Chapter 19: The Alliance of Senju and Uchiha?
Beneath the Hokage Tower, in the dim light of a street lamp, many ninja witnessed the scene with quiet amazement.
Could it be that Tsunade, the princess of the Land of Fire, actually found herself an Uchiha?
"Tsuna… Tsunade-sama."
With a bright smile, Dan Kato approached, ignoring Uchiha Yosuke completely and instead respectfully addressing Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
"Do you need something?"
Facing this unfamiliar Jonin, Tsunade's expression remained calm, her tone carrying a hint of pride.
Dan, however, smiled earnestly, responding with genuine respect.
"Tsunade-sama, I believe the medical system proposal you suggested earlier is absolutely right."
Tsunade nodded indifferently, unfazed by the flattery. But Dan, determined not to miss this chance, pressed on.
"During the night raid on the village last year, my sister was killed. That's why I fully support the medical system discussed at the meeting. Might we speak about this further, Tsunade-sama?"
Dan's smile seemed sincere, showing the shared pain of losing a loved one. After all, Tsunade had lost her younger brother, just as he had lost his sister.
Uchiha Yosuke, observing, was speechless. As expected, there's a difference between taking the initiative and being passive; in the original series, Dan Kato had used similar tactics.
But Tsunade, sensing his motives, forced a calm smile and waved her hand dismissively.
"Enough. I've said all I need to. The Third Hokage made it clear that right now, winning this war is the village's top priority."
Tsunade denied Dan further chances, turning instead to smile at Uchiha Yosuke.
"Yosuke, perfect timing to check on your condition tonight."
With a gentle laugh, Uchiha Yosuke's stiff arm encircled her slim waist as they disappeared into the shadows beneath the streetlamp.
The Jonin emerging from the Hokage Tower stared in shock. Tsunade had actually found herself an Uchiha—this was explosive news!
As she left, Jiraiya's eyes widened, and after a long pause, he exclaimed in astonishment, "No wonder Tsunade's stayed single all these years—she likes younger guys!"
Orochimaru, standing nearby, exchanged a knowing glance with Jiraiya. The two cast a subtle look at Dan Kato, aware of Tsunade's distaste for obvious advances. Dan's attempt to approach her using his sister's death had clearly backfired.
Dan forced a dry smile and quietly departed.
In the Hokage's office, the Third Hokage, Hiruzen Sarutobi, listened as an ANBU member reported the conclusion of the Jonin meeting. Before he could respond, Koharu Utatane frowned with a hint of discontent.
"Hiruzen, what is Tsunade doing? Does she not understand the danger the Uchiha pose?"
Beside her, Homura Mitokado adjusted his glasses with a grave expression, though he remained more composed.
"Hiruzen, do you think Tsunade knows something?"
Under the trained eyes of ninjas, they too had noticed Tsunade's unusual behavior.
The Third Hokage took a slow drag on his pipe, raising his head with a calm gaze.
"It's likely that Dan's previous actions triggered her reaction. During the Jonin meeting, Tsunade discreetly summoned her summoning beast, which led to the scene outside."
As he spoke, Hiruzen exhaled a cloud of smoke and shook his head.
"A union of Senju and Uchiha—this is Tsunade's way of pushing back."
Hiruzen's calm statement was met with deep-seated unease from Koharu.
"Hiruzen, the peace we've worked so hard to maintain could be threatened by such actions from Tsunade. She must understand that her position is far too sensitive."
Dan Kato, as a Jonin with no real power despite his family's secret techniques, posed no real threat. But an alliance between the Senju and Uchiha, or even between Tsunade and any clan leader, would only unsettle the village.
Koharu spoke with a resolute tone, clearly apprehensive of Tsunade's influence. Tsunade, as a Senju, could be with anyone of little standing—but not someone from the major clans.
Dan's attempts to gather intel on Tsunade had not gone unnoticed, a maneuver tolerated only due to the medical policy Tsunade had proposed at the Jonin meeting.
Noting his advisors' concerns, Hiruzen waved them off firmly.
"Tsunade may have overstepped, but the war in the Land of Rain takes precedence."
When the topic turned to the ongoing war, Koharu and Homura both took on a solemn expression.
"Hiruzen, the White Fang's reputation in the village is formidable. Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade should take on greater responsibilities."
Hiruzen looked thoughtfully at his old friends, his face growing resolute.
"You're right. As the war escalates, I won't allow any disruption in Konoha."
He continued with conviction.
"I intend to have Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya lead a ninja unit to the Land of Grass, where they can support the White Fang's unit on the battlefield against the Hidden Rain. If the conflict in the Land of Rain intensifies, they'll be in place to move in."
As Hiruzen and his advisors strategized the deployment of ninja forces, the office door suddenly burst open.
In strode Danzo, his single uncovered eye glaring with anger.
"Hiruzen! You won't do anything about the Senju and Uchiha alliance?"
Without hesitation, Hiruzen, in his prime, would not tolerate insubordination, especially in wartime. He rebuked Danzo in a commanding voice.
"Danzo! I am the Hokage!"
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!"
Danzo stormed out in fury as Koharu and Homura exchanged weary sighs.
"Danzo, the situation in the Land of Rain takes priority, and Hiruzen will handle Tsunade's case in due time," Koharu advised.
Danzo angrily slammed the door on his way out.
"Leave that Uchiha brat to me!"
"Danzo, you—"
Homura attempted to stop him, but Hiruzen raised a hand, signaling for calm.
"Let him go. Our priority remains the war in the Land of Rain."
While Hiruzen discussed plans for the Rain battlefield in his office, that night was far from peaceful.
Could Tsunade really be with an Uchiha?
***
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