Naruto: Wooing Tsunade from Day One!

A country cannot go a day without a leader, just as a family cannot go a day without a head.

With Hiruzen's abdication, Konohagakure needed a new Hokage. As the only senior Konoha counselor not implicated by Hiruzen, Koharu, at Kawakaze's suggestion, gathered the heads of each clan to participate in the nomination of the next Hokage.

In Kawakaze's words, the process still needed to be followed. It also served as an opportunity to identify any remaining diehard supporters of Hiruzen.

On this day, the largest conference room in the Hokage Building was filled with people. It was Koharu's first time sitting in the main seat, and she looked slightly uncomfortable. In the past, she and Homura had sat flanking Hiruzen.

Most of the attendees were familiar faces. Koharu, glancing briefly at Kawakaze, cleared her throat and began to speak.

"Today, I have gathered everyone together," she began. "I'm sure you all know why we're here."

She paused, scanning the room. Seeing no confusion, she continued.

"Konoha has always upheld democratic principles. We need to discuss and decide on the successor to the Fourth Hokage. I don't have much experience chairing meetings, so I'll get straight to the point. If anyone has a candidate in mind, feel free to speak up."

Regardless of the underlying truth, Koharu's words reassured those present. The chance to propose the Hokage candidate was a symbol of influence, though most people understood their own limitations when it came to actually becoming Hokage.

For a while, no one spoke. Everyone was treading cautiously.

"Since no one is speaking, I will go first," Duy said.

Promoted to Jōnin after the war due to his formidable strength, Duy was now qualified to attend such meetings. Without hesitation, he nominated Tsunade.

"I think Lady Tsunade is very suitable to be the Fourth Hokage," he declared.

Duy, who had no clan backing him—only his wife and child—was on good terms with Tsunade and made his position clear.

"This guy," Kawakaze muttered with a smile. Duy's straightforwardness was almost cute.

"Thank you," Tsunade said warmly, flashing Duy a kind smile.

As if encouraged by Duy's boldness, others began to speak up, throwing out names for consideration.

Koharu dutifully noted each suggestion and the number of supporters in her prepared notebook, maintaining the appearance of neutrality and diligence.

"I think Lord Sakumo can handle the position of the Fourth Hokage," someone proposed.

Kawakaze glanced over, curious about who had made the suggestion, but couldn't help considering it an unlucky choice.

"I'm not yet qualified to be Hokage," Sakumo replied coldly, shooting his brother-in-law a pointed look. He wasn't interested in the position himself, but he thought Kawakaze would be a good fit. Tsunade, too, was an acceptable option in his view.

"Haha..." The head of the Inuzuka Clan gave an awkward laugh and refrained from further comment.

"I think Lord Orochimaru can take a seat as Hokage," another suggested. This was clearly a devoted follower of Orochimaru, someone who had fought alongside him in many battles and whose life Orochimaru had once saved.

"I'm not interested in the position of Hokage," Orochimaru replied bluntly, far less tactful than Sakumo. His focus was entirely on his experiments with Pakura and his time spent with Nawaki.

With Orochimaru declining, the nominations continued. Even Jiraiya, who was absent, was mentioned—a testament to his enduring charisma.

"I think Lord Kawakaze is also qualified to sit in the Hokage's position," someone suggested. "During the Second Shinobi World War, he defeated the enemy Jinchūriki and the two Kages, and he showcased Konoha's might in Kumogakure. So, I recommend Lord Kawakaze."

Kawakaze turned to see who had spoken and was somewhat impressed. It was the head of a small clan, someone he had fought alongside in several tough battles.

"I also support Lord Kawakaze."

...

Then came a chorus of support, which Kawakaze found somewhat surprising. He hadn't realized he held such a place in everyone's regard.

"Thank you all for your kindness; I appreciate it," he said. "It's just that I'm used to being lazy. I really can't take on such a heavy responsibility. I'll only disappoint everyone's expectations. But I do think Tsunade is very suitable for the position."

Kawakaze stood up, first expressing his gratitude for their recommendation. Then, he politely declined and shifted the focus to Tsunade. As he finished speaking, he raised his eyebrows smugly at her, earning an eye-roll and a glare in return.

"Okay, that's a real shame," someone muttered. The group seemed incredulous—three individuals declining the Hokage position in succession.

"I think that with Tadashi Hyūga's qualifications, he could take the position of Hokage," another suggested.

This was someone Kawakaze couldn't identify by name. They had just nominated Tadashi, which, under normal circumstances, might have seemed like a reasonable choice. However, Tadashi had only recently had a private conversation with Hiruzen.

Kawakaze's instincts flared—was someone trying to set Tadashi up?

Before the suggestion could gain traction, Tadashi immediately interjected.

"I believe I'm not up to the task, so don't say any more," he said firmly. "The Hyūga Clan is prepared to support Lady Tsunade."

Tadashi had already assessed the situation and wasn't about to be caught off guard, unlike some who were still oblivious to the larger context.

"Thank you," Tsunade said with a polite smile. The Hyūga Clan had never been particularly close to her, but she didn't overthink the gesture.

Apart from Kawakaze, her voice now carried the strongest weight in the room.

"Since the Hyūga Clan Chief supports Lady Tsunade, then I, Uchiha, will also join in the fun. I support Lady Tsunade."

Fugaku Uchiha, the youngest Clan Head present, made his stance clear. This was his first time attending such a significant meeting; in the past, even his uncle wouldn't have been invited to participate in such deliberations.

Tadashi Hyūga and Fugaku exchanged glances, neither speaking a word. A slight nod of acknowledgment served as their greeting. After today, they would be considered on the same side.

Tadashi understood that the Uchiha had chosen the right moment to align themselves, likely escaping their previous predicament soon. In the future, Konoha's recognition of the Hyūga as the number one clan might need to be reconsidered.

With the two Clan Heads voicing their support, the remaining fence-sitters followed suit, casting their votes for Tsunade.

Once the votes were tallied, Koharu picked up the notebook in her hands.

"Based on your recommendations just now, let me summarize," she began.

"Tsunade received the highest number of internal recommendations. She is far ahead with a huge advantage. I don't think it is necessary to conduct a confidence vote among the Jōnin. What do you think?"

Koharu hesitated to admit outright that Tsunade was the only remaining candidate after everyone else had declined. It seemed as though the position of Hokage was a burden no one else wanted to carry.

Everyone understood that when the village's clans were unanimous on a matter, no Jōnin could reasonably object.

"I think it's fine," Kawakaze said first, recognizing that a vote of confidence would be redundant.

"Yes," came a chorus of agreement.

"That's it, the meeting is over," Koharu concluded succinctly.

"Once the Daimyō's appointment letter arrives, Tsunade will officially become the Fourth Hokage of Konohagakure. We'll hold an inauguration ceremony at that time. The meeting is adjourned."

As the crowd began to disperse, Kawakaze and Tsunade exchanged smiles, their unspoken understanding conveying everything that needed to be said.