Rokudaime

Chapter Fifteen

Bittersweet

Tsunade sat in her condo near the open window with a thin blanket draped over her shoulders. She was waiting for the sun to rise. The blonde decided to really take in the beauty of the world and spending time with her precious people. Her hazel irises were soft and somber as she watched the darkening sky light up in a splendid display of pastel colors. This was certainly not how Tsunade thought she would be spending the last few months, weeks, or days of her life. She didn't know when this disease would end her, but she and Shizune decided to let it ride out. It was better if they didn't know.

This musculoskeletal disease was very unexpected. Shizune was still running test for a second opinion and studying this myopathy from the muscle biopsy she performed yesterday after refusing to accept the news of her current health status. Tsunade's muscles was being destroyed, leaving her with little strength and muscle mass. The Godaime was diagnosed with myositis, which was the inflammation of muscles.

Its cause could have been a viral infection or due to her excessive alcohol consumption over the years. Either way it developed over the months or years even, she wasn't fully sure, and it has been targeting her muscles all this time and as a result rhabdmyolysis developed, which ultimately caused kidney damaged. Her right kidney had been affected badly while her left kidney was only functioning at forty five percent. It wouldn't matter if they healed her from this ailment. For some reason the healing only lasted for a while before the damage returned. Tsunade couldn't dwell on the specifics anymore. She would leave it all to Shizune to handle.

The blonde Hokage wished she checked her own health, maybe then she would have caught it earlier on. She disregarded her mortality. She always thought she would be taken out in battle, but after all these years it seems that wasn't her fate at all.

A strand of blonde hair whisked in front of her face from a sudden cool breeze. It obscured her view of the sunrise and she attempted to push the strand back, but her arms shook and she was barely able to lift up her hand from her lap. Tsunade narrowed her eyes in frustration until the strand was pushed back by Jiraiya's tender hand. Tsunade closed her eyes and smiled her thanks. She was a proud woman, but she found herself pushing it aside for the little things.

"I made coffee for us." The toad sage grinned as he took a seat beside her. He placed his cup down and brought Tsunade's cup to her lips to drink from. He made sure the coffee was slightly hot, but not too hot that it would burn her. Tsunade blew softly into the cup before taking small sips. It was slowly becoming difficult to swallow.

"I'm going to need your support today Jiraiya. The council, especially Danzo, will not be happy about my decision. I won't be able to meet with the Fire Lord to nominate Sakura for Hokage. I want you to accompany Shikamaru in this meeting as my proxy." Tsunade told him with a small frown. "Today will be my last day as Hokage and I want to make sure the transition is as smooth as possible for Sakura." Tsunade added with a sigh.

"What are you going to do on your last day as Godaime?" Jiraiya asked as he sipped his coffee with a serious expression on his face. He would attend the meeting with Shikamaru and the council, and he would fight for Sakura's place as Rokudaime. Knowing Danzo, he would either nominate him or himself. Jiraiya didn't want the position. He enjoyed his freedom and roaming the countryside.

"What about the boy whose in Sakura's care? She won't be able to supervise him anymore once she succeeds you." Jiraiya brought up casually. Tsunade ponder the thought. She almost forgot about the boy. He hasn't remembered anything since he was discovered. Sakura hasn't reported anything strange or dangerous about the boy either. She wasn't sure if he was a jinchuriki according to Shikamaru's suspicious. The marking on the boys face and eyes were proof that he was quite different, but there was one thing they knew for sure was that Akatsuki had a plan for the boy.

The Akatsuki didn't do anything without reason. The question was what were they up to and what did they wish to accomplish by leaving the boy alive for them to find. Shikamaru has been on the case ever since and has gathered nothing so far. He's been observing the boy from afar and taking notes. The boy had traits that mimic a canine, more specifically a wolf. When the time came she was confident in Shikamaru's abilities.

"I'll reassign the boy with Naruto. Maybe the brat can trigger something in Toushiro, a memory of who he really is." Tsunade stated with hope. "It will also give Sakura a break and the time to focus." Tsunade added soon after. "I trust you will handle Naruto once I inform everyone of my retirement," Tsunade asked with a raised brow. She really didn't have the patient or the heart to tell Naruto herself, especially when she was unable of hitting the loud mouthed brat over the head for his disrespect.

Jiraiya smiled before nodding.

"Of course, although, if there's anything I've learned during my time with that boy, I've learned that Kushina truly lives on through him. Both of them actually, he's growing to resemble Minato more each day." Jiraiya stated with affection at his godson.

Tsunade smiled in agreement as she watched the sun rise. In two hours, Jiraiya and the rest will meet with the Fire Lord and by the end of today Sakura would be informed of her impending new role in the village. "Shizune should be here soon, you should start heading out." Tsunade suggested to her old teammate.

"I suppose, I just don't want to leave your side." Jiraiya admitted with an intense look in his dark eyes. Tsunade smirked in an attempt to hide the light blush on her cheeks. "You'll be back soon," Tsunade informed him. "Bring my favorite for dinner tonight." Tsunade added as an after thought.

"Of course, and maybe afterwards we can have some dessert, with you being the main-," Tsunade's brow twitch in irritation, but was glad when Shizune popped the toad sage over the head. "For Tsunade-sama," Shizune shrugged with a playful smile on her lips. Jiraiya was left in despair.

Another romantic moment ruined.

It was hard trying to escape from the compound, especially when his Uncle had guards assigned at his door, watching him like a hawk. This wasn't the life he wanted and the future didn't look all too bright either, except for a future with Sakura and their children. He had to wait for the perfect moment to slip through the guards and speak with the Ama clan's head. He had no choice, but to inform the clan head that the betrothal is off because he had a duty to marry the mother of his children. It was the only way out of this situation. Sakura was going to kill him, but he hoped she understood it was for her.

Surely by now Sakura knew about her pregnancy. He wanted her to find out on her own. He didn't want to take that surprise or moment away from her. He knew for the past six weeks and keeping a secret that long was difficult, especially since Sakura would go out on missions often. That was why he was so concern for her lately. It wasn't only her life at stake, but two unborn Hyuuga's she carried in her womb.

He's been ignorant to what was going on in the village. His Uncle didn't inform of any new events besides the wedding he was help planning. Hinata wasn't even allow to visit either, so he no idea how Sakura was doing all these days without him.

Neji glanced through the crack he created in his wall to spy on the guards outside. They were switching shifts now. He quickly created a clone and slipped out the window. The spies in the gardens were also switching shifts, so they wouldn't know he ever left.

The sun felt wonderful on his skin. It's been awhile since he felt sun's warmth and the gentle breeze. He had been caged like some kind of animal and he was drinking in his new found freedom.

Now was his chance to end this charade and permanently cut all ties to the Hyuuga family, even if it kills him.

Ten-Ten was being fitted for her wedding dress. It was a form fitting wedding dress that hugged her slim curves in a sweet heart neck line with a loose mermaid bottom that trailed out behind her. The veil was placed in her low style bun and fell over gently over her face. The veil shimmer with tiny crystals and flower embroidered edges. This was the dress she would wear for her wedding day in a few weeks. The kunoichi teared up in happiness as she stared at her reflection.

"You look beautiful, Ten-Ten." Ino cooed as she stared happily from the side. "Neji won't know what to do with you when he sees you walk down the aisle." Ino added with a wink. Ten-Ten blushed at the comment. "I hope so," She whispered softly before her eyes somber down. The happiness was no longer present as she recalled the last time she met Neji and his Uncle.

She had lied, but the Hyuuga head did not say anything about it. She had been lucky or else she would have compromised the whole arrangement. Neji wasn't happy at all, especially when his Uncle moved the wedding up. She feared what Neji would do or feel about her. The look in his eyes were hurtful to her. She felt like scum.

But it was too late to back out of everything now. Her father had chosen a venue for their wedding and reception. He spent a lot of money to make sure her wedding day was perfect. Her parents have been pressuring her about having children soon after the wedding. Nothing would make Ten-Ten happier than becoming a mother, but she knew Neji wouldn't be so ecstatic. It would take a while for him to warm up to her and accept the reality of their impending marriage. She hope in a year or two he will welcome the idea of having children.

Ten-Ten pushed back her veil and sigh deeply as Ino fetched her shoes in the back room. The tailors were finishing up their measurements and the kunoichi couldn't wait to go home and sleep. The excitement of her upcoming wedding was slowly leaving her.

"After the wedding, I'll do my best to make Neji happy." She vowed with determination.

Everyone at the Fire Lord meeting was present, including a disgruntle Danzo. He didn't understand why the Fire Lord wanted to see them on such short notice. He also noticed Konoha's precious princess wasn't present. He smirked smugly. This was his chance to berate Tsunade about her capabilities as Hokage. The two spies he had hired from Cloud were currently out of the village. He had gathered enough information on Tsunade to know that she was indeed sick. Just how sick she was, was the question.

He would make sure to bring it up in today's meeting, but first he will allow the Fire Lord to state his business with them. The council, Homura and Koharu, had no idea what this meeting was about either just that they were required to attend.

"I see Tsunade-sama isn't attending? Shall I fill in her for then," Koharu stated with a nod.

The Fire Lord shook his head.

"That won't be necessary, we're waiting on one more person." He revealed with a wave of his fan. Koharu, Homura, and Danzo furrow their brows. They weren't aware someone else besides the Hokage was attending this meeting. Koharu turned to Shikamaru with furrow brows. "Who else is coming to this meeting, Nara-san?" She asked sternly. She didn't like surprises. It irritated her.

Shikamaru sigh, "He should be coming soon enough, there he goes now." He replied lazily. He knew this meeting will get ugly. It was already troublesome having to get up early to make it here. It wasn't exactly close to the village. He could be in bed right now, relaxing.

The doors to the meeting room opened to reveal the toad sage. The council was surprised to see Jiraiya, they didn't realize he was back in the village.

"Jiraiya, I was unaware that you would be attending." Danzo stated with a grunt.

The toad sage took the seat Tsunade would have sat in, causing Koharu to stir uncomfortably. "I will be filling in for the Hokage as her proxy in today's meeting, and must I say Fire Lord, you haven't aged one bit since the last time I saw you. I hope you enjoyed my newest novel, a special release just for your eyes only?" Jiraiya asked with a raised brow and smile. The Fire Lord smiled before letting out a giggle. "Yes, of course, a gift that was greatly appreciated. I look forward to your next volume." He replied while fanning himself lightly.

"Now, shall we begin with your meeting, Jiraiya? I am curios to find out why you have requested a meeting on such short notice." The Fire Lord stated in wonder, causing the council to raise their brows in surprise. They didn't know Jiraiya called for the meeting. It would seem they were given the wrong information.

Danzo narrowed his eyes in suspicion.

Something wasn't right.

"You called this meeting Jiraiya and not you Fire Lord?" He asked sternly, his one visible eye darkening slightly. The Fire Lord stiffen at Danzo's tone. He never liked the one eyed shinobi. He always gave him the creeps. The Fire Lord hid behind his fan as he eyed Jiraiya in an attempt to avoid Danzo's harsh glare.

"Yes, I did." Jiraiya replied evenly.

"Pray tell, what could you possibly want to discuss with the Fire Lord? And while you're at it, why isn't the Hokage here herself?" He questioned.

Shikamaru could feel the tension building up in the room. He didn't want to be here with these old bats, but he had to be here as Konoha's strategic adviser. He wasn't aware of the purpose of this meeting, but he was told it was something important and he was expected to back up Jiraiya's announcement at all cost.

"Fire Lord, I have asked you here to inform you of Tsunade's retirement, which is explained in this scroll if you would like to take a look at it." Jiraiya informed him with a serious expression on his face. The Fire Lord and everyone at the table was in shock, including Danzo.

"She's retiring, but why?" Homura asked in surprise. This was very unexpected.

"What will become of Konoha now, Naruto cannot possibly succeed her." Koharu argued strongly. Jiraiya narrowed his eyes as he folded his arms across his chest. "Don't worry, she has chosen her successor and it isn't Naruto, although, he will be a future candidate for Hokage in a few years." He revealed.

Danzo furrow his brows, trying to process the information he just learned. So, Tsunade was retiring. He wouldn't be able to exploit her illness, but since nominations were open he would nominate himself. Even though Tsunade may have her successor chosen already, it was ultimately up to the Fire Lord to choose who would become Hokage. Once he was made Hokage, he would get rid of Tsunade and everyone who had the foolish notion of the Will of Fire.

The Fire Lord was busy reading the scroll with Tsunade's explanation and chosen successor. He was surprise at her illness and felt terrible for her. She has served him for years and has done a fine job for the Leaf Village. He closed the scroll and brought his fan to his face once more.

"My deepest apologies to Tsunade's misfortune, I will make sure to send some flowers to her home in a kind gesture." The Fire Lord stated sincerely.

"Pardon me, but I want to know what is going on." Koharu exclaimed in frustration.

"I see, Tsunade hasn't informed her own council of what is going on." The Fire Lord commented with distaste. "With good reason, Fire Lord." Jiraiya stated as he leaned forward.

"Pray tell, why?" The Fire Lord asked with a raised brow.

"Tsunade believes there is treason among the councilmen and thinks its time to dissolve the current council and allow her successor to choose a new council, a new council that isn't from the old generation. It's time that Konoha has a fresh start with talented shinobi who have open minds. Great minds like Shikamaru here," Jiraiya pointed out with a gesture of his hand. "He is Konoha's very own genius." He added soon after. Shikamaru blushed at the compliment.

"This is outrageous!" Koharu exclaimed as she stood up from her seat. Homura wasn't happy about being replaced either, but he wasn't as vocal as his old teammate. "We have served as Konoha's council for many decades. Without us Konoha wouldn't be where it is today." She pointed out heatedly.

"As you can see, Konoha needs a council who has a level head and a fresh output of the shinobi world. Don't you think it's time for change, Fire Lord?" Jiraiya asked with a smile on his lips as he rested his chin in the palm of his hand. Koharu was making this all too easy for him.

"Jiraiya, what do you think you are doing?" She asked in anger.

"I'm simply saying that Konoha needs to grow and expand, but it won't be able to while you two hold on to the past and its old way. The world is a lot different than it was back in your time. It's time to give Konoha to new hands so that she may grow more." Jiraiya stated while staring at her with narrowed eyes.

"Konoha will be nothing without us." She told him bluntly and in her heart she believed it.

"I see what you mean, Jiraiya, the only thing that has change are the council's growing arrogance." The Fire Lord started with furrow brows at Koharu's statements. "I think a new council will do well for the potential candidate Tsunade has chosen." The Fire Lord added with a smile.

Koharu and Homura both frowned and remained silent. It was clear to them that Jiraiya won him over. Danzo, on the other hand wasn't about to give up without a fight. The council might have lost power, but his power wasn't taken from him.

"Although, I am sad to hear the disbandment of the current council, I would like to get back to the nominations for Hokage. I would like to start off by nominating myself." Danzo revealed with determination.

Shikamaru frowned at the announcement. Having Danzo as Hokage was not good.

"I believe Konoha needs to change and become more stern in its way." Danzo revealed strongly. "I will bring on that change with swiftness and have the other nations trembling to their knees. They will soon learn Konoha's true potential." He added strongly.

"And you Fire Lord will acquire new lands for what I have plan." He revealed with a dark glint his eye. Shikamaru frowned in worry. He couldn't let this happen.

"I don't think Konoha could afford another war, especially with the way the economy is currently. The Akatsuki has taken over the shinobi work force, leaving us without much to get by on. And I also doubt colonizing in other villages is ideal, not if we face retaliation from the bigger villages." Shikamaru explained.

"Hm, when you put it that way it wouldn't do us any good, but thank you for your nomination Danzo." The Fire Lord stated in dismay. He had been buying into Danzo's idea of expanding, but Shikamaru brought him back to reality.

Danzo gritted his teeth and glared at Shikamaru.

"Who is the candidate Tsunade-sama has chosen?" Koharu asked with growing impatience.

"She has chosen Haruno Sakura." Jiraiya revealed smoothly. The councilmen and Danzo faltered at the name. "Are you insane, she is barely twenty years old and she selects her protege as her successor, another woman?" Danzo bit out in outrage. "I have more life experience as a shinobi than she does, and what would this girl know about Kage politics?" Danzo yelled out as he slammed his fist on to the table in anger.

"On the contrary, Sakura has accompanied Tsunade on many political trips to several countries since she was thirteen. Not only that, but she has been trained by Tsunade herself and she has excelled greatly. I wouldn't be surprised if she has surpassed Tsunade, if not now then surely in a few years." Jiraiya countered strongly.

"I second that," Shikamaru added and soon after the Fire Lord's own council agreed to appoint Sakura as Hokage.

The Fire Lord raised his brow, impressed with this Haruno Sakura. If she was anything like Tsunade then he knew the leaf village would be in good hands. "Tell me, has Sakura also inherited Tsunade's monstrous strength and healing capabilities?" Jiraiya grinned. "Not only has she inherited Tsunade's strength and skill, but Sakura is also a beauty with Tsunade's spirit." He winked as his perverted side was surfacing.

"Then I have made my decision." The Fire Lord announced with a smile.

"I appoint Haruno Sakura as the new Rokudaime Hokage of the village hidden in the leaf."

In that moment the council and Danzo stood from their seats and left. Jiraiya and Shikamaru watched on with victory at their retreating forms. "I had no idea this would happen, but I'm glad I got the change to see it unfold before my very eyes." Shikamaru commented.

"Same here, now, onto the next phase of our mission." Jiraiya whispered a bewildered Shikamaru. He sigh as he realized his day wasn't over quite yet.

"What now?" He asked in despair and it wasn't the room had been cleared out that Jiraiya spoke.

"We are to escort the councilmen and Danzo back to Konoha, but let's just say they won't be returning." Shikamaru's eyes widen. So Tsunade-sama meant it when she said Konoha will start off with a fresh new start.

Out with the old and in with the new.

A/N: Finally, Sakura has been appointed and it is a matter of time until she learns of her new promotion. How will Naruto take the news and the village? Until next time!

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Lady Manami