After considering Tsunade's words, Reiki looked up at her with a hopeful expression.
"Teacher, can I sit down to talk?" he asked, sounding almost pitiful.
After standing all morning, he felt like he might be flung out of the room if Tsunade lost her temper.
"Just stand and talk," Tsunade replied with feigned indifference. "And next time something like this happens, let me know in advance."
"Understood." Reiki nodded. "But… Teacher, Shisui can't just withdraw from the conflicts of the Uchiha. I want to help him."
Reiki's resolve was clear. He couldn't stand by and watch as Shisui got entangled in clan tensions without support, especially since he knew what fate awaited the Uchiha.
"Help him, huh?" Tsunade's interest piqued. She knew Reiki wasn't someone who'd abandon others for his own goals. That was part of why she cared about him so deeply. He saw value in people beyond mere advantage.
"I don't fully understand the details of the conflict between the Uchiha and Konoha," Reiki continued, "but from what I've observed, Konoha's mistrust and fear of them outweigh any reliance on or respect for them. The village entrusted them with the Security Department, but at the same time, distrusts them. Doesn't that seem strange, Teacher?"
Tsunade chuckled slightly. "You're young, Reiki. You don't know all the history."
She explained the complexities of the Uchiha's situation, noting how the clan's red eyes were a lingering thorn for many. Since the Warring States Period, many clans had suffered at the hands of the Uchiha and their Sharingan. Their pride, aloofness, and role in Konoha's Security Department had isolated them further, creating a difficult, if not hostile, relationship with the village.
"So, that's it." Reiki nodded thoughtfully. "Helping Shisui is going to be a bit more complicated than I thought."
Reiki already knew more about the Uchiha's plight than Tsunade could suspect. In his eyes, Sarutobi Hiruzen's handling of anything he couldn't control was consistent—he found ways to neutralize it. This was what happened with the Senju clan, after all.
"Complicated?" Tsunade looked at him with surprise. "You're saying it's only complicated, not impossible?"
"Anything is possible." Reiki smiled. "Teacher, do you think the main issue here is the Uchiha's conflict with Konoha's leadership?"
Tsunade, about to give him a lecture, paused, caught off guard. "Isn't that the problem?"
"No. The main issue lies within the Uchiha clan itself. If they weren't so conspicuous and could learn restraint, they'd be less threatening. A sword that knows when to stay sheathed is a powerful weapon."
Tsunade considered this, slowly nodding. She could see his point.
"I agree with you," she said. "But there's one thing you need to promise me: whatever you decide to do, keep me informed. This could be dangerous, Reiki."
Reiki felt a rush of gratitude. Tsunade wasn't opposing him but was actually willing to support him, albeit with concern. He was well aware of the risks involved, and Tsunade's trust gave him strength.
"I understand, Teacher," he replied with a nod. "Now, can I sit down?"
Tsunade's stern expression softened. "Fine. Shizune will be back soon with food. You two can eat together before you continue working. I'm heading out."
Watching her leave, Reiki took a deep breath. Having Tsunade's support would make things easier. He only hoped he could make a difference.
---
Just as he settled, Shizune arrived, covered in food stains.
"Shizune… what happened?" Reiki asked, stifling a laugh.
Despite the mess, they quickly ate and returned to their duties. After finishing up, Tsunade went to the mission office.
"Namikaze Minato's mission details?" she requested.
"Tsunade-sama, we're not authorized to share mission details, even with you," the attending ninja replied, clearly uncomfortable.
"Show it to me. I'll get Hokage approval afterward," Tsunade insisted.
Reluctantly, the ninja handed over the file. With the information in hand, she headed to the village entrance.
The ninja immediately reported her actions to Sarutobi Hiruzen.
"After leaving the hospital, she checked Minato Namikaze's mission details?" Hiruzen read the report, his brow furrowing. At this stage, her first move was to seek Minato? Could there be something he wasn't seeing?
With these thoughts, a new seed of suspicion began to grow in Sarutobi Hiruzen's mind.
>>>>>
Up to Chapter 280 available on Patreon.com/c/GGFanfiction :)
Gimme power stonesssss