Naruto: Promotion is my Ninja Way

A gentle breeze swept across the plaza, causing people's hair to flutter in the wind as they waited in anticipation for their new leader's first words.

Tsunade slowly removed the Hokage hat from her head, revealing her strikingly beautiful face to the gathered crowd. Her voice carried clearly across the plaza as she made her declaration:

"From this day forward, I will lead and protect Konoha Village!" she announced with authority and conviction. "I am your Fifth Hokage!"

Before she had even finished speaking, thunderous cheers erupted from the crowd below, the sound echoing off the surrounding buildings and seeming to reach toward the very heavens themselves.

The news of Tsunade's official inauguration as the Fifth Hokage spread through the ninja world like ripples across a still pond, traveling at incredible speed to every major village and nation. The political implications of this change in leadership would soon become apparent.

Apart from Sunagakure, which was still recovering from severe losses, and Kirigakure, which remained trapped in ongoing civil conflict, both Kumogakure and Iwagakure had already begun formulating their responses to this significant development in the balance of power.

In the hidden chambers of Iwagakure, the elderly but formidable Third Tsuchikage Onoki reviewed the latest intelligence reports with obvious satisfaction.

"Sarutobi Hiruzen died in battle! Shimura Danzo died in battle! This is truly excellent news for us," the diminutive but imposing Kage declared as he set down the documents.

Without hesitation, he began issuing rapid-fire orders to his subordinates. "Accelerate the delivery of supplies to our forward positions. This operation must be completed in the shortest time possible!"

"Send word to Wenya that this conflict must be kept within carefully defined limits. There will undoubtedly be some degree of chaos and uncertainty as Tsunade assumes her new role. We should take advantage of this transitional period, but there's no need to escalate this into a full-scale war."

"Additionally, unless we face a major tactical disaster, no members of the Explosion Corps are to appear on the front lines under any circumstances."

"Finally, ensure that Kitsuchi remains ready to provide reinforcements at a moment's notice. In the event of unexpected developments in the fighting, he has full authority to decide whether or not to deploy additional support."

"Yes, sir!" came the crisp response from his aide.

Onoki drummed his fingers thoughtfully against the stone table. Despite his small physical stature, his presence commanded respect and attention throughout the room. "Let this old man teach these newcomers a proper lesson about the realities of ninja politics."

His expression grew more contemplative as he considered the broader strategic picture. "But what exactly is Kumogakure's strategy in all this? Surely they're not planning to simply withdraw from the situation? No, those muscle-headed fools aren't completely brainless. They must be planning something else entirely."

"This whole situation depends entirely on how Konoha Village chooses to respond to our pressure."

Onoki had no intention of launching a full-scale invasion directly against Konoha Village. His strategy was far more subtle—to take advantage of the power vacuum created during the transition between Hokages, before Tsunade could fully consolidate her authority and control over the village's military forces.

After all, the Fire Country and Konoha Village occupied some of the most fertile and strategically valuable territory in the entire ninja world. It was only natural that other villages would seek to claim some of those advantages for themselves.

Of course, Onoki was far too experienced and cautious to underestimate Konoha's capabilities, even during this period of transition.

Even though Sarutobi Hiruzen had fallen in battle, a new generation of exceptionally talented ninja had already begun to emerge within Konoha's ranks. While there might be some temporary instability and confusion, the village's strong foundations would likely allow them to weather this crisis and emerge even stronger than before.

The news that Shihouin Naraku had successfully killed Orochimaru filled Onoki with a mixture of respect and envy for Konoha's continued ability to produce extraordinary shinobi.

"Konoha Village's talent pool is truly something to be envied," he muttered to himself.

The intelligence reports described Naraku's abilities in detail: "Fire-style techniques, exceptional swordsmanship, and multiple witnesses reported seeing the manifestation of a massive giant during the battle."

When he read about the giant, Onoki's weathered face grew noticeably darker. The description immediately brought back memories of someone he desperately wanted to forget—Uchiha Madara.

During his youth, Onoki had accompanied the Second Tsuchikage Mu on a diplomatic mission to Konoha Village. They had hoped to negotiate an alliance between Iwagakure and Konoha, but their mission had taken a disastrous turn when they encountered Uchiha Madara. Both Onoki and his mentor had suffered severe injuries in that confrontation.

That traumatic incident had left an indelible psychological scar on the young Onoki that persisted even into his old age.

The mention of giants inevitably reminded him of Madara's terrifying Susanoo technique and the overwhelming, crushing pressure he had felt when facing that legendary warrior.

Even now, decades later, he could not completely forget that sensation of absolute helplessness.

"But that's impossible," Onoki reasoned with himself, shaking his head to dispel the unwelcome memories. "Shihouin Naraku isn't a member of the Uchiha clan. Besides, the Uchiha clan has been almost completely wiped out."

He forced himself to push aside the fear that had crept into his thoughts.

"Why does Konoha Village continue to produce such exceptional talent?" he wondered aloud with frustration. "Meanwhile, none of the shinobi in Iwagakure seem capable of staying out of trouble."

His irritation grew as he thought about the Four-Tails jinchuriki Roshi, whose stubbornness had led to a bitter conflict that ultimately drove him to abandon the village entirely. Then there was his former student Deidara, who had been obsessed with his explosive "art" before mysteriously disappearing without a trace.

After many years serving as Tsuchikage, Onoki had apparently forgotten that his own difficult temperament had contributed to many of these problems.

Meanwhile, in the mountainous terrain surrounding Kumogakure, the powerfully built Fourth Raikage Ay stood watching as his elite ninja forces prepared for deployment.

At the front of the assembled troops stood Darui, easily recognizable by the massive sword strapped to his back and the distinctive "thunder" and "water" tattoos adorning his shoulders. True to his laid-back nature, he appeared to be stifling a yawn even during this important military briefing.

Nearby, the Two-Tails jinchuriki Yugito Nii stood with regal bearing, her long blonde hair styled in distinctive pigtails that reached nearly to her waist. Her proud, almost haughty demeanor suggested she wasn't paying particularly close attention to the Raikage's instructions.

Only Dodai, the reliable veteran ninja distinguished by the special eyepatch covering his left eye, appeared to be listening intently to every word of the mission briefing.

"Dodai, Darui—the responsibility for this operation now rests entirely in your hands," the Raikage declared with authority. "Konoha Village has been through tremendous upheaval recently, and this represents an ideal opportunity for us to achieve our objectives."

"If we're going to establish a foothold in Fire Country territory, we need to secure some strategic defensive positions as quickly as possible."

The Raikage's expression grew more serious as he outlined their primary goals. "But remember, our main objective is to acquire medical ninja and medical ninjutsu techniques. Compared to Konoha's advanced medical capabilities, our own development in this field has been far too slow, and we have far too few qualified medical specialists."

"Therefore, your primary mission is to capture medical ninja alive if at all possible. If that proves impossible, or if the captured medical ninja refuse to cooperate with us, then focus your efforts on obtaining medical ninjutsu scrolls and techniques."

His voice took on a harder edge as he concluded his orders. "Make it clear to the people of Konoha that we will never abandon this operation unless they agree to meet our demands completely!"

"Yes, sir!" came the unified response from the assembled troops.

The Fourth Raikage, whose rough exterior concealed a surprisingly sharp tactical mind, remained silent as he watched the ninja team begin their march toward Fire Country. While he had complete confidence in Dodai's leadership abilities, he couldn't help but worry about Darui and Yugito's participation in this critical mission.

Both of them had proven themselves capable of exceptional performance when the situation demanded it, but they also had frustrating tendencies toward carelessness and overconfidence that could lead to serious complications.

Fortunately, Dodai would be leading the overall operation. As a trusted advisor who had served multiple generations of Raikage, Dodai was known throughout the village for his serious attitude and reliable judgment. With him in command, the Fourth Raikage felt confident that the mission would be handled properly.

Just as the Raikage was preparing to return to his office to handle other pressing matters, one of his subordinates came running toward him in obvious panic.

"Raikage-sama! Raikage-sama!" the ninja called out breathlessly.

"We have a serious problem! Master Killer Bee has disappeared again! We've searched every corner of the Unraikyō gorge, but there's no sign of him anywhere!"

"What?!" the Fourth Raikage roared in response.

The previously calm leader suddenly drove his fist into the mountainside beside him with tremendous force. The impact created a thunderous crash, followed by the sound of cracking stone as spider web fractures spread outward from a deep crater in the solid rock.

"That idiotic brother of mine! Doesn't he understand what kind of situation we're facing right now?!"

His anger was clearly visible as he continued shouting orders. "Send out additional search teams immediately! If anyone finds even the slightest trace of him, notify me at once! I'll personally drag him back here myself!"

"Yes, sir!" the terrified messenger responded before hurrying away.

The Fourth Raikage clenched his fists tightly, his knuckles cracking audibly. "It's been far too long since I gave that fool a proper beating. It seems like Killer Bee is asking for another lesson in discipline."

The Raikage had repeatedly warned his adoptive brother that as the Eight-Tails jinchuriki, he couldn't simply wander off whenever he felt like it. The timing of this disappearance couldn't possibly be worse, but Killer Bee continued to ignore these warnings and periodically vanish from the village without permission.

This time, he was definitely going to get the beating he deserved.

Far away from Kumogakure, in a dense forest many miles from the village, an agile figure moved swiftly through the trees with practiced ease. The sound of strange, rhythmic singing could be faintly heard echoing through the woods as the mysterious traveler continued on his self-directed journey.

Back in Konoha Village, Tsunade sat behind the imposing Hokage desk, studying the latest intelligence reports that had just been delivered by their network of spies and informants.

"What wonderful enthusiasm these villages are showing," she remarked dryly as she reviewed the documents spread before her.

The reports painted a clear picture of the developing situation: Iwagakure was preparing to launch a surprise attack against Fire Country territory, while Kumogakure had already begun their own offensive operations along a different front.

"I've only been in office for a few days, and both Kumogakure and Iwagakure are already so eager to send me their 'gifts,'" Tsunade observed with sardonic humor. She looked up at Naraku, who stood nearby reviewing additional reports. "What's your assessment of the situation?"

Naraku cleared his throat softly, choosing his words carefully. "Well, the intentions of both ninja villages are quite transparent and easy to understand."

"They're clearly planning to launch limited-scale surprise attacks designed to take advantage of the period of uncertainty following Konoha's recent crisis and change in leadership."

"As long as we can maintain our defensive positions and respond effectively to their initial moves, these conflicts should resolve themselves relatively quickly. Neither village wants to commit to a prolonged, large-scale war."

Tsunade nodded in agreement with his analysis. As a veteran of multiple wars, she had reached the same conclusions about the enemy's likely strategy and objectives.

"Excellent!" she declared, her decision made.

"I hereby issue the following order: Shihouin Naraku is immediately relieved of his position as Anbu Captain-General, and you are appointed as Supreme Commander of Konoha's forces along the front lines facing both Kumogakure and Iwagakure!"

"Yes, Hokage-sama!" Naraku responded with a formal bow, accepting the significant responsibility that had just been placed upon his shoulders.