Tsunade tends to rely on existing forces rather than cultivating new ones. This is evident in her time as the Fifth Hokage. Had it been three years earlier, Bai Ye wouldn't have had such thoughts. However, after nearly three years of experience as Hokage, Tsunade has become a viable candidate for certain strategic moves.
Apart from her occasional indulgences—drinking, sleeping, sneaking around, and gambling, which has led to substantial debts—Tsunade remains a formidable leader. In Konoha, a village dependent on peer comparisons, there are few trustworthy candidates. The Third Hokage is dead, Danzo constantly covets power, and the influential clans are in perpetual dispute. Tsunade, despite the odds, remains one of the few reliable figures.
In a bustling shopping district, a merchant suddenly looks up and addresses Bai Ye with a friendly smile.
"Brother, judging by your appearance, you don't seem to be from Konoha. Your attire and weapon suggest that you might be a warrior from the Land of Iron."
Bai Ye does not answer immediately. Instead, he assesses the chakra fluctuations of the merchant before him. They are weaker than those of Konoha's Anbu, who are tasked with surveillance. This realization confirms his suspicion—Tsunade has very few trusted subordinates. Apart from Shizune, her secretary and part-time advisor, Kakashi, and partial support from the Nara clan, her circle of dependable allies is alarmingly small. Even worse, the looming threat of Pain makes it highly probable that some of these individuals may not survive.
Tsunade's tenure has been riddled with challenges. Despite her efforts to establish diplomatic ties and enhance Konoha's medical system, she is constantly questioned by the village's senior members. This lack of trust later enables Danzo to garner support and assume the role of Acting Hokage, even representing Konoha in the Five Kage Summit.
For Bai Ye, however, this situation presents an opportunity.
The Shadows of Konoha
Meanwhile, in a hidden base within Konoha, the secret organization known as 'Root' operates. Unlike the Anbu, which serves the Hokage and protects the village, Root carries out covert assassination missions and answers solely to Danzo.
In this dimly lit space, Danzo, a man with his head wrapped in bandages and a single exposed eye, sits in contemplation. His mood has been sour ever since Tsunade became Hokage. To him, the death of the Third Hokage should have paved the way for his own ascension. Instead, Tsunade took the seat of power, a fact he cannot accept.
"The Third Hokage owed me for my years of loyalty," Danzo muses bitterly. "Had he recommended me before his death, no one would have dared to oppose it."
Determined to remove Tsunade, Danzo weighs his options. Eliminating her directly is risky, as her strength is formidable, and any direct involvement on his part could be traced back to him. Instead, he must devise a more strategic approach.
At that moment, a Root operative materializes from the shadows.
"Lord Danzo, our southern base has been destroyed, and all personnel were eliminated. Additionally, the Sharingan and First Hokage cells used in our experiments have been stolen."
Danzo's expression darkens. Those artifacts had taken years to collect.
"Do we know who did this?" he demands.
"No. However, the signs indicate that the assailant was incredibly strong. Our operatives were killed before they could even react. Only minimal traces of ninjutsu were found at the scene."
Danzo processes the information. The Root operatives are highly trained, making it alarming that they were unable to fight back.
"Could it be the Akatsuki?" he wonders before dismissing the thought. They are preoccupied with capturing tailed beasts. "Or another village? No, only Root insiders knew about that base."
After some thought, Danzo makes his decision.
"I will investigate personally. Whoever dared to steal from me will pay dearly."
Before the Root operative can leave, he adds, "What of Tsunade? Any new developments?"
"Yes, Lord Danzo. She has been secretly investigating someone—a young man with black hair, black eyes, and a sword at his waist. He is reportedly very powerful."
Danzo's eyes narrow. "Could it be him? If so, he will regret interfering with my plans. Keep close watch on Tsunade and inform me of any updates."
"Understood, my lord."
The Hokage's Burden
Back in the Hokage's office, Tsunade sits at her desk, drowning in paperwork. She rubs her temples, lamenting her fate. This, she muses, is why she initially refused the position of Hokage. Yet here she is, buried under stacks of documents.
At that moment, Shizune enters the room.
"Lady Tsunade, I have urgent news."
Seeing her, Tsunade brightens up and promptly pushes the paperwork towards Shizune. "Great! You can handle this."
Shizune sighs. This is not the first time.
"Lady Tsunade," she protests, "this is about the young man you've been investigating."
Tsunade's demeanor shifts instantly. "What did you find?"
"His name is Bai Ye. He checked into a hotel in Konoha yesterday and has been wandering around the village ever since."
"He's in Konoha?" Tsunade's expression hardens. If he had merely passed through the Land of Fire, she might have dismissed it as coincidence. But entering Konoha suggests ulterior motives.
Still, something doesn't add up. If Bai Ye were truly an enemy spy, he wouldn't make himself so conspicuous.
"Has he done anything suspicious?" she asks.
"No, he has only been exploring the village."
Shizune hesitates before adding, "Lady Tsunade, you seem unusually interested in this man. Could it be that… you have personal feelings for him?"
Tsunade raises an eyebrow, unimpressed.
Blushing slightly, Shizune continues in a flustered manner, "I mean, he is quite handsome. And well, age isn't an issue if there's true love…"
Ignoring Shizune's speculation, Tsunade focuses on the matter at hand. Bai Ye is powerful, but he hasn't harmed Konoha. Confronting him aggressively could be premature.
"Shizune, we'll meet him tomorrow. In the meantime, you can handle this paperwork."
With that, Tsunade strides out of the office, leaving a stunned Shizune behind, staring at the towering pile of documents in dismay.