned it out—I'll focus on research and spend more time at home with you."

Tsunade paused, then leaned in, her warm breath brushing against his ear.

"And when we have some free time... maybe we should have another baby."

"Didn't you always want a daughter?"

As she spoke, her hand began wandering downward again.

"Heh heh~ Alright."

Kawakaze chuckled mischievously, his fighting spirit reigniting.

Before long, the house was filled with the sounds of yet another "battle."

...

After a long night, the two inevitably overslept.

When they finally stepped outside, Tsunade was glowing with energy, while Kawakaze looked noticeably drained.

"Are you getting old? Losing your edge?"

Tsunade smirked playfully, giving him a teasing jab to the ribs.

"Who are you calling weak? Who's weak?"

"I just didn't sleep well!"

Kawakaze snapped back, his voice sharp and defensive.

Even if it were true, he would never admit it.

"Hahaha~"

"A man's pride, huh? I get it!"

"I'll get you some supplements later."

Tsunade playfully slapped Kawakaze on the backside before striding forward.

It was obvious she was in an exceptionally good mood today.

...

When she arrived at the office, Shota immediately sensed something different about her.

It was the air of someone who had broken free—genuine, unrestrained freedom.

"Lord Hokage, why are you so happy today?"

Shota set down his pen and asked casually.

"I'm done with this job."

With just one sentence, Tsunade sent Shota springing to his feet in excitement.

"Seriously? Is it happening today?"

His back-to-back questions left Tsunade slightly speechless.

Was he really that eager to see her step down?

"Not that fast."

"I'll make the announcement first, and once the Fifth Hokage is chosen, I'll officially step down."

Hearing that, Shota calmed down a little. Everything needed a process, after all.

"Right, right."

"You're absolutely right."

"Aahaha~ My suffering is finally coming to an end!"

He barely responded to Tsunade before slipping into his own world.

Tsunade had been Hokage for years, and for every one of those years, Shota had been working tirelessly by her side.

There were nights when he woke up in regret, wondering how he had ever fallen into Kawakaze's trap.

But now—now, he could finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.

Once Tsunade stepped down, his role as her assistant would naturally come to an end as well.

A new leader always brought in new subordinates—an unchanging rule throughout history.

"Save your excitement for when the day actually comes."

"Get back to work!"

Tsunade snapped him out of his daydream.

"A day's work is a day's work. I'm on it."

Shota suddenly seemed like a different person, brimming with enthusiasm.

"You're insane."

Watching him, Tsunade shook her head in disbelief.

She had probably forgotten just how much of his suffering was thanks to her.

...

That evening, Tsunade finally had Shota gather Konoha's higher-ups.

The moment he realized what the meeting was about, Shota sprinted off at top speed.

As soon as Tsunade finished speaking, he was gone.

It took nearly an hour for everyone to assemble.

With the Five-Year Plan in full swing, everyone was busy, and Tsunade understood that.

"I know you're all occupied, but I've gathered you here because I have an announcement to make."

There hadn't been any major developments recently, so Tsunade wasn't surprised to see the confusion in some of their eyes.

"I, Tsunade, after careful consideration, have decided to step down as Hokage."

"I hope everyone will cooperate in electing the next Hokage."

She got straight to the point without any unnecessary build-up.

It was clear she wasn't making a show of it—she truly intended to resign.

Her words sent a wave of shock through the room.

"Isn't this a bit sudden?"

"The Five-Year Plan is just gaining momentum. We still need your leadership."

"Lady Hokage, are you sure you won't reconsider?"

"If you must step down, wouldn't it be better to wait until the plan is complete?"

Despite Tsunade's firm stance, there were still voices trying to dissuade her.

"You don't need to convince me. My mind is made up."

"I believe the next Hokage will do an even better job."

As she spoke, her gaze moved between Minato and Nawaki.

Most of the people in the room immediately understood what that meant.

She wasn't just stepping down—she was making way for the next generation.

"Since Tsunade has already made her decision, I hope everyone will support her."

"As for the next Hokage, everyone is welcome to submit their recommendations."

"Write down the candidate you believe is most suitable. The top two will proceed to a final vote."

Once Kawakaze finished speaking, Shota handed out blank sheets of paper and pens to everyone present.

The smile on his face was so wide that anyone who didn't know better might have mistaken him for the next Hokage himself.

When the results came in, there were no surprises—Nawaki and Minato were far ahead of the rest.

Tied for first place, the Fifth Hokage would be decided between them.