"You understand that war has already begun, and you must also know this war is an unjust one, forced upon us by Konoha. Because of your unique status, we're here on behalf of Sunagakure to discuss some arrangements for what comes next."
Inside an office of the Kazekage's Tower, Elder Chiyo's face was grim as stone. Ebizō and Yamashita Tetsu sat upright, their expressions equally solemn.
Across from them, Tsunade was a shadow of her former self. The legendary beauty was gone, replaced by a woman gaunt with worry, her face drawn and eyes bloodshot, as if she'd shed a lifetime's worth of tears. She'd lost weight—clearly, the conflict between the two villages had taken a heavy toll.
As the Kazekage's wife, Tsunade had been nothing short of exemplary these past years. At home, she was the model of devotion and grace; in public, she'd single-handedly built Sunagakure's medical system from the ground up. Training medical ninja, establishing the Medical Department, founding Silver Sand Pharmaceuticals, spearheading cutting-edge pharmaceutical research—any one of these would be enough to earn a place in Sunagakure's history books. Yet, because of her special identity, Tsunade had always remained the Honorary Director of the Medical Department and the Kazekage's wife. She held some real authority, but no official post. Aside from a 20% personal stake in Silver Sand Pharmaceuticals, she owned no private property. (In truth, Jinghang had entrusted almost all his enterprises to her care, so the distinction was moot. Even that 20% stake was worth a fortune—Tsunade was hardly lacking for money.)
Virtuous yet independent, beautiful yet resilient, capable without being clingy—over the years, Tsunade had become the shining model of the new era's kunoichi, admired by women and men alike. She was the gold standard for every ninja's dream wife.
But now, with Konoha's public "Proclamation Against Sunagakure," the two once-friendly villages were officially at war. Tsunade's status as Konoha's princess had become an unbearable burden.
"So, what—you're planning to put me under house arrest?"
A flash of anger lit Tsunade's eyes.
"No, no, no, Tsunade-hime—that's not what we mean at all. Besides, if you really wanted to leave, none of us could stop you," Ebizō, the Education Department Director, hurried to explain.
Even if Tsunade hadn't fought in years, the name of the Legendary Sannin still carried weight.
"Don't misunderstand. With Jinghang leading the army in the field, we have to be sure he has no worries at home. As the Kazekage's family, you should understand what's at stake. If you or Jingan were captured by Konoha ninja, you know what that would mean for the village…" Chiyo said, her voice cold as ice.
Tsunade's face darkened further.
Yamashita Tetsu added, "In fact, our Intelligence Department has already intercepted several squads of Konoha ANBU who tried to kidnap Jingan. Under interrogation, they confessed the orders came from Danzo of the ANBU…"
CRACK.
The table in front of Tsunade shattered with a single blow. She was trembling with fury, her eyes blazing.
"Dan…zo!"
It took her a while to regain her composure.
"What do you want me to do?"
Chiyo, Ebizō, and Yamashita Tetsu exchanged glances. At last, Chiyo spoke.
"During the war, we hope you'll set aside your duties at the Medical Department and Silver Sand Pharmaceuticals. Try not to leave the house. We'll have specialists handle your meals, and Intelligence Department ninja will guard the Kazekage's residence day and night. First, to ensure your and your son's safety. Second, to avoid unnecessary gossip among the villagers."
In other words, house arrest by any other name.
Tsunade's expression soured. "I can protect my own son!"
"Your son isn't yours alone. The village can't take that risk. I told you—this war was forced on us by Konoha! I have to put the village first. As the Kazekage's wife, you should understand that!"
Chiyo's tone grew harsh, not budging an inch.
Tsunade fell silent. She'd read Konoha's so-called proclamation: "defending the ninja way of life," "upholding the Sage of Six Paths' tradition," "Sunagakure's dens of vice on the Yuexi Peninsula corrupting the three ninja precepts"—what a joke! Anyone with eyes could see that, under Jinghang's ten years as Kazekage, Sunagakure had transformed from poverty to prosperity, and Tsunade herself had helped build that future. This so-called justification was nothing but a shameless excuse for Konoha's aggression.
But Tsunade's identity was a problem no one could ignore. She was the First Hokage's granddaughter, Konoha's princess. She knew all too well about the "gossip" Chiyo mentioned—some factions in Sunagakure, always at odds with Jinghang, had even openly called for Tsunade's execution as a show of loyalty…
These issues tore at Tsunade's heart like invisible claws.
What did I ever do wrong?
"Can I go out for a walk?"
Her voice was dazed, almost lost.
If I can't fight this, I can at least avoid it.
"When you say 'go out for a walk,' you mean…?"
Yamashita Tetsu tried to clarify, but Chiyo waved him off.
"You can, but the child stays. We'll arrange the best education and protection for him."
"You old hag—!"
Tsunade erupted, a mother beast defending her cub.
"If you want to hate someone, hate me. Jingan is Jinghang's only child. The village will never let him go."
Chiyo stood her ground, unyielding.
"What's the point? Tsunade-hime, the war will end someday. Please, just stay home and—"
Ebizō tried to comfort her, but Tsunade cut him off.
"Enough! I know what's going on. Ever since Konoha and Sunagakure went to war, everyone in the village looks at me differently. I can't stand those stares!"
"In that case… maybe getting away for a while is best…"
Ebizō trailed off, at a loss.
"You're free to go anywhere in the ninja world—except Konoha, Amegakure, or Iwagakure. We'll cover all expenses…"
"No need! I have money. And I'm not going to any of those places."
With that, Tsunade stood up and left.
"Maybe… this really is the best choice for her right now."
Chiyo sighed.
"Should we inform the Kazekage?"
Yamashita Tetsu asked carefully.
"Don't be foolish. Jinghang is commanding thousands of troops against Konoha. We can't distract him with this."
Chiyo snapped.
Ebizō nodded. "Yes, these matters can wait until after the war. Yamashita Tetsu, make sure Little Jingan's daily needs and safety are handled. And arrange things on Tsunade's side as well."
"It's already done. Secretary-General Pakura has personally promised to take charge of Young Master Jingan's care and safety."
Chiyo nodded. Pakura was someone she could trust.
…
"Tsunade-sama, hello. I'm Takenaka Fuyō, your personal attendant."
At the village gates of Sunagakure, Takenaka Fuyō bowed to Tsunade, a massive travel pack slung over her back.
Tsunade knew exactly what this was—Sunagakure's way of watching her, and protecting her, too.
She said nothing. She just walked on in silence.
Takenaka Fuyō adjusted her pack and followed close behind.
~~~~❃❃~~~~~~~~❃❃~~~~
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