Twenty Years Later, She Was the One with Regrets, but She Was Already an Old Auntie

"I'm not exactly bored," Naruto said somewhat awkwardly. "It's just that I'm a bit unsure about some things lately, and I wanted to ask Lord Tsunade for some advice."

Upon hearing this, Tsunade raised an eyelid and glanced at him lazily with her clear, autumn-water-like eyes. Her expression was somewhat complicated, as if she had guessed what it was about.

"Is it related to Hinata?"

"Oh, yes."

"Why are you targeting the Hyuga Clan?" Tsunade's tone seemed somewhat helpless. She shook her head slightly, tapped the table, and frowned as she pondered.

"To be honest, if it's for Hinata, there's no need to go to such great lengths. The Hyuga Clan facing a generational gap and its power is weak."

"Just ask directly if you want to, they won't refuse."

Tsunade didn't rush things, but it was too troublesome. Naruto could guess the Hyuga Clan's plans even with a grain of salt. If they really brought it up, it would definitely be a complete marriage, with the child having to be born within two years.

For a traditional family like that, entering a wealthy household is like entering a deep, dark sea. One can imagine the endless rules and formalities that would follow; he simply couldn't be bothered to take over the entire Hinata.

He wanted Hinata, but not the decadent and outdated Hyuga Clan as a dowry. Besides, there was Neji, with whom he had shared life and death; he didn't want Neji to die a Caged Bird.

No matter how glamorous a lie is disguised, it is still a lie. If the Caged Bird was only used to protect the weaker members of the tribe from being abducted during wartime, it should have been untied long ago.

What about Neji?

Hinata also does missions, but does the Main Family not act as ninjas and not go on missions? There are quite a few Byakugan who are still out there, who knows exactly how many there are?

After careful consideration, Naruto suddenly realized that causing trouble for the Hinata would yield the greatest benefits. As long as the Main Family was no longer the Main Family, or rather, as long as Neji became the head of the clan, he could...

Shaking his head, Naruto's mind became Qingming Festival, and he spoke to Tsunade across the table.

"It's not just because of Hinata, but also because of Neji. Hyuga Hiashi saying he wants to change the Hinata, but after all these years, nothing has changed."

"In that case, I'll do what he can't do, and I'll find someone to say what he dares not say. We've already suppressed Danzo, so what's the difference Hinata?"

Tsunade stared at him for a long time, then suddenly smiled. Her lips curled slightly, but it didn't seem like she was mocking him.

"In that case, you can do it."

Naruto chuckled mischievously, "Lord Tsunade- sama, you know me. I'm a rather low-key person and don't really like doing anything high-profile."

"So what you just said was a lie?" Tsunade laughed. "Or were you just saying it for fun?"

"Well, didn't I come here to ask you for advice?" Naruto looked a little embarrassed. "I'm not stupid. There's no benefit for an outsider like me to get involved in the Hyuga Clan's affairs."

"I am lacking in both reason and emotion. Even if it succeeds, it will easily give others something to criticize and make other families wary of me."

Upon hearing this, Tsunade smiled and spoke.

"They might even wonder if your actions represent my or Kakashi's intentions. These clans have been deeply entrenched in Konohagakure for centuries, some even existing independently before the village was founded. Your interference in the Hyuga Clan's internal affairs could have far-reaching consequences."

"I'll be leaving soon, but Kakashi's situation is hard to predict. Konohagakure has never been a peaceful place; it's common for different clans to compete for resources."

Naruto probably already knows what Tsunade just said.

"So, I don't want to get involved, Lord Tsunade, teach me!"

Hearing this, Tsunade was speechless and rolled her eyes. Then she beckoned Naruto over and said with a smirk.

"Come here and I'll tell you."

"Uh..." He hesitated, afraid that Tsunade grudge and punch him in the face.

But in the end, he obediently walked over, only to be grabbed by Tsunade's clothes and pulled over, while her other hand pinched his face.

His vision was immediately filled with a large, undulating white halo, just like six years ago, and Tsunade pinched his face wildly again.

"You used to always scheme on your own, your methods were clumsy and childish, it was laughable. Now you've improved, you know to come and beg me?"

"Isn't this a powerful backer?" Naruto said, though he thought to himself that the mountain behind him was rather solid.

The next second, he felt himself sink into a warm embrace, enveloped in a fragrant embrace. His face was pressed heavily against the mountainside, making it hard to breathe.

"You haven't done many decent things, but at least you made the right choice in this one," she said.

The next day.

Naruto sat bolt upright in bed, cold sweat beading on his forehead. He didn't know why, but he had inexplicably dreamt of Itachi Uchiha. He had rarely dreamt of him since that incident.

At that time, I was still weak, Itachi Uchiha came chasing after me with Kisame Hoshigaki. For me at that time, it was nothing short of a huge shadow.

Even though he managed to survive with Ino, the fear of opening the door still haunted him for months. But those things were all in the past, and he no longer needed to be afraid of Itachi Uchiha.

Why again?

Dragging his tired body, Naruto slipped on his slippers and got out of bed. He hadn't slept all night; his eyelids were heavy, and his mind was filled with all sorts of random thoughts.

Yesterday at the Hokage Building, Tsunade inexplicably hugged him. Although the hug didn't last long and there were no other actions, Naruto still sensed a strange emotion from Tsunade.

Why did he have that kind of emotion? Although Naruto often liked to glance at Tsunade, he also knew that Tsunade was not on his level.

In terms of strength, they might be evenly matched, but in terms of intelligence and political maneuvering, eldest princess Senju Clan Hands was definitely a master. She came to power through Mui -faire, secretly dragging all the higher-ups down with her.

To say that Tsunade is all looks and no brains would be met with strong opposition from Naruto. In terms of experience and knowledge, especially regarding the power struggles between villages and clans, she's perfectly clear-headed.

Naruto begged her to teach him how to deal Hinata the Hyuga troubles, and he laid out all his conditions, including his ability to untie the Caged Bird and his contact with Neji.

He told Tsunade everything truthfully, word for word, concerning the Hyuga Clan. Tsunade pondered for a long time after hearing his story, and only told him the answer in the middle of the night.

If he wants to lead the change in the Hyuga Clan, he should first and foremost distance himself from the situation. Then he should also distance himself from Neji, making sure to remove him completely.

Naruto asked her why, but Tsunade just smiled and didn't explain.

When Naruto woke up groggily, he began to understand Tsunade's intentions. Only by removing Neji could he step up at the crucial moment.

Neji's identity is special; he is the branch family Branch Family closest to the Main Family in status. His father, Hizashi Hyuga for the Main Family, and Hyuga Hiashi owes him a favor.

The Main Family has no reason to target a qualified descendant of the Branch Family, as this would cause resentment within the Branch Family. After all, members of the Branch Family may not remember the arrogance of the Kumogakure envoy, but they will always remember that Neji's father died for the Main Family.

If Neji were the one who would remove the Caged Bird, then whether he sided with the Main Family or the Branch Family, he would not gain any advantage, and might even face rejection.

In Tsunade's analysis, the Branch Family is a long-suppressed group whose feelings towards the Main Family are complex and changeable. It's not simply hatred and fear, but rather a fear of power rather than virtue.

Driven by hatred for the Caged Bird, once the seal on their foreheads is removed after the Branch Family splits, they will immediately seek revenge on the Main Family and even demand to know how to use the Caged Bird Seal.

Some people who Branch Family, like Neji, may only want freedom because Neji has a bright future and can escape the fate of being a scapegoat by eliminating the Caged Bird.

For Neji, the Caged Bird was a shackle, a stumbling block on his path to greater heights.

However, not everyone in the Branch Family is like Neji. Some harbor resentment and will inevitably dream of gaining greater power. They despise the Main Family, yet they yearn to become the Main Family.

Given the opportunity, someone will surely be willing to take the plunge. And at this time, with the Main Family mired in trouble, it would be most appropriate for Neji to step forward.

As the last Caged Bird.

"The last Caged Bird?" Naruto stood in front of the bathroom mirror, carefully examining his reflection. His eyes were bloodshot, clearly indicating he hadn't had much rest.

He smeared toothpaste on his toothbrush and muttered to himself.

"The last Caged Bird is no longer a shackle, but a sharp sword. It can pierce both the Main Family and the Branch Family."

"At that time, all we needed to do was intimidate the Branch Family and leave the Main Family speechless. After all, the die was cast, and the Hyuga Hinata was no longer Caged Bird."

"The Main Family wouldn't dare lay a hand on Neji; instead, they would demand that he erase the Caged Bird mark. For them, the Caged Bird was once a symbol of their lowly status. But once all the Branch Family became history, the Main Family's prestige vanished. The Caged Bird Neji's forehead became a thorn in their hearts, constantly reminding them of the absurd things they had done. The shackles were etched on Neji's forehead, but they were imprinted in their hearts."

As he spoke, Naruto put the toothbrush in his mouth and, while brushing, he remembered what had happened in the office the night before.

Tsunade

Honestly, Naruto wasn't without feelings for Tsunade. Putting aside the headlights, Tsunade's ageless appearance would place her among the top three, or even the top two, in Konohagakure.

With her being older and stunningly beautiful, it's hard for anyone not to have feelings for Tsunade. Naruto isn't a eunuch, and the two have been in contact for nearly six years.

As we grow older, our bodies also grow larger. It would be a lie to say that we don't experience any emotions.

However, Naruto himself knew very well that Tsunade's interest in him wasn't the kind of romantic interest between men and women. She simply saw him as a junior, and there was absolutely nothing inappropriate about it.

He had always thought this way, so he felt no burden at all. Even when he had contact with Tsunade, he was extremely relaxed and laughing.

If you can get a good deal, then get one; if you don't, you're a fool.

Everything was fine before that, everything was normal. Until he traveled through time and space with the Dragon Vein, and by sheer bad luck, he encountered Tsunade in the Land of Wind.

He didn't do anything particularly special; he just tricked Tsunade into playing cards and dice. He inexplicably used his real name and true appearance, simply too lazy to pretend.

I'm used to how I interact with Tsunade; as long as we're together, even if we've never met before, I still feel relaxed and comfortable around her.

He forgot that Tsunade felt the same way, during her most disheartening time. Her loved ones and family had all died on the battlefield, and she realized how powerless the Medical Ninjutsu she had pursued her entire life was.

War is so cruel, life is so fragile, and fate is so despairing.

The successive blows completely shattered her belief in Medical Ninjutsu, and she even developed hemophobia. She could no longer stay in the oppressive village.

So she took Shizune and left, wandering the world aimlessly, relaxing and teaching medicine. She felt she would never escape those shadows, and that living was just a way to kill time.

But then, out of nowhere, such a stunning person appeared. Ten years younger than her, and despite it being their first meeting, they got along so well.

It was like being with an old friend; he knew all her traits and habits. Being with him made her happy, and she forgot all her sorrows.

But one day, that person left, saying they would definitely meet again. Tsunade wanted to chase after him, but hesitated, which became her unfulfilled regret.

She simply didn't want to bring him misfortune, so the downpour gave her an excuse to stop her pursuit. Anyway, they'll meet again someday, right?

Who could have imagined that nearly twenty years later, when she saw that person again, she would find that it was Minato's son, a little kid who was just over twelve years old.

In that instant, she didn't know how to face Jiraiya, nor how to reconcile with herself. Jiraiya was still rambling on at the table about how the village needed her, but the cards in his hand were completely illegible.

Having wandered the Shinobi World for twenty years, there had never been a longer journey. Tsunade thought she would never see that person again until her death, and that her life had come to an end.

After all, some people you pass by and never see again. But what's even crueler is that when you meet again, the other person has become younger, while you are already an old aunt.

In the bathroom.

Naruto brushed his teeth while bringing up Mission 3, absentmindedly looking at the rewards for Mission 3.

[Dear World Traveler, the Evil God has extended an invitation to you. Gather ten followers, and the reward will be: Hashirama Cell Activation Technique (fully revitalizes the body, returning you to the age of eighteen)]

The body is fully revitalized, even more thoroughly than Tsunade suppressing her own life force to maintain her youthful appearance. It is a true return of the body to the age of eighteen, except for thoughts, soul, and memories.

He had originally reserved this reward for Tsunade. Naruto knew that if it weren't for Tsunade, he would never have been able to reach his current position so easily and peacefully.

Naruto spat out a mouthful of mouthwash and casually shut down the system. He clicked into the living room, grabbed a glass of water from the kitchen, and sat down on the sofa.

The living room was silent; Hydrangea and Yakumo Kurama were still asleep in their respective rooms. The wild fox hadn't returned all night; it was unclear whether he'd been killed.

The balcony curtains weren't drawn, and the pale blue light of the early morning streamed into the living room through the glass. Naruto, holding a glass, took a sip, somewhat dazed, his mind in turmoil.

Besides