"Tsunade agreed to return to the village?"
In the Hokage Office, Sarutobi Hiruzen heard the news from the Anbu and excitedly lost his grip on his pipe, which fell to the floor.
"Absolutely true! Lady Tsunade has agreed to return to the village."
A hint of delight appeared in the reporting Anbu's eyes as well.
After receiving Tsunade's reply, they had immediately hurried back to Konoha without stopping.
They had to report this wonderful news to the Hokage! Sarutobi Hiruzen took a deep breath and calmed the joy in his heart.
Konoha was in complete chaos now.
Danzo was dead. Without his support, the pressure on Hiruzen's shoulders had increased severalfold in an instant.
As long as Tsunade returned to the village, all of this could finally change.
The Anbu hesitated before adding, "However, Lady Tsunade has one condition. She does not want to take part in political struggles. She only wants to return and see the Wood Style Ninja."
Sarutobi Hiruzen nodded.
"I understand."
Of course he knew that Tsunade disliked involving herself in conflicts.
But as long as Tsunade returned—returned to Konoha—many things could be maneuvered.
Namikaze Mirai, Minato's younger brother, had practically made it clear that he had set his sights on the Hokage's position.
But one could not become Hokage through strength alone.
The Hokage election had three stages.
The first stage was determining the Hokage candidates. Only those possessing strength, reputation, and ability could be selected.
The second stage was a Jonin vote, where the contenders competed through the influence behind them.
Only the Hokage candidate with the most Jonin votes could ultimately succeed as Hokage.
Namikaze Mirai was at an obvious disadvantage in this regard. Behind him stood almost no force other than the Uchiha Clan. Even if they all voted for him, they