Naruto and his team were out and working the next day, moving rocks to help build a simple bridge that had been washed out by the latest flooding in the area. It was crucial to get this done, as it would make it easier for merchants to reach the city to trade their goods and eventually make their way to Konohagakure. Repairing this bridge was significant enough to be classified as a D-level mission for Team Guy. Local engineers from the village were assisting, providing guidance on the reconstruction process.
As the building took place, Naruto worked diligently alongside Neji, Guy, and Tenten. Naruto utilized his multiple shadow clones to perform much of the heavy lifting, relocating rocks to their designated positions. Another ninja in the area employed an Earth-style jutsu to stabilize the foundations and secure the rocks in place. Together, they meticulously constructed the arched bridge. It would take several days of hard work to complete the project, and Naruto was demonstrating his unwavering commitment and determination.
On one of the riverbanks, Tsunade observed the bridge's construction, particularly watching Naruto's tireless efforts. She recognized him as Naruto Uzumaki, the son of Minato Namikaze and Kushina Uzumaki, and the host of the Nine-Tails demon fox. He was proving his dedication through his actions. Tsunade couldn't help but smile as she watched him work. He resembled his father physically but exhibited his mother's spirited personality, a unique combination.
Tsunade contemplated the future of the village as she watched Naruto. She knew she could delay taking on the role of Hokage for as long as she wished, but she also recognized that it was a position that suited her well. She could ensure that young individuals like Naruto received the support and guidance they needed. Deep down, she felt a sense of responsibility toward the village and its youth. She decided that she would remain in the village, even if she continued to indulge in gambling.
Unaware of Tsunade's presence and her thoughts, Naruto and his team continued their manual labor, channeling their youthful energy to grow stronger each day. Naruto felt the exhaustion when he dispelled all his clones, each clone absorbing some of his energy. Using so many clones had drained him, and he briefly knelt to recover. Soon, he was back on his feet, wearing a warm and energetic smile, even in his tired state.
"Good work, everyone! Nice job showing that youthful power of yours," Guy exclaimed with his trademark enthusiasm.
Both Neji and Tenten were content with the work they had done. They knew that the task was far from finished, a sentiment shared by Naruto. Naruto, on the other hand, displayed much more enthusiasm about completing the work compared to the other two. While it was an important job, for someone as stoic as Neji, there wasn't any reason to become overly excited. Tenten did smile at the progress made, still adjusting to this new team where Naruto had taken Lee's place.
"I saw an awesome-looking place to eat at; it looked really good," Naruto commented as he looked at his teammates. He figured going to such a place would be fun, offering a chance to get to know Tenten better. Although he didn't know her well, he had a good understanding of both Guy and Neji.
"Well, that sounds pretty good," Tenten commented, feeling hungry after a long day of work, especially since she had never been to the village before.
Neji simply nodded, agreeing with the plan. Food was food, and there was no need to say anything more.
"Good, Naruto. Hopefully, they have some really spicy stuff there, my youthful student," Guy mused, always a fan of spice and the challenges it provided.
The team wandered to the café, the only one of three in the village, situated conveniently on the corner of two main roads across from the casino area. It was an ideal spot for people going to one place to visit the other, which made business rather brisk for the small establishment. The café was well-kept, organized, and efficiently staffed, offering one of the best-paying jobs in town outside of the casino itself. Tips from winners at the casino could also be quite substantial, making it an attractive employment option for those with charisma.
Team Guy found a booth, with Guy and Naruto on one side, and Lee and Tenten on the other, sitting opposite them.
The group settled down and placed their orders, each choosing a diverse selection of food. Tenten ordered dumplings, Neji opted for Herring Soba, Guy went for the spicy curry, and Naruto decided on ramen, but this time he chose the spicy pork ramen for a change of pace.
As their food arrived, they discussed the day's work and the progress they were making on the bridge. The group was obviously starting to work together better.
Across the way, Shizune and Tsunade sat, observing the young ninja from Konohagakure, as well as the teacher they both knew quite well. Shizune could tell that her teacher and mentor was deep in thought, likely contemplating the position of Hokage and whether she should accept it.
"They are impressive, those kids. I think the future could be very promising for the village if they have the right leader in charge," Shizune remarked aloud, her gaze fixed on her mentor.
Tsunade raised an eyebrow at this comment. It was clear to Shizune that she believed Tsunade should take the job. "So, are you homesick and missing home for once, Shizune, or do you just agree that I should accept the position?" Tsunade asked softly, knowing that their conversation wouldn't be overheard by Team Guy, who were engrossed in their own discussion.
Shizune paused for a moment, contemplating the question. "Well, both would be the right answer. I do miss home, and I miss helping out in the village," she said, reflecting on the time she had spent away from her hometown. "But I also believe you're the right person to lead the village, to ensure those kids grow up with good mentors and leadership. Kakashi may be the leader now, but we both know who could end up with the job," she added, alluding to the looming threat of Danzo.
Tsunade took a moment to absorb Shizune's words. They held a significant weight, and she valued her assistant's perspective greatly. Shizune was a kind and wise young woman, and Tsunade knew that she needed to find her own path in life rather than merely supporting her. At 27 years old and single due to their extensive travels, Shizune's life was intertwined with being Tsunade's assistant, and Tsunade felt a sense of responsibility towards her. Additionally, there was the matter of Naruto and the village's need for strong leadership.
"I think I'll let those guys finish their work, and we'll join them on the way back. You'll finally be able to head home, Shizune, I promise," Tsunade commented, with an underlying implication that she was seriously considering taking on the role of Hokage in Konohagakure.
The days passed swiftly as Team Guy diligently worked on the bridge, laboring from dawn until dusk. Remarkably, they managed to complete the bridge in just three days, an impressive feat that required tireless effort from everyone involved. Each day presented new challenges, with Guy pushing all three of his students to their limits, but their hard work paid off as they finished the small bridge in record time, allowing them to head home by midday on the third day.
As they gathered their belongings and prepared to depart, they unexpectedly crossed paths with Tsunade once again.
"Uzumaki Naruto, our paths cross once more. We are headed towards Konoha ourselves. Do you mind escorting us back home? You see, I have a new job to start, a really important one with lots of responsibilities," Tsunade said, a small grin playing on her lips. "Sorry, Naruto, you'll have to wait until I'm done being Hokage to take over the job," she added confidently, aware that Naruto would be pleased with this turn of events.
Naruto's eyes widened with surprise and excitement as he heard Tsunade's words. He couldn't believe his ears. "Lady Tsunade, you're gonna be Hokage? That's amazing!" He exclaimed, his usual exuberance shining through. "I knew you will be the best Hokage ever! I can't wait to see you take charge and make the village even greater!"
"Of course, I have plenty of great ninja in the village to help out including a new chunin who has a lot of ambition," she added as the group was surprised, but happy. Naruto taking forefront, but Neji, Tenten, and Guy all knew this was the best outcome possible for the village. They really did need Tsunade badly as their leader.
The group walked alongside Tsunade, engaging in conversation as they made their way back to Konoha. Naruto and Tenten were particularly eager to get to know the future Hokage better. Tenten expressed her admiration for Tsunade, the strongest woman in the world, and asked if she could learn any tricks to become a strong ninja herself. Guy, on the other hand, inquired if Tsunade could examine Lee's condition once they returned, knowing that she might be Lee's only hope for a full recovery and a return to the life of a ninja. Neji, as usual, remained stoic and silent, simply following along.
A few days later, the official ceremony for the transfer of power took place, with Kakashi relinquishing his interim Hokage position. He was relieved to return to his normal life but also contemplated the possibility of taking on the role of Hokage in the future if the need arose. He looked forward to the day when Naruto would become Hokage.
The village celebrated the change in leadership, recognizing the significance of having a Hokage once more after over a month of uncertainty. However, the world of ninja was unpredictable, and trouble always lurked around the corner, ready to test the resolve of good people.