Senju Clan Compound.
In many stories, the Senju clan is always shown as being destroyed. But in the real world of Naruto, they're actually still around.
You can see this in the official books.
However, because they no longer have someone who is a reincarnation of Asura's Chakra, the Senju clan isn't as strong as it used to be. No truly great ninjas have come from their ranks in a while.
Basically, the Senju clan had been living off the benefits of having a reincarnation of a god among them.
Now that they don't have that, they've become just ordinary people.
It's like when the tide goes out, you see who's been swimming without clothes.
The Senju, now just regular people, have lost a lot of power because times have changed.
But because there are so many of them, they've managed to hold onto their land. Senju members can be found in different jobs, from important leaders to regular workers.
Sarutobi Ryo arrived at the Senju Clan Compound. The place, which he hadn't seen in a long time, was very clean.
It must have been Shizune who cleaned it, he thought.
Tsunade, being spoiled and used to getting her way, definitely wouldn't do that.
Sha... sha... sha...
Shizune was sweeping up leaves in the yard.
When she saw Sarutobi Ryo, her eyes opened wide in surprise. "Young Master Ryo?!"
She didn't expect anyone to visit, especially Sarutobi Ryo.
Shizune was about the same age as Kakashi, and five years younger than Sarutobi Ryo.
Sarutobi Ryo looked Shizune up and down.
Hmm, nothing special, he thought.
Maybe that's what makes her special - that she doesn't stand out.
At least Shinpachi from Gintama is known for complaining and wearing glasses. But Shizune? She's just a regular background character.
"Is Princess Tsunade home?" Sarutobi Ryo asked directly.
"Yes, she is... but..."
Shizune glanced back at the house.
The smell of sake was strong.
Tsunade must have bought some good wine and food and started enjoying herself.
Sarutobi Ryo went inside. Looking around the living room, which he hadn't seen in years, he remembered Senju Nawaki.
"Wow... that little kid has grown up to be someone impressive," Tsunade said with a smile, looking at Sarutobi Ryo.
The boy who followed her younger brother was now a strong ninja.
I'm impressive in many ways, Sarutobi Ryo thought.
Looking at Tsunade, Sarutobi Ryo couldn't help but remember the past.
Back then, Senju Nawaki was always looking after his older sister.
"Lord Tsunade, it's been a long time."
Sarutobi Ryo sat down and looked at the wine and food on the table.
Shizune washed her hands and came over to pour the sake.
When it was Sarutobi Ryo's turn, he politely said no, explaining that he followed the three ninja rules and didn't drink.
"Still the same as always..."
Tsunade picked up her wine glass. She was feeling emotional.
Her younger brother was gone.
But the ninja who had taken on his dream was still here.
Inspired by Sarutobi Ryo, Hatake Sakumo, Might Duy, and others, Tsunade had been able to change her mind and deal with her inner struggles.
She had come back with a purpose.
To change Konoha!
The past was still in her heart.
She didn't like some of the things the leaders were doing.
Now that Hatake Sakumo might become Hokage, there was a chance to change things.
At least, she wanted to make sure some things changed the way she wanted them to.
Compared to the stubborn old leaders, the new Hokage would be more open to advice.
That's what Tsunade thought.
However...
There was one thing she had always been confused about.
Her grandmother, Uzumaki Mito, had told her many times to be careful of Sarutobi Ryo.
Uzumaki Mito could sense evil in people, and she could clearly see the evil in people.
Humans have both good and evil in them.
But some people are especially evil.
Uchiha Madara, Shimura Danzo, Orochimaru, and Sarutobi Ryo.
These four were the most evil ninjas Uzumaki Mito had ever seen.
The only exception was Senju Tobirama. He had both good and evil thoughts, but they were equally strong.
And from Sarutobi Ryo's heart, she could see pure, endless evil.
Uzumaki Mito repeated this warning after Tsunade returned to the village.
Uzumaki Mito wanted to support Namikaze Minato and make him Hokage.
Namikaze Minato was full of good intentions, and a person like that would make the village better.
So...
Tsunade wasn't sure who to support.
As one of the returning Sannin, Tsunade could lead the Senju clan and even unite all of Konoha.
Her bloodline was pure.
No one was a more direct descendant than the granddaughter of Senju Hashirama.
One of the reasons Sarutobi Ryo had come here was to get Tsunade's support.
If Tsunade spoke up, many Jonin would agree with her.
This would have a big impact on the Hokage Election.
"Sarutobi Ryo, let me be direct... Should I believe that you can make the village better?"
Tsunade's eyes were bright. She was more serious than ever.
Shizune, standing nearby, wiped her forehead because of the seriousness of the moment.
"There is someone who is addicted to gambling. Even though she is a ninja, she can't stop gambling..."
Sarutobi Ryo didn't answer directly. Instead, he looked at the lottery ticket on the table.
"Uh..." Tsunade's composure broke for a moment. She looked embarrassed.
"There is someone who has done many good things for Konoha and is devoted to the village, but often goes drinking in the red-light district..."
Tsunade: "..."
"There is also someone who seems like a genius, but has a very dark personality and isn't liked by anyone. He is too proud and doesn't realize it..."
"That's Orochimaru..."
Tsunade said quietly.
The Sannin.
Gambling, alcohol, and poison.
"Everyone has flaws. No one is perfect... Even the Second Hokage Senju Tobirama had both good and evil in him. That's why my father Sarutobi Hiruzen and Shimura Danzo each took on his good and evil sides..."
Sarutobi Ryo looked up at Tsunade's beautiful face.
Over the years, Tsunade had lost her childishness and become very charming and mature.
Also, she wore revealing clothes, and words like "stormy" and "magnificent" could only describe her figure.
"I admit that I have a lot of darkness in my heart. But I also carry on the Will of Fire. I have Young Master Nawaki's dream... which is... to become Hokage."
Sarutobi Ryo's voice was strong, and his eyes shone.
My dream is to become the Fifth Generation Hokage and truly live by the Will of Fire!
As for the darkness in my heart... that doesn't stop me from understanding and following the Will of Fire.
"Because I have darkness in my heart, I understand how important light is... For me, Young Master Nawaki is like a sun. Lord Tsunade, you agree, right?"
Sarutobi Ryo moved her with emotion and reasoned with her, directly convincing Tsunade with truthful words.
"Good kid... Long time no see. You've become very good at talking... Eat, eat..."
Tsunade picked up her chopsticks, raised her eyebrows, and invited Sarutobi Ryo to eat.
This meant that she accepted Sarutobi Ryo's statement.
No one is perfect.
Everyone has problems and flaws.
But as long as it doesn't cause bigger issues, it's fine.
Tsunade, being generous, judged Sarutobi Ryo by her own high standards.
However, she doesn't know.
The darkness in Sarutobi Ryo's heart is much stronger than she thinks.
"Princess Tsunade..."
Sarutobi Ryo picked up his chopsticks, staring at Tsunade.
Enjoying her beauty and curves.
And soon, Sarutobi Ryo was sure, he would enjoy other things as well...
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[T/N:
Latest Chapter translated on Patreon - Chapter 297 (Vol 2 Ch 239) (+138 Chapters Ahead!)
Final Total Power Stone Collection : 207 PS
Goal : Reach +50 Total PS = +2 Bonus Chapters next day! 🚀
Here are the novels I'm currently translating:
-> Naruto Paradise: An Evil Uchiha's Rise
-> One Piece: I'm Destined to Be the Son-in-Law King!
-> Young Master, Please Become Hokage!
Today's Chapter releases includes the +2 bonus chapter(s)!
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