Senju Clan Residence.
In the brightly lit study, the usually bold and carefree Tsunade sat properly on one side, looking like an obedient child.
"Tsunade, you were too reckless this time," said Mito Uzumaki, her tone carrying a trace of sternness.
Though the Senju Clan had weakened considerably, it wasn't completely gone, and Mito Uzumaki understood the implications of the mess her granddaughter had created.
Tsunade, however, raised her head stubbornly and retorted, "Grandma Mito, those old fools have gone too far! First Nawaki, and now me."
Mito sighed softly, shaking her head. "That's all in the past now. But have you thought about the consequences of involving the Uchiha Clan?"
The Uchiha were infamous for their temperament. While they could seem manageable in normal times, once something serious happened, their extreme nature could easily cause chaos.
Tsunade, however, didn't share Mito's concerns. Her expression hardened as she replied, "Grandma Mito, the old Uchiha elders have provided critical intelligence twice now. It's clear—they've been isolated for years and want to return to the center of power."
"Last night was also my way of sending a warning to everyone in the village: the Senju are still here! And if pushed, the Senju will ally with the Uchiha!"
Tsunade's voice carried a resolute force. Young and fiery, she couldn't tolerate being manipulated repeatedly without fighting back.
"This is my response," she said firmly.
"And besides, this is exactly what the Uchiha want."
Tsunade's sharp gaze locked onto Mito as she continued. "This wasn't an impulsive decision. I gave it careful thought. Uchiha Yo aside, I secretly observed Uchiha Fugaku on the frontlines. He's the heir to the Uchiha Clan and deeply loyal to the village."
"Though I can't say for sure about the older Uchiha elders, Fugaku is already nearing twenty. His character and temperament are mature."
She paused, then added, "And if the Uchiha are involved, it will ease some of the pressure on the Senju."
Tsunade's words were clear—she intended to use the Uchiha to share the burden of the Senju Clan's precarious position in the village.
Mito understood the underlying meaning. While the older generation of the Uchiha might be unpredictable, the younger Fugaku was reliable.
"And what about that young man from last night?" Mito asked with a wry smile, knowing her granddaughter's mind was already made up.
"That little brat?" Tsunade chuckled, her tone playful. "Isn't he perfect for scaring off anyone with ulterior motives? Besides, he's loyal to the village and allows us to hear the voice of the Uchiha."
Tsunade knew Yo's fiery devotion to the Will of Fire well, and she trusted he wouldn't betray the village. At the same time, his presence gave her an avenue to keep tabs on the Uchiha's plans.
Seeing that Tsunade had already made her decision, Mito furrowed her brows. Though she still thought the move was rash, she couldn't help but feel a burning anger of her own.
First Nawaki, and now Tsunade—how could she stand idly by as her grandchildren were manipulated? If she were still at her peak, she would have unleashed the power of the Nine Tails to crush those schemers.
"Very well," Mito said. "The Rain Country battlefield is dangerous. The Uchiha's fire-style techniques may be limited there, but their strength remains undeniable. Once you go to the frontlines, you can use these Uchiha ninjas without worry."
She was confident that the Uchiha elders would ensure their clan cooperated on the battlefield. After all, they were desperate to gain the village's trust.
---
The next day, news spread like wildfire: Tsunade-hime had taken a young Uchiha as her lover.
In no time, the story became the hottest gossip in Konoha.
The princess of the Land of Fire, the pride of the Senju Clan, had been "claimed" by the Uchiha?
Senju Clan Residence.
With a loud bang, the door to Tsunade's lab was thrown open. Kushina Uzumaki, her face red with anger, stormed in.
"Sister Tsunade! Did Uchiha Yo seduce you?"
Tsunade looked up, startled, only to burst into laughter at Kushina's protective stance.
"What's wrong, Kushina? Are you jealous?" Tsunade teased, unable to hold back her grin.
Kushina, however, clenched her fists, her teeth grinding in frustration. "I knew it! Those evil Uchiha! Pretending to approach me while actually targeting you!"
Kushina's heart burned with rage. She felt betrayed. The cunning Uchiha had even tricked Mikoto.
Tsunade set down her tools and placed her hands on her hips, her tone playful yet firm.
"Kushina, you're not acting like a good ninja right now. A ninja must always remain calm."
Leaning back in her chair, Tsunade studied Kushina carefully. Beneath her teasing demeanor, Tsunade felt a rising sense of danger.
First Nawaki, then herself—was Kushina next?
If Uchiha Yo had heard her thoughts, he would have applauded. Exactly! That's the correct order!
"Kushina, what happened with Nawaki is in the past now. But during last night's jonin meeting, something troubling occurred…"
Tsunade recounted the events of the meeting, including Kato Dan's suspiciously well-timed words.
Though Kushina might not yet grasp the full implications, Tsunade deliberately mentioned Nawaki to plant a seed of awareness for the future.
"What?!"
Kushina's eyes widened in shock.
"Sister Tsunade, how could anyone in the village dare to plot against you?"
Kato Dan's actions, while outwardly supportive, had too many coincidental elements. To Tsunade, it reeked of manipulation, much like Nawaki's tragedy.
Someone was clearly targeting her and those around her, but no traceable evidence could be found.
"Be careful, Kushina," Tsunade warned, her voice heavy with sincerity.
"Not everyone in this village has good intentions. You know what I represent. If they can target me, they'll certainly target you too."
Kushina nodded vigorously, alarmed by Tsunade's words.
"Don't worry, Sister Tsunade. I'll be extra careful from now on!"
Already sensitive due to her status as an outsider from Uzushiogakure, Kushina felt her defenses rise. Tsunade's reminder only reinforced her wariness.
Even the mighty Tsunade wasn't immune to schemes—how could she afford to let her guard down?
Meanwhile, Uchiha Yo's carefully delivered intelligence had achieved its purpose. Just as he anticipated, Tsunade and the Senju Clan now regarded the village with heightened vigilance.
Knowing the future allowed Yo to align his actions for personal gain.
When it came to harming others for his own benefit, he was a consummate professional.