Inside the Senju clan's guest hall, Tsunade finally turned her gaze away from Uchiha Ryosuke and looked instead at her apprentice.
"Shizune, why is your face so red?"
Shizune nearly jumped in fright. D-Did she notice? Her heart raced. Her face really was hot—could Tsunade see through her?
In a panic, she adjusted her clothes, tugging her collar back into place. Ryosuke's hands had slipped inside earlier, and her attire was still slightly disheveled.
Tsunade watched her fidgeting. The thought that her student might have just been kissed by Ryosuke never crossed her mind—instead, she assumed Shizune must simply be overtired. More importantly, Tsunade was about to discuss secrets that weren't for Shizune's ears.
"Shizune, go and get some rest."
Shizune exhaled with relief, bowing quickly before retreating from the room. She hurried away, afraid her master might see through her flustered state.
Ryosuke, of course, knew exactly why Shizune was blushing. His lips curved in amusement.
Now, alone with Tsunade, he studied her properly.
She was, without exaggeration, a remarkable woman. Even in the original timeline—well into her fifties—Tsunade retained the appearance of a woman in her prime. Now, at least a decade younger than that, she was in her full bloom. Her beauty was not the youthful charm of a girl, but the ripened allure of a mature woman—skin smooth, figure generous, presence commanding.
The Princess of Konoha.
If not for her fiery temper, Ryosuke thought, she would have been pursued endlessly. With her curves, her flawless skin, and the proud heritage of the Senju clan, marrying Tsunade would instantly elevate any man's standing in the village.
And Tsunade, for her part, felt his eyes on her. He wasn't cowed. No nervousness, no hesitation—just that same fearless stare. Amusing. He's just a boy, barely seventeen, and yet… he dares look at me like that.
Breaking the silence, Ryosuke asked,
"So, Tsunade-sama—why did you call me here?"
Tsunade did not waste words.
"The vision you showed Nara Shikaku. Was it real?"
Ryosuke immediately understood. Shikaku must have revealed the truth about the Ten Tails. He wasn't particularly concerned. Letting Tsunade know made no difference.
"Of course it was real."
Tsunade's expression darkened. His casual tone made it sound like nothing, but the weight of it was tremendous. She pressed further.
"When will this disaster strike?"
"When it happens, it happens."
The vagueness irked her. But Ryosuke was honest—he didn't know the timing. Naruto, Sasuke, and the others had not yet grown into their roles, and the Akatsuki had not begun openly collecting Tailed Beasts. The great storm was still brewing.
Tsunade frowned. That answer tells me nothing. She exhaled sharply and went straight to the point.
"Since this threat is real, then as a member of the Senju, it is my duty to step forward. You are too young to bear the title of Fifth Hokage. Allow me to take the seat. Together, we will prepare to face this crisis."
Ryosuke paused, expression unreadable. So that's why she returned—to claim the Hokage's chair. Interesting… but that's one thing I can't give away. I already promised Fugaku.
He replied slowly,
"Tsunade-sama says I am too young, and perhaps that's true. But I never sought the position for myself. Our clan head, Uchiha Fugaku, however—he has both the seniority and the merit. Surely he is qualified for the Hokage seat."
Tsunade's eyes widened. He… doesn't want the title? Instead he's promoting Fugaku?
She knew Fugaku well enough. The Uchiha patriarch had fought with distinction during the Third Shinobi War, earning respect. By credentials, he was indeed worthy. But the idea of stepping aside for the Uchiha clan left her unsettled.
"If you're serious, then yes—Fugaku has the qualifications. But wouldn't I be the better choice? My position as the granddaughter of the First Hokage allows me to stabilize the village and rally support. Against the coming threat, I am the more suitable candidate. Don't you agree?"
Ryosuke shook his head.
"Not particularly. Tsunade-sama, you know well—no Uchiha has ever been Hokage. Yet we were co-founders of this village. If no Uchiha is ever allowed to take the mantle, how can my clan truly be at peace?"
Her jaw tightened. So that's it. They want the title not for service, but for pride.
Her tone sharpened.
"If I put my name forward, Fugaku won't stand a chance. The people would choose me."
Ryosuke considered that. She wasn't wrong. Despite the Senju clan's decline, the First and Second Hokage's stone faces still towered over Konoha, eternal reminders of who built this village. Among the villagers, Tsunade's bloodline carried enormous symbolic weight. Many would gladly support her ascension.
Beeut Ryosuke only smiled.
"You're right. If you enter, you'd likely win. But tell me—if you truly win, aren't you afraid the Uchiha might use… other methods?"
Tsunade narrowed her eyes.
"So the Uchiha are still the same. If you can't win fairly, you'd resort to force?"
Ryosuke said nothing. The silence was answer enough.
Tsunade's irritation grew. Same old Uchiha—power-hungry, arrogant.
Then Ryosuke leaned forward, voice calm but deliberate.
"But if you truly desire the Hokage's chair… it isn't impossible. There is one condition."
Her brow furrowed. One condition? Even over the Hokage's seat? It must be outrageous…
"What condition?"
He met her eyes.
"Become my woman."
"...What?"
Tsunade froze. She blinked, certain she had misheard.
"Say that again."
Ryosuke didn't flinch.
"I said—be my woman."
Her mind reeled. This brat—this sixteen, seventeen-year-old brat—dares to covet me?
Her blood surged with indignation. If not for the awareness of his overwhelming strength, she might have already cracked her knuckles and planted him into the floorboards.
How dare he…
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