Hengyuan Chiba had married out of the Senju Clan. Back then, to strengthen the relationship between Konoha and Daming Prefecture, she had married the previous Ming Emperor.
Strictly speaking, she was no longer a member of the Senju Clan. Yet to Tsunade, she was undeniably an elder, though Tsunade had barely met her a few times.
The noblewoman looked Tsunade straight in the eye, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
"The will of the First must not end with you."
Tsunade's expression stiffened slightly, and the teacup in her hand paused in midair.
Danzō's fingers suddenly tightened, his knuckles turning white.
That old bastard still isn't dead!
Tsunade gave a cold laugh, but her gaze wavered slightly.
Jiraiya's expression turned serious as he said softly, "Naruto, the one you favor, is watching too."
"Everyone in Konoha is hoping you'll lead the village. And ending his mistakes has always been what you wanted to do, hasn't it?"
Jiraiya stared seriously at Tsunade. After a moment of silence, she suddenly slammed her teacup heavily onto the table, splashing several drops of tea.
"I understand. But let me make this clear first—I won't govern the village according to those old fossils' policies."
The moment Tsunade answered, the conference hall erupted in an uproar.
Danzō's pupils contracted sharply. It felt as though an invisible hand had seized his heart, nearly stopping his breath. All he could hear was the thunderous roar of blood rushing through his ears.
Was he going to fail?
Years of planning, countless secret arrangements, even sacrificing part of the Shimura Clan's interests in exchange—would it all turn to nothing at this moment?
"Then, according to convention..." Ming Emperor Fujiwara Zhengming slowly unfolded his folding fan, covering half his face and revealing only his smiling eyes.
"Since Tsunade is willing