Bearing Uchiha's Burden, Plotting for Yakushi Nonō

Chiyo stood by the window of the Guard Unit Headquarters.

He looked at Tsunade's reply, delivered by a Guard Unit member.

The letter contained the place where Tsunade had asked to meet him. After memorizing it, the corner of Chiyo's mouth curved upward slightly.

They would have a meal this afternoon and discuss Yakushi Nonō while they were at it...

With his silver tongue, he had the advantage whether it was day or night.

Why would he worry about failing to persuade Tsunade?

Once the plan succeeded!

With his charm, wouldn't intercepting Yakushi Nonō simply be a matter of time?

Chiyo sensed the watchful gazes around him settling on his body.

He quietly put away the letter, his expression turning solemn.

They couldn't be allowed to find out about his date with Tsunade. He needed a reasonable excuse!

Chiyo's eyes immediately lit up.

Chiyo cleared his throat, and everyone looked up at him.

"Everyone!"

Chiyo's tone was low and resolute.

"I have received Princess Tsunade's response. She said that Elder Uchiha Sanma's actions against the Senju Clan could be overlooked.

However, we still need to offer them a formal apology."

Low murmurs immediately rose throughout the room.

"You want Uchiha people to apologize to them?"

"Elder Sanma did do this, but asking us to bow our heads to the Senju Clan is still rather humiliating..."

"If we're apologizing, ordinary clan members probably aren't qualified, are they?"

"..."

Some looked pleased, while others frowned deeply. Clearly, they were conflicted over the condition proposed by the Senju Clan.

The Senju Clan was the clan the Uchiha Clan could tolerate the least.

Now that they had to apologize to the Senju Clan, the Uchiha Clan's innate pride made them hesitate.

Chiyo raised a hand for silence, swept his gaze across every face, and spoke slowly.

"I know everyone may have concerns.

The Senju Clan and the Uchiha were once sworn enemies.

But that was a long time ago.

After Konoha was founded, the Uchiha and the Senju Clan made peace.

We are all part of Konoha.

Right now, it is only an apology. It's no big deal."

A young Guard Unit member could not help asking.

"Clan Leader, are we... really going to bow our heads to the Senju Clan?"

Chiyo shook his head.

"This is not bowing our heads. It is for the sake of the Uchiha.

Reaching a reconciliation with the Senju is to show the village that the Uchiha can take responsibility!

Are you willing to be seen by the villagers as an arrogant clan that holds itself above everyone else forever?"

Everyone fell silent, the resistance in their eyes gradually turning into thoughtfulness.

"The Clan Leader is right. We need to change the current situation!"

"For Uchiha's future!"

"..."

Chiyo nodded in satisfaction, his tone softening.

"Good. Since everyone understands my intentions, leave the next task to me.

I am fairly familiar with Princess Tsunade of the Senju Clan. We have worked together before.

For Uchiha's honor, as the Clan Leader, I should lead by example and stand at the front of the clan!

This afternoon, I will personally apologize to Tsunade!"

Hearing that Chiyo intended to personally apologize to Tsunade as the Clan Leader, everyone could not help being moved.

They believed that after Elder Uchiha Sanma's incident, the Senju Clan would surely be deeply hostile toward Uchiha.

This was undoubtedly putting himself in danger!

And Chiyo was now the Clan Leader. To make the Clan Leader apologize personally, this...

"Clan Leader! You must not!"

"Clan Leader, precisely because you are the Uchiha Clan Leader, you should not have contact with the Senju Clan right now! They are furious, and trouble may easily arise!"

"..."

The area immediately erupted.

Chiyo sighed. His scarlet Three Tomoe Sharingan appeared, and his aura swept through the entire Guard Unit.

"If we make a mistake, we must admit it. The Uchiha never run from what we do!

Say no more about this! The responsibility for this matter lies with me, so I should naturally restore the clan's reputation myself!"

The entire Guard Unit fell quiet.

Everyone looked at Chiyo Uchiha, their eyes filled with admiration and emotion.

The Clan Leader truly deserved to be called the Clan Leader!

For the clan's reputation, he was actually willing to go this far!

You couldn't find a Clan Leader like this even if you searched with a lantern!

Clan Leader, you are bearing Uchiha's burden and moving forward for us!

Among them, some of the more emotional Uchiha were so moved that they nearly squeezed out tears.

"Alright, everyone, get back to your duties! I'll be leaving first!"

Chiyo turned and headed outside.

Halfway there, he stopped.

"Keep investigating the missing children! Increase the intensity of twenty-four-hour patrols!"

"Yes, Clan Leader!!"

The Guard Unit members immediately answered in loud voices.

Their momentum was far stronger than before.

Chiyo nodded in satisfaction.

At this rate, it would not be long before the Uchiha Guard Unit was completely under his control!

Chiyo strode away.

After leaving the Guard Unit Headquarters.

He passed through several streets and bought a roast chicken that Tsunade liked.

Then he arrived at a quiet Izakaya in Konoha.

He went upstairs and pushed open the private room's door.

Tsunade was already seated inside. Eight exquisite dishes and a pot of sake sat on the table.

"You're a little later than I expected!"

Tsunade looked up at him, a teasing smile at the corner of her mouth.

Chiyo closed the door and placed the roast chicken on the table before Tsunade.

The seriousness on his face instantly vanished, replaced by a lazy smile.

He walked over and sat beside Tsunade, casually picked up a cup, and took a sip.

"Couldn't be helped. I had to make it look convincing."

"Make what look convincing?"

Tsunade burst into laughter and reached out to pinch his cheek.

Chiyo swiftly caught her hand.

"Everything I have done was for the future of the Uchiha and Senju Clans!"

"Give me a break!"

Tsunade rolled her eyes at him. Wasn't he just asking her on a date?

Why was he bringing up the future of the Uchiha and Senju Clans?

Could Chiyo be planning to make both sides put aside their hatred and become companions?

Tsunade did not dwell on it. She unwrapped the warm roast chicken Chiyo had brought, picked up a piece of chicken, and brought it to his mouth.

"Tell me, what exactly did you want by asking me out today?"

Chiyo ate it with a smile before speaking leisurely.

"Actually, there is one small matter I would like to ask you to help with."

Tsunade raised an eyebrow.

"Oh? What small matter could even the Uchiha Clan Leader not handle?"

Chiyo leaned closer and lowered his voice.

"I want someone from Root."

"Root? Who?"

Tsunade was somewhat surprised.

"Yakushi Nonō."

Chiyo's tone was calm.

"She is skilled in Medical Ninjutsu and is a rare talent."

At the name, Tsunade frowned slightly.

"What do you want her for?"

Chiyo had already prepared his excuse. Without blushing or skipping a beat, he began to lie.

"Of course, it is for your sake. The Medical Team is extremely busy now, and it is too exhausting for you to carry the burden alone.

Yakushi Nonō is highly capable. Bringing her over would help share a great deal of your workload. I do not want to see you so tired."

Tsunade was stunned for a moment, warmth rising in her heart.

The doubt in her eyes gradually turned into warm affection.

She gave a soft snort, but there was unmistakable delight in her voice.

"You really know how to care for someone."

Chiyo pressed his advantage and took her hand.

"Of course. You are the most important person to me."

Tsunade's cheeks reddened slightly. She glared at him, yet still picked up the sake pot and filled his cup.

"Alright, enough with the sweet talk. I will find a way, but Danzo will not be easy to deal with."

Chiyo raised his cup with a smile.

"With Princess Tsunade taking action, what could possibly be too difficult?"

Tsunade giggled.

Clearly in high spirits, she placed several more bites of food into his bowl.

"Eat more. You have gotten thinner lately."

"Don't just make me eat. You should eat too. You have been tired lately as well!"

"Oh, I can do it myself! You don't need to feed me!"

"..."

For a time, the two exchanged drinks, and the private room was filled with a warm, blissful atmosphere.

After several rounds of drinks, Tsunade was slightly tipsy. Leaning against Chiyo's shoulder, she whispered.

"Actually... I am very happy that you are so thoughtful toward me."

Chiyo wrapped an arm around her shoulders and spoke softly.

"There will be even more things to make you happy in the future."

Tsunade looked up at him meaningfully.

"No need to wait for the future. If you want my help tonight, you should at least show some sincerity!"

The corner of Chiyo's mouth twitched. Tsunade truly was not so easy to fool.

It seemed he still had to bring out his trump card.

Chiyo suddenly felt a faint ache in his kidneys.

"Of course! Just watch, Princess Tsunade!"

Tsunade looked at the confident Chiyo, and the smile in her suggestive eyes deepened.

"Oh? You seem quite brave."

"Of course I am. I'm super brave, alright?"

"..."

As night deepened, the lights of the Izakaya were warm and gentle.