The Girl's Cry

Dusk

Tsunade walked dejectedly through the streets of Konoha, followed by two boys.

The usually smooth and shiny high ponytail of the young girl was messy and dull today. Her eyes held a hint of tears, and the occasional sob revealed that Konoha's little princess was in a terrible mood.

Jiraiya dragged his head, watching his beloved look so sad. He didn't dare to approach, only following silently behind Tsunade to show his support.

Orochimaru's complexion was even paler than usual. He could deeply understand Tsunade's current feelings; his parents had also died in this cruel war.

Orochimaru, whose thoughts were more delicate than ordinary people, understood that Tsunade not only needed comfort now but also companionship. However, the comforting words he knew were few and far between, nowhere near as eloquent as Jiraiya's.

It was a shame Jiraiya was acting like a coward now. When he should have been showing his worth, he was hiding like a turtle. Orochimaru decided to do the same, just follow Tsunade.

As a companion, he would always be there.

Orochimaru thought this when suddenly Tsunade turned around, forcing a smile. The tears in her eyes were about to spill, and her attempt to suppress her grief was heartbreaking.

Seeing Tsunade's smile, which was uglier than crying, Jiraiya couldn't hold back any longer and stepped forward to comfort her:

"Tsunade, you know, the villagers always spout nonsense. Lord Hokage is so powerful, he definitely wouldn't die..."

Before the word "die" could leave Jiraiya's mouth, Tsunade interrupted him. Tsunade was terrified of hearing that word right now.

"Grand Uncle is the Hokage! Even Grandpa is usually afraid of him. He's so powerful, he'll definitely be fine."

"He knows so many forbidden jutsu, Water Release, Fire Release..."

"..."

Tsunade sobbed, saying many things as if trying to prove something. However, she soon couldn't hold on any longer. Tears gushed out like a breached dam. Hastily saying "See you tomorrow," she ran home without looking back.

The girl's pride forced her not to show weakness in front of her companions. She was the granddaughter of the Hokage.

Before long, Tsunade had disappeared from Jiraiya and Orochimaru's sight.

"Jiraiya, why didn't you say anything earlier?"

Orochimaru looked at the dispirited Jiraiya, unable to suppress his frustration. Jiraiya, who had begged him to play the villain so he could be the hero, was acting like a block of wood at such a crucial moment.

"I... I..."

Jiraiya couldn't speak. He had wanted to say or do something just now, but for some reason, he felt as if he had lost his soul.

"Tch!"

Useless!

Orochimaru sneered, cursing inwardly. Then, he turned and walked away from Jiraiya towards his own home.

Only Jiraiya's figure remained on the street, his shadow stretching long in the afterglow of the sunset. He stood there blankly for a while before recovering from his failure.

Jiraiya walked home alone, his mind a tangled mess. All sorts of comforting words now popped into his head one after another.

Unfortunately, none of them were useful now.

Senju Clan Land

Tsunade, sobbing, zipped through the entrance of the Senju Clan Land, eager to reach her grandmother, Mito Uzumaki.

Grandmother Mito Uzumaki would surely know about Grand Uncle's situation.

As soon as Tsunade entered, she saw a familiar splash of red. Mito was sitting at a table laden with food.

"Grandma... Grandma..."

"The people in the village said... Grand Uncle he..."

Tears streamed down Tsunade's face as she threw herself into Mito Uzumaki's arms, unable to speak.

Mito Uzumaki hugged Tsunade, gently patting her back. A wave of sadness washed over her, tears welling up in her eyes. Several thoughts flashed through her mind.

Had the news of Tobirama's death leaked so quickly?

Who was it!

Hiruzen Sarutobi, Shimura Danzō, Kagami Uchiha?

The faces of several people flashed through Mito's mind.

The biggest thought, of course, was that her granddaughter was truly pitiful!

"Is Grand Uncle really dead?"

Tsunade lifted her tear-streaked face, seeking an answer from Mito Uzumaki.

Mito Uzumaki looked at the tearful Tsunade, wanting to say that Tobirama was fine and that it was all a rumor.

Unfortunately, she couldn't. The truth was a fire, and lies were paper. How could paper contain a flame? Lies could not hide from Tsunade. Deceiving her now would only bring greater harm in the future.

A short pain was better than a long one!

Mito Uzumaki looked at her granddaughter with heartache, a thousand words flashing through her mind. Finally, she slowly said:

"Tsunade, you are the granddaughter of the Hokage. Do you remember what Grandpa and Grand Uncle always told you?"

"Be strong at all times!"

"Grandma will always be with you."

Mito Uzumaki finished speaking, and Tsunade's eyes widened. Her hanging heart finally died, and a louder cry escaped her lips, tears flowing uncontrollably.

Mito Uzumaki had no choice but to continue to softly comfort Tsunade.

The sun set, and the moon appeared above Konoha. The bright moonlight spilled onto the streets of Konoha, but it illuminated very few figures. The streets, usually bustling until late at night, were sparsely populated today.

In just one afternoon, thanks to the diligent efforts of the Uchiha, Tobirama Senju's death had spread throughout Konoha like a virus, at an unprecedented speed.

The Hokage of Konoha was dead. He had led them to victory in the First Great Ninja War, and on the eve of achieving peace, he had fallen in border negotiations.

How could they possibly be in the mood for enjoyment?

Would Konoha in the future be as peaceful and prosperous as it had been in the past?

The villagers, filled with grief and uncertainty about the future, closed their doors early.

Inside the room

Time ticked by. Tsunade's voice grew fainter and fainter. After crying for a long time, Tsunade finally exhausted herself and fell asleep, her dreams destined to be unhappy, with tear stains still visible.

Mito Uzumaki tiptoed over and moved Tsunade to the bed, then covered her with a blanket. Her movements were extremely careful, for fear of waking Tsunade.

Mito Uzumaki looked at Tsunade in her sleep and sighed. As ninjas, parting with loved ones was already commonplace, but life would go on, just as the sun would rise every day.

"Tsunade, you must become stronger."

Mito Uzumaki murmured softly, then walked out of the room. She found a basin of water and washed her face. She had also been crying for a long time just now.

Now, she had more important things to do than cry.

The future of Konoha now rested on her shoulders.

"Tomoki Senju!"

With a command from Mito Uzumaki, Tomoki Senju was summoned. Her expression was like a still ancient well, undisturbed by any ripples.

Tomoki Senju had been waiting nearby for Mito Uzumaki's orders. The crying and commotion from the house had gone on all night, and Tomoki Senju dared not falter at this moment.

"Go and call those brats over!"

"Yes!"