In the old study, time seemed to stand still.
Dust drifted slowly in the last rays of twilight filtering through the windowpane, like countless tiny particles dancing on an ancient Scroll.
Chiyo held his breath and carefully traced the ink marks, blurred and even fragile by the passage of time, with his fingertips.
As he delved deeper into the interpretation, the light in his deep eyes grew even sharper.
"... His pupils are like ' Yachihoko,' a power beyond the ordinary."
However, this power is extraordinary and gradually becomes beyond our control.
The clan both relied on him and deeply feared him, regarding him as a double-edged weapon.
Bound by heavy shackles and driven into war, its name gradually faded into obscurity...
"Ultimately, this terrified the foreign tribes. Senju and Hiruzen joined forces to set up a seal, finally absorbing its power and imbuing it with their own..."
The words and sentences were fragmented and incomplete, and many key details had been lost in insect damage, tearing, and seemingly intentional smearing, but Chiyo accurately captured the core essence of the story.
A member of the Uchiha clan who possesses the strategic-level Mangekyo Dōjutsu, " Yachihoko ".
This ability is practically Divine Weapon born for large-scale conflicts; whether it's unlimited endurance or collective enhancement, it's enough to change the course of a battle.
It was precisely because of its excessive Yamato and uncontrollability that it ultimately suffered the tragic fate of being used as a tool by its own people and then sealed away by a coalition of foreign tribes.
" Yachihoko..."
Chiyo pondered in a low voice, his mind racing as he considered the enormous impact this ability might have and the possibility of controlling it.
This was an extremely important clue, confirming that his previous premonition was not unfounded.
Beneath the dust of history lies a startling truth.
The clues clearly point to the Senju and Hiruzen clans, who participated in the sealing.
As the current Fourth Hokage, it is perfectly legitimate for him, both publicly and privately, to access the closely guarded secrets of these two clans.
The Sarutobi Clan, in particular, has retained its strength since the Third Shimura Danzō, Hiruzen Sarutobi, was "persuaded to leave" by Danzo Sarutobi Clan and other forces within the clan dissatisfied with the status quo.
However, its political influence has diminished considerably, making the review of its ancient archives much less difficult.
Chiyo carefully placed the tattered scroll, which carried a heavy history, back into the dusty wooden box, her movements slow and gentle, as if afraid of disturbing the sleeping soul within.
He straightened up, his gaze sweeping once more over the room filled with forgotten objects, before turning and walking out without hesitation.
In the courtyard, the afterglow of the setting sun bathed everything in a warm orange-red hue.
Sosuke Uchiha lay on the old rocking chair with his eyes half-closed, as if asleep, his breathing steady.
But as Chiyo's footsteps drew near, his wrinkled eyelids twitched, and a muffled sound gurgled from his throat.
"... Did you find those old stories you were looking for? They're all unlucky stuff."
"We've found some useful clues. Thank you for your help, Elder."
Chiyo spoke calmly, with a hint of respect.
Sosuke let out a soft, ambiguous hum, but still didn't open his eyes.
"Hmph, no need for thanks."
Avoid dwelling on those blood-stained, rusty old stories.
As the Hokage, one should look forward, leading the Uchiha and Konoha forward – that is the right path.
These old things are useless except for giving you nightmares."
His words were typical of someone with a sharp tongue but a soft heart; beneath that awkward concern lay a hope that his family and this grandson-in-law he approved of could move away from darkness and towards the light.
"The lessons of history can also illuminate the path forward."
Chiyo responded calmly.
"I'll take my leave now."
Sosuke stopped talking, but simply waved his aged hand, indicating that he should do as he pleased.
After leaving Sosuke's residence, Chiyo did not immediately head to the heavily guarded Hokage Building archives.
He turned and headed towards Konoha Hospital.
On the one hand, while the operation at Valley of the End was a complete success, the subsequent reassurance and observation still require attention.
On the other hand, thoroughly examining the ancient files of the Senju and Hiruzen clans that might contain core secrets might require someone's help—
A person with deep ties to the Senju Clan, and someone he can completely trust.
Konoha Hospital remained a well-organized and bustling scene.
The smell of disinfectant mixed with herbs filled the air.
As soon as I entered the bright lobby, a familiar figure hurried past carrying a stack of medical records.
" Lord Hokage!"
Rin Nohara stopped immediately upon seeing Chiyo, bowing respectfully with heartfelt reverence and gratitude on her face.
Her complexion was rosy, and her eyes were clear, showing no sign of the despair she had experienced not long ago.
"Lin!"
Chiyo nodded slightly, his gaze lingering on her for a moment.
The crimson light flashed and disappeared in an instant.
The residual power of Madara Uchiha's Dōryoku had already been secretly "cleaned up" by Chiyo's Dōryoku just now.
Chiyo's tone was slightly gentler than usual.
"How are you feeling? Are there any lingering discomforts in your body?"
"Reporting to Lord Hokage! He has fully recovered!"
Lin stood ramrod straight, her voice clear and strong.
She even subconsciously patted her chest lightly, revealing a bright yet slightly shy smile.
"The senior members of the Medical Team, especially Lady Tsunade, gave me the most comprehensive examination, and all my indicators have returned to normal!"
Kakashi is the same; he's already started intensive recovery training. He says he absolutely can't fall too far behind...
When Kakashi was mentioned, her eyes flickered slightly; the scars left by that tragedy had not yet completely faded.
But it is clearly now overshadowed by vibrant life and hope.
"Very good."
Chiyo nodded, giving her an approving look.
"That experience was a disaster, but it also proved the resilience of your team."
There's no need to dwell on the past; the road Mirai is long.
"Yes! Thank you, Lord Hokage! We will definitely work even harder!"
Lin bowed again, her eyes filled with unwavering determination.
After asking a few more questions about the recent situation of the injured and the allocation of medical supplies at the hospital, Chiyo told her to continue with her work.
He strode deeper into the hospital, toward Tsunade's office.
The door was ajar; he gently pushed it open.
Tsunade was seen frowning, intently reviewing a thick stack of medical reports and experimental data.
Her skin was so delicate it seemed like you could squeeze water out of it, and she had such a stunning figure.
It's truly exhilarating.
A few strands of golden hair fell down her cheeks, but she didn't have time to brush them away.
Hearing the Opening Gate, she didn't even look up, her tone carrying the impatience typical of someone whose work has been interrupted.
"If it's a ward round record, put it aside!"
If it's a new budget request, tell the manager outside that you'll talk to me after I've approved these!
Honestly, none of them are any peace of mind...
Before she could finish speaking, she seemed to sense that unique and familiar chakra fluctuation.
His hand holding the pen paused, and he abruptly looked up.
When she recognized the person as Chiyo, a bright light instantly flashed in her emerald eyes.
But that light was quickly overshadowed by a thin layer of anger and a deeper layer of worry.
She tossed the pen onto the table, leaned back in her chair, crossed her arms, and deliberately drew out her words.
"Oh? Isn't this our elusive Fourth Hokage?"
What brings you to my humble Medical Department today? Are you here to inspect our work?
Chiyo gently closed the door behind her, shutting out the noise from the outside world.
He walked to the desk and leaned forward slightly.
He placed his hands on the table, enveloping Tsunade in his shadow, a playful smile playing on his lips.
"Of course, I've come to visit our Konoha's most hardworking and beautiful medical director."
"And by the way, let's see if anyone dares to slack off."
His presence brought a sense of reassurance.
Tsunade's feigned serious expression was almost impossible to maintain; she forced a smile and glared at Chiyo.
"Don't give me that sweet talk! You're just being glib!"
However, the next moment...
She suddenly stood up, walked around the table and directly to Chiyo, her movements so fast they created a gust of wind.
Before Chiyo could react, her warm hands had already pressed against his chest and arms, carefully exploring and examining him.
"You deliberately didn't let anyone tell me! How awful!"
The movements may seem rough, but they actually reveal the doctor's precision and a hint of barely concealed urgency.
Stop changing the subject! Don't think I don't know!
I've read the reports about the huge commotion at Valley of the End!
How could the contingency plans left behind by Madara Uchiha, that old monster who didn't die easily, be simple?
You were the one charging ahead alone, were you injured?
Where are you hurt? Don't try to hide it from me again!
She fired off a barrage of questions, her brow furrowed.
Her eyes were fixed on his, as if trying to see through him to see if he was suppressing his pain.
Her concerns were so direct and intense, without any attempt to conceal them.
A warm feeling welled up in Chiyo's heart, and he let the hands that were busy checking him move.
She even raised her arm in agreement, her tone carrying a hint of helplessness and indulgence.
"I'm really fine. They're just some low-level guys; they can't hurt me."
Tsunade, however, persisted, carefully sensing the flow of his chakra and confirming that it remained as steady and vast as ever.
After checking several key areas where he might be easily injured, I finally breathed a sigh of relief.
But her fingers remained on his strong arm as she playfully scolded him.
"You always say that! You're Hokage now, not a lone wolf!"
Next time you take such a risk, at least... at least bring a few Anbu with you!
Her tone was forceful, but there was a slight tremor of lingering fear hidden in the last syllable.
Chiyo took her hand, which was resting on his arm, and pulled her closer to him with a slight pull.
The office space suddenly became both intimate and cozy.
He could clearly smell her faint fragrance, mixed with a hint of disinfectant, creating a unique scent that belonged only to her.
"Okay, whatever you say."
He readily agreed, his deep voice ringing in her ear with a soothing tone.
He looked down and could see her slightly trembling eyelashes and her earlobes gradually blushing.
Tsunade struggled symbolically for a moment, then let him hold her, but her body involuntarily moved closer.
Her other hand gently rested on his waist, as if to confirm his real presence.
The two embraced quietly in the office for a moment, enjoying a rare moment of tenderness amidst their busy schedules.
"But!"
Chiyo spoke again, his voice softening.
"I've come here today because I really need your help with something important."
"Um?"
Tsunade raised her head, her eyes regaining their clarity and focus.
"What's up?"
She knew that Chiyo wouldn't come over during her work hours unless it was something important.
"I would like to access some ancient books or secret files concerning the joint operations of the Senju Clan and Sarutobi Clan during the period of ninja warfare."
Chiyo said, his fingers unconsciously stroking the back of her hand.
"Especially the detailed records regarding... their joint sealing of a certain special being."
It may involve some deliberately hidden family secrets.
"During a chaotic period? Senju and Hiruzen joined forces to seal it?"
Tsunade frowned slightly, deep in thought.
As the granddaughter of Senju Hashirama, she naturally possessed the pride of her family.
They naturally know more about their family history than the average Senju Clan.
"Most of the records from that era are incomplete, and many core files are kept in the family's oldest Library Pavilion, almost forgotten by everyone."
Why are you suddenly interested in this? And why is it involving the Sarutobi Clan?
She keenly sensed that something was amiss.
"While investigating some old cases, we discovered some interesting clues!"
Chiyo spoke rather subtly, but her eyes were honest.
"It may concern the whereabouts of an Uchiha who has been completely forgotten by history, and some special power he possessed."
This may be important for us to understand the Uchiha's past and even to deal with potential Mirai risks.
Tsunade gazed into his deep eyes, without pressing for further details.
She trusted Chiyo's judgment and purpose.
After a few seconds of silence, she decisively let go of his hand, turned around and grabbed the green jacket embroidered with the word "gamble" that was draped over the back of the chair, her movements swift and decisive.
"The hospital's archives might only contain some minor medical records; it's impossible for them to contain such core secrets."
She spoke as she put on her coat, her tone decisive.
"In the Senju Clan's old mansion, there are several old libraries that I had almost forgotten about, filled with dusty antiques."
I'll go with you to look through it; maybe we can find some clues."
Her words were perfectly natural, as if accompanying him to explore the possibly less-than-honorable ancient secrets of the Senju Clan was the most natural thing in the world.
This unreserved support and trust brought a deep tenderness and warmth to Chiyo's eyes.
"Good."
Chiyo nodded, offering no words of thanks; the unspoken understanding remained between them.
Tsunade gave a few brief instructions to her assistant Shizune outside the door, and then left Konoha Hospital with Chiyo.
The sun had already set, leaving only a magnificent sunset on the horizon.
The two walked side by side on the road, which was gradually being lit up.
Their figures were elongated, one in deep black and the other in light green, their steps moving in perfect unison toward the ancient mansion of the Senju Clan, now somewhat desolate but still steeped in history.
However, several hours later...
Deep within the Senju Clan Compound, in that ancient Library Pavilion, covered in dust and cobwebs.
After a thorough search, they did find some scattered records mentioning that joint operation.
The writing on the Scroll was more blurred than that on Sosuke Uchiha, and the content was more cryptic and official.
Most emphasized the "justice" and "necessity" of joint action.
The specific location and method of the sealing, especially the detailed information about the person being sealed, are kept secret, as if deliberately erased.
Chiyo closed a Scroll, gently blew away the accumulated dust on its surface, and frowned slightly.
The clues seem to have become blurred again here.
Tsuna traced the few words on another tattered family head's notebook with his Tsunade, then shook his head.
"It seems that our ancestors were extremely cautious about this matter, leaving behind very little useful information."
All that is known is that it involved Sealing Jutsu that required the combined efforts of several powerful members of the clan, and that it was used in perfect coordination with the Sarutobi Clan...
That's all.
Chiyo gazed out the window at the deep night, her fingers tapping lightly on the ancient wooden frame.
The records of the Senju Clan are vague, so the remaining key must lie with the other party.
The Sarutobi Clan.
"Looks like I'll have to pay a visit to our Third Hokage Hiruzen Sarutobi, tomorrow."
"You're going to visit the old man...?"
Tsunade's gaze was somewhat strange.
He took a deep breath and said firmly.
"I'll go with you!"