"Naruto… Naruto-kun, my father wishes to thank you for saving me."
Hinata stood before him, cheeks flushed pink, even her delicate earlobes tinged red.
Polite. Graceful.
Even at her age, she carried the refined bearing of the Hyūga main family's heiress.
Naruto studied her quietly.
So cute.
As a child, Hinata's charm leaned toward pure sweetness.
As an adult… she would be dangerously attractive.
But—
Was Hyūga Hiashi truly inviting him only out of gratitude?
The Hyūga were the largest noble clan in Konoha.
For the main family's heiress to wander off alone, encounter bullies, and just happen to meet him?
And Hiashi, who had long been dissatisfied with Hinata's timid nature, was even considering naming Hanabi as heir instead.
Naruto gently patted Hinata's head.
"Alright. Take me there."
Hinata stiffened.
Only her mother had ever touched her head so gently.
"O-Okay, Naruto-kun…"
Hokage Office
"Shisui, how is the Uchiha clan lately?"
Hiruzen Sarutobi leaned back in his chair, smoke curling from his pipe.
"I've heard from Itachi that some hawkish voices within your clan are growing louder."
"Even more so than after the Nine-Tails incident, when we relocated the Uchiha compound."
Standing before him was a young jōnin in a green flak jacket.
Uchiha Shisui.
His expression was respectful yet serious.
"Hokage-sama, tensions have indeed risen. Some clansmen feel marginalized."
"But Father—Clan Head Fugaku—has suppressed extreme sentiments for now."
Hiruzen exhaled slowly.
"Relocating the Uchiha was not an easy decision."
"Many villagers saw the Nine-Tails' eyes that night. The Sharingan's tomoe were visible."
"Someone with Uchiha blood controlled it."
"But despite ANBU and Root investigations, no suspect has been found."
Shisui's fists tightened slightly.
Hiruzen continued.
"The Uchiha have endured suspicion for years."
"If the true culprit is discovered, I will personally restore the clan's honor."
Hiruzen stood and bowed slightly.
Shisui was startled.
"Hokage-sama, please!"
"I am both Uchiha and Konoha shinobi."
"It is my duty to protect the village."
He spoke with sincerity.
"The clans must not think only in terms of bloodline."
"They should consider the Hokage's perspective."
"Like Itachi does."
Hiruzen nodded.
Itachi.
A rare genius who thought beyond clan boundaries.
"If unrest arises," Hiruzen said gently, "I trust you and Itachi to mediate."
"It is my responsibility," Shisui replied firmly.
Hiruzen sighed.
"It is Konoha's blessing that the Uchiha produced talents like you and Itachi."
Shisui felt pride—and faint shame.
Just then—
Bang!
The office door burst open.
"Old man!"
A woman strode inside, coat fluttering behind her.
Blonde hair.
Golden-brown eyes.
A bold presence that ignored political decorum entirely.
Tsunade.
One of the Legendary Sannin.
The strongest medical-nin in the world.
"Your letter said there was an issue with the Jinchūriki."
"Where is he?"
She rolled up her sleeves as if prepared to confront someone.
Hiruzen's face brightened with relief.
"Tsunade… you actually returned."
Shisui stepped aside respectfully.
Tsunade's return was no small matter.
Her status alone could stabilize internal unrest.
Hiruzen gestured for Shisui to leave.
After he exited, Hiruzen looked at his former student.
She had aged—but retained her fierce presence.
After Nawaki's death and the trauma of war, Tsunade had distanced herself from the village.
Even at Minato's funeral, she had stayed only briefly.
If not for Kushina's child—
She would likely never have returned.
Tsunade crossed her arms.
"Don't misunderstand."
"I didn't come back for politics."
"Kushina's son is the Jinchūriki."
"I want to see him myself."
Her gaze sharpened.
"And if you've mishandled things, sensei… I won't stay silent."
Hiruzen closed his eyes briefly.
So many burdens.
Minato.
Kushina.
The Uchiha.
The Jinchūriki.
Perhaps—
With Tsunade here—
The future might shift.
Tsunade turned toward the window.
Memories stirred.
Nawaki.
Dan.
Kushina.
Everyone she cared about had died tragically.
Was this village truly worth returning to?
Or was she simply unable to let go?
Her fists tightened slightly.
"Kushina… I'll at least see your boy."