28. Tsunade's Growth

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"I..."

Tsunade hesitated, her words catching in her throat.

She could feel the weight of her grandmother's burden, the pain of the choices she was forced to consider. Tsunade's dissatisfaction with her teacher, Sarutobi Hiruzen, bubbled to the surface. That dissatisfaction now threatened to turn into outright hatred.

'If not for his selfishness, how could things have come to this?' she thought bitterly. 'How could Grandma, our family, and the Uzumaki clan be pushed to such extremes?'

Taking a deep breath, Tsunade steadied herself, her mind growing clearer than ever before. She replayed her grandmother's words in her mind, her expression hardening as she pieced things together.

Finally, she looked back at Mito and said, "So, Grandma, you've been observing the changes in the Uchiha clan—especially Uchiha Mikasa—and this has given you a new idea."

"Are you planning to ally with the Uchiha to protect the Uzumaki, save the Senju, and oppose the growing power of the Hokage faction led by the Third Hokage?"

"Oh?"

Mito's eyes lit up with approval as she gazed at her granddaughter. "It seems you've finally woken up!"

She gave a small nod, her tone carrying both relief and determination. "Yes, that's exactly what I've been considering. But nothing can be decided until I meet Uchiha Mikasa and gauge her intentions. I can only hope this plan will work."

If the alliance succeeded, it would greatly improve the future prospects of both the Senju and Uzumaki clans. Furthermore, such an alliance would also bring immense benefits to the Uchiha. It was, after all, a win-win situation.

Mito's voice turned serious. "I understand Sarutobi Hiruzen—and the inner circle of his faction—all too well now. They're not just suppressing the Senju to maintain their grip on power. They'll target every great clan, one by one."

"After Senju, it will be Uchiha. Then Hyuga. After that, the Ino-Shika-Chō alliance, the Inuzuka, the Aburame, and so on."

"They will systematically suppress or weaken every major ninja clan stronger than their own or outside their control. This cycle will continue until the Sarutobi clan becomes the strongest ninja clan in Konoha. If they succeed, Konoha itself will practically become Sarutobi Village."

"This is the flaw in allowing a small clan to hold the position of Hokage. Neither I nor Tobirama foresaw this outcome, and it has led to disaster."

Tsunade's eyes widened at the harsh truth of her grandmother's words, but she quickly nodded, her resolve hardening. "You're right, Grandma. We'll wait until you meet Uchiha Mikasa and see if the plan is viable. I hope it works."

Suddenly, a thought struck Tsunade, and she turned to Mito with wide eyes. "Wait! Grandma! Uchiha Mikasa recently recovered to her peak, didn't she? If she was able to restore herself to full strength, couldn't she do the same for you? Even if she can't bring you back to your prime, she might be able to extend your lifespan."

"I remember a few years ago, Mikasa came to you for help. You said back then that her life force and soul had been damaged, didn't you? And yet she's recovered. Your situation isn't as severe as hers. Your shortened lifespan is caused by the constant consumption of your vitality and chakra to maintain the seal on the Tailed Beast, right?"

"If Mikasa's method worked for her, there's a good chance it could work for you too, isn't there?"

For the first time in a long while, a spark of hope flickered in Tsunade's chest.

Since her faith in the Third Hokage had been shattered, Tsunade had been grappling with the overwhelming realization of how vulnerable the Senju and Uzumaki clans had become. The weight of this knowledge pressed down on her like a crushing burden—one she felt unprepared to bear.

But if her grandmother could live another ten, twenty years, or even longer...

Then Tsunade wouldn't have to shoulder these heavy burdens alone.

She could simply play a supporting role, lending assistance where needed.

This would be so much easier.

In another ten or twenty years, Nawaki would be an adult.

By then, the weight of the Senju clan's responsibilities could rightfully be handed to him. After all, as the future head of the Senju clan, it was his duty to bear the role and its burdens, wasn't it?

Tsunade clenched her fists. 'I'm just a woman. These heavy responsibilities shouldn't fall entirely on me', she thought, trying to reassure herself.

"Maybe..."

Uzumaki Mito observed her granddaughter with a knowing look. She could see through Tsunade's thoughts as easily as reading an open book.

Still, if Mito could extend her life by ten or twenty years, she wouldn't mind helping Tsunade carry the burden for a while longer. At the same time, she could focus on strengthening Nawaki's training and preparing him to take over.

"That's why I said everything depends on the meeting with Uchiha Mikasa!"

Mito's tone was steady but firm.

"We must confirm that Mikasa has fully recovered and that the method she used to restore herself isn't something unique to her. Only then can we proceed with our plans."

She reached into her robes and pulled out an elegantly crafted invitation. Handing it to Tsunade, she said, "Take this to Uchiha Mikasa and invite her to my home in the near future."

"Understood! I'll go now!"

Tsunade took the invitation and hurried out, determined to complete the task.

Before long, Tsunade arrived at the Uchiha compound and requested an audience with Uchiha Mikasa. When Mikasa received her, Tsunade explained her purpose and handed her the invitation.

"Oh?"

Mikasa opened the invitation and scanned it briefly. Her sharp eyes seemed to catch the subtle implications behind the words.

After a moment, she smiled faintly and said, "I understand what this is about. I'll agree to the meeting."

She closed the invitation and continued, "But I'm not available for the next half month. Let's set the meeting for twenty days from now. I'll bring my son, Sora, with me when I come."

Mikasa's expression shifted slightly, her tone confident. "If all goes as planned, you'll get the answers you're looking for then. That's all I have to say."

Her mind, however, was already racing. So this is what Uzumaki Mito is planning. She's not as passive as she appears. I suppose this alliance could be... mutually beneficial.

Mikasa smirked to herself. It seems the transaction will go smoothly. Heh.

"Twenty days?"

Tsunade frowned, concern flickering across her face. "Can't it be sooner? The Uzumaki clan's situation is critical—who knows when the enemy might make their move?"

"I..."

Before Tsunade could press the issue further, Mikasa's demeanor shifted.

Her aura exploded outward like a crushing wave, washing over Tsunade and pressing down on her with immense force.

Tsunade's knees buckled slightly, her back bent under the weight. Her face flushed, and her body trembled uncontrollably. She nearly collapsed on the spot.

Then, just as quickly as it came, the oppressive aura vanished.

Mikasa picked up her teacup, taking a slow sip as if nothing had happened. Without even looking at Tsunade, she said coolly, "I've already made my decision. You may leave now."

Tsunade clenched her fists tightly, her pride wounded, but she forced herself to nod. "Yes. Then I'll take my leave."

She turned on her heel and walked briskly out of the compound, her body trembling slightly from the lingering effects of Mikasa's aura.

Once she was outside the Uchiha compound, Tsunade stopped to catch her breath. The tension in her body finally began to ease.

Turning to glance back at Mikasa's house, a complicated expression crossed her face.

'What a terrifying presence. I underestimated her.'

'Her strength isn't inferior to Grandma's, and her vitality is remarkable. That isn't for show. She's truly recovered.'

Despite the overwhelming display of power, Tsunade found herself feeling a glimmer of hope. Mikasa's recovery proved that she had a method to restore vitality. If it worked for Mikasa, it could work for Mito.

With renewed determination, Tsunade hurried back to her grandmother's home and recounted everything that had happened.

Finally, with a somewhat aggrieved expression, she added, "Grandma! You don't know how fierce Uchiha Mikasa is!

She used her aura to pressure me the moment I tried to argue. That overwhelming force—it nearly brought me to my knees!"