Upon entering the Senju Clan Compound, everyone was awestruck by the Senju Clan's magnificent and imposing architectural complex. Even Neji Hyuga, who considered himself the number one clan in Konoha, had to acknowledge the gap between the two clans.
Perhaps only Sasuke Uchiha could scoff disdainfully and scoff, "Nothing special~"
Although the Uchiha Clan's lands and properties have been nominally reclaimed as Konoha property instead of being inherited by Sasuke Uchiha, and Sasuke is currently only temporarily residing there... this does not diminish Sasuke's pride as a member of the Uchiha.
After touring part of the Senju Clan Compound, Naoki Senju pointed to a clearing and lawn not far away and dismissed Naruto:
" Naruto, there's a barbecue grill and grilled meat in the backyard, plus drinks. Go and have some fun."
Barbecue!!!
Choji Akimichi's eyes lit up instantly; even the potato chips in his hand lost their appeal as he stared intently at several boxes not far away.
Naruto, who was used to being the worst student and invisible at school, felt valued for the first time and immediately Earth Flow at the front with his head held high.
Seeing Naruto's smug expression, Kiba Inuzuka in disdain and complained to Shino beside him:
" Naruto's really lucky! He has such a good relationship with the Senju Clan. He's going to be very successful at the Ninja Academy!"
Although he was second to last in his grade at the Ninja Academy after Naruto, the two did not have a close relationship as their poor grades suggested; instead, they disliked each other somewhat.
Naruto dislikes Kiba Inuzuka spending all his time playing with dogs and being too talkative, Kiba Inuzuka dislikes Naruto for skipping classes all the time and being a loser who can't even beat girls.
In short, neither of them would back down, and they both thought the other was an idiot...
Shino clearly saw through Kiba Inuzuka's little scheme, but he had no intention of agreeing with it, even though such an action was the most cost-effective (but also the most risky) in interpersonal interactions. Instead, he went to help set up the barbecue grill, leaving Kiba Inuzuka sulking in the back.
Those who were just there to make up the numbers went to eat barbecue, and only then did Naoki Senju look at the real 'guests' this time— Neji Hyuga, Shikamaru Nara, and Hana Inuzuka.
While Neji Hyuga possesses considerable talent, as the leader, he has still faced considerable challenges. This time, he is likely conveying the Hyuga Clan's goodwill.
Shikamaru Nara goes without saying; he perfectly inherited the high intelligence of the Nara Clan. He can only be described as a "young genius," and absolutely cannot be regarded as Naruto's peer.
Although Shikamaru Nara was yawning and looking exhausted, resembling a game addict who had been playing games all night...
Hana Inuzuka and Naoki Senju have a fairly good relationship. As a Chunin Konoha a veterinarian, Hana Inuzuka holds a high position within the Inuzuka Clan and can represent the Inuzuka Clan at this time.
"On behalf of Sister Tsunade, I welcome everyone. Without further ado, you all know what it means to be here today, so please follow me. Sister Tsunade is waiting for you all."
" Lord Naoki."
Those who could be sent here by the family were all geniuses with outstanding intelligence. The three of them did not hesitate or ask any unnecessary questions, and obediently followed behind Naoki Senju.
Although Hana Inuzuka really wanted to ask Naoki Senju what kind of Ninja Dog he liked—white or black? Fierce or docile?—these questions would obviously have to wait until after the conversation ended.
After passing through two alleys and turning a corner, the four arrived at the courtyard where Tsunade lived. As soon as they pushed open the gate, they heard Tsunade's voice coming from inside the room.
" Shizune, don't be in such a hurry. Naoki will definitely be back in a while. Sit down quickly, we can play another round."
"... Lady Tsunade, it seems Lord Naoki instructed you not to gamble today, lest you leave a bad impression on the other clan representatives..."
"Hey, what's the big deal about playing a few rounds? We can always put it away when Naoki gets back."
"Alright, but Lady Tsunade, you can only play a few rounds at most."
"Don't worry, sit down quickly. Guren, deal the cards."
The conversation inside the house could be heard clearly from outside. Tsunade's alertness and sense of time were clearly weak; she was completely unaware that Naoki Senju had already returned.
Shikamaru Nara glanced at Naoki Senju, whose expression was serious, and silently put his raised foot back down.
Naoki Senju clearly overestimated Tsunade's bottom line. Although her gambling habit wouldn't affect the Senju Clan's alliance with other families, it would definitely become a topic of conversation and a laughing stock for others.
As they entered the courtyard, Naoki Senju closed the gate and addressed the three people outside:
"I have some urgent business to attend to, please wait a moment."
Shikamaru Nara immediately nodded in understanding. Hana Inuzuka even added, in a very 'thoughtful' way:
"We didn't hear anything, Naoki, don't worry."
Neji Hyuga wanted to laugh, but dared not, feeling extremely uncomfortable and almost suffering internal injuries from holding it in.
Naoki Senju pushed open the door and startled Tsunade, who was sitting on the floor with mannerisms completely contrary to elegance. Tsunade nearly dropped her cards, looking like a kid caught red-handed by his parent who had suddenly returned home while secretly playing video games.
" Sister Tsunade, what are you doing? Aren't you supposed to meet with representatives from various clans today?"
Tsunade deftly tossed the cards in her hand into Shizune's arms, then casually got up, straightened her clothes, and looked around blankly.
"Where am I? How did I get here? Have the representatives from each family arrived yet? Let's hurry over."
Naoki Senju temporarily let Tsunade off the Tsunade for trying to get away with it. He could be lenient with her in normal times, but he still needed to prevent her from messing things up at crucial moments.
Shizune touched up Tsunade's makeup again to ensure she looked dignified and imposing. Since the various clans weren't sending their real high-ranking members this time, Tsunade only needed to make a serious appearance to show their sincerity.
The main people in charge of this discussion were Naoki Senju and Shizune. Tsunade would only Tsunade official appearance when the heads of the various clans arrived in person; otherwise, it would be too beneath her dignity.
To ensure that nothing else went wrong with Tsunade, Naoki Senju opened the slightly ajar courtyard gate and invited Hana Inuzuka and the others in.
The meeting was held in a specially cleaned room, with Guren dutifully standing guard outside to ensure that no Anbu could get close.
Tsunade sat silently in the head seat, maintaining a very serious expression throughout, so much so that Hana Inuzuka, who was eager to admire the splendor of the legendary Sannin Princess Tsunade, didn't even dare to meet her gaze.
Since it wasn't a formal meeting, the overall atmosphere was quite relaxed. Shikamaru Nara, as expected of Shikaku Nara's biological son, handled the situation smoothly and skillfully, preventing Naoki Senju from finding an opportunity to expand his side's interests.