Chapter 59: Emotions Inaccessible
*Uchiha Clan Grounds*
On this day, nearly all of the Uchiha clan's elite gathered at the elder's residence. Inside the room, as Uchiha Yosuke entered, both the clan leader and Captain Fugaku nodded in approval.
"Yosuke!"
Seeing the frail elder, Elder Setsuna, lying on his sickbed, Uchiha Yosuke appeared calm, though a faint sadness lingered in his eyes.
"Elder Setsuna!"
When Yosuke spoke, the elderly Uchiha Setsuna, lying weakly on the tatami, struggled to speak in a hoarse voice:
"Uchiha Yosuke, all that you have done… the clan has taken note of. In the future, Mikoto will need your support. I have already discussed this with the clan leader…"
Recognizing the deeper meaning behind these words, Yosuke realized that the elder still intended to pass leadership to Mikoto due to her direct lineage and notable talent.
"For the clan, Yosuke! You must understand one thing about Lady Tsunade of the Senju… Mikoto is also dedicated to the clan…"
What's this supposed to be? Yosuke thought in disbelief. This sounded like a final testament: Mikoto would inherit power, but no one would interfere with his relationship with Tsunade, and for the sake of the clan, Mikoto would understand and wouldn't let it affect them.
Mikoto nodded seriously, looking at Yosuke. "Yosuke, know that this will always be your home."
That one sentence seemed to make the elder feel conflicted. Did they really need to discuss all this while he was still breathing?
"Yosuke, the clan will never forget your contributions."
The clan leader and Fugaku both nodded gravely. Although the sacrifices had been considerable, it was all for the clan. Yosuke took a deep breath and then spoke in a steady voice.
"Clan leader, elder, I have already shared my self-developed A-rank, hand-seal-free jutsu with Lady Tsunade. In turn, Lady Tsunade has agreed to pass it on to Kushina…"
Knowing this would benefit the clan, he couldn't keep it to himself. After all, recognition was due.
Upon hearing this, Elder Setsuna, who had looked near death, suddenly became visibly animated, his face flushed with excitement.
"Is this true?" he asked hoarsely.
"Absolutely," Yosuke confirmed with a firm nod.
The elder laughed weakly, while the clan leader beamed with pride.
"Yosuke, your contributions to the clan will not be forgotten!"
The value of an A-rank, hand-seal-free jutsu was immense, but the significance of this matter went far beyond the technique itself.
Mikoto showed no anger at hearing this; instead, she looked proudly at Yosuke, as if to say, *This is the person I chose.*
For years, the Uchiha had faced isolation. But with Tsunade and Kushina potentially learning the jutsu, who could claim that the Uchiha were marginalized?
Elder Setsuna, who had once dared to defy the Second Hokage's rule, closed his eyes with a smile, having finally seen the realization of the Uchiha's long-standing aspirations.
Outside, the Uchiha elite stood in somber silence, paying respects as the clan leader, accompanied by Fugaku, announced the elder's passing.
---
**Senju Clan Grounds**
As one of Konoha's founding clans, the Senju clan occupied one of the most prestigious areas in the village. The somber atmosphere emanating from the nearby Uchiha grounds was noticed by the sharp-eyed shinobi.
"Guess the old man really passed," Tsunade said dismissively, glancing out the window toward the Uchiha grounds before turning back to her table laden with dishes and a birthday cake. It was her birthday, and she looked like she was in high spirits.
"Tsunade-sis, you seem quite happy," said Kushina Uzumaki, smiling as she helped celebrate Tsunade's birthday.
Tsunade took a small sip from her cup, smiling contentedly. "Kushina, you'll understand one day. There's nothing quite like an unpleasant person passing away on your birthday."
Just then, Mito Uzumaki entered the room from the staircase, laughing at Tsunade's bold statement.
"Tsunade, remember to show some respect to the Uchiha, especially in public," Mito scolded gently.
Tsunade nodded with a grin. "Don't worry, I'm not that reckless."
Mito shook her head with a smile, recognizing that her granddaughter had matured considerably in recent times. In the past, she had been concerned, knowing that although Tsunade was aware of the political games within the village, she hadn't fully experienced them firsthand.
"Sistet Tsunade, happy birthday!" said Kushina with a big smile, pulling a small birthday gift from her pouch, which Tsunade gratefully accepted.
"Kushina, I have a gift for you too," Tsunade said, teasingly handing her a jutsu scroll.
Overjoyed, Kushina took the scroll, thinking it was a new jutsu and thanking Tsunade cheerfully.
"Thank Yosuke as well. This is an A-rank jutsu, the first of its kind, created by the youngest genius in Konoha's history."
Kushina was momentarily stunned, realizing it was that very jutsu. Mito, however, looked at Tsunade with a serious expression.
"Tsunade, are you certain?" Mito asked.
Tsunade nodded solemnly. "Grandmother, the Senju clan could use an ally right now, and this also gives Kushina a choice."
At that moment, sadness and joy coexisted within Konoha: the Uchiha clan mourned Elder Setsuna, while Tsunade, her grandmother, and Kushina cheerfully celebrated a birthday.
Indeed, the joy and sorrow of individuals rarely intersect.