The leaves bathed in the twilight of the setting sun, creating an atmosphere of serenity and peace that could easily lull one into a sense of tranquility. However, few knew that this tranquility was intertwined with the blood, sweat, and sacrifices of countless ancestors.
Ordinary Chūnin like Okamoto-sensei had been numerous during the Second Ninja World War, and their sacrifices often went unremembered.
"Ye Chen-kun, I just want to be a true teacher for one last time and care for my students."
"There are many problems in Konoha right now, and it's impossible to attend to everything. There will always be imperfections. But it's still very young, Ye Chen-kun. You have to understand and believe that it will get better in the future."
"Don't hold grudges, give it a chance."
Walking down the street, Ye Chen couldn't shake Okamoto's final words, which echoed in his mind like a mantra.
To go to the battlefield and potentially face death was a choice made by many during these times. Even if one's body turned to dust, there were no regrets, no complaints, only the burning desire to shine one last time.
"Konoha deserves my loyalty, and I'm willing to fight for it."
In the end, Ye Chen resolved to take control of his own destiny rather than be subject to the whims of others.
With gratitude for kindness and determination for revenge, he sought peace within himself and pursued mastery.
He quickly made his way back to his residence. By the time he reached the small hut, the setting sun had completely dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in darkness illuminated only by the countless stars.
"Squeak!"
Pushing open the wooden door, the room was silent. Ye Chen absentmindedly lit a candle.
Suddenly, the dim room was filled with light. Ye Chen froze, his eyes fixed on the table not far away.
A black and white scroll lay there, silent and motionless.
Ye Chen frowned and picked up the scroll. As he unfolded it, his face changed drastically.
The original message on the scroll read: "Kushina is in the Forest of Death outside Konoha Village."
There was no signature, just those few brief words, a clear message aimed directly at him.
Before he could fully process this information, the scroll burst into flames with a resounding "bang" and vanished, leaving no trace.
"Who is behind this?"
"Uchiha!"
In a split second, Ye Chen deduced that the Uchiha clan was responsible. Currently, they were the only force he had crossed paths with in Konoha, especially considering his recent altercation with Uchiha Zhiruo on the village streets.
The question remained: How had they managed to get hold of Kushina, especially since she likely had strong protection?
Ye Chen decided to discard the thought. Regardless of Kushina's situation, he had no choice but to go to her aid.
"Uchiha Zhiruo, you're asking for trouble!"
A glint of determination flickered in Ye Chen's eyes as he prepared to confront his adversary.
His gaze turned steely as he donned a black ninja costume, resembling the attire of a night shadow, before making his way towards the Forest of Death.
Simultaneously, Konoha's intelligence agency was also in motion.
Within the Hokage's Building, an Anbu ninja knelt before the Third Hokage.
Standing before the Hokage's desk was a young woman in her early twenties with long, light blonde hair, fair skin, and bright, lively eyes. She had an unbridled air about her and a sly grin playing at the corners of her mouth.
She was dressed in a thin green long coat with a prominent symbol for "gamble" emblazoned on it. Beneath, she wore a snug gray and white striped shirt, cinched at the waist with a black sash. The area around her chest was particularly pronounced, giving a sense of ample proportions.
Her attire left no doubt about her identity.
Tsunade, a student of the Third Hokage, a princess of the Senju clan, the granddaughter of Senju Hashirama, a future member of the Sannin.
Tsunade remained silent, her arms crossed as she listened attentively to the Anbu's report, her brow furrowing.
"Dismissed."
After the Anbu finished the report, the Third Hokage waved him away.
A flash of anger appeared on Tsunade's usually composed face as she asked, "Old man, isn't Uchiha getting more and more audacious? Don't you intend to do anything about it?"
Sarutobi Hiruzen chuckled wryly as he took a drag from his pipe before responding, "Uchiha controls the Konoha Guard; it's best not to provoke them. But this Uchiha seems determined to face off against Ye Chen, and it appears to be a premeditated death. Their clan is small, and they can't afford to lose even one ninja, let alone a student."
"Ye Chen? That name sounds familiar," Tsunade murmured.
"You forgot? Three months ago, Ye Chen survived the destruction of the Sand Shinobi's village. You led a team to rescue him, Tsunade," Sarutobi Hiruzen reminded her.
"I see, that's why it sounds familiar. But how did this kid provoke Uchiha?" Tsunade inquired, puzzled. After all, she mostly focused on practicing ninjutsu and gambling, rarely paying attention to village affairs.
"Hehe, it happened three months ago. Ye Chen defeated half of the Uchiha clan single-handedly. It's said that they couldn't get out of bed for three months," Sarutobi Hiruzen explained.
It was indeed an affair between young ninja, but it was unbecoming for Uchiha to be bested by a Chūnin.
"Good on him! Those arrogant Uchiha needed to be taught a lesson," Tsunade exclaimed.
"Indeed, they prefer to use force to settle things. With Uchiha's stubbornness, revenge was inevitable," Sarutobi Hiruzen noted. "Oh, strangely enough, this Ye Chen seems to possess a bloodline similar to the Uchiha's Sharingan."
"Bloodline?" Tsunade's expression shifted, her interest piqued. "Old man, I have something to take care of, so I'll be going now. And if the boss from Konoha Casino comes asking for money, give him some."
With that, Tsunade ignored the Third Hokage and left the office in a blur of motion.
"This child," Sarutobi Hiruzen mused for a moment before breaking into laughter. Tsunade had previously ruined the Senju family's businesses, and now she was causing trouble again.
He stood up and walked to the window, gazing out at the darkened village below. Murmuring to himself, he said, "My child, this is all I can do for you. The rest is up to you."
He remembered that earlier that day, Okamoto, the Chūnin tutor from the ninja school, had come to inform him about Ye Chen. He couldn't help but be moved by the young ninja's determination.
As Hokage, he had to consider the interests of many factions