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"Missing? How interesting. Could that silly woman have just gone off to play somewhere? And secretly, without any message... Look how panicked Shikaku is."
Whether Tsunade had run off or disappeared would become clear once he returned to the village.
"Izumi, pack up. We're returning to the village immediately. Also, notify the camp personnel to come for a meeting."
"Yes, sir."
The Anbu quickly departed. Soon, an emergency meeting began.
All personnel qualified to attend arrived at the command headquarters as quickly as possible, taking their seats.
Once everyone was present, Kazuki, seated at the head, spoke.
"Due to certain events in the village requiring my personal attention, I must return. Before leaving, I've called this meeting to arrange matters for the camp."
Honestly, the camp didn't have many issues requiring Kazuki's direct arrangement. Following the usual procedures would suffice.
The meeting was primarily for the numerous squads.
Fortunately, they were minor issues; consolidating them would handle everything.
Unlike Konoha, where a massive mess awaited his handling.
That silly woman...
When she returns, she needs to be sealed on her office!
Running off without a word like that.
Making a mental note to give Tsunade a good scolding later, Kazuki back to the village headed with his team at top speed.
With sufficient speed and minimal rest, traveling from the northern border camp to Konoha took less than a full day.
By evening, as darkness gradually fell, Kazuki had already arrived at Konoha.
"Lord Advisor."
Seeing Kazuki return safely, both Shikaku and Homura breathed sighs of relief.
Their reasons for relaxing were simple: the former felt the person who could take charge was back, ensuring the village's continued stability.
The latter was relieved because with Kazuki's return and the village stable, he wouldn't need to overthink or potentially make drastic moves.
Everything would proceed as usual. Just do their respective duties well.
"You two, come with me."
"?"
Kazuki's first action upon returning wasn't to take over everything, but to have them accompany him?
Puzzled, they nonetheless followed.
Shikaku was curious what Kazuki wanted him for. Homura felt somewhat anxious.
He worried Kazuki might take the opportunity to do something—like settle old scores.
With Tsunade present, it was fine. But with Tsunade gone, whether Kazuki would bring up past grievances was uncertain.
After all, their "Konoha Council of Four" had inflicted great harm upon the Uchiha.
Especially when Kazuki led them toward the Uchiha district, Homura's heart pounded even more nervously.
Perhaps sensing the old man's worries, Kazuki, walking ahead flanked by Shisui and Itachi, spoke without turning.
"Elder Homura, no need to worry. I won't do anything to you. I'm just going home to determine whether the Hokage left on her own or disappeared. So, relax."
"...."
Homura's aged face stiffened, offering an awkward smile.
"Lord Advisor, you are right."
Whether it's a jest, you know in your heart.
Shikaku gave Homura a strange look.
Aren't you worrying a bit too much, old man?
Even if Lord Advisor wanted to take action against you, he wouldn't do it now.
Such a sensitive period.
Kazuki couldn't be bothered to explain further, leading them straight to his home.
"Please wait a moment."
Kazuki went upstairs alone.
Everyone else waited at the entrance.
Entering his bedroom, Kazuki opened the wardrobe and picked up a note from the corner.
"The pressure got too much for me. Going out for a walk. Village matters are yours to handle."
"....."
This woman is ridiculous! The pressure got too much, so you just run off without a word?
What about me?
Kazuki shook his head, exasperated, pocketed the note, and went downstairs.
"Let's go. Back to the Hokage's administrative building."
Casually handing the note to Shikaku, Kazuki closed the door and headed toward the Hokage's administrative building.
Shikaku glanced at the note. While his mouth twitched, the heavy stone in his heart finally settled.
As long as nothing happened to her. If the pressure was too great, then going out for a stroll is fine. No big deal, as long as it's not for too long.
After all, having the Hokage constantly away from the village, running around outside, wasn't a sustainable solution.
Given enough time, problems would inevitably arise.
Shikaku then passed the note to Homura, who, upon reading it, showed a flicker of relief.
As long as she's safe. As long as she's safe.
As for playing hooky, pressure, or going out to play—they no longer care.
As long as Tsunade was safe, she could do as she pleased.
Arriving at the Hokage's administrative building, Kazuki led them straight to the Hokage's office.
Seeing the mountainous piles of documents and scrolls in the office, Kazuki fell into a stunned silence.
"When you get back, you're dead!"
Kazuki gritted his teeth, cursing under his breath.
Shikaku and Homura pretended not to hear, both very tactfully looking up at the ceiling.
"Alright, have the Anbu stand down. No need to search. She'll return once she's had her fill of fun. These past few years have indeed been tough."
Sitting in the Hokage's exclusive chair, Kazuki rubbed the bridge of his nose, feeling a headache coming on.
How Tsunade had spent these years, Kazuki had seen clearly. This woman was inherently averse to trouble, preferring freedom and lack of restraint.
Suddenly being pressed into the Hokage's seat and struggling miserably for years had likely reached her limit.
What angered Kazuki was her leaving without a word.
And leaving him with so much work!
If you wanted to run off, at least prepare a bit first!
Running off in such a muddled way—you might be comfortable, enjoying yourself outside, but I'm the one suffering.
Looking at these piles of documents and scrolls, Kazuki felt like dying.
"Shikaku, you've worked hard these past days. Go home and rest. Elder Homura, you as well."
Shikaku withdraw. He needed to go home for proper rest; he'd been exhausted constantly, constantly on edge.
Now that the burden has been lifted, why not go rest?
As for the conflicted Homura, he could only pretend nothing had happened.
As for when to announce the Hokage's "running away from home," that depended on Kazuki's arrangements.
"Forget it. Why rack my brains over this? Just do my job."
After a long time, Homura sighed. Shikaku was right; bringing the Third Hokage out now might not be beneficial.
In that case, why bother with these concerns?
Just do his assigned duties. Given the current situation, as long as he performed his duties, Kazuki likely wouldn't dig up old grievances.
Since it wasn't too late, Izumi went out and brought back some takeout.
While eating, Izumi cautiously asked, "Sir, is Lady Hokage really..."
"Really." Kazuki nodded slightly.
"Too much pressure. Went out to play. Probably wandering around, seeing some sights, and then trying to find places to gamble."