Chapter 94: Hokage Candidate

Author Note:

Here's the BONUS CHAPTER as promised—thanks for the support, and let's keep this energy going!

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The Anbu ninja vanished without a trace.

Being directly under the Hokage's command, Anbu were answerable to no one else.

Their training allowed them to move freely throughout the village, entering and exiting as they pleased.

But this time, Guts's words had genuinely rattled the masked elite.

Because in Konoha, everyone knew one unspoken truth...

If Guts said he'd beat someone up…

He would.

Even if that someone was the Hokage.

"You really are something… Why are you scaring the Anbu now?"

Yuhi Kurenai sighed, her voice carrying a mix of concern and resignation.

"What if this lands you in trouble again?"

Her tone mirrored Tsunade's frequent worries.

Guts's reckless nature often pushed boundaries, making those close to him uneasy.

"Bahahaha! How am I supposed to live if I keep worrying about this and that?"

Guts laughed heartily, striding toward her with that signature grin.

Without hesitation, he placed his hand briefly on her chest, then leaned in and kissed her so deeply her lips turned red and slightly swollen.

"Anyway," he said with a mischievous smirk,

"I'm gonna hit the training ground after breakfast. Then I'll go see what the old man Hokage wants with me."

He added, more seriously this time,

"Don't worry, I don't go looking for trouble. I just want a life that's free… carefree."

Kurenai rolled her eyes but smiled, brushing back a strand of hair.

"Alright. Just… don't keep him waiting too long."

Any other ninja, when summoned by the Hokage, would have dropped everything and rushed to the office.

But Guts?

He wanted a post-meal training session first.

Truly, a madman.

Over half an hour passed before Guts finally arrived at the Hokage's office.

To his surprise, he wasn't just meeting Sarutobi Hiruzen today.

Two familiar...and unwelcome, faces were also present: Koharu Utatane and Homura Mitokado.

'Now this is interesting'

Guts thought with a sly grin.

All three old-timers in one place... What are they planning? A meeting or a kitchen fire?

His smirk didn't go unnoticed. The expressions of all three elders darkened in unison.

'This brat is definitely mocking us in his head,' they all thought silently.

"Alright, old man. What's the big deal? Why'd you call me here?"

Guts asked casually.

Before Hiruzen could speak, Koharu cut in sharply.

"Guts, as a Konoha Jōnin, who gave you permission to return to the village without a summons?"

Guts was a legendary figure in the Third Ninja World War, his fame even eclipsed that of Namikaze Minato.

But his independence made him a thorn in the side of Konoha's higher-ups.

He didn't care for politics. He was strong, free-willed, and damn hard to control.

Guts yawned and looked at them lazily.

"Old man Hokage, are you gonna get to the point? I won't ask a third time. Either speak now, or I'll head out and grab something to eat."

Koharu's face twisted with anger at the blatant disrespect.

"Guts! Didn't your parents teach you any manners? Have some respect for your elders, you wild—!"

BOOM!

An invisible shockwave burst through the room. Crimson lightning crackled briefly in the air, Conqueror's Haki.

Koharu's voice died in her throat. Her eyes rolled back, foam bubbled from her mouth, and she collapsed onto the table unconscious.

"Koharu!"

Homura shouted, rushing to her side.

Hiruzen's eyes narrowed in disbelief.

"So it's true… That's the rumored Conqueror's Haki?"

"You!"

Homura barked, but only got that single word out. Guts's eyes shifted toward him,and he immediately shut up.

He didn't want to end up like Koharu.

"Sorry,"

Guts said with a fake shrug.

"Can't help it. Seeing an old hag's face makes me nauseous."

With that, he turned to leave.

"Since there's clearly no real reason for me to be here, I'll be going."

"Wait, Guts"

Hiruzen called out quickly.

"I wanted to ask about the southern front. What's the situation like there?"

Guts paused, then turned slightly.

"That's easy. You could've just had Jiraiya or Minato send a message by hawk. No need to drag me in."

Hiruzen chuckled awkwardly and rubbed his temples.

"You really haven't changed, huh? Still as blunt as ever."

'He used to be brash even as a kid,' Hiruzen thought.

'But now he's just lawless…'

"Hahaha. Still, you're one of the heroes of this war. It's only right we hear your perspective."

Guts tilted his head, then said flatly,

"Rock Shinobi have all but agreed to a ceasefire. Once Orochimaru and Tsunade reinforce the lines, Mist Shinobi won't stand a chance. That's all."

Hiruzen nodded thoughtfully. "Fair point."

"Alright then," Guts turned fully this time.

"I'm out."

But just before he could reach the door, Homura gave Hiruzen a quick look. A silent message passed between them.

Hiruzen cleared his throat.

"Guts, one last thing."

Guts paused again, clearly growing impatient.

"I'm getting old"

Hiruzen said calmly.

"And I've been thinking...it's time to consider the next Hokage. If you had to choose… who do you think should take the position?"

Ah. So that's why they called me.

They wanted to know his stance. With Guts's influence and strength, his opinion carried heavy weight, even among Konoha's elites.

He crossed his arms, raising an eyebrow.

"Well, if we're talking about age, seniority, and power… Tsunade, Orochimaru, Jiraiya, or Namikaze Minato are all solid picks."

Then, with a faint smile, he added,

"You old guys can debate it out."

Both Hiruzen and Homura were taken aback. They'd expected something more chaotic,or selfish.

Instead, Guts had answered with rare restraint.

"You don't want to be Hokage yourself?"

Hiruzen asked, genuinely curious.

"Why would I?"

Guts laughed.

"All that paperwork? Solving everyone else's problems? No thanks. Exhausting stuff."

He waved lazily as he opened the door.

"Alright, old man. I'm heading out."

Boom.

The door closed behind him.

Homura scowled and gestured for the unconscious Koharu to be taken to Konoha Hospital.

"He may be young," Homura said coldly.

"But he's not just strong...he's Cunning and Dangerous."

He turned toward Hiruzen.

"With his close ties to Tsunade, it's obvious who he'd support."

Hiruzen remained silent, his gaze lingering on the door Guts had walked through.

There was a small, tired smile on his face.

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