บท 20: Naruto: I Am Uchiha Shirou [19]
Under the dim streetlights outside the Hokage Tower, many Jōnin exchanged glances, astonished by the scene unfolding before them.
"Could it be that Princess Tsunade of the Land of Fire has taken up with a Uchiha? This joke has gone way too far."
"Tsun… Lady Tsunade,"
Dan Katō approached with a bright smile, not sparing a glance at Shirou, but respectfully greeting Jiraiya and Orochimaru.
"Do you need something?"
Tsunade, her expression indifferent, spoke calmly to the unfamiliar Jōnin, Dan Katō. Her tone carried an unmistakable air of arrogance.
Dan, however, maintained his sincere smile as he faced her.
"Lady Tsunade, I believe the medical system reform you proposed earlier is correct."
Tsunade nodded coolly at this flattering remark, but Dan, gritting his teeth, pressed on. Missing this opportunity would make it harder for him to gain her favor.
"During the night raid a year ago, I lost my younger sister in the war. For that reason, I fully support the medical system discussed in today's meeting. Might I have a chance to discuss this further with you?"
Dan's smile was heartfelt, as though he genuinely resonated with her pain. After all, as a ninja who had also lost a family member, he believed they shared common ground—he had lost his sister, and Tsunade had lost her brother.
Shirouo, hearing this, was speechless. It was apparent that being proactive in revealing one's past and doing so passively were entirely different approaches. Dan Katō's methods were exactly as they appeared in the original story.
What a pity.
Tsunade's expression turned cold as she realized someone was trying to manipulate her yet again. However, she suppressed her anger and lazily waved her hand with a smile, saying:
"Enough. I've said all I need to. The Third Hokage's judgment is correct. For now, the village's priority is to win this war."
She gave Dan no further opportunity. Instead, she turned to Shirou with a smile.
"Shirou, we can check on your condition tonight."
Chuckling softly, Shirou awkwardly put his arm around her slender waist, disappearing with her into the dim streetlights.
The Jōnin exiting the Hokage Tower stared wide-eyed at the sight. It seemed Princess Tsunade had indeed chosen a Uchiha.
This was explosive news!
As Tsunade left, Jiraiya's eyes widened, and his mouth hung open. After a long moment, he exclaimed in a comical tone:
"No wonder Tsunade hasn't been interested in anyone all these years. Turns out she likes younger guys!"
Though Jiraiya joked, Orochimaru exchanged a glance with him, both of them recognizing something off about the situation. Their gazes briefly shifted to Dan Katō. They knew Tsunade well and saw through his overeager performance.
Dan Katō's overly familiar behavior and his mention of his deceased sister were a calculated attempt to approach Tsunade.
Awkwardly, Dan forced a couple of dry laughs before leaving.
Inside the Hokage's office at the Hokage Tower, under the dark sky:
"Third Hokage, the Jōnin meeting has concluded. Regarding Lady Tsunade…"
Before Sarutobi Hiruzen could respond, Koharu Utatane frowned in disapproval.
"Hiruzen, what is Tsunade doing? What is she planning? Doesn't she understand how dangerous the Uchiha are?"
Her sharp questioning was echoed by Homura Mitokado, who adjusted his glasses with a displeased expression. Compared to Koharu, however, he was more composed.
"Hiruzen, has Tsunade discovered something?"
Their observations as seasoned ninjas had not missed Tsunade's unusual behavior. Sarutobi Hiruzen, puffing deeply on his pipe, looked at them with a calm expression.
"It's likely that Dan Katō's actions earlier caused her displeasure. Tsunade summoned a summoning beast during the meeting, leading to what happened outside."
Exhaling a puff of smoke, Sarutobi shook his head.
"This is Tsunade's way of pushing back—the Senju and the Uchiha. That's her counterattack."
Sarutobi's measured tone, however, only deepened Koharu's dissatisfaction and apprehension.
"Hiruzen, the peace we've achieved in the village didn't come easily. Tsunade is going too far this time. Her status is far too sensitive. This was just Dan Katō's behavior."
"Allowing the Senju and Uchiha—or Tsunade and any ninja from a major clan—to form an alliance will only destabilize the village."
Koharu's sharp words reflected her concern over Tsunade's influential status. They didn't object to Tsunade being with a minor, powerless Jōnin, but were firmly against her associating with prominent clans.
Dan Katō's investigation into Tsunade hadn't escaped their notice. It was tacitly approved, leading to his prepared stance during the Jōnin meeting.
After all, Tsunade's medical system reform proposal had long been reported to the Hokage. The Jōnin meeting merely brought it into the open.
Faced with their worries, Sarutobi Hiruzen gestured to dismiss them, his tone firm:
"Tsunade may have overstepped, but the war in the Land of Rain takes precedence."
Mentioning the war shifted their focus to the grim situation.
"Hiruzen, the White Fang's influence is growing. It's time for Jiraiya, Orochimaru, and Tsunade to take on more responsibility."
Sarutobi looked at his two old friends, exhaling smoke as resolve hardened in his eyes.
"You're right. With the Great War looming and all nations eyeing the Land of Fire, I won't allow any internal instability. I plan to have Orochimaru, Tsunade, and Jiraiya lead a ninja army to the Land of Grass. They'll coordinate with the White Fang's forces to counter the Hidden Rain Village. If the conflict escalates, they'll be ready to enter the battlefield."
As Sarutobi discussed troop movements with Koharu and Homura, the office door suddenly slammed open. Danzo Shimura stormed in, visibly angry.
"Hiruzen, the Senju and Uchiha uniting is no small matter! How can you just sit by and do nothing?"
Danzo's outburst elicited a sharp reprimand from Sarutobi:
"Danzo! I am the Hokage!"
"You'll regret this, Hiruzen!"
Danzo's glare was filled with resentment as he stormed out.
Koharu and Homura exchanged helpless glances, sighing.
"Danzo, the war in the Land of Rain is critical. Tsunade's situation is for Hiruzen to decide."
Danzo dismissed their attempts to calm him, slamming the door and growling:
"Hiruzen, leave that wicked Uchiha brat to me!"
"Danzo, you…!"
Homura tried to stop him, but Sarutobi raised a hand to intervene, his tone hoarse:
"Let him be. The war in the Land of Rain is the priority."
As the Hokage's office focused on war strategies, the night was anything but peaceful.
Tsunade had chosen an Uchiha?
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