Kapitel 28: Chapter 28: Tsunade's Growth
Chapter 28: Tsunade's Growth
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"I..."
Tsunade hesitated, unable to find the right words after hearing this.
She could sense her grandmother's pain and the heavy burden she carried. For a moment, her dissatisfaction with her teacher boiled over, threatening to turn into outright hatred.
If it weren't for her teacher's selfishness, how could her grandmother, her family, and the Uzumaki clan have been forced into such a desperate situation?
Taking a deep breath, Tsunade steadied herself. Her thoughts became clearer than ever before. Reflecting on everything her grandmother had said, her expression grew more focused as she tried to piece everything together.
Turning to Mito, she asked cautiously, "So, Grandma, you've noticed the recent changes in the Uchiha, especially Uchiha Kaori, and you're considering a new approach. Are you thinking of allying with the Uchiha to save the Uzumaki and the Senju, and to stand against the new Hokage faction led by the Third Hokage?"
"Oh?"
Mito's eyes lit up with approval as she looked at Tsunade. There was relief in her gaze as she said, "It seems you've finally woken up."
"I do have that idea. But everything hinges on my meeting with Uchiha Kaori. I need to understand her intentions before making any decisions."
"I truly hope this can work."
If an alliance could be established, the future of both the Senju and Uzumaki clans would be far brighter. Moreover, the benefits to the Uchiha clan would make this a mutually advantageous partnership.
Mito knew all too well that Sarutobi Hiruzen and his faction wouldn't stop at suppressing the Senju. To consolidate their power, they would also target the Uchiha and systematically suppress every major ninja clan.
After the Senju, it would be the Uchiha.
After the Uchiha, the Hyūga, Ino-Shika-Chō, Inuzuka, and Aburame clans would follow.
One by one, any clan stronger than them or outside their control would be subdued. Only when the Sarutobi clan became Konoha's most powerful clan—and when the entire village essentially became "Sarutobi Village"—would such oppression ease or stop altogether.
This was the inevitable consequence of smaller clans replacing larger ones as Hokage.
In the past, neither she nor Tobirama had foreseen this outcome.
It had led directly to the current crisis.
"Yeah!"
Tsunade nodded firmly. "Then let's see how the meeting with Uchiha Kaori goes. I really hope it works."
Suddenly, an idea struck her. Recalling recent news, she looked at her grandmother with wide eyes and said, "Grandma! Uchiha Kaori has reportedly recovered her peak condition. Do you think she might also be able to help you recover yours?"
Her voice grew more excited as she continued, "Even if she can't fully restore you to your prime, she might be able to extend your life by several years, right?"
"Didn't she come to you for help a few years ago? I remember you said her life force and soul had been damaged back then. Her condition was even worse than yours!"
"You've only shortened your life because maintaining the tailed beast seal consumes so much vitality and chakra, right? But if Uchiha Kaori found a way to recover, doesn't that mean you could recover too?"
Tsunade's eyes shone with hope as she finished, the weight on her shoulders momentarily lightened.
Ever since the illusion of the Third Hokage's integrity had shattered, the looming challenges faced by the Senju and Uzumaki clans had become clear to her, and the pressure was immense.
She felt suffocated, unable to bear such burdens at her young age.
But if her grandmother could live another ten, twenty years—or even longer—things would be different.
The responsibility wouldn't rest solely on her shoulders.
Instead, she could focus on supporting her grandmother and helping out where needed.
That would be far more manageable.
By the time her grandmother's extended life came to an end, Nawaki would be grown and capable of assuming the mantle of leadership.
When that day came, the heavy burden could finally be passed on to him.
After all, Nawaki was the future head of the Senju clan, so he should shoulder the responsibilities that came with that position, right?
Tsunade thought to herself, I'm just a woman—weak by comparison. I really shouldn't have to bear such excessive burdens.
"Maybe," Mito replied, seeing through Tsunade's thoughts with ease.
If she truly could live another ten or twenty years, she didn't mind helping Tsunade carry the weight of these responsibilities a little longer while also intensifying Nawaki's training.
"So," Mito continued, "I've said it before—everything will be discussed after meeting Uchiha Kaori. Only when we're sure that she has fully recovered and the method she used to recover is not unique can we move forward with our plans."
Mito then took out an intricately designed invitation from her robes and handed it to Tsunade. "Deliver this invitation to Uchiha Kaori for me. Invite her to visit me here in the near future."
"Understood! I'll go right away!" Tsunade replied quickly, taking the invitation and leaving in haste.
Not long after, she arrived at Uchiha Kaori's residence. Meeting Kaori in person, Tsunade explained the purpose of her visit and handed over the invitation.
"Oh?"
After listening, Kaori opened the invitation and skimmed its contents. Her expression shifted slightly as she raised an eyebrow. "I see what this is about," she said.
"I accept the invitation and agree to meet with Mito," she continued. "But I'm not available for the next two weeks. Let's schedule it for twenty days from now. I'll visit with my son, Katsumi, at that time.
"If all goes as expected, I believe you'll get what you want."
Though the contents of the invitation were brief, Kaori could easily discern the underlying intentions. She quickly realized Mito's goal—extending her lifespan.
Ah, just as I suspected, Kaori thought to herself. It seems Uzumaki Mito isn't one to sit idly by and wait for death.
She smiled faintly. This arrangement should go smoothly when the time comes.
"Twenty days?" Tsunade frowned. The Uzumaki clan's situation was deteriorating rapidly, and who knew when their enemies might strike? "Can't it be sooner?"
Before she could continue pressing, Kaori's demeanor shifted. Without a word, she released a wave of overwhelming pressure.
The aura was so intense that Tsunade's back bent involuntarily. Her face flushed, her body trembled, and she nearly collapsed under the weight of it.
Fortunately, the pressure only lasted for a brief moment before Kaori retracted it as if nothing had happened. Calmly, she took a sip from her teacup, her composed demeanor returning.
Looking at Tsunade, Kaori gestured dismissively. "I've already made my stance clear. You may leave now."
"Yes..." Tsunade clenched her fists, feeling both frustrated and humiliated. Still, she nodded respectfully. "I'll take my leave then."
She turned and quickly left the residence.
Only once she was outside did she finally feel a sense of relief. The trembling in her body began to subside. With a conflicted expression, she turned back to glance at Uchiha Kaori home.
What an overwhelming presence! Tsunade thought, her heart still racing. I clearly underestimated her. Her strength is no less than Grandma's... and her vitality feels immense. This is no act—she really has recovered!
This realization brought some hope. At the very least, it confirmed that Uchiha Kaori likely had a way to help Uzumaki Mito.
With that thought in mind, Tsunade left the Uchiha district and returned home to share her experience with her grandmother.
When she finished recounting her story, her expression turned aggrieved. "Grandma! You don't know how terrifying Uchiha Kaori is! When I tried to reason with her, she unleashed her aura and nearly pinned me to the ground. That pressure—it was almost unbearable!"
Wöchentlicher Energiestatus
-- Power-
Rangliste 
-- Power-
Stein