Pride in his bones

Those words—every great achievement had to be forged through sacrifice—made Tsunade feel a wave of ruthless resolve wash over her.

"All... you're treating all the nobles as sacrifices, for the sake of the Land of Fire and Konoha?"

Tsunade understood what Xuanye meant, but she struggled to accept it.

After all, the education she had received growing up simply did not allow for something like this.

Getting rid of a Daimyo or two, or even wiping out a few noble families.

If it was just for Konoha's sake, she could understand that perfectly, and even support it.

But doing something that would overturn an entire era challenged her fundamental beliefs.

"I don't like calling them sacrifices. After all, they've enjoyed their privileges for so many generations. It's time they paid the price."

"The nobility is a relic of the old era. There's no ship to carry them into the new one." Xuanye had no intention of changing his plans.

Tsunade sighed. "Do you know what kind of impact this will have? The whole world will become your enemy!"

Xuanye smiled. "That's why I invited you back, isn't it? With your help, Konoha will suffer far fewer casualties in the wars to come."

"They may resist. They may not understand. But they must obey!"

"Our goal is to plant Konoha's flag across this entire world!"

Though Tsunade was no longer young, those words still made her blood surge with excitement.

If the spring breeze could restore one's youth, every breath would be worth its weight in gold.

Who hadn't dreamed of conquering the world in their youth?

"Now I finally understand why so many people supported you becoming Hokage. It seems your way with words is every bit as extraordinary as your strength."

Accomplishing something truly great was far too tempting