Chapter 21: Self-Interest Master
Inside The Senju Clan
In a brightly lit study, Tsunade, typically spirited outside, was sitting obediently at home.
"Tsunade, you acted too impulsively this time."
Though weakened, the Senju Clan wasn't completely wiped out, and Uzumaki Mito was fully aware of the situation her granddaughter Tsunade had stirred up tonight.
When Tsunade came home, Mito's face was stern as she gazed at her granddaughter.
But Tsunade, showing unusual stubbornness, lifted her head and responded, "Grandma Mito, those old schemers have gone too far, targeting Nawaki first and now me."
As Tsunade vented, Mito sighed deeply, shaking her head. "What's done is done, but bringing the Uchiha into this, have you thought about the consequences?"
The nature of the Uchiha Clan was not unknown to her—they could be fine at times, but in a crisis, their impulsive dispositions were unpredictable.
Tsunade, however, was resolute and said, "Grandma Mito, the Uchiha elders have provided vital information twice already, which clearly shows they want to regain a place at the power center after years of isolation."
"Tonight was a message to Konoha—that the Senju still stands! Push us too far, and we'll join hands with the Uchiha!"
With youthful vigor, Tsunade was determined to retaliate against those who repeatedly schemed against her, asserting this as her form of pushback.
"Besides, Grandma Mito, this is what the Uchiha want as well!"
Looking into her grandmother's eyes, Tsunade continued, "This wasn't impulsive; I thought it through carefully. As for young Uchiha Yosuke, I won't dwell on him for now. I observed Uchiha Fugaku at the front lines, and he has a strong loyalty to the village. The two Uchiha elders might be another story, but I know that this young Uchiha Fugaku, now nearly twenty, has the maturity of both mind and character."
As she spoke, Tsunade looked seriously at her grandmother. "And if the Uchiha become involved, it would also reduce the pressure on the Senju."
This statement made clear that Tsunade intended for the Uchiha to share the weight of the Senju's burdens.
How could Mito miss the message? The Uchiha of the past might be uncertain, but with a loyal young clan leader like Fugaku, the Uchiha's future intentions toward the village could be different.
"And what about that little guy tonight?"
Seeing her granddaughter's resolve, Mito shook her head with a slight smile, then asked about another person.
"That kid?" Tsunade couldn't help but chuckle, teasingly, "He's actually perfect to have around, killing two birds with one stone. And his personality means he won't betray the village. Besides, we need an Uchiha voice in this."
She was well aware of Uchiha Yosuke's fierce loyalty to the Will of Fire, and he could also provide insights into Uchiha's internal moves.
Seeing her granddaughter's determination, Mito furrowed her brow. Although Tsunade's decision seemed rash, Mito also harbored her own anger. Her grandson and now her granddaughter had been hurt—who could bear such provocations? If only she weren't too old and frail to bring out the Nine Tails and put these schemers in their place.
"This might be for the best. The battle in the Land of Rain is extremely dangerous. Although Uchiha's fire techniques are limited there, their strength remains formidable. When you go to the front lines, you can rely on the Uchiha."
She was certain that the Uchiha Clan would instruct their fighters to support her fully—they had always sought to gain the village's trust.
---
The next day, news spread throughout Konoha that Princess Tsunade had found herself a young Uchiha "puppy."
Soon, this became a popular topic around Konoha, with people gossiping over meals.
The beloved, elite flower of the Land of Fire, and indeed the ninja world, had been picked!
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**The Senju Clan**
With a bang, the door flew open. Uzumaki Kushina, her face flushed, stormed into Tsunade's lab, shouting furiously, "Tsunade-sister, did Uchiha Yosuke try to seduce you?"
Seeing Kushina's protective stance, Tsunade burst into laughter.
"What, Kushina, are you jealous?"
But Kushina, brow furrowed and teeth clenched, snapped back, "I knew it! Those wicked Uchihas! Pretending to approach me while actually wanting to get close to you, Tsunade-sister."
Kushina was furious, feeling deceived.
The scheming Uchihas! Even Mikoto had fallen for it!
Tsunade set down her tools and put her hands on her hips, laughing. "Kushina, that's no way for a ninja to behave—ninjas need to stay calm at all times."
Tsunade settled into a chair, watching Kushina with a rising sense of caution. First, Nawaki, now her. Would Kushina be next?
If Uchiha Yosuke knew Tsunade's thoughts, he'd give her a thumbs-up: "Spot on! That's exactly the plan and in the correct order."
"Kushina, Nawaki's incident is behind us, but last night at the jonin meeting, someone..."
Tsunade's eyes grew serious as she told Kushina about the events of the previous night.
Kushina didn't yet fully understand, so Tsunade briefly mentioned Nawaki's case, hoping Kushina would see the issue with time.
"What!"
Kushina's eyes widened with disbelief as she listened.
"Tsunade-sister, how can there be such people in the village? To think they'd plot against you!"
What Dan Kato had said last night had too many "coincidences" for Tsunade's comfort.
Too many coincidences pointed to a deeper problem. But she hadn't found any concrete evidence—that was the real issue.
It was all too convenient, like in the original story. The support from the jonin meeting, then the casual conversation revealing his sister's accident... it mirrored Nawaki's case too closely.
Tsunade was now on guard, feeling both suspicious and indignant.
"They must take me for a naïve three-year-old, thinking such cheap tricks would work."
"Kushina, be careful from now on. The village isn't all good people."
With caution in her eyes, Tsunade sternly warned Kushina.
"You know what I represent, and yet some still dare to meddle. And Kushina, you must realize that your position is similar. If even the Uchiha are like this, just imagine the rest."
After hearing Tsunade's words, Kushina felt a heightened sense of alertness, nodding carefully.
"Don't worry, Tsunade-sister, I'll be more cautious from now on."
Coming from Uzushio and being a bit of an outsider, Kushina was already sensitive to her situation. Tsunade's warning struck home.
Even Tsunade, with her status, had been targeted, so what about her?
Uchiha Yosuke's reports had sown a seed of caution within the entire Senju Clan, just as he had hoped, making them more wary of the village.
With knowledge of what lay ahead, he was already maneuvering for personal gain.
After all, self-interest was his area of expertise.
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