Amid the scorn, Tsunade gazed up at the sky, a bitter smile on her lips.
She knew the whole truth. If she made it public with the credibility of the Hokage behind her, how many wrong turns could Konoha avoid in facing the challenges ahead?
But now... she was not a respected Hokage, but a sinner condemned by all.
How could people believe or accept the truth if it came from her?
Now she understood how Sasuke felt.
After his rebirth, at that crossroads in the Valley of the End, he had preferred to bear the label of a rogue Ninja rather than turn back and spend even a single day discussing his decision with his companions.
It was not arrogance or prejudice... he simply did not want to waste time!
"Lady Tsunade, why put yourself through this?!"
Among those present, the people who supported Tsunade from the bottom of their hearts could no longer bear to watch and turned away.
"Enough, enough..."
Tears streamed down Shizune's face, but her protests were drowned out by the malicious crowd!
In her arms, Tonton bared her teeth and grunted at those beasts in human skin!
"Guy Teacher, I can't watch this anymore!"
Rock Lee clenched his bandage-wrapped fists. The woman who had become the target of everyone's abuse was not only Konoha's Hokage, but also the person who had saved his life!
Just a year ago... Gaara's Sand had injured him so badly that his career as a Ninja had been declared over!
It was Lady Tsunade who, with her superb Medical Ninjutsu, had put him back on his feet and given him the right to pursue his dreams as a Ninja once more!
He owed her an immense debt!!!
And so... his thick brows blazed, and fire spewed from his eyes!