Chapitre 67: Tsunade's Urgency
A blue haze of smoke swirled around the ceiling as Fuma lit a cigarette, savoring the moment.
Even though the nicotine in the tobacco no longer had any effect on his body, for men, smoking was a sort of mysterious ritual—something only those who understood would understand.
Tsunade, drenched in sweat, lay exhausted on the sofa, still relishing the madness of just moments ago. This was just a break between rounds.
"Grandma Mito mentioned she would like to invite you over in a few days," Tsunade said lazily, her hand caressing Fuma's leg and feeling its strength.
"She heard the news about you becoming the new Uchiha clan leader and seemed quite pleased. She wants to have a talk with you."
"Of course," Fuma replied. "But I think it would be better to visit after I've officially taken over as clan leader. It would feel more formal that way."
Tsunade nodded, closing her eyes for a brief rest. If all went as expected, a second round of their 'battle' awaited her soon.
Meanwhile, Fuma was pondering Mito's intentions. Although she was Tsunade's grandmother, she was also the wife of the First Hokage and the sister-in-law of the Second Hokage.
Beyond these titles, she was the princess of the Uzumaki clan, one of Konoha's founders, and the first Nine-Tails Jinchuriki—a formidable ninja in her own right.
Her opinions on the Uchiha clan, on Fuma himself, and on the Third Hokage's faction carried significant weight.
"Could it be about the Nine-Tails?" Fuma wondered.
Kushina Uzumaki, who should have been the next Jinchuriki candidate, had the pure bloodline of the Uzumaki clan, but she was no longer the Third Hokage's ideal choice.
Her heart was firmly tied to Minato, who was already considered an ally of the Uchiha clan by Konoha's higher-ups.
Allowing someone from the Uchiha faction to gain control of the Nine-Tails would mean the end of the Third Hokage's reign.
Noticing Fuma's contemplative expression, Tsunade nudged him gently and said in a low voice, "Do you think I could handle the power of the Nine-Tails?"
"After all, I have both Senju and Uzumaki blood," she continued. "I might be a better candidate than Kushina."
Fuma's expression darkened, and he asked seriously, "Tsunade, why are you thinking like this?"
Tsunade lowered her head, speaking softly, "I just don't want to be a burden to you anymore."
"Facing Hanzo and the Tailed Beasts, I felt helpless. I had to rely on you to rescue me. If you hadn't taken that Tailed Beast Bomb head-on, I might not be here now."
Tsunade became more agitated as she spoke, her voice quivering with emotion.
"I don't want you to risk your life for me. I'm also a ninja with my own dreams! And the power of the Nine-Tails... it's the quickest way to gain strength."
Listening to her words, Fuma felt a mix of emotions. He understood Tsunade well—she was a woman with a strong sense of pride.
She could accept a slight difference in their abilities, but she would never agree to play the role of a sheltered bird.
The recent battles, especially Hanzo's dominance and Fuma's fearless interception of the Tailed Beast Bomb, had struck a nerve in her.
Tsunade's pride and self-respect were among the traits Fuma admired most about her. However, these traits also meant she would feel increasingly anxious about the gap in their abilities.
Fuma carefully considered his words. He had to dissuade Tsunade from becoming a Jinchuriki and, more importantly, help her overcome her insecurities.
"Tsunade, you're comparing yourself to me," Fuma began, "but that's like comparing yourself to Madara Uchiha or even the Sage of the Six Paths."
After all, Fuma was a man with unique talents and powers. Even the Otsutsuki clan would have no arrogance in front of him!
Fuma pulled Tsunade close, their breaths mingling as he sought to calm her.
Gently wiping away her tears, Fuma looked into her eyes and softly said, "Since the Warring States period, the Nine-Tails has been seen as a manifestation of war, hatred, and betrayal."
"Sealing such a beast within you—even if Grandma Mito had this in mind—I would never agree."
Tsunade shook her head slightly, her voice a whisper, "It's just my own idea."
Fuma finally exhaled in relief. As long as it wasn't Mito's plan, the situation was easier to handle.
Holding Tsunade's delicate hand, Fuma gently squeezed her fingers and teased, "Even though you'll be the future matriarch of the Uchiha clan, you can't abandon the Senju name completely, can you?"
"Uchiha Madara once lost to your grandfather, Hashirama Senju, even with the Nine-Tails under his control."
"If you don't aim to inherit the First Hokage's Sage Mode and Wood Release to make your name, that's one thing. But becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? That's a shortcut!"
Fuma's tone suddenly sharpened, pinching Tsunade's fair nose playfully. "Becoming the Nine-Tails Jinchuriki? I absolutely refuse!"
"Focus on steady training, honing your ninjutsu and taijutsu. Stop dreaming of overnight success. What do you think you are, the Sage of the Six Paths?"
"Let go of your feelings of inadequacy and go to the Shikkotsu Forest to learn Sage Mode. That's the true path to greatly enhancing your combat power!"
"As for Wood Release, Orochimaru and I will help you and Nawaki research it. You don't need to worry about that!"
Seeing Tsunade's defiant expression, Fuma knew she had been convinced but still wanted to argue a bit. He decided to change tactics, pulling out a cup and dice with a sly grin.
"Enough talk—let's settle this with a bet. If it's an even number, you must promise never to think about becoming a Jinchuriki again, and you'll owe me one more favor."
"If it's odd, you can set any condition you want, and I'll do whatever you ask."
Tsunade's eyes lit up, her defiant mood lifting. With a bold gesture, she agreed, "Deal!"
Fuma shook the cup lightly, secretly infusing it with a trace of his chakra to manipulate the outcome.
Even with Tsunade's notorious bad luck, Fuma wanted to ensure a favorable result. This was how Fuma approached every challenge—with absolute preparation!
Opening the cup with a flourish, Fuma grinned at Tsunade. "See? It's fate!"
Tsunade glanced at the dice showing a six, letting out a small huff. "Alright, what's the other favor?"
Clearing his throat, Fuma retrieved a bag of carefully chosen clothes and handed it to her.
"Nothing much, just wear this during our next training~ session and strike a few nice poses."
"Hmph!" Tsunade muttered, sifting through the bag filled with unique and skimpy outfits. Her face grew redder, but there was a hint of eager anticipation in her eyes.
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