People easily forget pain, then talk big about glory, believing they were forced to abandon many things rightfully theirs.
Decades later, it was only natural that the Senju would want to rise again.
Yet a very simple problem stood before them, one that would make their so-called renaissance impossible to succeed.
Back then, the Senju chose to step back precisely because the Second Hokage had died. During the First Great Ninja War, the entire Senju clan—seen as "the clan of the Hokage"—had been extremely aggressive, nearly wiped out entirely in those desperate circumstances, leaving them no choice but to retreat from the spotlight.
This reasoning is plain to see; anyone could understand it. After witnessing the sacrifices the Senju made for Konoha, no one could possibly object to their withdrawal.
But now? The Senju withdrew during Konoha's darkest hour and now seek to rise again after recovering?
Come on. This self-proclaimed "restoration of honor" would completely change how their past retreat was seen. If the Senju really wish to return to the stage, everyone will forget the original tragedy that befell their clan.
All people will remember is that times were tough for everyone back then, yet the Senju slipped away when things got hard. Meanwhile, other ninja factions united, endured the war, and ensured Konoha remains today the strongest village.
So now the Senju want to step forward again?
Everyone understood when you left in hardship. Now that times are safe, suddenly you want to come back? Fat chance.
How can someone unwilling to share hardships earn respect?
If the Senju ever do regain power, they'll only be smearing themselves, dragging their name through the mud… Honor? What honor can scheming villains claim?
When Sansho made that decision back then, and the entire Senju clan agreed upon it, they had already burned all their bridges.
In fact, the real iron-willed warriors of the Senju had already fallen on the battlefield during the time of the Second Kage. Those who remained were just weaklings who barely scraped by—and now they're talking about restoring the glory of the Forest Senju? What utter garbage.
Such a straightforward truth isn't difficult to grasp. Yet those lost in emotion simply disregard any such argument.
Senju—the clan that founded Konoha—if you plan a comeback now, what emotions besides rejection could remain among the minor factions?
Dream on. It was those so-called minor factions that kept Konoha standing for two decades—they're the real power now. The Senju? They're the small fry… No, even worse—the Senju don't exist anymore.
That's just human nature. In today's Konoha, a dead Senju is a good Senju, a worthy hero to commemorate… Want to return to the center of Konoha? Everyone will turn hostile instantly.
And make no mistake—it wouldn't be unwarranted anger either.
Don't you see how Tsunade is now referred to primarily as "the Miracle Medic," "Lady Katsuyu," "disciple of the Third," and "candidate for the Fourth," with her being "the granddaughter of the First" mentioned almost as an afterthought?
As for "heir to the Senju"? That title is meaningless—absolutely nobody gives a damn about such nonsense anymore.
Even if Haseo found out about something like this, he would probably only find it amusing. Although he didn't really understand politics well, at the very least, he understood what politics meant.
Politics...
At the very minimum, it meant something like "when the tea goes cold after the guest has left."
Some of Nawaki's views would definitely make Haseo feel displeased... though aside from that slight irritation, it wouldn't really bother him much further.
After chatting with Sakumo Hatake for a while, Haseo warned him not to casually bring kids into the office, or else he'd see to it that both father and son would regret it… What if Tsunade started overflowing with motherly love? Who could handle that?
Sakumo nodded, silently deciding that from now on, whenever he had free time, he'd definitely drag Kakashi here. His real goal? To bug Haseo—but he somehow forgot that it would also bother his own son.
Just then, someone knocked on the door of Haseo's office, and without waiting for a response, pushed the door open and stepped inside directly.
She wasn't being impolite—it was just that she was too close to care about formalities anymore.
"Lord Haseo, we've discovered something unusual," said the one who entered the office. She was no ordinary visitor—this was Kushina Uzumaki, a key figure from Kagenami. A twelve-year-old graduate of Konoha Primary One, already a Chunin, and the most recognized Jinchuriki of the Nine-Tails.
Her bright red hair framed a face that had outgrown its childhood roundness, taking on a more refined oval shape—a glimpse of the beauty to come. Kushina was clearly turning into a charming young lady.
Yet Haseo still felt compelled to reprimand her. "Kushina, how many times have I told you: knock, wait until I say enter, and *then* come in! This office is among the most classified locations in all Kagenami!"
"But Lady Shikou said it didn't matter when coming here."
"...#$%, What I mean is, my right to privacy should still be respected."
"But Lady Tsunade doesn't visit here often anyway."
What on earth was she talking about? Haseo couldn't make sense of it.
Kushina wasn't as adorable as she used to be when she was younger. Several years ago, she had been especially obedient and sweet, but now she had become so energetic and impetuous. And she didn't even seem to want to talk things over with Haseo, immediately running up and pulling him toward the exit.
What in the world was going on?
Sakumo happened to be free of missions today, so he followed behind Haseo and Kushina without hesitation.
Though unsure of what Kushina was up to, Haseo couldn't exactly pull away from a little girl's grip, so the trio exited the Kagenami base, heading apparently in the direction of the Uzumaki District.
"Kushina," Haseo asked idly as they walked, "I heard you've passed the Chunin Exams and officially became a Chunin. Do you plan to keep going straight for the Jonin Exams next, aiming for a triple promotion within the same year you graduated?"
"Is there any problem with that, Lord Haseo?"
Seemed like she indeed had such intentions.
"Postpone it. You won't stand a chance passing the Jonin exam unless you show off your true strength. And… becoming a Jonin at twelve just feels wrong—it brings bad luck."
The moment Haseo finished speaking, both he and Kushina turned their eyes toward Sakumo at the same time, leaving him momentarily puzzled.
"What are you two looking at me for? What does this conversation have to do with me?"
"It was an instinctive reaction, I'm sorry."
"Yes, Lord Hatake. I acted in response to Lord Haseo's reflexive move."
Those two really present a united front against outsiders.
When it came to arranging the Jonin exam, Kushina gave her approval without hesitation. On such matters, she remained unusually obedient.
"Lord Hatake, you know what? The recent Jonin exams seem to be getting worse and worse."
"Is that so? I haven't really noticed anything."
"You'll get it once you've been an examiner yourself. At this rate, being a Jonin won't be worth much anymore..."
Chatting as they went, the three soon reached the Uzumaki District. Passing through it, they stopped beside a desolate riverside further behind.
At the moment, three adult Uzumaki Shinobi were guarding this location.
When they saw Haseo arrive, one of them immediately stepped forward.
"Lord Haseo, we were carrying out that routine mission, and... we finally made a discovery."
The Uzumaki ninja pointed toward a small object protruding from the riverbank while slipping a photograph into Haseo's hand.
"This is... a perfect match? Are we absolutely sure about this?"
Haseo's eyes slowly widened.
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