News that Tsunade had become the Fifth Hokage and gotten married soon spread throughout the Shinobi World.
As the strongest ninja village in the Five Great Nations, Konoha had always been a focus of attention everywhere. News of a change in its leadership could hardly escape notice...
Land of Lightning, Kumogakure.
Looking at the intelligence report delivered to him by express courier, the Fourth Raikage had mixed feelings.
The death of the Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi meant Konoha had lost a major fighting force, and that genuinely pleased him.
But seeing that Tsunade had gotten married left him rather frustrated.
"Tsunade, I was wrong about you! I thought we were the same kind of people, that we both worshipped strength, both liked living tough, and both thought we were the best match for each other. Yet you actually married a pretty boy! Hmph, how dull!"
The Third Raikage repeated Uchiha Xia Yu's name over and over in his mind.
Uchiha Xia Yu, is it?
We'll meet one day. I'd like to see just what you have that won Tsunade's heart!
Land of Earth, Iwagakure.
Ōnoki floated back and forth alone in the Tsuchikage's office, his expression grave.
Deep down, he did feel some regret over Hiruzen Sarutobi's death.
"Of the older generation of Kage, it seems I'm the only one left now..."
"Hiruzen Sarutobi, I did think you might die before me, but I never expected you to die so soon..."
"Heh... sigh..."
Land of Wind, Sunagakure.
Although the Fourth Kazekage Rasa was somewhat surprised by the change of Hokage in Konoha, he had no time to spare for it.
Right now, something else was giving him an even worse headache.
That was his son, Gaara, who was only eight years old.
After his wife's younger brother