Tsunade's heart began beating faster for no apparent reason. This time, she didn't retreat; her eyes merely flickered, and her breathing grew slightly more labored.
The atmosphere around them turned hazy and romantic, and even the air seemed to grow thicker.
Yusuke gazed at her red lips, so close to his, and slowly lowered his head.
Tsunade instinctively closed her eyes, her long, curled lashes trembling faintly.
Just as their lips were about to touch—
The front gate of the old family home flew open, and Nawaki came charging out.
"Sis, you're back!"
"Huh? Yusuke's here too."
His loud voice instantly shattered the intimate silence.
Like a startled rabbit, Tsunade jumped backward, her cheeks turning as red as ripe tomatoes.
She glared in embarrassment at her brother for ruining the moment, then glanced at Yusuke, who looked just as awkward.
Without saying a word, she turned and darted through the gate like a gust of wind.
The gate slammed shut, nearly hitting Nawaki's nose as he turned to look back.
Yusuke stared at the closed gate, then at Nawaki, who stood before it looking utterly bewildered and still hadn't figured out what was going on.
"That kid sure picked the perfect time to show up." He sighed helplessly.
Nawaki scratched his head and looked at Yusuke, asking in confusion, "Brother-in-law, what's wrong with my sister? Her face is so red. Is she sick?"
Yusuke reached out and ruffled his hair. "It's nothing serious. But Nawaki, I've got a piece of advice for you."
"Don't sleep too soundly tonight. Keep one eye open even when you're asleep." With that, he turned and left.
Nawaki was left alone at the gate, scratching his head with a baffled expression. "Why does the atmosphere feel so weird?"
The Root Base was dark and damp, and the mood was more somber than usual.
"'Ji' was taken from his residence by Tsunade early this morning and brought to Tohka Senju's home. He didn't leave with Tsunade until dusk."
"Your subordinate couldn't get close enough to learn what they discussed, but I can confirm he stayed there all day."
The ninja codenamed "Shadow" knelt on one knee and reported to Shimura Danzō, who sat in his chair.
"Tohka Senju."
Danzō narrowed his single eye and tapped the armrest, each knock a dull thud.
"It seems that child really has been taken under the Senju Clan's protection."
Danzō's voice was cold, revealing nothing of his feelings.
The Senju faction had deep roots in Konoha and was one of the greatest obstacles to his control of the village.
Successfully assassinating Tsunade would eliminate the leading figure of the Senju next generation.
Although he had absolute faith in the Root's Cursed Seal and believed Yusuke couldn't reveal any information about Root or the mission, anything was possible.
What if that old woman Tohka Senju had some special method? What if Lady Mito intervened?
If Yusuke revealed the details of the mission to assassinate Tsunade, he wouldn't be able to withstand the Senju faction's fury in his current position.
"We can't act rashly again."
"Withdraw everyone connected to 'Ji' to the base. No one is to contact him again without my orders."
Danzō quickly made up his mind.
"Yes!" Shadow accepted the order without hesitation.
Danzō changed the subject, a vicious glint flashing in his single eye. "Replace the surveillance team. Have Terai and his squad stand by and keep a close watch on 'Ji.'"
"I want to know what he does every day and whom he meets."
"Once he leaves Konoha or is alone, find the best opportunity and kill him with one strike. Don't give him any chance to escape or call for help."
"Understood!" Shadow's figure slowly blended into the darkness and disappeared.
Danzō leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes. "Yusuke has to die!"
Meanwhile, at the Hokage Building—
Sarutobi Hiruzen puffed on his pipe as he read the report the Anbu had brought him. Smoke already filled the room.
The report largely matched what Danzō knew, but it emphasized Tsunade's protectiveness toward Yusuke and the fact that he had spent an entire day at Tohka Senju's home.
"Has even Tohka finally lost patience?" Hiruzen sighed inwardly.
As Hokage, he had access to far more information than Danzō.
He knew that after he became the Third Hokage, the Senju Clan had split into two main factions.
The conservative faction, led by Mito Uzumaki, upheld the wishes of Teacher Hashirama and quietly protected Konoha, staying out of power struggles.
The more radical faction, led by Tohka Senju, resented Teacher Tobirama's policy of disbanding the clan and yearned to restore the Senju Clan's former glory.
He was wary of their power, but he also understood that as long as Lady Mito was alive, and the Senju still held to their original desire to protect Konoha, they wouldn't truly undermine the village.
That breadth of mind and magnanimity was where he believed he surpassed Danzō.
Danzō only wanted control and elimination. But as Hokage, Hiruzen had to consider balance and stability.
This Yusuke who'd suddenly appeared was rather interesting.
He was a Chunin, yet he had made great contributions on a mission in the Land of Rain, earned Tsunade's favor, and now been accepted by Tohka Senju.
Judging by how much Tsunade cared about him, he must hold an important place in her heart.
"Perhaps this is an opportunity?" Hiruzen murmured, exhaling a ring of smoke.
Rather than let Danzō inflame tensions with extreme measures, he could try to win Yusuke over himself.
Tsunade was not only the Hokage's granddaughter but also Hiruzen's student.
Where her loyalties lay mattered.
The next day, in the Hokage's office—
Shimura Danzō had been summoned by Sarutobi Hiruzen. Hiruzen brought up the topic as if it were nothing.
"Danzō, I hear you've taken quite an interest in a young man lately." Hiruzen tapped the ash from his pipe, his tone casual.
Danzō's heart stirred, but his expression remained unchanged. "Hiruzen, who do you mean?"
"The Chunin named Yusuke, the one who returned from the Land of Rain with Tsunade."
"He performed well on this mission. He provided crucial intelligence and prevented a conflict with the Land of Iron. He deserves considerable credit."
"Young people with potential are the village's future. We should do more to nurture them."
Hiruzen fixed his gaze on Danzō's single eye.
Danzō was silent for a moment before replying, "Root's report shows some doubts about his identity. He needs further investigation."
"An investigation is necessary, but you need to be careful about how you go about it."
"I've received word that your people have been lurking near Tohka Senju's home."
"Danzō, Tohka is a hero of the village and a trusted comrade of the First and Second. Disturbing her is inappropriate."
Hiruzen's tone grew sterner.
Danzō narrowed his single eye and looked at Hiruzen. Though the other man spoke calmly, the warning in his words was unmistakable.
Hiruzen exhaled a stream of smoke, which stung Danzō's eyes.
"The village needs stability. We should avoid needless friction and suspicion whenever possible."
He fixed Danzō with a sharp gaze. "I don't want to see anyone take excessive measures and disrupt the harmony within the village."
"Otherwise, even our decades of friendship won't make me show you leniency."
"Do you understand what I mean, Danzō?"
Danzō listened without changing expression, inwardly scoffing. Hiruzen, you're still as hypocritical as ever. You think you can stabilize the Senju faction with a conciliatory approach?
Unfortunately, some threats have to be snuffed out before they can grow.
Danzō's eye gleamed coldly. "Hiruzen, you'll—"
"Danzō, I won't regret this." Hiruzen cut him off, then added, "Remember, I'm the Hokage!"
Danzō nearly choked on his anger. He had to say something.
He snorted and stormed out, slamming the door behind him. But the farther he got, the angrier he became.
"Bang!" The Hokage's office door was shoved open again.
"Hiruzen, you'll regret this!"
He shouted, then turned and left. Now he felt much better.
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