Another Shock

Naruto was at the heart of this matter, and Danzo was someone who needed to be watched carefully. Tsunade needed someone to keep a close eye on his actions. Who knew what that old man, so agreeable on the surface, might do in secret? She had to be prepared.

There weren't many people in all of Konoha whom Tsunade could trust completely and who also had the ability to handle the task. Kakashi was the best choice.

After Hiashi, Shikaku, and the others had left,

Kakashi had more or less expected this.

Hearing Tsunade's words,

Kakashi showed little surprise.

"Then I'll leave it to you, Kakashi!"

"Yes!"

After bowing,

Kakashi immediately vanished from the Hokage's office.

Once Kakashi had left,

Tsunade's tense expression finally relaxed. As she let out a long breath, Shizune immediately brewed a cup of strong tea and brought it over.

"Lady Tsunade."

"Oh? Thank you, Shizune."

Tsunade picked up the tea, took a sip, and nodded with a smile.

"Lady Tsunade, aren't you moving a little too hastily?"

Seeing how tired her Hokage looked, the worry in Shizune's eyes deepened. She had meant to hold back her words, but in the end, she couldn't help letting them slip out.

Looking at the concern on her capable assistant's face,

Tsunade smiled faintly and shook her head.

"No, Shizune. Now is the best time. There may be a few complications, but everything will be resolved. I won't let anyone destroy the village my grandfather founded!"

Tsunade rose and turned to stand before the broad floor-to-ceiling window, taking in the view of Konoha. Though she felt exhausted, her words carried a resolve unlike any she had shown before.

Just as Konoha and the Cloud Ninja were responding in turn, and Konoha was dispatching large numbers of Anbu reconnaissance personnel