Tsunade's Baffling Behavior

The Uchiha Clan has excellent genes; the girls are beautiful and the boys are handsome, and they are often popular among their peers.

Just like Uchiha Sasuke, who was often harassed by his infatuated classmates and suffered terribly.

With the enormous profits still at stake, the Uchiha has become even more popular, becoming the most sought-after group.

Furthermore, after the Uchiha Clan dispersed, most of the Konoha had Uchiha neighbors, and their children had many opportunities to interact with Uchiha children.

When teenagers are naturally attracted to attractive members of the opposite sex, and their parents not only don't object but actually support them, the competition becomes fierce.

Under such circumstances, who would have time to be jealous of the Uchiha?

Uchiha Izumi was very satisfied with the current situation, but she couldn't understand why.

Quan wasn't worried at all. Confused, she asked Shazo, "Brother, why did the villagers' hostility towards the Uchiha disappear after the money was distributed?"

Shisui Uchiha was equally bewildered, echoing, "I remember that Clan Leader Fugaku Uchiha also distributed money before, but he received even greater opposition. Why are there different results even though they're both distributing money?"

Shazo explained, "I also know about Fugaku Uchiha distributing money, but there are two crucial differences between his and my methods."

"First, Fugaku Uchiha was handing out money without any reason, while I told you to only give money to your Uchiha relatives."

"Secondly, Fugaku Uchiha distributed money in an absolutely equal manner, with everyone receiving the same amount. But I'm having you distribute different levels of money based on your relationship with him and your previous contributions."

"Giving money needs a reason. Only money earned through one's own efforts can be received with a clear conscience, without feeling insulted or as if it were charity."

"Furthermore, dividing the benefits into different levels according to a defined reason will make the Konoha understand that as long as they work hard, they can share in the benefits from the Uchiha."

"Thus, the villagers had hope and a direction to strive for. They no longer had time to be jealous of the Uchiha. Even if they hated someone, they would only direct their anger at the other villagers who were competing with them for benefits."

"Only when the villagers compete with each other can the Uchiha Clan rise above all their rivals."

"As long as we treat everyone fairly and maintain a balance among our competitors, we can gain absolute dominance in Konoha."

To be honest, Uchiha Izumi couldn't fully comprehend such Emperor tactics, but even a partial understanding was enough to impress her.

As for Shisui Uchiha, he didn't even reach the level of understanding Izumi. The subtle shifts in people's hearts based on interests caused his Sharingan to become the Rinnegan.

Seeing his Clan Leader nodding thoughtfully, Shisui Uchiha simply stopped thinking.

It didn't matter if he couldn't understand it; he trusted Lord Shazo Zuo completely, and all he had to do was carry out the orders.

Having finally met a leader who shared his ideals, he didn't want to lose the opportunity to protect the Uchiha Clan and Konoha because of his hesitation and wavering.

Three days later, Tsunade returned with Jiraiya.

The Konoha Jonin Assembly is being held again, and this time they will decide whether Tsunade or Shazo will become the Fifth Hokage.

It's not like no other Konoha Ninja have tried to run for the position over the past few days; after all, Shazo is only Chunin and is only 17 years old.

Since Chunin can compete for the Hokage Position, young Jonin naturally think: I can do it too.

But when Shazo's specific information was revealed, these young Jonin were all dumbfounded.

Shazo has resolved several major crises in Konoha.

He prevented the Uchiha from being wiped out.

He killed the S-rank Rogue Ninja, Shimura Danzō.

He slaughtered the Envoy Delegation of Cloud Ninja and forced the Cloud Ninja Army to retreat.

A few days ago, he teamed up with Shisui Uchiha to defeat the Fourth Raikage A, recreating the feat of the Fourth Hokage.

Such a brilliant record made the young Konoha Jonin ashamed and dare not compete with him.

If Tsunade doesn't return soon, Shazo will automatically become the Fifth Hokage due to a lack of competition.

In fact, Tsunade's ability to be persuaded Jiraiya to return to Konoha with him was also related to Shazo.

It was because Mitokado Homura passed on information to Jiraiya that the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, had died, and it was very likely that Shazo was responsible for the poisoning, that Jiraiya was able to persuade Tsunade to return.

With Hiruzen Sarutobi dead, Tsunade's inner turmoil dissipated considerably.

On the other hand, there was the unclear reason for Hiruzen Sarutobi's death. Considering the bond between master and disciple, she wanted to find out the specific circumstances and give her Teacher Sarutobi, an explanation.

Shazo had anticipated this situation, but he didn't care at all.

Tsunade's qualifications for the Hokage position far surpassed Jiraiya's, but she did not have a clear advantage over him.

Aside from the Medical Ninja system and the three Ninja Clans of the Sarutobi Clan, Utatane Clan, and Mitokado, Shazo Zuo was confident that he could gain the support of all other Konoha Ninja.

Compared to Tsunade, who went around visiting Ninja as soon as she returned to Konoha, Shazo appeared remarkably calm, neither trying to solidify his supporters nor visiting the wavering centrists.

Countless Ninja Clans Clan Leader deeply admired Shazo, believing him to possess the demeanor of Admiral.

The reason Shazo remained calm was that he didn't care about Konoha; the title of Hokage was just a job.

A sheer cliff stands tall, its strength lies in its lack of desire.

No, of course not.

Shazo has absolute confidence in his own abilities.

If Konoha elects him as the Fifth Hokage, then he will use Hokage position to control Konoha and utilize Konoha resources for his own benefit.

In return, he will work diligently to help Konoha survive the upcoming Fourth Shinobi World War.

Of course, in his own way, not in the way of the Sage of Six Paths.

If Konoha chooses Tsunade as the Fifth Hokage, then he won't hold back.

He will use the Uchiha Clan as a tool to control Konoha through capital means, and exploit the Konoha's resources through the manipulation of money.

But then he would have no responsibility whatsoever. When Konoha faces disaster in the future, he could at most fulfill his duties as Chunin or Jonin.

But what Shazo didn't expect was that Tsunade actually managed to shake off Jiraiya and secretly sneak into his house.

Tsunade was nearly 50 years old at this time, but she still looked like a young girl.

Her skin was fair and flawless, with a faint rosy glow.

Her face was full, with soft cheek contours, innocent, hazy eyes, and arched eyebrows, unintentionally exuding a captivating spring-like charm.

Her luscious lips further accentuated the girl's charm and innocence.

She also possesses a stunning figure and an elegant demeanor that young girls often lack.

However, Tsunade's behavior was completely different from her image; she inexplicably barged into Shazo's house without saying a word.

Upon entering, he dragged a chair to a door, then sat down with his legs spread wide like a hooligan, kicked open the tightly closed door, revealing Shazo behind it.

"Heh, found you, Wood Release Ninja Shazo."