"One hundred million."
Kiyohara answered calmly.
Tsunade's mouth fell open.
"...How much?"
"One hundred million."
Kiyohara repeated the number.
For a shinobi, it was indeed an astonishing figure.
After all, one hundred million ryō was an astronomical amount for the overwhelming majority of shinobi.
The only people who could hear such a number without much reaction were experts like Jiraiya, who had plenty of side income while also working tirelessly himself.
After all, Jiraiya had completed even more S Rank missions than Orochimaru.
Tsunade stared at Kiyohara, her brown eyes filled with disbelief.
"Y... Where did you get that much money?"
"Gold dust."
Kiyohara answered simply.
If Tsunade had actually saved her earnings properly, she could have accumulated a similar amount herself.
A single S Rank mission paid at least one million ryō, and most rewarded anywhere between one million and ten million.
Tsunade had completed a total of ninety-five S Rank missions.
Even calculating only the minimum reward, that alone amounted to ninety-five million ryō.
If the actual mission rewards were included, it would easily reach one or even two hundred million.
That wasn't even counting her countless lower-ranked missions or the wealth inherited from the Senju Clan.
The only reason Tsunade had ended up buried under mountains of debt was because she gambled far too much.
"I use the Magnet Release to refine gold dust. The efficiency isn't bad. I can earn quite a bit every month."
Kiyohara explained.
Tsunade fell silent.
She was mentally calculating just how much money she had lost over the years.
"Sensei, would you like to invest?"
Kiyohara smiled.
After seriously considering it for a while, Tsunade nodded.
"I'll invest too."
She stood up, walked over to him, then bent down.
Both of her hands rested on either side of him against the bed.
Her face drew extremely close.
Close enough that Kiyohara could clearly see the elegant curve of her eyelashes.
From this angle, his eyes naturally caught the pale skin visible beneath her collar.
Her collarbones were exquisitely shaped.
Below them was a deep, graceful valley that rose and fell ever so slightly with each breath.
Kiyohara quietly withdrew his gaze.
"So... how much can Sensei invest?"
Tsunade thought for a moment.
"Ten million ryō."
Kiyohara looked genuinely surprised.
"Sensei still has that much money?"
He couldn't help asking.
By all rights, Tsunade shouldn't have had much left.
Very few shinobi could casually produce ten million ryō.
Even if Jiraiya were standing here, it would be much the same.
Although Jiraiya would eventually complete an enormous number of S Rank missions by the time he reached fifty-four years old, he was still relatively young now, nowhere near as wealthy as he would become later.
Tsunade glared at him.
"What? Do you think all I ever do is lose money?"
"Not at all."
Kiyohara chuckled.
Then he realized the answer.
This was money Tsunade had managed to save over the past several months.
Since she hadn't gone to the casino during that time, her earnings had naturally accumulated.
Tsunade snorted.
"I'll give you the money tomorrow."
She paused before adding,
"But... could you give me a slightly larger share?"
Kiyohara looked at her.
"That depends on Sensei's performance."
Tsunade raised an eyebrow.
"You little brat. You've gotten awfully bold."
Kiyohara smiled faintly.
"Just give me a hug, Sensei."
Tsunade froze.
"...That's all?"
"Mm."
Kiyohara nodded.
She looked at him for several moments, hesitating.
Finally...
She slowly extended her arms.
Then gently embraced him.
Her body was warm and soft, carrying a faint, pleasant fragrance.
Kiyohara had no idea where that scent came from.
Perhaps it was because the Strength of a Hundred Seal constantly maintained Tsunade's body in its absolute prime.
Even now, she still possessed the delicate natural fragrance unique to a young woman.
A moment later, Tsunade released him and stepped back.
Just as she was about to speak, she suddenly saw Kiyohara take something out from inside his clothes.
A necklace.
A golden chain.
Hanging from it was a teardrop-shaped golden gemstone.
"This is..."
"My gift."
Kiyohara stood up and walked behind her.
"A celebration for our victory in the war."
"It's for you, Sensei."
Tsunade stood there blankly as Kiyohara carefully fastened the necklace around her neck.
The cool metal lightly touched her collarbone.
From where he stood, he could see the fair skin at the back of her neck.
Several strands of golden hair rested gently there.
Farther down was the elegant slope of her shoulders.
Below that was the creamy white skin hidden beneath her collar.
The necklace was soon secured.
Kiyohara lowered his hands.
Tsunade instinctively looked down.
The golden teardrop rested quietly beneath her collarbones, lying against her fair skin.
It gently bumped against the necklace left behind by the First Hokage.
"Do you like it?"
Kiyohara asked.
Tsunade was something of a little miser herself.
He figured she would naturally like sparkling golden things.
Her golden-brown eyes slowly met his.
"It's beautiful."
She pursed her lips as she answered softly.
As a woman, she had naturally noticed that her disciple harbored feelings for her that went beyond the ordinary.
When she had first allowed Kiyohara to move into her home, she had simply thought he was still a child.
But now...
So much time had passed.
He was no longer little.
That question had gradually become impossible for her to ignore.
"What is it?"
Kiyohara noticed she seemed absent-minded.
"Nothing."
Tsunade shook her head.
"I was just wondering how much this cost."
The truth was, after thinking about it carefully, the only obstacle remaining between them seemed to be their age difference.
But thanks to the Strength of a Hundred Seal, even another fifty years from now, she would still retain her youthful appearance.
"I made this myself."
Kiyohara smiled.
"I forged it using high-purity gold dust."
Whenever he collected placer gold, he would occasionally come across exceptionally pure pieces.
As his chakra reserves continued to grow larger, his efficiency in gathering gold dust naturally increased as well.
The proportion of high-purity gold he obtained also continued rising.
It formed a perfect positive cycle.
Even Rasa couldn't match that.
In Kiyohara's estimation, within another few years, Rasa would gradually begin declining.
The decline wouldn't be rapid.
But once the human body passed its physical peak, deterioration became inevitable.
Shinobis were still human.
They merely possessed the ability to combine physical energy and spiritual energy to create chakra.
Yet chakra still followed the same natural laws of birth, aging, illness, and death.
For ordinary civilian shinobi, many began declining as early as twenty-five.
Powerful clans like the Sarutobi, Uzumaki, or Senju, whose physical constitutions were naturally superior, could delay that decline until thirty or even thirty-five.
But regardless of the exact age...
No one escaped aging.
Once the body weakened, physical energy diminished.
As a result, chakra inevitably declined as well.
Kiyohara, however, did not need to follow that rule.
First, he possessed bloodlines from all Three Great Sage Regions.
Second, every will he received allowed him to break through another bottleneck, pushing his strength to an even higher level.
"You little rascal."
Tsunade reached out and flicked his forehead.
To Kiyohara's current physique, the force was so light that it merely felt ticklish.
"I'm leaving."
She turned and walked toward the entrance of the tent.
After several steps, she suddenly stopped.
"Oh, right."
"That necklace..."
"I really like it."
"I'm going to prepare the money."
With that, she lifted the tent flap and quickly walked outside.
The tent was left with only Kiyohara inside.
He stood there quietly, watching her disappearing figure.
A faint smile slowly appeared on his lips.
Tsunade...
At the end of the day...
She was still human.
And as long as someone was human...
They would always have desires.
Thinking that, Kiyohara rubbed his chin thoughtfully.
He wasn't someone like Jiraiya, who talked endlessly without ever taking action.
Jiraiya proclaimed over and over that he loved Tsunade.
Yet instead of staying beside her, he wandered the world almost obsessively searching for the so-called Child of Prophecy.
And the only basis for all of that...
Was the Great Toad Sage's prophecy.
Kiyohara honestly didn't understand why Jiraiya believed it so completely.
After all, judging from the anime, Gamamaru the Great Toad Sage simply made a prophecy, and Jiraiya accepted it without question.
Kiyohara himself only knew the prophecy because he watch the anime and already knew the plot.
But what foundation did Jiraiya have for believing it so absolutely?
Or perhaps...
The Great Toad Sage had demonstrated his prophetic abilities to Jiraiya in private?
In any case...
The one who had truly remained beside Tsunade all these years had only been Shizune.
Now...
There was one more person.
Kiyohara.
As for Kiyohara himself...
He felt that the day he would truly become a rebellious disciple was drawing closer and closer.
"Hm... I'll test the waters after a while."
He could already sense Tsunade beginning to waver.
They had lived together for so long that their daily interactions had become almost identical to those of a family.
So...
If he wanted to change that relationship...
All he needed was a suitable opportunity.
An opportunity to pierce through that final invisible barrier between them.
A few days later, the Kumogakure forces finally began withdrawing one after another.
Everyone understood.
The war...
Had truly come to an end.
The wounded and the remaining shinobi gathered together before beginning their orderly journey back toward Konoha.
Naturally, every major defensive line still retained a portion of its military forces to guard against invasions from the other great nations.
"It's finally over."
Kiyohara looked at the vast sea of people stretching into the distance.
War was an incredibly troublesome affair.
Before a war even began, routes had to be planned, supplies prepared, logistics arranged, and countless other matters organized.
After the fighting ended, there were still treaties to negotiate, compensation for the fallen to distribute, and personnel assignments to reorganize.
As one of the commanders, Kiyohara had spent the past several days occupied with nothing but these responsibilities.
"Let's go."
Kiyohara said.
Standing beside him was Kurenai.
"Are we escorting all of those prisoners back as well?"
"More or less."
Kiyohara nodded.
"The Hokage had already decided to abandon Konoha's claims against Iwa and was even willing to step down because of it. But now that we've achieved such an overwhelming victory in this war, if we still choose to give everything up, it would make us appear far too weak."
The higher-ups of Konoha would never allow Hiruzen to do such a thing.
Although it usually seemed as though only Danzo, Homura, and Koharu gathered together to discuss village affairs, Konoha also had officials from the Land of Fire involved behind the scenes.
Otherwise, would the Fire Daimyo really know nothing about Konoha?
By the same logic, most of the Twelve Guardian Shinobi also came from Konoha or the Fire Temple.
"Those people will make the negotiations much smoother."
Kiyohara explained.
"I see."
Kurenai nodded.
Looking off into the distance, she noticed a blonde, blue-eyed female shinobi.
The woman's exaggeratedly ample figure immediately made Kurenai glance down at herself.
She could not help feeling somewhat discouraged.
Although her own chest was already considered quite generous, there was still a noticeable gap compared to that female shinobi.
Kurenai felt the other woman was almost on Tsunade's level.
Following Kurenai's gaze, Kiyohara looked over as well before gently patting her head.
"That's Samui from Kumo. The one behind her should be Mabui."
Kurenai nodded.
"What about the Raikage and the Jinchuriki?"
She asked curiously.
"They're being imprisoned and transported separately."
Kiyohara replied.
That responsibility was mainly being handled by Minato.
After all, it was far too important.
If they managed to escape during transport and launched a Tailed Beast Bomb from afar, Konoha would immediately suffer devastating casualties.
"I suppose that makes sense."
Kurenai understood the reasoning.
After chatting with her for another couple of minutes, Kiyohara sent her off to pack her belongings and prepare for the withdrawal.
Several more days passed.
...
Inside the streets of Konoha, the entire village had emptied into the roads.
The atmosphere was extraordinarily lively.
Although Konoha's streets were already quite wide, they had become so crowded that people were practically packed shoulder to shoulder.
The news of Kiyohara and the victorious army returning home had spread throughout the village, drawing countless residents out to witness the celebration.
"They're here!"
Someone pointed excitedly toward the distant horizon.
A massive army, stretching as far as the eye could see, slowly approached from afar.
Kiyohara and the other senior commanders walked at the very front of the formation.
Beneath his armor, he wore black chain mail.
Over it rested a layer of gray armor that closely resembled Tsunade's style.
Behind him came Uchiha Fugaku, Hyuga Hiashi, and the rest of Konoha's elite, standing proudly in a neat line.
Further back stretched an endless formation of shinobi.
At the very rear marched the prisoners.
Bound tightly by fuinjutsu techniques, they stumbled forward under heavy guard.
These represented only a portion of the captives.
Many Cloud shinobi had escaped amidst the chaos.
Konoha simply lacked enough manpower to guard every prisoner, so only the most valuable captives had been retained.
"Long live Konoha!"
"Victory to Konoha!"
"Long live Commander Kiyohara!"
The cheers rose one after another without end.
Countless villagers surged toward the procession, eager to present flowers.
However, the security lines kept them back.
Unable to approach, they could only wave excitedly from afar while shouting the names of their heroes.
"Kiyohara!"
"Kiyohara!"
"Kiyohara!"
No one knew who had started it.
But before long, those four syllables merged into one overwhelming chorus that echoed beneath Konoha's sky.
Kiyohara raised one hand slightly.
A faint smile rested upon his handsome face as his eyes swept across the familiar faces surrounding him.
It seemed his popularity wasn't bad at all.
Touching his own face, Kiyohara could not help feeling that his fame had spread so quickly not only because of his dazzling achievements, but also because of his appearance.
After all, Sasuke had attracted countless fangirls during his days at the Shinobi Academy with nothing more than his face.
How could an upgraded version like Kiyohara possibly fall behind?
"Everyone, please don't keep shouting my name."
He smiled warmly.
"This victory doesn't belong to me alone."
"It belongs to all of us."
It was only a simple sentence.
Yet it made the crowd explode into even louder cheers.
Standing nearby, Fugaku could not help twitching at the corner of his mouth.
Kiyohara's popularity...
Was honestly a little ridiculous.
He glanced at Kiyohara's handsome features.
Then he compared them to his own square face and perpetually stern expression.
It really was difficult to attract people looking like this.
Thinking about the upcoming Hokage election, Fugaku also tried forcing a smile while waving toward the villagers.
Unfortunately...
The smile looked extremely stiff.
The only other person whose expression looked equally awkward was Hiashi.
Both men were traditional shinobi.
Serious.
Reserved.
Rarely smiling.
The others appeared much more relaxed.
Some of the shinobi walking along both sides of the procession even stopped to interact with the cheering villagers.
Tsunade walked beside Kiyohara with her arms folded across her chest.
A gentle smile rested on her beautiful face.
"You little brat."
"You're more famous now than I am, and I'm your teacher."
Kiyohara turned toward her.
"Without you, Sensei..."
"There wouldn't be the person I am today."
Tsunade gave a soft snort and deliberately turned her head away.
Even so...
The slight upward curve of her lips could not conceal the pride swelling inside her heart.
The procession slowly advanced through the streets toward the Hokage Tower, surrounded by endless cheering crowds.
Along both sides of the road, countless female shinobi stood on tiptoe, trying to catch a better look at Kiyohara.
Some blushed.
Some gasped in amazement.
Others whispered among themselves.
"He's so handsome..."
"He's even better looking than the rumors said..."
"I heard he isn't married yet..."
Walking near the middle of the formation, Kurenai listened to those conversations.
Her brows slowly furrowed.
Without realizing it, her hand tightened around the hilt of Red Moon.
Rin walked beside her.
She had heard every word as well.
Lowering her head, she quietly bit her lower lip without saying anything.
At the end of the road, standing atop the steps leading to the Hokage Tower, Hiruzen quietly waited.
He wore the iconic Hokage robes.
The familiar Hokage hat rested upon his head.
On such an important occasion, the man who was almost never seen without his pipe stood empty-handed.
In fact...
He had not smoked at all since yesterday.
As a result, the usual scent of tobacco clinging to his body had become remarkably faint.
Standing behind him were Koharu Utatane...
Homura Mitokado...
And Danzo Shimura.
Kiyohara stopped at the foot of the stairs.
Raising his head, he met Hiruzen's gaze.
"Hokage-sama."
Hiruzen looked at him with a gratified smile.
"Good."
"Very good."
Walking down the steps, he stopped before Kiyohara.
Then he reached out and firmly patted his shoulder.
The force was fairly heavy.
Yet it also carried the warmth unique to an elder encouraging a younger generation.
"You've all worked hard."
Kiyohara gently shook his head.
"It was simply our duty."
Hiruzen nodded.
His gaze swept across the victorious army behind Kiyohara.
It passed over the cheering villagers.
Finally...
It rested upon the long line of prisoners.
The Raikage, the Two Tails' Jinchuriki, and the Eight Tails' Jinchuriki had already been secretly escorted back yesterday by Minato Namikaze.
Therefore, they were absent from today's procession.
Hiruzen turned around and walked toward the Hokage Tower.
"Come with me."
Kiyohara followed.
Tsunade, Minato, Fugaku, Hiashi, and the others all followed behind him.
The doors of the Hokage Tower slowly closed.
The thunderous cheers outside were immediately shut away.
Inside the Hokage's office...
The room was packed.
Every chair was occupied.
Many shinobi had no choice but to stand.
Tsunade sat beside Kiyohara, elegantly crossing one leg over the other.
Her fair foot gently swayed back and forth.
Hiruzen sat in the main seat.
His pipe once again emitted thin curls of white smoke.
"Today's meeting has only one agenda."
His eyes slowly swept across everyone present.
"Beginning today..."
"I will no longer serve as Hokage."
The instant those words fell...
The office became completely silent.
Although everyone had known this day would eventually arrive...
Actually hearing Hiruzen announce it still shook everyone deeply.
After all...
Many of those present had grown up under the Third Hokage's rule.
Among every Hokage, Hiruzen had governed Konoha for the longest period.
Hashirama and Tobirama had both died far too young.
"Lord Hokage..."
Someone began speaking.
Hiruzen raised one hand, stopping him.
"Please."
"Do not address me as Hokage any longer."
He paused briefly.
"Next..."
"Konoha's senior leadership will select the Fourth Hokage."
His eyes once again swept across everyone.
"Before that happens, the list of Hokage candidates will first be finalized."
He lifted his pipe once more and calmly took a puff.
"This has been Konoha's tradition ever since the village was founded."
"It is a rule we have always followed."
An indescribably subtle atmosphere spread throughout the room.
The heads of the great shinobi clans exchanged meaningful glances.
As for Hiruzen himself...
Hadn't he become Hokage under rather exceptional circumstances?
The civilian shinobi lowered their heads in silence, each lost in their own thoughts.
Everyone understood.
The upcoming election would determine Konoha's direction for many years to come.
At the same time...
It would also determine the future interests of every family and every individual present.
Hiruzen's eyes slowly passed over each face.
"There won't be many candidates."
He spoke deliberately.
"Only those who have rendered extraordinary service to Konoha, who possess both strength and prestige, will qualify."
He paused once again.
"As for everyone else..."
"You may return and prepare for the vote."
The crowd gradually rose from their seats and headed toward the exit.
Kiyohara stood as well.
Just as he reached the doorway, Hiruzen's voice sounded from behind him.
"Kiyohara."
"Stay."
Kiyohara stopped.
Tsunade glanced back at him.
She blinked playfully before pushing open the door and leaving.
Soon...
Only Hiruzen, Koharu, Homura, and Kiyohara remained inside the office.
"Sit."
Hiruzen gestured toward the chair.
Kiyohara quietly sat back down.
Looking at him, Hiruzen spoke calmly.
"During the coming days..."
"A great many people will likely come looking for you."
He looked directly into Kiyohara's eyes.
"So take this opportunity to rest."
"Train when you should."
"And simply wait for the results."
Kiyohara looked back at him.
"Lord Third..."
"What are the standards for becoming a Hokage candidate?"
Hiruzen smiled.
"Military achievements."
"Prestige."
"Strength."
"And..."
"The approval of the village's senior leadership."
He paused before continuing.
"But remember one thing."
"Never become complacent."
"You are not the only Hokage candidate."
"I understand."
Kiyohara nodded.
(End of Chapter)