Chapter 237: Acting Hokage
Konoha, Hokage's Office.
"As you can see, Konoha suffered heavy losses in this battle. Lord Third Hokage is... dead."
Tonbo Tobitake had just returned to Konoha to report the completion of his mission when the two elders, Mitokado Homura and Utatane Koharu, summoned him. They informed him truthfully of the village's current situation.
Tonbo wasn't surprised; he had long been prepared for this. The hidden safeguard he left for his family—the Proxy License—had been used by his father, Tobitake Tosei. This meant his family was safe. As for the others, he could only offer a silent prayer.
"What about... Kakashi and the others?" Tonbo asked.
"Kakashi is currently bedridden," Utatane Koharu replied. "He fought to repel an incursion by Akatsuki—specifically Uchiha Itachi and the Kirigakure rogue ninja, Kisame Hoshigaki."
Tonbo frowned. "That is... truly not good news. Do the elders have any further instructions? If not, I'd like to go home and see my family."
He had been away for nearly a month. He wondered if the two little ones had been terrified. He hadn't started honing their minds with Genjutsu yet; they were still too young. He worried the war might have left a scar.
"We do," Utatane Koharu continued. "Due to the death of the Third Hokage, the position is vacant. We initially wanted Jiraiya to succeed him, but he refused, claiming he wasn't suited for it. He has already left with Naruto to find Tsunade and convince her to take the mantle. In the interim, the vacancy in Konoha must be filled to handle the reconstruction efforts. We have noted your capabilities, and the high command of the Land of Fire agrees. We want you to serve as the Acting Hokage."
The news hit Tonbo like a thunderclap, leaving him stunned. Since when did he have the qualifications to be Hokage? What happened to the tradition of master-teaching-disciple-teaching-disciple? What was his status? A commoner, at best a bit stronger than average. And he hadn't even revealed just how strong he actually was!
"Uh... the two elders should be more than capable of handling the village's administrative affairs, right? An Acting Hokage seems unnecessary," Tonbo declined. Being Hokage meant dealing with too much paperwork. He'd much rather stay home and relax.
Mitokado Homura barked, "Tonbo! Making you the Acting Hokage is to familiarize you with the position and its responsibilities. Once you have enough seniority, you will eventually take over from Tsunade. This is about grooming you!"
He looked at Tonbo with a "why can't you be more ambitious" expression. Why was everyone like Jiraiya? This wouldn't do. If he wouldn't volunteer, they'd force him.
Utatane Koharu shared the sentiment. "Exactly. Konoha is in a difficult period. Do you intend to shirk your responsibility? Does this live up to your Will of Fire?"
"..." Tonbo scratched his head.
There it was—the Will of Fire. Even he hadn't used that line in a while, and now the two elders were throwing it at him.
"Fine! But I'm only temporary. My personality isn't suited for being Hokage. Also, I'll need Senior Shikaku to help me!" Tonbo relented. He really didn't want the job; historically, things didn't end well for Hokages.
The First died of unknown causes, the Second was killed, the Third was murdered by his student, the Fourth died in the Nine-Tails incident, the Fifth lost her lover and then Jiraiya, the "5.5th" (Danzo) died in a quest for revenge, the Sixth stayed single until old age, and the Seventh was equally tragic... It was like a cursed buff. He wondered if the Eighth, Shikamaru, could handle it, but it seemed unlikely.
"You don't need to ask. We, including Shikaku, will help you. Do your job well; Konoha needs your strength," Koharu said.
"Alright. I've just returned from a mission, so I'm going home first." Without waiting for a response, Tonbo vanished before the two elders. Now, I'm the Hokage.
"Really... another slacker," Utatane Koharu sighed. Why were all the people capable of being Hokage so strange? Either they had odd tempers, weird hobbies, or simply no interest in the position.
"Indeed. Since the Fourth passed, there truly hasn't been a perfect candidate for Hokage," Homura agreed. They couldn't be blamed for not choosing a Fifth for so many years; even now with the Third dead, they had to settle for the older generation Sannin. There was simply no successor ready.
Pushing aside the thought of how to be an Acting Hokage, Tonbo first went to get a haircut, tidied his appearance, and bought a bouquet of lilacs. He headed home with a smile.
However, the moment he arrived, his smile faltered. Before him stood a house that looked like it had been patched together like old clothes.
"Daddy's back!"
As he reached the door, Tianyu and Maki rushed out, throwing themselves into his arms. A moment later, Ayame stepped out as well.
"What happened?" Tonbo asked, handing the flowers to Ayame.
"The house was damaged during the ninja battle," Ayame said, keeping a positive attitude. Their family had plenty of money, after all.
"Those guys went too far! They wrecked our house! When I grow up, I'm going to beat the crap out of them!" Tianyu was furious. His toys had been destroyed—valuable, collectible toys.
"I see. As long as everyone is safe, that's all that matters. We can fix the house," Tonbo said. Seeing that his wife and children weren't traumatized made him feel better. Many surrounding houses were in similar states, undergoing emergency repairs.
"Of course everyone is safe. I was here, wasn't I?"
While they were having their moment, Tobitake Tosei stepped out, chest puffed out proudly. He had certainly made a grand showing during the attack.
"That's right. With Dad here, the family has a full sense of security," Tonbo complimented.
"Hmph. Since you're back, I'll tell you all about my glorious deeds. But that 'Proxy' thing—give me two more. That thing is incredibly useful," Toao said, basking in his son's praise.
"They cost over ten million each. Do you think they're cabbages?" Tonbo rolled his eyes. The price of chakra metal fluctuated wildly, but it was never cheap.
"What?! Dad, you're going to be the Hokage?" Tianyu and Maki screamed when Tonbo mentioned his new role.
"Mhm. So until the Fifth returns to take over, I might be a bit busy. The time I spend teaching you ninjutsu might be significantly reduced. Plans change!"
"Yay! That's awesome!"
Tianyu and Maki were so happy they were jumping. Their dad was the Hokage! What would Konohamaru have to say now? Hmph, now we're the 'Lord Hokage's children,' and Konohamaru is just the 'Hokage's grandson.' However, they quickly realized the Third Hokage had just died; it was better not to provoke Konohamaru yet. They'd wait until his mood improved before teasing him.
Tonbo could see the mischief brewing in their eyes. They were definitely planning how to brag.
Konoha Hospital.
Tonbo found Kakashi's room and walked in, carrying a basket of apples.
"Even though you can't eat these yet, I can at least give your body a check-up." Tonbo wove a sign, and sensory threads emerged from his hand, covering Kakashi.
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